M AG DA L E N Free Student Magazine
ISSUE 54
Beautiful Little Time Bombs
Aussie Rules
Waiting to explode or,
Some impromptu life
more accurately, implode.
lessons from the other side of the world.
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In Memoriam of
Connor Craig It seems to be a common practice that people generally receive a posthumous sainthood when they die, but I don’t believe anyone who knew him could accuse me of rewriting history when I say that Connor was one of the soundest guys you could ever get to meet. There were no limits to his kindness and capacity to be there for others; among many things he was a friend with a car, a monster-fuelled late night library sesh partner, a shoulder to cry on, a wise cracker, an entrepreneur, a pillar of virtue and lightness. And for all the people he managed to touch, our souls are going to hang a little bit heavier without him around. Rest in peace dear chap, we all love and miss you so so much.
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul. In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed. Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid. It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley
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ISSUE 54 Editor’s Letter
Editors
Hello. (It’s me.) No, not Adele – although I am working on perfecting that winged
Editor in Chief
eyeliner look. The ‘me’ here is Rebecca, and I am delighted to announce myself as the
Rebecca Baird
new Editor in Chief of this wonderful magazine.
Andrew Stewart
For those of you who followed the utter beautification of the Magdalen Magazine
Deputy Editors
through the editorial reign of my awesome predecessor, Andrew Stewart, I extend
Kate McAuliffe
a huge thank you for your readership and hope I can continue to live up to your Art & Entertainment Editors
expectations.
Patrick O’Donnell I’m incredibly excited to begin my journey here at the Magdalen, with the support of
Francesca Reid
an amazing new editorial team and a badass group of designers to boot. We have some big shoes to fill, but I reckon we have some talented feet in friendly socks to fill
Current Affairs Editor
them with, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve.
Euan Forbes
So without further ado, let me introduce you to Issue 54! Turn to page 28 to Gaze
Enterprise Editor
into new realms of research, or look at the Beautiful Little Time Bombs that are your
Vladimir Ghita
childhood stars on page 13. I may be saying hello, but this issue is saying goodbye to the semester, and looking into the past with a response to Issue 52’s controversial
Design Editor
opinion piece on the Junior Doctor contracts on page 24.
Hazel Wyllie
On a solemn note, I would like to extend a goodbye to Connor Craig, an APCP student
Fashion Editor
at DJCAD who sadly passed away in March. On behalf of the Magdalen, I offer our
Sarah Doig
sincerest condolences to his friends and family. Lifestyle Editor Also, a sad farewell to Magda-veteran, Leona Reid, who recently passed away
Lauren Copeland
peacefully at home after battling with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I didn’t know Leona, but her absence is truly felt here at the Magdalen; on behalf of the magazine, we are
Science Editor
grateful to have been a part of her too-short life.
Victor Chamosa Pino
And so to those in mourning, those leaving university to face the world, and those who
Sports Editor
have made this magazine so great before me, I leave you with the wise words of Albus
Alasdair Hooper
Dumbledore as we all make our way into unknown futures:
“Let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.”
Rebecca Baird Editor in Chief
Published By
Printed By
Dominic Younger, VPCC
The Magazine Printing Company
DUSA, Airlie Place, Dundee, DD1 4PH
www.magprint.co.uk
vpcc@dusa.co.uk 01 Issue 54.indd 3
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ISSUE 54 Creative Director’s Letter
Design Team
It’s that time of year again. The Easter eggs have been consumed. Hair is being pulled
Creative Director
out, all-nighters are common and we all look forward to the arrival of stress busting
Monica Dunne
puppies on campus (though I’m not against kittens too!). Yes, it’s exam time. I’m sure you’ve done all you can to do as well as you can, and I sincerely hope you get the
Asst. Creative Directors
grades you’re hoping for.
