Issue 25 - November 2011

The Magdalen D U N D E E

U N I V E R S I T Y

S T U D E N T S ’

M A G A Z I N E

ISSUE 25 | NOVEMBER 2011

Staff Pensions Staff & Students united on pensions purgatory

LAW LIBRARY CLOSURE GENERATOR REVIEW SCOTISH TORY LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN

Exclusi ve Reader Offer: Page 11

THEMAGDALEN.CO.UK - FACEBOOK.COM/THEMAGDALEN Issue 25.indd 1

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PROMOTION MATTERS

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promotionmatters.com carolyn@promotionmatters.com 01382 477118 Issue 25.indd 2

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The Magdalen Campus 4 - Editorial 5 - Campus News

Feature 6 - Dislike: Facebook 7 - Being gay is fine...

Lifestyle Support Your Lecturers & Unite page 18

8 - Keeping Warm 9-Q&A 10 - T. Ann. Cake 11 - Benjamin Barker

Current Affairs 12 - Reblicans Are Ready 14 - Scottish Tory Shake Up 15 - New Vs Old Media 16 - Knox & The Media 18 - Stand by your lecturers

Travel 20 - I AmSterdam 21 - On the open road

Being gay is fine, just not too gay! page 7

Science & Tech 22 - DRIVE 23 - Steve Jobs & Ig Nobel

Entertainment 24 - Fresh Meat 25 - Arested Development 26 - Machine Head 27 - On the Big Screen

Art 28 - Littleradge Interview 30 - Music Review

Murdo Fraser’s Scottish Tory Shake page Up:14

Sport 32 - Player Profile & NFL 34 -Sports Union News Contents Issue 25.indd 3

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Editorial Welcome back readers, to Issue 25 of The Magdalen.

After the success of last months issue, ‘Kidneys for Cash’ (which is now completely gone!), we bring you the reality of the impending teaching strikes which are likely to hit Universities across the country. Our Current Affairs Editor, Alex Shilling, takes a look at the reality of how these strikes could affect us, and why we should support our teachers in these difficult times. We need to stand up for our education, whether we are being asked to bear the cost, or our lecturers.

On a lighter note, our new Marketing Director, Nicholas Manderson, popped into Benjamin Barkers for a haircut, and came back with a great article, and an EXCLUSIVE reader offer for the month of November. (Jump to Page 11 to see the offer!) If you need a hair cut, take this magazine, and FINLAY CRAIG - EDITOR get down there. Benjamin Barkers is where I go, and you should too!

On the 5th October 2011, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple died. Whilst I, and many others, feared this day would come sooner rather than later, it was still saddening to hear the news. Steve Jobs, and Apple, have inspired the way I see the world, and is reflected in the way I work, and care about great things, like this magazine.

Finlay Craig.

This issue of The Magdalen was brought to you by: Published By: Navid Gornall, DUSA, Airlie Place, Dundee, DD1 4HP - vpc@dusa.co.uk Printed By: Winter & Simpson Print, 16 Duninane Ave., Dundee, DD2 3QT Editor in Chief: Finlay Craig - themagdalen@dusa.co.uk Assistant Editors of: Submissions: Emma Gaffney & Melina Nicolaides Production: Ana Hine & Mhairi Rutherford Online: Ashley Dorning, Henritetta Evans & Ciara McFadden Category Editors

Production

Current Affairs: Alex Shilling Feautres: Colette McDiarmaid Entertainment: Kevin Fullerton Sport: Clare McCaughey Art: Ana Hine Lifestyle: Mhairi Rutherford Travel: Danielle Ames Fashion: Katarzyna Nazarewicz

Marketing: Nicholas Manderson Photography: Steven Fullerton Graphic Design: Jamie Law, Cassie Morrison, Roderick Tan & Cilein Metatarsals Proof Reading: Ailsa Dempsey & Mariclaire White

Contributors Nicholas Manderson, Hannah Bradbury, Alice Harrold, fiona lindsay, Thomas dale, Mhairi rutherford, nicholas manderson, Rebecca Shearer, Geraint Jamies, Harrison Kelly, Robert Petrie, alex shilling, Grace Brennan, Danielle Ames, Rachael Evans, David Allsop, Seonaid rodgers, Kevin Fullerton, Calum mcalpine, Martyn Simpson, Ana Hine, Tom Colquhoun, Megan Hutton-Smith, Clare McCaughey, Greg Smith, Ashley Dorning & Steven Fullerton (Front Cover image & Page 18/19) PAGE 4 Issue 25.indd 4

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Campus 25/10/2011 20:54

Campus News Green Week 14 - 21 November Beginning on the 14th November, Green Week aims to raise awareness of issues around sustainability and climate change. There is a range of free events on campus all week.

Monday | Dundee Student Sustainability Showcase http://ds3c.co.uk/ Tuesday | Sustainable Transport Day Wednesday | Energy and water awareness/efficiency day Thursday | Waste/recycling day Friday | Green ethical sale

Calum Colvin - A Portrait for the Future | V&A at Dundee Tuesday 22 November 2011 | 6pm - Dalhousie Building As part of the Cecil Beaton exhibition at The McManus Gallery, internationally renowned artist and photographer Calum Colvin will talk about his unique and exciting approach to portraiture.

This promises to be an interesting and informative talk, and gives a good taste of what there is to look forward to when the V&A at Dundee is completed in the future.

For your FREE online ticket, visit The University off Dundee online store or call 01382 385108

Law Library Closing HANNAH BRADBURY

A

As many will be aware, ficed. Moreover, the Main Library low students may say they do not consultation is under is already over-crowed at the best like the proposal, when it comes way for the Law Library of times. It has been proposed down to it, they are not prepared to be relocated to the ground floor that the refurbishment will create to actively oppose the move.’ This of the Main Library. The validation more study spaces, but with the begs the question why? These are for such a move is largely down to entire Law School forced to use the law students we’re talking about. ‘cost efficiency’. Granted, the move Main Library it simply will not be Aren’t they supposed to love a would allow for extended opening enough, thus negatively impacting good debate and fight for what they hours compared to what is currentstudents of all disciplines. believe in? ly available in the Law Library and The current position stands that As a third year law student, it improved accessibility for disabled the move will be going ahead undistresses me to think that the students, but the University seem less further action is taken to preenvironment I have relied on for a to be disregarding the damage vent it. A meeting was recently held substantial part of my degree could that such a move would have on with Richard Parsons, the Director just be taken away. By the time I am the Law School’s reputation as 7th of the Library and Learning Centre in my fourth year the Law Library best in the UK. Having an entirely to address concerns surrounding as I know it may no longer exist. separate Law Library my peers and “Despite the potential disadvantages associated Instead is a significant element I could be fighting of what makes the Law with relocation, the general consensus among law for a space to work School so successful. It students is shockingly one of disinterest.” in an unpleasantly is a resource that many overcrowded Main other universities would envy and the relocation. The feedback from Library. Maybe then we will realise something which we, as students, students following the meeting sugthat more should have been done should not allow to be taken away. gested that they no longer wanted to prevent this travesty from hapIn terms of practicality, the Law to outright oppose the move but pening.

Library is currently spread across instead to work closely with the The very atmosphere of the Law three levels, so the idea that all director to get a relatively optimisLibrary is reason enough for it to rethe resources would fit onto the tic outcome. main. Being able to study at a solid ground floor of the main library Despite the potential disadvanwood desk, surrounded by shelves doesn’t quite compute. In any tages associated with relocation, of leather bound law books, overcase what would happen to the the general consensus among law looked by beautiful stain glass winmaterials already occupying the students is shockingly one of disdows and the occasional portrait; ground floor of the Main Library? interest. A spokesperson from the now that is a truly inspirational Something somewhere has to Law School said: ‘When we tried to learning environment. How on give; valuable resources and/or rally any support the students were earth can we let the university take study space will have to be sacrifairly apathetic. Although our felthat away from us?

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Dislike:

FEATURE

Facebook, a Social Vampire?

HANNAH BRADBURY

Photograph by Finlay Craig

O

ver the past few years an edited version of people’s lives. reality. social networking sites, like If we lose sight of that, then we may Many of us probably have Facebook, have become lose ourselves. people on our friends list that we a mainstay in society. They The irony is that these sites haven’t seen for years, but via the have revolutionised the way we are supposed to enhance our medium of Facebook can still feel communicate; but could they also social lives but instead they are oddly connected to them. Taking be having an adverse effect on potentially making us more a metaphorical step back from our health and giving us a stilted isolated. Dr Sigman reflected that the screen, isn’t it creepy that we perception of the world? ‘one of the most pronounced should still know where they are, The majority of us join social changes in the daily habits of what they’re doing and who they’re networking sites because they are British citizens is a reduction in with? Personally, it forces me to an effortless way of staying They have more photos than you do; question whether I really want in touch with friends, though to be part of the virtual social more hilarious status updates; more what may start as a harmless networking ‘scene’. The sad events to attend. convenience can soon enter reality is that without it I know the subliminal scope of an I would feel cut off. unhealthy addiction. It is all too the number of minutes per day Academic scientist, Baroness easy to get sucked into the selfthat they interact with another Susan Greenfield is particularly conscious sphere of thinking that human being.’ Loneliness is concerned in the effect social your life isn’t as exciting as your perhaps the main risk posed by networking sites may have on “friend’s”:They have more photos social networking sites. Facebook children, arguing that excessive than you do; more hilarious status creates artificial social ties that use at a young age may jeopardise updates; more events to attend. make us feel like we have spent their ability to communicate Subconsciously you want your time with our friends in a social and concentrate away from the life to match up to theirs, which environment when in fact we screen. As yet, however, there is can lead to competitive social have been behind a screen using no concrete evidence for any of networking. Social occasions virtual avatars. It also removes the theories. New technology has become Facebook photo conversation topics that could on principle sparked negative opportunities, impairing our have been exploited in reality, debate. Both the printing press and generation’s ability to live in the along with the social experience of telephone were initially accused moment. getting to know someone, as their of making people anti-social and By unnaturally objectifying character can simply be gleamed intellectually lazy. ourselves on a daily basis it is easy from their profile. Although, Overall social networking sites to see how social networking sites arguably, these sites only present a do offer a highly effective way of could be harmful to our mental vain impression of the personality communicating, which if used well-being. Psychological scientist it can easily delude us into thinking correctly can enhance our social Dr Aric Sigman, states that sites we know someone better than experiences. However, we must such as Facebook and Twitter we actually do. The term ‘friend’ is make sure that they don’t replace ‘take away social interaction that becoming increasingly obscure. the face-to-face contact which reminds you how valuable you On Facebook it now encompasses we undoubtedly need as human are and replaces it with distortion everyone from acquaintances, beings. of the real world.’ It is important to people we see on a daily basis, and remember that we are only seeing those who we have never met in PAGE 6

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Feature 25/10/2011 20:55

Pretty Mainstream: Being gay is fine, just not too gay!

ALICE HARROLD

Photograph by Steven Fullerton

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espite the ever improving on the women; not any rule or change in the way lesbians were Lesbian Gay Bisexual and regulation. “No matter how quietly portrayed in mainstream media.

Transgendered (LGBT) homophobia is whispered it Since The L Word ended in 2009, Rights today, institutionalised doesn’t make it any less loud. You much progress has been made homophobia still exists in parts can’t whisper hate,” said Hailey and towards LGBT equality. Recently certain of society, disguised by a Grey. the American Government thin layer of “tolerance”.

Hailey has called for a boycott repealed the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t For example, on September of the airline after tweeting, “I want Tell’ Law that previously banned 26th 2011, Leisha Hailey of The L to know what Southwest Airlines openly gay persons from serving Word and member of the band considers as ‘family’[...] I know in the US Military. Now in Scotland, Uh Huh Her, was kicked off a plenty of wonderful same sex same-sex marriage is being Southwest Airlines flight along families I would like to introduce discussed. with her girlfriend and fellow band them to.”

In an interview with AfterEllen, member, Camila Grey. The two had Surprisingly, Southwest is the the leading entertainment site for kissed, and after a flight attendant, official airline of the Gay & Lesbian and about lesbian and bisexual prompted by other passengers, Alliance Against Defamation women, Leisha Hailey said: “I think told them to keep in mind it was a (GLAAD). The airline claims on its as far as lesbian culture goes, things “family airline” an argument broke website that it “takes pride in our have just gotten easier and people out. outreach and commitment to the have gotten more comfortable with The couple said in a statement LGBT community”. This seems being out… it’s pretty mainstream that: “In no way were and that’s amazing.” I “I want to know what Southwest Airlines our actions excessive, wonder what her answer inappropriate or vulgar... would be now? Possibly considers as ‘family’[...] I know plenty of it was one, modest kiss.” wonderful same sex families I would like that attitudes have only Southwest Airlines has really changed for the to introduce them to. ” not disputed this, they open-minded, but not those only said that “we do not choosing to oppose it. tolerate discrimination against to me more likely to have been a Can homophobia ever be truly anyone[...] In this situation, [Hailey marketing technique than an effort ended? Is a flight attendant wrong and Grey’s] removal was directly to increase tolerance. to tell you that you are offending and solely related to the escalated The L Word, a TV drama about a other passengers? That’s up to conversation that developed on lesbian, bisexual and transgender you. Personally, I think the real board the aircraft.” The airline group of friends and lovers in LA issue is why we’re still asking these have offered the couple a sign of promoted respect and pride for questions. Why weren’t the other “goodwill” and a full refund. the Gay Community. During its passengers simply told to be more The issue isn’t about the six seasons the show, especially tolerant? What we need is a change argument that ensued, but rather Hailey’s character, Alice Pieszechi, of attitude as a society, so that it is the flight attendant’s comment. often dealt with the issue of both legal and respectable to be They were imposing their discrimination and pushed the publicly gay. I think we’re more own beliefs and prejudices (or boundaries in demanding equality. than ready for that. those of the other passengers’) Its 2004 debut marked a crucial Feature

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2. Invite your friends over, disguise it as a movie night and sit as uncomfortably close as possible to them. You might freak them out but you’ll be warmer.

3. Switch off the extractor fan in your bathroom, take a shower and leave the door open, allowing the steam from the shower to turn your flat into a hazy sauna. You might want to run this by your flat mates first.

4. Exercise - anything that gets your circulation going. I find that constant jogging on the spot helps, even while eating, is quite effective.

It’s surprising how quickly you get used to it.

5. Hot water bottle. You may laugh now but it’s the best way to stay warm at night, other than thermal underwear of course but then again a combination of both never hurt anyone. Well...perhaps socially.

If you don’t want to invest in a hot water bottle, fill a sock with rice and heat in the microwave.

6. Put your underwear in the oven.

Don’t cook them obviously, just long enough to make them cosy.

Seriously scalding yourself would not be desirable.

7. Light candles. It also has the added bonus of making you seem incredibly romantic.

Keeping Warm FIONA LINDSAY As the temperature continues to LIFESTYLE plummet and with winter on our doorstep, the question on most student’s minds is: how do I keep warm in my flat without turning on the heating?

Ten helpful tips that will get you through the winter:

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1. Cling film. Wrap it everywhere; specifically your windows. Use double sided sticky tape to attach it to your window frames for make shift double glazing. If this doesn’t work try wrapping yourself entirely in cling film, this is bound to make you work up a sweat. However, make sure not to wrap it too tightly around your joints, as stopping your circulation will be nothing but detrimental to your cause.

The Magdalen

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8. Try and convince your flatmates to all live out of one room. It might be difficult if one starts drying their hair when you’re trying to catch up on your favourite T.V. show but the more people in a room, the warmer it will be.

9. It may seem obvious, but wear as much clothing as humanly possible. Throwing in a pair of fingerless gloves will complete the look.

10. If all else fails a strong shot of vodka should do the trick.

Lifestyle 25/10/2011 20:55

Your Problems Answered THOMAS DALE

Tom Dale, Vice President of Student Welfare. Photograph by Ana Hine

Q

- I’m currently low on funds as I have budgeted for my direct debits until the next instalment of my loan, and I’m coming up short.

I’m not sure about how I’ll afford to get home for Christmas, let alone buy presents.

A

- It’s good to hear that you’re budgeting, which we really encourage. If you feel you’re going to struggle with funds, go to the Student Funding Unit in 3 Cross Row, on campus. The sooner the better, as they will be able to give you advice which may even mean you’re not borrowing money or going in to your overdraft. http://www.dundee.ac.uk/ studentservices/studentfunding/ will be a good point of reference.

Q

-I have started to get quite stressed as it’s already half way through the semester, all of my reading is due very soon and I have a couple of essays as well as exams in December. What can I do to get through this?

A

- First thing’s first, try not to panic. Stressing about your course is always going to happen, so make sure you’re not either procrastinating or “library living” to the extent where you dream of the café’s coffee machine. Plan your timetable with when your deadlines are and prioritise. At the Lifestyle

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moment, if you’ve got both exams and essays, if you study for your exam for a small amount of time a day, that will cumulate to quite a lot and it’ll stop writer’s block for your essay. For more information, AATU will be able to help: http://www. dundee.ac.uk/aatu/

Q

- I moved away from home to come to Dundee, and it’s been a while since I’ve been home. I feel kind of lonely, sort of homesick and I am just starting to worry about being here. What can I do about this?

A

- It’s okay to feel like that, from time to time. The emotions you have are because it’s something you care about. We have plenty of services that are able to help with these feelings, such as Peer Connections, myself as VPSW, Advisors or the counselling service (With a drop in session at 9:30am Mon-Fri). If you need to talk about any of these, e-mail VPSW@dusa. co.uk and I’ll be able to help talk you through anything you’d like.

Q

A

-First of all, this is half way through your first Semester. I wouldn’t get worked up about this.

Some landlords won’t even let you look at their flats because it’s not time yet. DUSA will be giving out a lot of housing information and advice to Students at the start of next Semester. With regards to your future flatmates, don’t pin yourself to one plan. Whilst it would be great to live with the people you hang about a lot with now, just remember you may have only known them for a short amount of time, and a lot changed in that period. The same can happen again between now and when you sign that lease. Keep an eye out for what’s coming up and I’m sure everything will be fine.

If you have any questions you want to flag up, regardless how pressing or fleeting, e-mail VPSW@dusa.co.uk.

- I don’t come from Dundee, and I’m unsure as to what happens with moving out of halls in to private accommodation.

I’m not sure who I’ll want to live with or anything. What do people normally do?

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T.Ann.Cake Back in April I visited T ann Cake, a curious looking café which had caught my eye on numerous occasions, leaving me intrigued.

I organised to meet with Ann, the owner, to unearth a little of the café ethos, and have some lunch.

I’ll admit now that when it comes to food and drink, especially coffee, I’m quite particular.

I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect café in Dundee since I was sucked into the coffee culture as a teenager, and have been continually disappointed by cafes who boast a strong fair trade philosophy, but who haven’t a clue as to how to make a good cup of coffee. T ann Cake, on the other hand, display a sign at the counter advising that they’re fussy when it comes to making coffee; they serve it at a very specific temperature, so as not to ‘burn’ the coffee. Needless to say my expectations were high.

Inside the café is quirky and unique; mismatched chairs, a map of part of Northern Europe harking from the 1960s on one wall, and bunting in the window. Tea is served in tea pots kept warm with kitted tea cosies, with dainty china cups to drink it from. The homemade cakes from the ‘naughty counter’ are served with pastry forks on patterned china plates.

I spoke to Ann about her background and motivations. Previously a director of recruitment at St Andrews University, Ann travelled parts of Europe, and spent long spells of time in New York, taking inspiration from her travelling, and the amazing food she discovered.

Where the food comes from, and its quality is important to her, and having previously spent weekends selling her cakes at farmers markets, she’s a seasoned baker. One of her pet hates is cafes who proclaim ‘homemade’ cake, but use PAGE 10 Issue 25.indd 10

The Magdalen

MHAIRI RUTHERFORD

LIFESTYLE

outside bakeries.

The menu at T ann Cake changes daily, depending on what produce they have. What they can source locally they do; herbs from Longforgan, free range eggs from Auchterhouse, meat from a local butcher, and impressively, ciabatta baked in an Italian bakery in Forfar. Their chilli and berry jams are both homemade.

Most importantly, the food the café makes is delicious. I was not disappointed. After my first visit, I’ve kept going back. The menu is creative: spinach, apricot, lemon and chickpea soup; Milano salami & brie bake; lentil, coconut & egg curry, to name but a few. As well as this they sell ciabattas, and have a large variety of vegetarian and vegan options (no pesto, plastic mozzarella, and tomato Panini to be found here). The cakes are made by Ann and the staff, and baked by people who know how to wield a whisk.

The plum and apple crumble I tried was simply melt in the mouth, and the stem ginger cake is tongue tinglingly gingery. Creativity is an ingredient used in both the savoury and the sweet.

The downside to high quality such as this is that it can be a little expensive. Although only marginally more expensive than coffee chains, from a student’s perspective it’s a treat yourself kinda place. Or as I have done in the past, a place to meet your parents for lunch and let them pay. My one major criticism is that they don’t sell Irn Bru, which I can only let slip since the coffee is good and Ann is incredibly nice.

So, if you’re looking for somewhere to get a lovely piece of cake, warm yourself in the harsh winter months with hot chocolate, or meet a friend for a delicious lunch, then I highly recommend T ann Cake.