Ali Elliott Laura Gelston
Then after exams, it’s Summer. That mythical, far-off world where the sun is out and we aren’t freezing our proverbial tits off. Saying that, Dundee never fails to amaze me
Designers
with its incredibly unusual climate; I didn’t expect to need sunglasses a day after a
Rachel Alexander
snowstorm. Seriously, though, the summer break is a great opportunity to recuperate
Zoe Broughton
after a long and laborous semester. It’s the perfect time for a holiday. Last year, I used
Sandra Campbell
it to go to South Africa with VESA, an amazing organisation that gives uni students the
Amy Collier
opportunity to travel and contribute to countries all around the world. It’s probably the
Rhianne Connelly
best thing I’ve ever done, check them out! Ok, so I did get nibbled by a baby cheetah,
Grace Cunningham
and yeah, I might have got a thorn through my foot, but hey, it’s an conversation
Ali Elliott
starter I guess? Apart from that, the memories and friends I made were incredible and
Alice Farquhar
it wasn’t just a holiday, we made a real difference there.
Laura Gelston Fabio Maragno
In saying that, sometimes it’s just as great to lounge in the sun doing nothing. I think
Kieran McMaster
over this past winter, I’ve gone past pale and become translucent - I’m definitely
Kenny Meek
looking forward to having a bit of a tan. It’s a long time to be away from uni, this
Dawn Neely
holiday. You might be going back to live with your family during that time, or staying in
Alanna Zimbhel
the city. Whatever you’re doing, I hope it’s great. Cover Designer And finally, from myself and my design team, we wish you the very best of luck with
Alice Farquhar
exams and studying. If you’d like to know who I am or what I look like, I’ll be the first person in line for the puppies.
This month’s cover was beautifully designed by Alice Farquhar - her illustrations are always on point.
Monica Dunne Creative Director
Contributors List Alasdair Hooper, Andrew Stewart, DARE Dundee, Elena Hall, Francesca Reid, Heather Gordon, Holly Hustad, Ines Mette-Belkebla, Isabella H. Impesi, James Russell, Lauren Copeland, Leona Reid, Meritxell Grau, Michelle Villa, Patrick O’Donnell, Sarah Doig, Simone Kortung, Sophie Boswell.
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CONTENTS Opinion
Current Affairs 06 - 08
To Stay or Remain
24 - 26
Not Fair Not Safe
Creative Writing
Science
09
28 - 29
Our Deepest Gaze
30 - 31
Paralysis Reversal
33 - 35
A Case for Fossil Fuel
Blackberry
Enterprise 10 - 11
Enterprise Gym: Jamie Oliver
Divestment
36 - 37
The Future of Scientific Research
Entertainment 13 - 15
Beautiful Little Time Bombs
16 - 17
What Happened to
Societies 38 - 39
Do You DARE?
Miss Simone?
Fashion 18 - 19
Sports 3 Jackets to See You
40 - 41
into Summer
MixedLacrosse
43 - 45
Lifestyle
Club Feature:
The European Super League
21 - 23
Aussie Rules
Reviews 46 - 49
Opsoc Review: Heathers
JOIN US! Issue 54.indd 5
Email themagdalen@dusa.co.uk or go to dusamedia.com/magdalen for more information.