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LIFESTYLE 25/10/2011 20:55

Photograph courtesy of Benjamin Barker barbershop.

The Magdalen in conversation with:

Benjamin Barker NICHOLAS MANDERSON

O

ne of Dundee’s little gems has to be Benjamin Barker – Barber & Shop. Situated on Perth Road offering first rate gentleman’s hair cuts at a good price, in comfortable surroundings and a complimentary beer, Benjamin Barker is a step ahead of the crowd in delivering male grooming.

Benjamin Barker was opened back in January 2011 by Keith Langslow and Jeff Thompson. I popped in to get my hair cut and discover what Benjamin Barker is all about with Keith, co-owner of the barber shop. Keith and Jeff designed Benjamin Barkers with the vision of creating a barber shop offering “what we want and expect from a barber.”

“Jeff and I felt there was no decent barber in town, so we wanted to do something about that.”

Keith and Jeff took inspiration from American barber shops, visiting New York City, “we want to create the relaxed and social atmosphere of the real American barber shop, right here in Dundee.

We want our customers to just drop in for a chat or just read a paper or magazine even if they aren’t getting a cut. It’s good fun.”

Benjamin Barker is certainly an inviting space. Clean, crisp Lifestyle Issue 25.indd 11

white walls and large mirrors give the shop a grand character.

Sitting in the barber’s chair as Keith deftly worked away with the clippers, I noticed very few people can walk past the shop window without their eyes being drawn to the interior. One of the most spectacular talking points is the large antelope adorning the wall, reminiscent of a proper gentlemen’s club of a previous century.

The Benjamin Barker experience is as convenient as it is pleasing.

There is no appointment needed, just pop in when you are free, or just drop the guys in store a message on the Benjamin Barker Facebook page to say you’ll be swinging by.

Once a month, Benjamin Barker becomes a music venue. The ‘Benjamin Barker Sessions’ are acoustic sessions held inside the barber shop, “it’s our way of saying thank you to our clientele. It’s also a chance for networking, too.” The sessions are also a good way to introduce a friend to the barber shop without committing to a cut.

Showcasing new and local bands, both musicians and the customers get an interesting and unique experience. The View played at Benjamin Barker back in March The Magdalen

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just before the launch of their latest album.

But the best thing about this barber shop is the haircut. “Our aim is that a Benjamin Barker haircut will become a signature of the shop. It’s a decent haircut tailored to your requirements. After all, the last haircut should be your best haircut.” You can also get a real, traditional close shave “give yourself a real treat or ‘you time’, a close shave is a big macho facial.”

Benjamin Barker allows guys to indulge in grooming, but with a complimentary beer in hand.

The friendly atmosphere and the sessions combined make the barber shop a real community place. Keith and Jeff are open to ideas and invite customers to give their own suggestions and opinions on what they would like from the shop. One idea being considered by Keith is paying for your haircut by direct debit mandate. Paying £12 a month for 10 months (approximately the same time as the academic year) you make a saving and really can just pop in whenever you want without worrying about having the cash in hand.

B

enjamin Barker is also looking for male models to train and practice new styles and techniques on. It’s still your choice of cut but with a different method of cutting and all for free. They are looking for roughly one model a week, so if you’re interested drop them a message on Facebook or just pop instore.

Exclusi ve Read er Offer: Com

e in The Ma with a copy of gd cut for £ alen and get a 12.50 out Nov throughember.

212 Pert h Road.

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THE REPUBLICANS ARE READY REBECCA SHEARER

Governor Rick Perry (c) Gage Skidmore

S

o, it seems visions and paranoid delusions”. at 26% and has the lowest level of that the world • She was born into a solidly access to prenatal care. has finally Democrat family before becoming • He is anti-abortion and has CURRENT Republican in her final year of High signed multiple bills creating new AFFAIRS recovered from the spectacle that School. rules and funding for abortion was the 2008 • Fostered 23 children over 8 procedures.

US Presidential years, all being teenage girls with • Perry attended the same Election, just in time for the next eating disorders. Bachmann church as George W. Bush in Austin. one in November 2012 - for which received a daily reimbursement • As of 2011, under Perry as campaigning is already underway. per child from the state governor, Texas became the state The Democrats have already government. with the lowest percentage of announced that Barack adults with high school “a religious zealot whose brain is Obama will run for them diplomas. a raging electrical storm of divine visions <insert bullet point> in an attempt to achieve another term as president, Supports the death penalty. and paranoid delusions”. but the Republicans are Texas has carried out 234 yet to declare who their candidate • Michele and her husband own executions since will be. Here is a list of the top five a Christian counseling practice, Perry became governor.

Republican nominees and some which received $30,000 from • Sceptic on Human background information that could Minnesota taxpayers. contributions to climate change. potentially see them become the • Worked on the campaigns for 45th president of the United States former presidents Jimmy Carter Herman Cain of America: and Ronald Reagan.

• Former radio host and • Supports federal constitutional columnist. amendment to ban same-sex • Has a degree in computer Michele Bachmann marriage. science and worked for the US • Favourite among Republican Navy Department, and computer politicians.

Rick Perry systems analyst for Coca Cola.

• Claimed she would abolish the • 47th and current governor of • Used to manage 450 Burger minimum wage in an attempt to Texas.

King restaurants in Philadelphia create more jobs.

• Longest serving governor in and madeit best performing region • Thinks global warming is Texas state history. in the company. a hoax and carbon dioxide is • His father is a solid Democrat.

• Briefly ran for the Republican harmless.

• Under his governorship, Texas Presidential nomination in 2000, • Rolling Stone Magazine called has risen from second to first but to make a political statement. her “a religious zealot whose brain among states, with the highest • Married for 43 years. is a raging electrical storm of divine proportion of uninsured residents • Cancer-survivor.

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Current Affairs 25/10/2011 20:55

• Campaign is based upon economic policy though views not as radical as most Republicans.

• Said to be best orator and communicator of the candidates.

drugs through a little-known drug company programme.

• Stood out during candidate TV debates and argued for the legalisation of heroin and prostitution.

Michigan then went on to serve in Richard Nixon’s Cabinet as US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

• Most of his campaign funds have come from employees on Ron Paul Wall Street, such as Goldman Sachs • Medical doctor and author.

Mitt Romney and Bank of America.

• Served in US Air Force during • Was 70th Governor of • Obama has said that Romney’s Vietnam War. Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. “personal weirdness” makes it • Has the most conservative • Raised in Michigan and served difficult for him to connect to voting record of any member of as Mormon missionary in France. voters. congress since 1937.

• Used to be CEO at Bain & Thus, it seems that Obama will • Has been termed ‘intellectual Company and brought the have his work cut out yet again. He godfather’ of the Tea Party company out of crisis. could find himself running against: Movement. a ‘religious zealot’; a governor “Stood out during candidate TV • Maternal greatwith ten years’ experience in the debates and argued for the legalization political field; a former computer grandparents emigrated from Germany and his systems analyst for Coca-Cola; of heroin and prostitution”. mother was of German an ‘intellectual godfather’; or and Irish ancestry.

• Organised and steered 2002 the former CEO of the Winter • Married since 1957, has five Winter Olympics as CEO of Salt Olympics. Regardless of who is children.

Lake Organizing Committee and chosen for the Republicans, the • Constituency in Texas is rural helped turn troubled games into a 2012 Presidential election will region known for ranching and rice financial success. be just as tumultuous as the last. farms, yet Paul still opposes farm • Ran for president in 2008 but Watch this space. subsidies. lost out to Obama’s opponent, John • His staff helps senior citizens McCain, by a narrow margin. obtain free or low-cost prescription • Father used to be Governor of

Herman Cain:

Leading the pack after the first furlong

So far in the straw polls at Republican leadership conferences, former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain is coming out on top in the bid for the Republican Presidential candidacy.

S

o far in the straw polls at Republican leadership conferences, former Godfather’s Pizza CEO Herman Cain is coming out on top in the bid for the Republican Presidential candidacy.

Herman Cain, on 21st October, won the Western Republican Leadership Conference straw poll of GOP presidential contenders.Mr. Cain received nearly 31 percent of the vote, and Mr. Romney pulled in nearly 29 percent of the vote.

Herman Cain won the Midwest Republican Leadership Current Affairs Issue 25.indd 13

Herman Cain (c) Gage Skidmore

Conference in Bloomington, Minn, 21st Octoberyesterday. Cain was backed by 52.6 percent of voters, trumping second place finisher Michele Bachmann (12.2 percent) by 41 percentage points.

Mitt Romney came in third (11.1 percent), followed by Ron Paul (10.7 percent), Rick Perry (4 percent), Newt Gingrich (3.3 percent), Rick Santorum (2 percent), Jon Huntsman (0.9 percent), and Gary Johnson (0.2 percent).

Cain captured an eye-popping 55% of the vote at the Tea Party straw poll held in Columbia, The Magdalen

NO. 25 - NOV 2011

South Carolina 16th October. His closest challenger, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, picked up 14.5%. Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann garnered 8% to come in third. The two candidates with the most money in their campaign bank accounts, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, nearly finished at the back of the pack with 3% and 2% respectively.

Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman was last with 1%.

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Murdo Fraser’s Scottish Tory Shake Up: Long overdue or hollow rebranding exercise?

GERAINT JAMES

Murdo Fraser. Photograph by The Freedom Association

L

eadership contests Scottish constituencies and gained As thousands of voters desert the within Scottish wings over 50% of the vote, today David Scottish Conservative Party every of political parties are Mundell is their only MSP, and election cycle, suggesting this can usually low-key affairs, but the their share of votes has fallen by be changed by simply explaining current Scottish Conservative and nearly 20% since the notorious the same old policies and positions Unionist Party leadership contest 1997 ‘wipe-out’ when they won in a different fashion calls to mind has bucked this trend despite the no seats at all. Performance in King Canute.

Party’s declining support. Murdo Scottish Parliamentary elections Should Murdo Fraser win – a Fraser, the current Deputy leader, has been poorer still, and Party strong possibility as it appears Ruth blew the contest wide open with membership has declined from Davidson is his only credible rival – the announcement in his 5th 40,000 to 10,000 since 1992. we’ll see a new Centre-Right party September campaign launch. He But his suggested methods and launched. promised that should he win the reasoning behind this attempt to But as this party will contain Election, he would disband the ‘de-contaminate’ the Tory ‘brand’ largely the same membership and Party and create a new policies, be subject to the “Fraser does not shy away from accepting Westminster Conservative Centre-Right party with that the Thatcher years were key to a different name. The Party whip, and have voting four-horse race has since rights for Conservative Party today’s situation” been dominated by this leadership contests, is it at news, and whether the Party can reveal a very simplistic analysis of all realistic to expect people to see be convinced to, literally, vote for its why voters in Scotland have been them as anything other than the own demise. turning away for so long.

Tories? To me it shows contempt Fraser visited our University to Unlike many, Fraser does not for Scottish voters to suggest they’ll detail his plans at a Politics Society shy away from accepting that the be swayed to vote for previously event in September. Following a Thatcher years were key to today’s rejected candidates wearing a new speech outlining his plans and situation. But without any actual rosette. a lengthy Question and Answer criticism of these policies – most session, there can be little doubt disastrously the decline of heavy of his commitment to the idea. It industry that hit Scotland hard The four candidates are: seems to me that he has correctly and the Poll Tax – he suggests Murdo Fraser, Ruth Davidson, identified the scale of his Party’s that all that has been learnt is the Jackson Carlaw, and Margaret problem, but has failed to come up need to present the policies better Mitchell. The leadership contest with a credible solution. and, using very carefully selected ends on the 4th of November, and The Scottish Conservatives results of privately commissioned the results should be declared are clearly experiencing a long, polling, that many voters’ that day. drawn out crisis. Although as late political views are closer to the as 1955 they held a majority of Conservatives than they realise.

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Current Affairs 25/10/2011 20:55

Online Media Sources; trending above the rest HARRISON KELLY

T

his year ABC News proved the average circulation of every single national daily paper is in decline. The most commonly attributed reason is the rise of new media. While The Daily Mirror’s sales fell by 7.31% to 1.1 million per-day, its website is attracting almost 2.5 million browsers daily. We are being seduced by Internet news; with all of its allures - instant accessibility and gratis, as well as interactivity it’s hard not to be.

The Internet is a miracle for information-sharing. Students who can scarce afford to buy a daily paper, let alone several, have unlimited choice (The Telegraph for sport, The Guardian for technology, The Sun for gossip, The Independent for World Events - it’s like pick’n’mix). The Internet also has few legal restrictions which make it difficult to police the information that is being shared. Social-networking site Twitter can expose stories which otherwise might go unheard, the most recent example being the flouting of footballer Ryan Giggs’ injunction to protect his secret affair; a more noble example is the ‘Twitter revolution’ that uncovered the corrupt Authoritarian regime in Iran, or which saw the masses uniting, networking and Currtent Affairs Issue 25.indd 15

‘Kill Your PC’ by Metro Centric

co-ordinating their protests in Moldova in 2009.

However, such a vast, pluralistic database raises issues of credibility. The Internet gives anyone a platform, no matter how destructive or stupid their contributions might be.

What’s more sources often lack accountability, such as Wikipedia.

To highlight this I’ll give you a personal example: my own friends once thought it would be great to put my name on a list of United States death row inmates. Although that misinformation didn’t last long, anyone who read it might have questioned whether someone could really be put on death row for “bestiality.”

But that’s a user-generatedwebsite. We, the so-called “web 2.0 generation” (a crude marketing term, assuming that young people are a media-literate demographic), know only to trust credible sources. Unfortunately though, professional news providers can be just as reprehensible. You may recall the case of Amanda Knox, the American student recently acquitted for the murder of Meredith Kercher. Media coverage of the four-year-case was imposing enough but when Knox’s appeal was eventually concluded, several major news providers well and The Magdalen

NO. 25 - NOV 2011

truly cocked up. Mail Online, the Daily Mail’s online outlet, provided an epic fail online by uploading a fictional story, complete with made-up quotes, wrongly telling readers that Knox’s appeal had been rejected.

The Mail had, prior to the verdict, produced two dependent articles.

It accidentally released the wrong one. Mail Online was rushed into this gaffe because it wanted to be the first to release a story, giving it a head-start by releasing information the second it happens. Being at the top of Google’s search browser is vital to commercially-charged news providers because the more hits their website gets, the higher they can charge for advertisingspace. Employees need to be paid, and without a physical paper to sell, advertising is one of the few ways to make profit.

Ultimately those who get news online are more up-to-date than those waiting for the daily paper or the evening news. They have more freedom to choose than those being spoon-fed an executiveapproved broadcast. We should be sceptical about the voice we listen to out of the millions vying for our attention online, but it cannot be denied that there is worthwhile information to be shared and the Internet is the place to find it.

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Knox-ious;

the betrayal of media portrayal ROBERT PETRIE

T

hese are the facts. The 26 and 25 years respectively. Their Two very different personalities murder of Meredith convictions were overturned on were presented to the court.

Kercher took place on appeal in October 2011.

The task facing the court was to 1 November 2007, Perugia, Italy.

Media coverage, particularly in find out who was involved in the Kercher was a Leeds University Italy and England, was criticised brutal murder of Kercher. Not a exchange student from South for failing to describe the case straightforward affair, given the London. Three people were accurately. Even before a verdict intense media pressure boiling originally convicted of the murder. had been reached, it seemed that over outside the court.

Rudy Guede, an Ivory Coast native the media had already found On 2 December 2010, Kercher’s raised in Perugia, was convicted in Knox guilty of being involved in journalist father, writing in the Daily October 2008 of having sexually a “sex game gone wrong”. It has Mail, condemned Knox’s “celebrity” assaulted and murdered Kercher, been suggested that in such an status and accused the media of and was sentenced to “trivialising the awfulness of it seemed that the media had already 30 years, later reduced her offence”. The Kercher found Knox guilty of being involved in a in December 2009. family feel the conviction of “sex game gone wrong” Guede, who had previous Amanda Knox and Raffaele convictions, claimed Sollecito was not in any someone sexually assaulted and atmosphere a miscarriage of way unfair. However, many feel murdered Kercher while he was justice is more likely to occur. Was “character assassination” features in the bathroom listening to his Ms. Knox the “She-devil” claimed prominently throughout the media iPod. Amanda Knox, an American by the Kercher family’s lawyer, during the trial. Many critics of the exchange student and flat mate of who endorsed the prosecution Knox trial have compared it to the Kercher, was also charged, along case throughout? Or was she, as Salem Witch trials and more recent with Knox’s boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito’s lawyer said, the “Amelie to the Casey Anthony case.

Sollecito, an Italian student. Knox of Seattle”, the very same movie The Idaho Innocence Project, and Sollecito were convicted Knox and her boyfriend Sollecito a non-profit legal organisation, of sexual assault and murder in claimed to have watched the night dedicated to proving the December 2009, and sentenced to of Kercher’s murder? innocence of wrongly convicted

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Current Affairs 25/10/2011 20:55

Barbed wire wall on Bushrod Island in northern Monrovia. Photo by Cameron Zohoori

people through the use of DNA names of her sexual partners. unanswered questions. Kercher’s testing, worked on the Knox and Interestingly, the information brother, Lyle, told reporters that Sollecito case. On 23 May 2011, Dr was released in the press shortly the family is perplexed as to how Gregory Hampikian announced after. Critics have argued that the a decision that “was so certain two Amanda Knox and Raffaele pre-trial publicity and the intense years ago has been so emphatically Sollecito were overturned”. The Kercher pre-trial publicity and the intense media innocent of the prosecutor, Giuliano Mignini, coverage tainted the public impression of crime. Hampikian told reporters that he Knox, but more worryingly court officials, also. believes the appeals trial, stated that more than 100 DNA and ultimately the verdict, samples taken at the crime scene media coverage tainted the public was reached under “unacceptable pointed to Guede. Hampikian is a impression of Knox, but more media pressure”. volunteer consultant for the Knox worryingly court officials, also.

The UK media could benefit defense. The media reporting the President of the Perugia Appeals greatly by looking at their coverage case did not award much sway to Court, Judge Claudio Pratillo of sensitive court proceedings his opinion. The verdicts made Hellman, stated in an interview like the Knox trial. The British at the Salem Witch trials of 1692 following the release of Knox and legal system could also learn a appear to be based purely on Sollecito that “[t]hey could also lesson from this case. After all, we character references. Many of the be responsible but the proof isn’t wouldn’t allow a Government to people branded as a “witch” were there”. Hellman went on to say act like this without repercussions, individuals who just didn’t quite fit Knox and Sollecito may well know so is it right that the media misleads into an idealised society. It would the “real truth”. This is contentious its followers to such an extent seem that over 300 hundred years view, but the only ‘truth’ that without some kind of punishment? later, little has changed. people can follow is the scientific Soon after Amanda Knox was evidence. sent to prison awaiting trial, officials With Knox’s conviction falsely told her she was HIV overturned, Meredith Kercher’s positive, and pressed her to reveal family are still left with

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Stand by your lecturers and

ALEX SHILLI

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hese are certainly trying action and the boycotting of and Vice-Chancellor, said at the times for us students, marking student assessments time that the University needed but - trapped in our own are both being threatened if the to be prepared for cuts to public financially-based misery - have any UCU’s demands are not met. The expenditure, and that the job losses of us considered the pressures on University Employers’ Organisation were primarily about focusing our lecturers and tutors? Whilst said there had already been on the “great strengths” of the many of us have been struggling ‘’exhaustive’’ negotiations. The University. to find the funds to pay our tuition UCU has suggested that it would The cuts, it was claimed, would fees for University, the staff at said be happy to cease action at any save around £8m. The Dundee universities have been finding university that publicly calls for University and College Union life difficult too. Changes coming negotiations and does deduct from (DUC) voted unanimously in into force this month included lecturers’ salaries. favour of industrial action and members of the University There is currently a limited so a 24-hour strike was enacted, and College Union (UCU), the impact on students , but this along with a protest rally involving Union representing a majority of may well change in the coming staff and students. In the event, lecturers and tutors, having to pay weeks. Should the strike action Dundee University Court approved more, work longer and have less and boycotting of assessments go a strategic review that saw around protection should they lose their ahead, approximately 100,000 150 jobs lost. job; while lecturers could Given that our University “Strike action and the boycotting of lose tens of thousands has seen this type of marking student assessments are both situation before, what are the of pounds in pension payments when they chances that it being threatened” retire. will result in a similar This issue affects outcome? Will the students more than 60 institutes of students could be affected. support their lecturers and higher education . Other Scottish This is not the first time that tutors once again, or will apathy universities to be affected by the something like this has happened. reign? Both University staff and ‘work to contract’ action include Earlier this year, exactly the students face an ethical dilemma Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, same sort of industrial action here - are the staff doing the right Heriot-Watt, Stirling, Strathclyde was threatened and carried out thing with their industrial action, and the Open University. Clearly, by the teaching staff of Dundee given that it is directly inhibiting the teaching staff involved have to University in response to cost the University education of take action of some sort to protect cutting measures introduced, and thousands of students, many of their livelihoods. the University admitting that they whom pay thousands of pounds UCU members will not be could not rule out compulsory for the privilege. Concurrently, working beyond their contracted redundancies. Job losses were students face a similar dilemma hours or performing additional said to be inevitable, in addition given that their education is being voluntary duties. They will not go to the number of buildings used directly affected by the actions of to any meetings where attendance

by Faculties and Colleges and University staff, what argument is is voluntary and they will not set access to activities such as Botanic there for us to support our lecturers or mark any work beyond their Gardens and campus catering. and tutors? contractual obligation. Strike Professor Pete Downes, Principal Whatever our own personal PAGE 18 Issue 25.indd 18

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Current Affairs 25/10/2011 20:55

and make your voice heard.