03/05/2016 11:01
In Memoriam of
Leona Reid It is with a heavy heart that I find myself writing these words of goodbye to two members of our student body, Connor Craig and Leona Reid. I would like to dedicate this, my final issue of the Magdalen to both Connor and Leona, both taken from us too soon. I did not know Connor personally, but the sheer volume of love and condolences from across campus after his death illustrated how dear he was to so many of us. My personal condolences and those of the entire Magdalen team go out to his family and friends during this hard time and a message and poem from a close friend can be found on the first page of this magazine. Leona Reid was one of the most inspiring and genuinely kind people I have ever met and worked with in my time and I am proud to say we were friends. She was always so positive, turning any negative situation into something you can learn or grow from. We chose and republished the article on the next page from the February 2015 ‘Love’ Issue from Leona’s time as Fashion Editor of The Magdalen to show just this. The message that it doesn’t matter what other people think of you, so long as you love yourself stands strong, and it is one I will always remember. ‘Haters gonna hate <3’. I first met Leona in October of 2014 when I joined the Magdalen as Science Editor and she the Fashion Editor. We quickly became friends, with similar passions for notepads (that time you bought new notebooks for The Magdalen and you got excited and Instagrammed them), to-do lists, Titanic, road trips and Taylor Swift (although we disagreed on her best album), among many others. Over the countless coffee dates and so many random Facebook messages (2,525, I counted) it became so clear how kind you were, reminding me to have a positive attitude and telling me the weird things I do are ok, because it is subjective. Words can’t express how so very sad I am that we didn’t have longer for our friendship to grow, that we won’t have any more spontaneous latte’s or road trips and that we won’t have the strangest Facebook conversations again. I am so sorry you had to fight such an awful illness at such a young age. My sincerest of condolences go to your family and friends, and to them I can’t stress enough how much of a positive life force Leona was, not just in my life but in the lives of those close to her. I dedicated my Editor’s Letter in October 2015 to Leona when we first found out about her illness and quoted Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States. I would like to requote this for her family and friends in this difficult time: ‘Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength’
Andrew Stewart Editor in Chief The Magdalen
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Fashion
DRESS TO IMPRESS
YOURSELF
This article was first published in February 2015 and
As we all know, there is an absolute plethora of rules
has been republished in memory of our late friend,
and regulations out there governing what we (men and
Fashion Editor and Deputy Editor in Chief, Leona Reid.
women) cannot wear - everyone has an opinion on it.
T
he month of February would probably seem like the
I myself have been guilty of it in the past. For women
right time for all of us here at the fashion section to
there are strict guidelines on ‘how to dress for your body
pitch in our two cents and let you all know exactly what
type’. There are warnings to cover up in order to not give
you should be wearing this upcoming Valentine’s Night.
the impression that you’re ‘easy’; but then we mustn’t
However, I felt like taking a different approach in this
cover up too much or we risk coming across as ‘uptight’.
‘love’ issue. Of course I am by no means undermiming
Whereas for men the ultimate goal seems to be a sort of
the concept of giving fashion advice or talking about it
‘unintentional perfection’; no one likes a guy who spends
and celebrating it - I’m a huge fan of all these things.
too much time in front of the mirror as that kind of
But for this one night of the year when a lot of the focus
vanity is reserved for girls, obviously.
is on being with that one special person and dressing
Double standards such as these do nothing for our self-
for them, I think it’s high time we all readdressed the
worth or our self-love so kick ‘em to the curb.
idea of self-love, and in particular the idea of dressing to please ourselves.
In the end we can all wear whatever the hell we want, and when we’re doing it for ourselves - well, that’s what
DOUBLE STANDARDS SUCH AS THESE DO NOTHING FOR OUR SELF-WORTH OR OUR SELF-LOVE SO KICK ‘EM TO THE CURB I am very aware that this is not the most original or
it’s all about. So whatever you’ve got planned to wear on Valentine’s night, be it a gorgeous jaw-dropping dress or a pair of old PJs accompanied by unbrushed hair and a Netflix marathon (holla), don’t forget that you’re a stunner and to love yourself for it. Haters gonna hate <3.
Leona Reid
ground-breaking thought, but I firmly believe it cannot be emphasised enough. Since this issue aims to celebrate the diversity of love, I see it as the perfect opportunity to slip in a little reminder of how important it is to love ourselves.
e,
t ea gr k t! oo u l nigh o o y t me om r f ve xx lo xx rm
a de
05 Issue 54.indd 7
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Current Affairs
STAY REMAIN TO
OR
With the EU Referendum just months away Ines Mette-Belkebla takes a no nonsense look behind the issue for The Magdalen.
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Current Affairs
O
n June 23rd, the UK will vote on whether to stay
guess at best. An EU member state exiting the EU is
in or leave the European Union. British, Irish and
unprecedented. Nobody knows how the situation would
Commonwealth citizens currently living in the UK as well
evolve, but somehow multiple media outlets have been
as British citizens who have lived abroad for less than
headlining the facts of Brexit. According to which side
15 years will be able to vote on the issue. This leaves
one stands on, any data can be turned to one’s
out two groups susceptible of voting to remain in the
advantage which gives way to distorted, exaggerated
EU, British citizens who have lived for 15 years or more
and sometimes even made-up facts.
in another EU member state and EU citizens currently living in Britain.