EX SHILLING

Cover image & above photograph by Steven Fullerton

feelings about the legitimacy of of the times we live in, but they and the way we behave in these the strike and beliefs about which are going about ameliorating that situations. The protest party is “in the right,” we have to strain in entirely the wrong way. last April against the complusory stand by the university staff. It is no Taking out the pressure of the cuts redundancies was significant, but coincidence that our Academics on the two groups most important the fact is that there were just not fortunes are usually tied to the to the university - the teaching enough students involved. There fortunes of our lecturers and tutors. staff and the students - sends out were around 50 students standing This kind of dispute between such a lowly, apathetic message to outside the Library in protest, University and staff is going to keep students. Are prospective students but how many were affected by flaring up over and over again until really going to want to come and the industrial action by the staff? the Scottish Government have study at the University of Dundee Thousands. So what were the rest a major rethink of their attitude when they see the University of them doing? We criticise the towards students and a complete treating its staff and students in this Government and our University, shake up of their higher education manner? but the fact is that if we don’t let policy and the only way that we, Hardly. This action by the them know that we’re not happy as a student body - a section of University may prove to be with what they’re doing, why society - can have any influence successful in the short term, but would they re-consider their plans? over the way we are seen and dealt it’s yet another case of shortThere are far too many students with by national Government is sightedness from those making out there who aren’t happy by making our feelings with their lot, but do “Will the students support their lecturers and absolutely nothing clear on every single issue which concerns about it. As long as tutors once again, or will apathy reign?” our education. As students keep doing DUSA President Iain that, situations like Kennedy correctly pointed out in the important decisions. This this will re-occur time and time the Magdalen interview last month, behaviour by tis going to attract again, and our lives will become the SNP are trying to make out neither students nor staff to increasingly unpleasant. that there is not enough money in Dundee University. So where do So, our course of action now is the pot, and so large scale cuts to we go when, a few years down simple: stand by your lecturers. universities are unavoidable. This the line: Fewer people applying to They are carrying out this is completely wrong, and following study at Dundee and even fewer kind of action because they, just on from the message I attempted are applying for teaching positions? like us, fear for their futures. We to get across in my article last issue What that sort of situation leads to need to unite with the <hyperlink last issue>, we need to is a scenario where the proposed University staff and show the make sure that the Government university University and, ultimately, the know that we, as a student body, merger, which provoked such a Scottish Government that we will not stand for this kind of heated reaction from Abertay and are united with our lecturers and treatment. ourselves, seems an increasing simply will not settle for this shortIn addition, the University has possibility, and that would that be sighted, panic-stricken, reactionary to recognise that this treatment of the worst possible outcome for move. We must stand together, as staff is completely unacceptable. both parties. one.

Universities are feeling the strain We also need to look at ourselves Current Affairs Issue 25.indd 19

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TRAVEL

I AmSterdam

GRACE BRENNAN

Photograph by Grace Brennan

T

he enormous block letter sign read “I AmSterdam”.

Seemingly appropriate as the city literally sucks you in.

Despite our lost early morning 1am arrival, and running about asking half of the city for directions, it immediately felt like home.

Amsterdam; one would assume it’s a stop off to smoke weed or to “visit” the Red Light district. But there really is more to the beautiful city; with more canals than Venice and such unique local characters.

After InterRailing around Europe for a month with my friend, Amsterdam was our last stop. We wanted a few days to relax, take in the scenery and experience the infamous Amsterdam nightlife.

We accomplished all of the above, and were pleasantly surprised by how quickly we fell in love with the place. On our first day we joined a free walking tour and got a glimpse of the history that formed such a liberated Amsterdam. The Jewish quarter was especially interesting as the buildings were covered in graffiti art done by modern artists

to show Amsterdam’s change in attitudes and restrictive living. We got to sample local Dutch cheese, which was - unexpectedly - really tasty and instantly became the standard snack for the rest of our stay.

We fulfilled all of the typical touristy obligations, like visiting Anne Franks house. And when seeking entertainment, we were always able to spot some amusing encounter going on between an unlikely shy Brit and a half naked red-lipped prostitute warming the steps of the Red Light District. But the best memory has to be on our last day when we finally plucked up the courage to hire bicycles and attempt to travel about the way the residents do. After rescuing my friend from a head on collision with a Dutchman, being stopped by a police officer and getting to grips with peddling backwards to brake, I’d never felt more content than cycling along the beautiful parks of Amsterdam in the warm Dutch sunshine; tulips everywhere, crowds of people relaxing on the

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grass and huge water features abounding.

Later that day we found some huge markets selling local foods and one particular stall that had sweets suitably shaped for the notorious city’s profession. Not to mention the rows of vintage stores we got distracted by on our travels, really authentic and pretty clothes, in dainty shops at such cheap prices! In the nighttime the city’s liveliness doesn’t change, it just gets louder. We went on a bar crawl which for some parts is still slightly hazy... (definitely recommended!)

All the Amsterdammers we met were amazing, as people they have such a natural effortlessness to them, which I think translates to where they live. The city is so open-minded and the way of life is exceedingly calm and friendly.

If you’re in search for a bit of new discovery, of taking far too many photos, and laughing far too much, Amsterdam is waiting for you, so go ahead and get lost.

Travel 25/10/2011 20:55

Out on T the open road...

DANIELLE AMES

hwack. Thwack. Thud.

Calculating the crappiness of the karma received from inadvertently killing butterflies, I ducked my head to avoid hitting yet another gorgeously sequined turquoise butterfly.

They intruded in gnat like swarms covering the perimeter of the sixty-kilometer road to Pala-U Waterfall in Hua-Hin, Thailand.

Trees erupted from the mountainside at all angles in toe touching proximity.

The slightest of sunburns later, my dear Indian friend, Ashutosh, and I screeched into our long awaited destination.

I knew no more about PalaU waterfall than the road signs depicted, which was something to the effect of: Needless to say, I was unprepared in the best of all possible ways for the beauty of this mirage.

Pala-U Waterfall has five levels to it, each plateau a significant hike further uphill, and the cascades increase in grandeur and become far more intricate with the augmentation in elevation.

I overheard a couple of hairy, potbellied men wheezing their way up to the third level, joking that after reaching the fifth level you’re so high up, you meet God. It was only after the seemingly eternal climb that I became skeptical as to whether or not they were actually kidding…

Driving back from Pala U, several significant hours later, sopping wet from so much sweat and too many dunks in the waterfall to count, we sang an off key top of the lungs assortment of Beatles tunes whenever we could remember the lyrics.

Halfway through a unique rendition of “Eight Days a Week” artistically merged with “Yellow Submarine,” Ash stalled the motorbike with a thwacking of it’s ancient brakes.

I peered around him, mouth open in mid-“Yeah-yeah-yeahshanananana,” to see an elephant standing in the middle of the road.

Standing isn’t necessarily the best word in this case.

It was more like, venting, or, needing to vent, as it appeared to be.

Ash floored it.

Heading precisely and directly towards the elephant.

I, in addition to the elephant as it turned out, assumed that Ash’s plan was to swerve to the right, fitting neatly into that little slice of street that the big grey guy hadn’t yet covered.

However more full of ferociousness than of not, he stampeded towards that empty space of road and, more frighteningly, towards us, in one powerful trot of a tantrum.

With a screeching skid, Ash turned the motorbike around and we fled backwards, in a horrified mixture of shocked laughter and disbelief that there was indeed an extremely ticked off wild elephant that seemed to have knighted himself king of the road and wanted us to Billy Goats Gruff it across his blacktop.

Waiting for several other cars to pass, and watching the elephant’s benign reaction to their presence, we decided to try to slip in behind an automobile and quickly, and painlessly cross beyond the elephant.

It was a nice plan in theory.

As soon as he spotted us, the interracial motorbike, he set out stamping and guffawing to keep us from crossing his blessed asphalt.

In a shriek of sound and speed and the smell of too much confusion and a lot of petroleum, we somehow managed across that blasted barrier and away, in a flash of Hindi curse words.

A couple kilometers down the road, we spotted a few more innocent Thai passer byers on their motorbikes and honked a warning at them shouting and pointing, “CHANG!!!!! CHANG!!!!!”

ELEPHANT!!!!!! ELEPHANT!!!!!!!!!!

Fortunately that was one of the few Thai words floating around in our foreign vocabularies, thanks to the way in which the cheapest beer in Thailand is brand named “Chang.”

Essential knowledge for any college student.

Photograph by Danielle Ames

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DRIVE RACHAEL EVANS

D

undee

SCIENCE AND TECH University Race Innovation and Vehicle Engineering (DRIVE) team are a group of dedicated students who spend their free time designing, building and racing their own race car from scratch! An annual event is held at the famous Silverstone Circuit, where teams must market and sell their car as well as taking part in the various dynamic events.

DRIVE are into their 5th year of competing and construction of their 4th car is underway.

The governing body of this great project is Formula Student who describe themselves as the “most established educational

motorsport competition”. With Ross Brawn, OBE as a Patron, the competition attracts students from all over the world with an interest in all aspects of motorsport and engineering. The annual event is attended by approximately 2000 students, comprising 125 teams from 35 countries.

The competition is comprised of: Static events: cost and manufacturing – which involves demonstrating an understanding of cost and budget; design – evaluation of the engineering effort that went into the car; business – the team must give a presentation with the aim of convincing executives that the car can be profitably manufactured and marketed.

Dynamic events: acceleration

– 75 metre straight to test the acceleration of the car; figure of eight skid-pan – to measure the cars cornering ability; autocross – to evaluate the cars manoeuvrability and handling qualities; endurance – 22Km session designed to evaluate the overall performance of the car including durability and reliability, this stage also includes a fuel economy test.

Although still in the early stages of development, DRIVE have had a number of successes. In 2010, they were awarded the Eon Award for the best crash avoidance or impact mitigation system. At this year’s competition, held in July, DRIVE finished first of the Scottish universities competing and in the top 20 from the UK, placing 7th overall in the sprint events, out of 79 teams in the same class.

Aims for this year so far include: developing electronic fuel injection, streamlining of designs to further reduce weight and improving on the 2011 results while remaining top in Scotland!