One of the most speculated about facts is the British contribution to the EU budget. The UK is a net
Why the vote? The UK does not want the euro currency,
contributor which means that it contributes more than it
it does not want to contribute to any future Eurozone
receives. Leavers claim that the UK contribution is unfair,
bailouts and it wants a veto over EU legislation that it does not like. It also wants different rules on in-work benefits for non-UK citizens working in the UK. The EU for its part, although wanting to keep the UK in the EU, is worried about setting a dangerous precedent that could lead to other member states demanding their own deal.
Following a Brexit, the EU’s GDP would decrease by 15%. And that’s where it gets a bit tricky.
What would happen if the UK was to leave the EU? It is fairly easy to estimate what the economic consequences
in comparison with other EU member states, at £20
would be for the EU. The UK currently contributes 5.8
billion a year – or £55m a day. It should be noted that
per cent of the EU’s operating budget, which means
this represents the gross amount. The rebate won by
that following a Brexit, the EU’s GDP would decrease by
Margaret Thatcher in 1984 and the money the EU spends
15 per cent. And that’s where it gets a bit tricky. What
in the UK have to be deducted, as well as the funnelling
would happen to the 2m people from other EU countries
of foreign-aid spending via Brussels, which amounts to a
currently living in the UK or the 1.2m UK citizens living
net payment of about £6.2 billion a year – or £17m a day,
in the rest of the EU? What would be the impact on the
a number considerably smaller. Where Britain’s contri-
British economy and politics? Would it lead to a second
butions rank against others contributions is also up for
referendum on Scottish independence? The simple truth
debate with some media outlets claiming that the UK
is answers to these questions constitute an educated
makes the 2nd biggest contribution to the EU budget,
07 Issue 54.indd 9
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Current Affairs
whilst for others it makes the 4th biggest or even the
then again, these numbers, although fairly accurate,
8th biggest. The only thing they seem to agree on is that
leave room for anyone to pick and choose which is more
Germany makes the biggest contribution.
convenient to use in their argument.
Another sticking point is the number of jobs that would
Finally many media outlets seem to be getting their data
be affected by a Brexit. Pro-EU voices sometimes claim
from the same source: Open Europe. Open Europe is a
that more than 3 million trade dependent jobs would be
think-tank which was launched in 2005 â&#x20AC;&#x153;to contribute
endangered, implying that all trade with the EU would
positive new thinking to the debate about the future
stop. Indeed a new trade deal would have to be drafted
direction of the European Unionâ&#x20AC;?, which provides
but how long that would take is currently unknown.
analysis and ideas on the politics and economy of the EU. It has declared itself to be neutral in the Brexit
Pro-EU voices sometimes claim that more than 3 million trade dependent jobs would be endangered, implying that all trade with the EU would stop.
debate. However, the think-tank has historically been labelled as Eurosceptic and its former director, Mats Persson, became the special adviser to Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015 after leaving Open Europe.
A vote to leave the EU would be a step into the unknown. This is made much more daunting for the facts themselves cannot really be trusted or simply do not
The impact of a Brexit on the British economy can be
exist. The consequences on EU and British citizens, with
reasonably estimated at a 2.2 per cent lower UK GDP in
a vote to remain or for Brexit, we can only guess.
a worst case scenario and a 1.6 per cent higher UK GDP in a best case scenario. A more realistic range would be
Ines Mette-Belkebla
a loss of 0.8 per cent up to a gain of 0.6 per cent. But
08 Issue 54.indd 10
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Creative Writing
Blackberry She put it between her lips and carefully played with it. Her tongue keeping the fruit at the edge of her mouth; her lips tight, while the lipstick was slightly coming off. The blackberry contrasted with the soft pink shade framing her teeth. She looked at me, challenge written on her eyes; slyness on the smile that she could still draw with the sweet fruit in her mouth. I could tell the fruit was soft; it looked like it was about to melt on the tip of her tongue. A dirty game, yet nicely played.
Her tongue moved, agile, stopping the fruit from falling. She pushed it inside and bite it. The juice quickly stained her white teeth and the succulent blackberry slowly degraded. Purple drops were dripping down her lower lip, finding their way down her chin. She was still smiling, sweeter than the blackberry, now bringing her fingers to her face to stop the juice from reaching further down her neck. With the back of her left hand she wiped off the juice. The colour of the lipstick mixed with the purple of the fruit all around her mouth. She put her hand away from her face and looked straight into my eyes. She stole my soul there and now. She winked, showed off her purple tongue and walked out.
I stood there, behind the camera that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to have bothered her at all and I appreciated what a masterpiece she had become.
Meritxell Grau
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Enterprise
Always thought Jamie Oliver was a cool chap? This might be your lucky chance to meet him.
10 Issue 54.indd 12
Simone Kortung Online and Social Media Leader The Enterprise Gym
03/05/2016 11:01
Enterprise
You, the University of Dundee students, have voted for
Starting out in his parents’ pub, Jamie’s career took an
your favourite entrepreneur in the University of Dundee
impressive turn after being discovered at the workplace
Students’ Choice for Entrepreneur of the Year 2015. The
by the BBC. Nowadays ‘Jamie Oliver’ is a brand associ-
campaign, which was initiated by The Enterprise Gym
ated with simplicity and quality, just like Jamie’s culinary
and DUSA supported by SIE, aims to bring one very suc-
style, which you can get a taste of in Jamie’s Italian
cessful British entrepreneur in front of Dundee’s students
Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen - three out of Jamie’s
to share their success story. The Enterprise Gym, SIE and
nearly 50 restaurants globally.
DUSA believe that entrepreneurship and innovation play a key role in today’s society.
However, whilst becoming one of the richest and most influential people in the UK, Jamie remained down to earth and still resides in Essex, where he was born and
Jamie is truly one of a kind; His expertise, passion and positive can-do attitude are what make Jamie a successful entrepreneur and much adored celebrity.
raised, with his wife and four children. In-between being a celebrity chef, restaurateur, family man and strong advocate for food education, Jamie is truly one of a kind; His expertise, passion and positive can-do attitude are what make Jamie a successful entrepreneur and much adored celebrity. Most popular for his various appearances on TV and numerous published cooking books, the charming 40-year-old Brit has cooked his way right into our hearts - and notably impacted the majority of
By seizing opportunities and creating wealth, entre-
the voters.
preneurs inspire others to follow their journey and thus enrich our communities. Jamie Oliver (37%) won against
Jamie has now been informed about the outcome of
Richard Branson (32%) in a close race for the award,
the campaign and we sincerely hope he will be able to
with Duncan Bannatyne (13%) coming in third and Debo-
come to Dundee to accept the prize in person, meet the
rah Meaden (11%) fourth.
voters, and give a speech on campus later this year.
Follow The Enterprise Gym on Facebook or Twitter to be amongst the first to hear about Jamie’s response to being awarded University of Dundee Students’ Choice for Entrepreneur of the Year 2015! facebook.com/EnterpriseGym twitter.com/Enterprise_Gym or register via www.enterprise-gym.com to get email updates.
11 Issue 54.indd 13
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Issue 54.indd 14
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Entertainment
THE TROUBLE WITH CHILD STARS
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Entertainment
The problem with child stars is news to no one. We are all used to hearing of yet another person we consider part of our childhood, going off the rails and becoming a member of the Hollywood-exiled list. For a lot of children who gained fame at an early age, a future of rehab visits, drug abuse and illegal activity was, and still is, inevitable. Beautiful and talented little time bombs, waiting to explode, or more accurately, implode.
Exposed to the sexual escapades of his older brothers and being one of the biggest names on the planet took its tole on him, leaving him greatly damaged as an adult.
Despite this being such a highly publicised problem, it seems that few measures have been put in place to protect the children vulnerable to this kind of damage.
pades of his older brothers and being one of the biggest
Instead there a few loose guidelines on work hours
names on the planet took its tole on him, leaving him
and compulsory education. This is not a new problem,
greatly damaged as an adult. MJ became a drug user,
encouraged by a wayward and modern society where
and his behaviour was known in the media to be bizarre
drugs are commonplace, and easily accessible from a
and concerning. He became the focus of negative at-
young age, but one that has existed since the idea of a
tention when there were claims of him being a child sex
child star first did.
abuser, and then dangerously holding his baby over a balcony railing did not help.