The team would like to invite all who are interested in joining the team, or even those who just want to find out more information, to the Fulton Building, F16 at 2pm on Wednesdays. No experience is necessary and students from all degrees are welcome!

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Science and Technology 25/10/2011 20:55

Steve Jobs

February 24, 1955 – October 5, 2011

(c) Jonathan Mak

C

an man swim faster in syrup or water? Does cracking your knuckles cause arthritis?

And why the hell does the shower curtain always billow inwards?

All entirely legitimate questions, and all questions which have been asked by serious scientists.

But recognition for solving these vital issues of modern life just didn’t arrive for those responsible.

Until 1991, that is, with the creation of the Ig Nobel Prize awards.

Set up to try and raise the profile of science and technology, the Ig Nobels, like their arguably more illustrious Swedish counterparts are awarded in early October. Now in their 21st year they specifically aim to reward research that makes people “laugh... and then think”.

And to be fair, the examples given above are probably some

Ig Nobel Prizes

DAVID ALLSOP

of the more legitimate winners. Here are a few other recipients of this prestigious award: In 1999, the Award for Literature was awarded to the British Standards Institution - who got some deserved recognition for their six page report on how to make a proper cup of tea.

That very same year also saw the Peace Prize awarded to two South Africans, who invented a foot pedal operated in-car flame thrower - for use against would be car thieves. Brilliantly, it was apparently never banned.

Then in 2004, Jillian Clarke was awarded an Ig Nobel Prize in Public Health for investigating the five second rule, which, apparently, it isn’t necessarily a scientifically sound theory...

And finally, just imagine how honoured Andre Geim, a DutchRussian physicist, must feel. In 2000, he won the Ig Nobel for his ingenious use of magnets to cause a frog to levitate. Then, in 2010, he won the Nobel Prize itself for research into graphene, which is a one atom thick sheet of carbon.

I bet I know which one was more fun to work on though!

(c) Radboud University Nijmegen

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Fresh Meat

SEONAID RODGERS & KEVIN FULLERTON

ENTERTAINMENT

F

resh Meat, the new comedy from Peep Show creators Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain, charts the highs and lows of a group of markedly different university students as they attempt to cope with sharing a house together. Entertainment editor Kevin Fullerton likes it. Mere writer and mortal Seonaid Rogers doesn’t. So come now, out of the corner, and hear their argument.

Against, Seonaid Rogers

For, Kevin Fullerton

W

W

hat a shame. I quite like Jack Whitehall too. hen I first met my flatmates in student halls I get the feeling that this show, coming as I was devastatingly hungover. I hobbled it does from the folks behind Peep Show, into the kitchen under the assumption I was meant to be a comedy of the awkward stripe. was still alone in the flat, in a dressing-gown that had a Unfortunately it’s more awkward than comedy, and baked bean stain on the right shoulder from earlier in the majority of the jokes, such as they are, can be seen the day, my head throbbing and my mood unfriendly. from miles away and often fall flat, much like the show Surprised to see this group of people, I mumbled my itself. hellos as politely as my disposition would allow and It should be funny, and it should be relatable. Instead attempted to chat in a friendly fashion. But just as I it feels dire and depressing. I don’t know who decided was getting into the swing of conversation, I had to that yellow lens tints and run to the bathroom to “It was a situation that was awkward, throw up. Needless to say, fuzzy lighting were what unfortunate, and in retrospect, relatively stopping mid-sentence as made a show about young funny. It was also the type of situation your cheeks swell like a people cool and edgy, but it feels like an irritating hamster saving up its food, that Fresh Meat captures brilliantly” attempt to appeal to the ‘the before darting off to the youth’ and as such immediately alienates me. bathroom in a vomit-induced frenzy is not the greatest And OK, maybe I’m nit-picking now, but I can’t first impression I’ve ever made. It was a situation that honestly enjoy any of the characters: there’s an was awkward, unfortunate, and in retrospect, relatively irritating rich one; an angry woman; a needy woman; funny. It was also the type of situation that Fresh Meat a naïve woman; a weird one and an even weirder one. captures brilliantly.

The obvious and simple descriptions indicate the level If you’ve ever shared a flat in a uni capacity then of complexity of their personalities. The fact that from Fresh Meat is brimming with pathos. Its burgeoning the beginning of the pilot episode, the writers tried relationships don’t ever feel contrived, but are instead to throw us into an unrequited romance plot speaks almost painfully accurate. Although it can admittedly volumes. I simply wasn’t given any reason to care. be somewhat sparse on the joke front, its characters And I don’t. It’s a bit miserable, it’s sad, and it’s sadly are relatable enough for it to not really matter. It’s a not very much of anything. show that, despite having a few flaws, is eminently likeable and is slowly but surely developing into mustwatch television for me.

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Entertainment 25/10/2011 20:55

Arrested Development

CALUM MCALPINE

“Now the story of a wealthy family who lost everything and the one son who had no choice but to keep them all together. It’s Arrested Development.”

F

or those of you who have watched Arrested Development, I say “Annyong” to you. For those who have not…you’ll just have to go watch it in preparation.

Arrested Development creator Mitchel Hurwitz, revealed in early October, at the New York Festival, that his critically acclaimed but short lived comedy television show will be given a brand new lease of life. Hurwitz announced plans for a ten episode

Entertainment Issue 25.indd 25

spin-off leading up to an Arrested Development movie with all of the original, now A-list, cast members back on board.

Hurwitz stated, “We’ve talked about this, we’re all game, we hated to be coy, we’ve been trying to put together this more ambitious idea and I think we’re very close, the script is halfway done.”

The original single camera series starred Jason Bateman (Horrible Bosses) and Portia DeRossi (Ally

“As soon as it aired it set America’s ‘cult classic’ meter ablaze” McBeal), and kick-started the career of Michael Cera (Superbad) and Will Arnett (Blades of Glory).

The show, which ran for a meagre three seasons from 2003, had the approval from critics but received low ratings at the time of airing despite its vocal fan base. As soon as it aired it set America’s ‘cult classic’ meter ablaze. Revolving around members of a dysfunctional family who ran a collapsing real estate company and a frozen banana stand, the show went on to win six Emmy Awards and one Golden Globe.

It’s cancellation in 2006 was devastating. With oft-debunked rumours flying around for the past few years about a new series, this The Magdalen

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return now really seems to be set in stone. Shooting for the new television series is rumoured to begin next summer with each character to have an episode updating the viewer as to what they’ve been up to since 2006, with the first scene of the movie seeing all the characters reunited.

If you haven’t seen Arrested Development before I cannot put into words how hilarious it is. The show is rife with sarcasm, wit, dark humour, irony and is full of astute observations of our mindless consumerism and culture. Each episode may only be half an hour long but it is definitely one of the most ridiculously hysterical thirty minutes ever on television. Their business may have been fraudulent but the characters and laughs are genuine.

As a fan, I can’t tell you how amazing this news is. One fan even went as far as to deface St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City a few years ago writing: “God. Bring back Arrested Development.” Fortunately, his prayers have been answered.

So why not have a frozen banana and celebrate!

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Machine HeadUnto the locust MARTYN SIMPSON

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ere’s a picture for you: you are one of the top metal bands in the world; you have created an album that has been heralded as a work of art by the critics; you have just finished a mammoth world tour in support of that album. Where do you go from here?

That was the question that posed itself to Machine Head, whose 2007 album The Blackening is considered one of the definitive metal albums of the last decade, taking its place as a metal masterpiece along with Metallica’s Master of Puppets and Pantera’s A Vulgar Display of Power. Fast forward four years later, and the band have just released Unto the Locust, which still has the angry, rage filled songs that the rock and metal community has come to know and love from the band that have been doing this since 1994.

What makes this album so different? Machine Head seem to have evolved in their song-writing PAGE 26 Issue 25.indd 26

prowess by drafting various elements of classical music into their riff heavy melodies. One prime example of this is the opening track ‘I Am Hell (Sonata in C#)’, which not only uses such classical elements as Gregorian chants, but is also in three movements and could be said to be inspired by more progressive bands such as Rush. Other songs, such as ‘Be Still and Know’ and ‘Darkness Within’ borrow other traditional components from

had a playlist, then this album would definitely be on it.

The album is not completely flawless, however. In their attempt to draft in a bit of Pink Floyd to their sound, the band got their kids to sing on ‘Who We Are’. But it would be fair to say that the tuneless singing of the band’s children may be considered a blemish on an otherwise great album. Is this album going to prove as good, or maybe better than The Blackening? Only time will tell.

Unto the Locust is out now.

Machine Head play the SECC in Glasgow on December 5th with support from Bring Me The Horizon, Devildriver and Darkest Hour.

“If Lucifer himself had a playlist, then this album would definitely be on it.” classical guitars to a tapping riff that has the seamless flowing of Bach’s ‘Toccata and Fugue’.

However, you would be mistaken to think that just because the band has gone classical that they have gone soft. Songs such as ‘Locust’ and the oddly titled ‘Pearls before the Swine’ can only be described in one way: pure evil.

Vocalist Rob Flynn still has the ability to range from quiet anguish to demonic anger, while drummer Dave McClain plays like a man possessed (the album even has a cover of Rush’s ‘Witch Hunt’, in which McClain steps up well to cover Neil Peart’s near-impossible drumming skills). If Lucifer himself The Magdalen

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Entertainment 25/10/2011 20:55

Reviews KEVIN FULLERTON

Midnight in Paris

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oody Allen’s latest release sees a return to form for the famed neurotic weirdo of film comedy. Owen Wilson takes over the type of role Allen would have executed a few decades ago; an American screenwriter trying to finish his novel in the beloved city of romantic Paris.

While Wilson’s relationship with his cash-obsessed fiancée unravels, he unexpectedly finds a taxi that takes him back in time, every night to the famous literary circles of 1920s Paris.

It’s a charmingly silly flight of fancy from Allen packed with wit and amiability. Allen indulges his knowledge of 1920s culture to full effect here, packing the scenes with as many famous artists, writers, and film-makers from the era as he can.

Until this film, it had never before occurred to me that a joke about surrealist director Luis Buñuel could make me laugh, but it’s these strange witticisms, packed with intellect, permeate the film making it a joy to watch. Unfortunately, the scenes set in the present day are less effective. The characters in the past, famed for their specific quirks, allow Woody Allen to paint them as broadly as he likes and get away with it. However, this isn’t the case for his present day characters.

Instead, they become frustratingly caricatured, leaving you longing for Entertainment Issue 25.indd 27

Owen Wilson to step back into the past again and crack another joke with the pleasingly odd Salvador Dali.

Ultimately the film prevails as an extremely pleasant piece of comedy froth. At no instance does it try to make a point of any sort, and it seems unlikely to linger in the memory for too long after its release. With just the right amount of banter, Wilson plays the Allenesque leading role with confidence.