Beautiful and talented little time bombs, waiting to explode, or more accurately, implode.
Another example of a fame having a negative effect on a child is that of Britney Spears . Starting off in the Mickey Mouse Club at the age of eleven, she then moved on to have her own career as a pop singer. Being an attractive young girl in the music industry, she was over-sexualised,
Although Michael Jackson is not the earliest example of
appearing as a sex symbol at the age of sixteen.
a child star gone wrong, he certainly remains to be one
As anyone who hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been living under a rock will
of the most infamous. From a young age Michael was
know, Britneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life went downhill after that. Her famous
worked to the bone by his overbearing and allegedly
(and meme-worthy) head-shaving meltdown in 2007
abusive father, who forcefully moulded him into a star,
combined with her two-day marriage to Jason Alexander
leaving him with an unnatural workload and amount of
although tragic, was not uncommon behaviour from a
fame for a young person. Exposed to the sexual esca-
child star.
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Entertainment
With so many more examples ill-fated child stars including Macauley Culkin, River Phoenix, Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes and Corey Haim, just to name a few, it seems ridiculous that anyone would actively encourage their children into a career of acting or music from a young age, with the hope of fame. However, it is still
Justin Timberlake, growing up along side Britney, has a successful career and is very much liked in the media.
happening, with a new youngster appearing all over our screens every few months.
was coming in at some point). As the humble and faithful movie and celebrity culture
However, the question remains; does fame from a young
slaves that we are, we can only hope that the few posi-
age always lead to troubling and saddening outcomes,
tive role models that young stars today have, will
or is it all due to circumstance?
be enough to encourage them onto a healthy and head-shaving meltdown free path. However, children in
After all, there are positive examples of children growing
this position are still very much at risk, and there is a lot
up with fame. The Sprouse twins appear to be just dan-
to be done if the stigma surrounding child stars is to
dy, and extremely beautiful...Justin Timberlake, growing
be removed.
up along side Britney, has a successful career and is very much liked in the media. Drew Barrymore overcame
Francesca Reid
her drug problem, beginning at thirteen when she was using cocaine, and is now a grounded, and well known actress. And last, but in no way, shape or form least, there is our beloved Leo. Leonardo DiCaprio emerged from a childhood of fame to become a bit of a hero. A passionate environmental activist and now, finally, Oscar winner; Leo escaped the no doubt compelling call to join the rest of the time bomb child stars. He now continues to land all the sought-after roles in Hollywood, as we look on with pride and tears in our eyes as he does so. Well.. that may just be me, however, it is undeniable that he has done what was not possible for others in his situation; he never let go (you knew the Titanic reference
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Entertainment
‘Cool story but please take Nina’s name out your mouth.
Why the outrage though? No doubt, it’s awful, I agree.
For the rest of your life.’ Quite a harsh twitter response
Consciously having Zoe Saldana playing a dark-skinned
from the estate of Nina Simone to Zoe Saldana. The
woman is shameful at best, dangerous at worst. Nina
initial casting of the light-skinned actress as the lead in a
Simone sang about the inequalities caused by the
film of the acclaimed singer and civil rights activist’s life,
tumultuous race relations of her time, and spoke proudly
the latter known primarily for her renditions of various
of being a woman of colour. Face value, the decision
songs such as ‘Strange Fruit’ and ‘Feeling Good,’ stirred
to cast Saldana is continuing the age old Hollywood
the controversy pot vigorously when first announced.
tradition of refusing to hire dark-skinned actresses in
However, public furore did not reach fever pitch until
lieu of a lighter-skinned alterative. Yet, to defecate on
the trailer’s release, the image of Zoe Saldana in black
Simone’s legacy by doing this speaks to Hollywood’s
face casting a dark shadow over the movie and leaving
true determination to whitewash.
a sour taste in the public palate. Racism accusations were complained, heard and defended. Hollywood
It is one thing to have Jake Gyllenhaal play Iranian
whitewashing was acknowledged, debated and rebuked.
royalty in Prince of Persia, or have Mickey Rooney put on
No matter. The film will still be put on limited release on
‘yellow-face’ for his portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi in Breakfast
April 22nd.
at Tiffany’s, it is another to whitewash the role of a reallife civil rights advocate. Saldana’s casting does not add,
public furore did not reach fever pitch until the trailer’s release, the image of Zoe Saldana in black facecasting a dark shadow over the movie and leaving a sour taste in the public palate
but rather, takes away from the narrative of the film. Miss Simone will hardly receive justice on screen if filmmakers are willing to make a decision of this extreme detriment.
Patrick O’Donnell
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Entertainment
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Fashion
Jackets to see you into Summer This time of year can be extremely difficult to dress for. Leaving the house, it looks bright and sunny but as soon as you step out of the front door it’s hard to ignore the chilly breeze. And that’s not to mention the April showers! So here’s a quick guide on outerwear to see you through the next few months while the weather makes its mind up.
Faux suede biker
A perfect transitional piece for spring to summer, a faux suede biker jacket is destined to become your new favourite. In light colours such as grey, dusty pink and taupe they are an ideal addition to a spring outfit. Layer with light knits or a t-shirt during the day, or throw on for a glamorous addition to a night time outfit. They look great with all colours of denim jeans, and are lightweight enough to throw in your bag on the off chance that the sun does decide to make an appearance.
Bomber
A bomber jacket is easily the most versatile jacket you’ll ever own. They’re casual, comfortable and also surprisingly warm which is great for this time of the year. Available in a range of colours, they look great with almost every outfit. The perfect addition to a casual daytime look, they also add an edge to any night time outfit. You definitely won’t regret investing - they’re on trend and set to stay around until at least the end of the year.
Denim jacket
If you don’t already have one in your wardrobe, now’s the time to invest in a denim jacket. A staple wardrobe piece, they’re super versatile and great for layering. Choose a jacket in a shade of denim to suit the rest of your wardrobe and you’ll soon become attached. Not only are they comfortable, but they make a great transitional piece. Wear over lightweight jumpers with a scarf just now and when the weather gets warmer, throw them over summery dresses.
Written by Sarah Doig
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Fashion
Faux suede biker jacket, H&M, £29.99
Bomber jacket, New Look, £34.99
Denim jacket, Topshop, £45
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ART, DESIGN 20-29 MAY 2016 & ARCHITECTURE DUNCAN OF JORDANSTONE COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE dundee.ac.uk/degreeshow DEGREE SHOW
EMERGING #uoddegreeshow
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Lifestyle
AUSSIE RULES Some impromptu life lessons from the other side of the world.
A
s I write this, I am being treated to the view
shell). The long-haul cherry on the top is the offering
from the giddy heights of 36,000ft and all
of either beef or pork for myself, the lowly vegetari-
the perks a Chinese economy class flight
an at breakfast time. So here I am, sitting in the aisle
from Australia to Scotland has to offer. The latter
seat in quiet contemplation with just my humus and
are predictably, yet decidedly disappointing and the
carrot sticks for company (there were also no seats
itchy cabin blanket is struggling to comfort me in
together with my friends). I ask, why is it all worth it?
light of the next 32 hours ahead (mostly in a metal
21 Issue 54.indd 23
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Lifestyle
A
s soon as I knew I could undertake a
land may be scarce but you’ll rue the day you went au
medical placement abroad as part of
naturale when you’re shedding your skin like a lizard.
my degree I had a strong inkling I would
Where vanity overpowers health, any Queenslander
venture to Australia. I had little doubt that the
will also tell you the power of SPF if you want to
travelling would be less than perfect but it was
avoid hurtling down the slippy slope of ageing and
always about the destination and not the journey.
looking like a desiccated prune too prematurely.
After ten weeks in the country, I leave with a $50-dol-
The World is Bigger than You
lar cuddly crocodile, some exceptional memories and some life lessons that are greater than any of the postcard pretty experiences offered in the Lonely Planet.