Midnight in Paris presents Woody Allen enthusing about a time he clearly loved, and his affection for the era is successfully apparent and equally contagious throughout the film.

Red State

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f Kevin Smith was a band he’d be Oasis; liked by many, loathed by so many more.

Indeed, his work since 1994’s smash-hit Clerks has been nothing if not divisive. This division quickly became one-sided come the early 2000s, when his films like Jersey Girl and Zack and Miri Make a Porno were both critical and commercial flops. The true nadir of his career, however, came in 2010 with the dismal Bruce Willis vehicle Cop Out, a true failure in almost every respect. In many ways it was easy to feel sorry for Smith’s career trajectory as he bounced from flop to flop, groping desperately for The Magdalen

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commercial success in the most haphazard of ways. But it’s always a mistake to assume that an artist in decline will remain that way and with Smith’s satirical horror Red State, we see a director reinvigorated by his new and daring direction.

The film revolves around a Westboro Baptist Church-like group of gun-loving fundamentalist Christians. They kidnap three teenagers by setting up a false sexual encounter with them via a Craigslist style website. But while the cult prepares to murder their victims, federal agents are sniffing around the religious compound after a tip-off on arms-smuggling, setting off a panicked and frantic fire fight between the agents and the religious zealots in scenes clearly heavily inspired by the Waco siege of 1993.

It’s a startling story to come from a filmmaker who usually concerns himself with weed and fart jokes, and thankfully it’s a gambit that pays off. Although hardly subtle, this satire of the Phelps family manages to be both deadly serious and bitingly funny all at once. It’s a film that illustrates the power a film can have when its director feels so passionately about the subject matter.

And although it’s far from perfect - the direction feels undisciplined at times and a few of the characters aren’t well-developed enough to care about – it feels like a step in the right direction for a filmmaker who looked like he was stuck in a rut.

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ART

Littleradge Interview ANA HINE

Liam Dryden in the Starbucks on Princes Street, Edinburgh. Photograph by Ana Hine

Who are you? y name’s Liam Dryden. I’m a video blogger on YouTube, and I’m twenty-one years old. I’m also a student at Edinburgh Napier University.

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Do you find it odd for yourself to be interviewable?

I can see that it’s a growing a media form that’s been amassing a lot of new interest. It only makes sense that other forms, like magazines and newspapers, would take an interest in it. I mean, it is strange, but in a way it’s sort of to be expected.

Explain YouTube to anyone who doesn’t know.

It’s a video sharing website for uploading videos for… showing, basically. It can be somewhere you go to talk about your life and share with your family, or somewhere you go to put your music to get it out there, or things like that. It is, in its own sense, an artform, or at least that’s what it is on its way to becoming.

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When you first got into it, you used it more as an online diary/ social networking site?

It was more of an experiment for me because people were already doing that (video blogging and things). I saw a few that were featured on the front page and that’s what got me interested. I was asking myself – why do people watch this? Why are people interested in this? So I decided to try it out firsthand.

When I first started I was just posting updates about my life.

Then I started to make it a bit more humorous, sketches and jokes and whatever. People started to get more interested in me, I became a part of this huge community. I had a small group of friends, we started doing our channels together. From there it has just developed and escalated. It’s been a lot of fun.

Where do you see independent video making going in the future?

It’s impossible to predict, because you don’t know where the site’s going to go, which route technology is going to take us next, so it is very ambiguous. [The current popularity of independent video making] could just be a fad that fades away. I think it’s important to just enjoy it while it lasts.

Independent video making isn’t exactly a new thing, what’s different/special about the online incarnation?

I guess now people have a platform to share it on.

You’re using Final Cut Pro now, which is an industry standard.

And you do your own filming, your own scriptwriting?

Yep, that’s right. I have started scripting things a lot more often than I used to.

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What will you be doing then?

I’d like to be doing something on a more professional level. I don’t really know about my career prospects, I’m still trying to figure that out. Whether I end up doing something in acting, preferably not presenting, although that might be something I’ll become more interested in in the future… something in that kind of field of expertise.

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Are there any areas of filmmaking that stand out as things you aren’t interested in pursuing?

I’m more comfortable on camera than I am doing all the other things.

I used to edit back in the day with Windows Movie Maker which was just the default program on Windows computers and I learned a lot of technical tricks, plug ins and things for that. It’s just a case of learning and practising with Final Cut and hopefully that’s something I’ll become a lot more skilled in.

But I don’t know if editing would be something I’d like to pursue professionally.

You did acting at secondary school?

Yeah that was mostly just school plays, musicals, I was a member of the drama club. That was something I really enjoyed at the time. Moving onto uni I haven’t really had that much of a chance to really explore that. I guess that’s what this whole YouTube thing is about – finding an outlet for that.

not so snappy that I can wait for an audience to laugh. I don’t really do music by myself, I’ve been writing a few things here and there just when I’m bored, but I don’t think I’d be ready to do something like that by myself. I tend to rely on a team, group, or a cast.

Have you ever thought about working for the BBC, or something like that?

That is something I’d be interested in doing, I know a lot of people who have done stuff for the BBC in the past and have BBC connections. I guess I just have so many things on my plate. Living here is enough of a hindrance, it kind of holds me back from doing things like that for the time being. But it is something I’d be interested in doing in the future, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Swedish cinema, post-WW1 sort of stuff, so it’s all still quite silent and things. I never really gave silent film much thought before and it is quite interesting to look at the history of the media, I suppose.

And the kind of lighting and camera techniques used in older movies are radically different from what we see now?

That’s right. It’s kind of budget related, especially when you take into account how much it cost to have one camera in a country in those days. So the story has to be told in a much different way. If you have no audio either, and little dialogue, then the acting has to be more expressive.

Do you find yourself thinking about those things when you’re making a video?

You’ve still got two more years of Well I look at my other videos and I University, right? see comments people have written Three, if you count this one. When [on YouTube you can comment I transferred I went back into first on a video to provide feedback] year, mainly because I didn’t want and I see the kind of thing that to miss anything and didn’t want to has drawn someone there. People be thrown into the deep end. will quote lines back, as in ‘this Do you see yourself as a line made me laugh’ so I try and performer?

“I’m really awkward in most cases. A lot of make sure there’s a few Sometimes. I’m really awkward practise and editing makes me feel more at of them in the videos, in most cases. A lot of practise or things that people home with the performing.” and editing makes me feel can make gif. files out more at home with the of to put on Tumblr [an performing. It is something that I Since you’re studying English interactive blogging site]. enjoy doing.

Lit and Film at University, do I try and make people laugh you learn things that help your at least every second jump cut, Do you do any live performing videos? although I base it on what I think is anymore?

I’m more of a literature student funny. You can’t determine straight Not so much, with the time and and that’s not really the field I do away what other people are going things I haven’t really had the video stuff in at all. If I was doing to enjoy, but that’s one of the great chance. I intended to join the something like Photography and things about YouTube that you drama society at Napier, and I went Film, something with a more have the feedback. The feedback to two or three meetings, but it just practical element, then that would helps learn and grow, knowing wasn’t for me. It just didn’t feel right. be a lot more helpful – I’d be using what people like about your stuff And I don’t think I have the time something like Final Cut a lot and what they don’t. to do it anyway along with all the sooner than now.

But then there’s also this sense other things I’m working on. of entitlement that viewers have, But you’re doing Film too; surely where they think you’re just there Would you consider performing that influences your video to entertain them and you’re not a at something like the Edinburgh making? real person. That’s one thing that Fringe?

Well yeah, kind of. What we’re kind of hurts me and one thing I try It’s not really something I’ve doing at the moment is a module to show is not the case. thought of cause I’ve never called ‘Film Histories’ so we’re considered myself very good at basically working our way up stand up. A lot of my jokes and the timeline of film. Right now View Liams videos at: http://www. things rely on quick fire editing. It’s we’re somewhere in the late ‘30s, youtube.com/user/littleradge Art Issue 25.indd 29

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ART

‘Burdens of Load’ Eric Roelen, and Mann, Lewandowski, and Charlesworth

Review:

TOM COLQUHOUN

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Untitled (breaking points) by Charlesworth, Lewandowski, and Mann. Photograph by Tom Colquhoun

ome of you may already be familiar with the ‘Generator Projects’ gallery in Dundee.

If not, check it out. (walk up Perth Road from the college, turn right at Vintage Strings, it’s first on the left.)

At the time of writing, the space is exhibiting ‘Burdens Of Load’, a collaborative effort between the London collective Charlesworth, Lewandowski, and Mann, with Eric Roelen.

C, L&M are Londoners, known for their technical proficiency and raw approach to the intricacies of installation. Drawing inspiration from a load tester used in the reconstruction of the Tay Bridge in 1887 the trio decided to focus on the industrial past of Dundee, creating video and sound installation pieces which evoke the power and weight of their subject matter. Joining them is Eric Roelen, from Rotterdam, who takes the idea of load and stress and has created two complementary pieces, which sit as part of the exhibition.

All this I ascertained from volunteer and committee member Stephen Bloe who turned up outside the gallery around the same time I did. He explained that

the gallery was closed for the day, but kindly agreed to power up the exhibition for me and my camera.

Stephen and artist James Bell were in to fix the video piece Untitled (breaking points), made from a reconstructed computer monitor housed in a plywood case. After creeping back the next day to take a peek, I have to say it looked cool.

Facing this, Parallel Imponderability, , the larger of Roelen’s two pieces, dominated the room. Three L-shaped frames covered by tight stretched polyurethane. Bloe explained to me that Roelen took inspiration both from the recent construction of a skatepark (the pieces are reminiscent of quarter-pipes) and the idea that in the process of greenscreening for TV, a similarly shaped white background is used, in his words, ‘to represent infinity’.

Playing with this idea Roelen has created a very powerful and dominant ridge of pieces, arranged in a slapdash way (as indeed the whole exhibition purposefully appears to have been).

In the adjacent room, I was met by three objects. The first (and least imposing or noticeable) was what appeared to be a bin, but on

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closer inspection revealed itself to be a flat sheet of board bent into a U-shape and held there by the tension of the single green binbag encasing it. Visually and thematically it is the counterpart to Parallel Imponderability, while continuing the arch-theme of tension and load.

Finally I turned to the object that had captured my attention from the start, Charlesworth, Lewandowski, and Mann’s Untitled.

When the cd player was returned to the start, I was greeted by a roar of noise and the crackling of fire. Over various industrial and atmospheric noises I was treated to several minutes of monologues.

The soundscape radiated power, drama and authority, and definitely left an imprint in my mind.

This month Generator will be presenting a group showing by recent Glasgow graduates Graham Kelly, Michael Kent, Laura Smith & Rebecca Wilcox. The preview is on Friday 11th November. Exhibition is 12th Nov - 11th Dec. DCA is currently hosting a Torsten Lauschmann exhibition right now. GO TO IT! Art 25/10/2011 20:55

FASHION

X-Factor Glam MEGAN HUTTON-SMITH

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ith the X Factor now in full swing, it’s not the contestants’ performances, or the backstage gossip, that have caused excitement; it’s the outfits. With such strong characters spread amongst the panel it’s no shock to see each of them try and outdo one another on the live shows, competing not just through vocals but fashion.

The main focus falls upon the two female judges: N-Dubz star Tulisa and US singer Kelly Rowland, who both readily stepped into the shoes of former judges, style icons Cheryl Cole and Danni Minogue.

Each week the audience is treated to a spectacular diva-esque fashion standoff.

We’ve already been shown an array of outfits from the audition stages, with clear distinctions between Kelly and Tulisa already forming.

Kelly epitomises the classic high maintenance and high drama that is LA style, favouring clean cut structures and block colours, she clearly has set a high standard for Fashion Issue 25.indd 31

Tulisa to meet. The ‘Strong Again’ singer has, to her credit, stepped up to the plate with ease. With a quirky take on contemporary fashion, Tulisa fuses urban street style with classic glamour to create a simple yet alluring overall look. It would seem that the two are creating two sophisticated, yet obtainable styles.

The live shows not only ask those on stage to deliver a great performance, the judges now too are feeling the pressure to deliver a knock-out wardrobe. Week One of the live shows on Saturday brought us Tulissa in a simple and chic bandage dress which flaunted her trim figure, whereas Kelly failed to provide the much anticipated glamour when she rocked an eccentric skater skirted dress which resembled an Irish dancing costume more than LA glamour.

Sunday’s show, however, salvaged Kelly’s previous poor performance when she regained her fashionista diva title with an elegant full length sequined dress. Tulissa kept it short and sweet with a metallic mini-dress.

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The competition continues into Week Two and it seemed as if Kelly was coming out on top in the fashion war when she triumphed over Tulissa’s full length vampy number with a sophisticated and simple side swept skirt, matched with the simplistic look of nude heels. Sunday took another turn though; with both Kelly and Tulissa adopting a more risqué choice of garment, leaving little to the imagination in low cuts and plunging necklines, it seemed as if the focus of the show was the battle of the cleavages between the two rather than the actual acts. Kelly wore a floor length black dress with sheer panelling which showed off her ample assets, whilst Tulissa opted for a ballerina styled dress with a full skirted tutu paired with a low cut design, showing her cleavage.

As the competition heats up and contestants continue to battle to come out on top, it’s safe to say that the fashion war between Tulissa and Kelly is far from ending anytime soon.

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Player Profile NAME: CHARLOTTE SCAFEE MCAFEE 1. What sport do you play?

I am a part of the University’s Canoe club and as part of it play kayak polo.

2. Where do you train?

We have two pool sessions each week and starting this year, now also have polo training at City Quay most weekends.

3. How do you socialize with your teammates?

After pool sessions most of us head to our sponsor’s pub to socialise. Also since everyone in the club is really friendly and get on well together, we go on many nights out as well.

4. Is it hard to have a balance between your studies and your sport?

Personally I don’t find it difficult to balance my studies and kayaking, but then I like to think I am quite an organised person.

5. What is the best part of being in the Canoe club?

Although I do really enjoy kayaking and particularly playing polo, the best thing about the Canoe club for me is all the friends I’ve made through being a part of it.

6. What influenced you to begin this sport?

Last year when I started Uni, I really just wanted to try out a new sport. I went along to the ‘give it a go’ session and really enjoyed myself. It was fun experience and the people were really friendly and from then I just kept going back for more and more.

CLARE MCCAUGHEY

Player of the Month Jennifer Green (Tennis Club-Girl’s 1st Captain) Despite only being in 2nd year, Jennifer has progressed through the club to become girls captain.

To nominate a player from your team, contact Clare at themagdalen@dusa.co.uk

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Competition For your chance to win a Sports Union beanie hat, answer the following question on our facebook page:www.facebook.com/ themagdalen Q. Who won the title of ‘Sports Club of the Year’ in the academic session of 2010-11?

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JOKE CORNER Why did the chicken cross the basketball court?

Because it heard the referee was blowing fouls.

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NFL:

Cam “the man?”

Newton GREG SMITH

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ast year in the NFL, the Carolina Panthers hit rock bottom. They were 2-14 and one of the worst teams in the league. In the 2010 NFL Draft, the Panthers drafted Quarterback Jimmy Clausen in the 2nd round hoping he was their Quarterback of the future. Unfortunately for them, he was not. Clausen finished the year with a Quarterback rating (QBR) of 58.4 and a Touchdown to Interception ratio of 3-9.

Due to their lacklustre season, the Panthers acquired the no.1 overall pick in the 2011 Draft and with that pick, they chose 2010 Heisman Trophy winning Auburn Quarterback, Cam Newton.

The NFL Lockout was in full force during the 2011 Draft which didn’t help any of the recently drafted rookies, because of this Sports

Issue 25.indd 33

they missed crucial practice time and other off-season programmes that could seriously hinder their development. In early August, it was decided Cam Newton would start for the Panthers in Week 1 of the 2011 Season against the Arizona Cardinals. No one could have predicted the outcome of that game, other than the loss of course.

Under center for the first time in his NFL career, Cam stunned critics and fans throughout the NFL. Newton was 24-37 passing, throwing for 422 yards, 2 touchdowns and only a single interception. Although the Panthers did not come away with the win, it was clear that the organization had found their franchise Quarterback.

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yards, torching Indianapolis Colts Quarterback Peyton Manning’s rookie performance. A week later, Newton did it again, only this time against the reigning champion Green Bay Packers. He broke his own record by throwing for 432 yards and is the only rookie in History to have two back to back 400 yard passing in a game.

Cam is currently 4th in passing yards in the NFL with 1847 in only six starts behind Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady. It is only the beginning of Week 7 of the NFL and Cam is on pace for a 4,000 yard season and would be the only Rookie Quarterback in history to achieve that in his debut year.

The Panthers are not likely to make the playoffs this year but with Cam as their Quarterback, the wait won’t be long.

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Never heard of Korfball?....

ASHLEY DORNING

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The Korfball Dundee Team. Photograph by Mary Cooper

either had I until a month ago- now I’m addicted. A Dutch invention, Korfball was created in 1902 by a school sports teacher who wanted a game that both the girls and boys could play together. It is now popular across Britain and played in 57 countries. Here in Scotland there are Korfball teams in St Andrews, Glasgow, and EdinburghEdinburgh University alone has 4 teams. Now Dundee has quickly established a team for itself.

A fast paced ball game requiring bursts of energy, Korfball is a mixed sex game analogous to basketball and netball. Teams are separated into attackers and defenders; girls mark the girls, and the boys mark the boys. The winning team is that which scores the most goals by shooting the ball through a basket three and a half meters high.

Attackers and defenders of each team stay at separate halves of the

court, and switch roles every two goals. Korfball is typically played in two halves of 30 minutes, with a break of 10 minutes in-between.

Unlike Basketball, there is no dribbling, although a running-in shot is feasible.

The main rule is that you cannot shoot when being actively defended; meaning your defender is between you and the goal, facing you, and within touching distance.

This creates a very tactical element to the game as the attackers attempt to out-manoeuvre the defenders.

The attacking team pass the ball between each other and can shoot from anywhere in the halfeven from the space available behind the goal. The attackers put distance between themselves and their defender to gain a scoring opportunity, often performing set-moves designed to out-play the opposition. If the defenders win the

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ball, the game quickly switches and the ball is passed to the attackers in the other half. While this may sound a bit complicated, it soon becomes clear when watching a game.

Mary and Nigel Cooper brought Korfball with them when they moved to Dundee after previously managing a team in England. Their enthusiasm is infectious and I was soon coerced into trying it out for myself. The atmosphere in the Dundee Korfball club is light and encouraging. The club is a mix of everyone- males and females; student’s and non-students. This openness has created a team that doesn’t feel cliquey, and is comfortable for beginners.

So if you missed trying out a sport during the opening weeks of term, or are looking for something a bit different, why not give it a go?

It’s fun and great exercise. Visit http://www.dundee.korfball.org.

Sports 25/10/2011 20:55

MA Hons for Dundee Rector Last week Dundee’s twelfth Rector, Brian Cox, was awarded Martial Arts Honours to go alongside the CBE, honorary doctorate and wealth other accolades he has collected in the past few years.

Brian, who used the notoriety of films such as X-Men to raise money for the Diabetes Research Centre at the University, became Rector in the spring of last year.

The actor was presented with an honorary black belt by Dundee Karate Club coach and Scottish Karate Association chairman Sensei Ian Rennie (6th Dan). Karate Club Captain, Mark McCall (1st Dan) and Captain of Events, Stephanie Kerr (1st Dan) were both alongside just in case anything kicked off.

The belt was awarded in The Union, and the Karate Club are happy to note that Brian didn’t have to fight any students for it.

Even still, we might see some of Sensei Rennie’s skills in Brian’s next film.

Sports Union News

Dundee Men’s Hockey in Nail-Biting Comeback as SU President cheers on An early fixture in Aberdeen meant a hurried bus journey, followed by a rushed Captain’s speech. After pushback Dundee went two goals down due to some fortuitous passes and some sloppy goalkeeping. The game could have ended very differently if, in the first half, Tom Beatty and Alex McKeown hadn’t combined to help pull one goal back before the conclusion of the first half. It was great attacking play breaking from inside our own half ending with Alex inside the opposition ‘D’ thundering the ball low past the keeper’s left.

The goal lifted team morale, and after an Al Pacino style half time team-talk from Captain Beatty, the team was fired up and ready to dominate the second half; ball Sports Issue 25.indd 35

pace, passing and movement all improved dramatically. A short corner early in the first half sealed a second goal for Dundee with Milin Raja scoring after with a cheeky jab tackle on the goalkeeper.

The third goal was quick to follow. Goal-seeker, centre back, Milin Raja tackled an Aberdeen midfielder then beat off two defenders to score from the tightest of angles, taking both teams (and potentially himself) by surprise.

From here on Dundee continued The Magdalen

NO. 25 - NOV 2011

to play their attacking hockey to seal the win; Captain Beatty made it 4-2 with a clinical finish from deep inside the Aberdeen ‘D’. Alex McKeown was awarded Man of the Match for a sweetly struck reverse that flew past the keeper making it 5-2.

Dundee Hydro Thunder return to Aberdeen again next week for a cup match against RGU and will be looking for a similar result. Hopefully this time without conceding two goals first.

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adverstise here - themagdalen@dusa.co.uk Issue 25.indd 36

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