I’m not normally one for happy clappy hippy sentiment but there’s nothing like having to wear a stinger suit in 30-degree heat, in the clearest water you’ve ever seen to give pause for thought. Australia offers a real
Always Wear Sunscreen I was lucky enough to go to Australia in the height of summer where the locals lovingly call the weather “stinkin’ hot”. I may not have burst in to a ball of flames as was suggested in a travel office but sweating out of every orifice certainly grants some new perspective. Back home, a blink of the sun through the clouds means “taps aff” and for the next few days things have a distinctly more lobster red hue. Our vitamin D depleted souls may be joyful but our skin pays the price.
contrast between the beauty of nature and its dangers. When you’re surrounded by great white sharks, jellyfish, crocodiles, snakes and spiders, it’s hard to feel like the big man. In addition, when you can experience the vastness of just one county it’s a lot easier to understand how you are only a very small fish in a very big pond.
Make The Most of Every Hour It’s easy to get caught in a bubble of work, eat, sleep repeat and when your life is governed by a
With the highest rates of skin cancer in the world
shift pattern, it is even easier to become anoth-
and where melanoma devastates the lives of young
er hamster on a wheel. However, if ever there’s
Australians, it pays to be sensible. The sun in Scot-
something Australians do well, it’s play hard.
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Lifestyle
Our Aussie counterparts appear better placed to work for a living and not let work be their life. The weather unquestionably helps to inject some joie de vivre and avoid a post work slump but this is more of an ingrained attitude than something explained by the sunshine.
Take Your Time With the last words still ringing true, I would also like to offer the seemingly contradictory advice to relax and take it easy. Don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s a waste of time that could be used for the beach or the bbq. Australia is a traveller’s mecca and a melting pot of culture and diversity. I’m neither fond of the idea of finding oneself nor of the notion of a 5-year plan.
However, when two of your school friends are getting married in the same year and you’re still buying cuddly crocodiles, it’s all too easy get a little panicked. It’s simple to find people here with a nomadic attitude and this is overwhelmingly refreshing. I’m all about ambition but it’s nice to realise that there is honestly no rush.
A Shared Experience is a Better Experience If anyone has used hostels, then you would be familiar with the rabid search for battery power and Wi-Fi. Contacting friends and family is great but time spent mindlessly refreshing Facebook is time, wasted. My best experiences have been wifi free and involve the people that you can meet if you are willing to put yourself out there. Shared food, drinks, views, opinions and memories are powerful stuff. People can be great so go out and find them.
Lauren Copeland
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Opinion
There was an argument published previously in the Magdalen going against junior doctors and their strikes. I read this and decided that I wanted to be able to present the opposing side. No argument is ever perfect, however, I fully support the junior doctors and these are the reasons why.
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Opinion
THERE’S MORE THAN ONE SIDE TO EVERY STORY Firstly, I’d like to define a junior doctor. The term junior
real seven-day NHS and had worked with doctors to
doctor encompasses foundation doctors and registrars,
see how this could be implemented.
essentially every doctor except a consultant. Doctors can be termed ‘junior doctors’ for many years depending
The problem of being overworked, putting patients
on whether they get accepted onto a certain specialty
and themselves at risk, and how this relates to money
and how long the training for certain specialties may be.
is pretty simple. NHS trusts employ doctors. At the
For example, neurosurgery specialty training is an eight
moment they employ doctors at a basic pay rate which
year programme, this doesn’t include the initial 2 years
is supplemented by a ‘banding system’ (which remu-
spent as a foundation doctor and the amount of time
nerates doctors for unsociable hours; evenings and
it takes to get accepted on a competitive and selective
weekends). Junior doctors already feel overworked. So if
programme. A junior doctor is not a training title, it is a
these trusts are told that weekend work will be cheaper
working title.
then they will employ the same junior doctors at the weekends, without altering weekday hours thus resulting
The seven-day NHS isn’t a myth; it’s happening at this
in even more overworking and dangerous conditions for
very moment. The hospital doesn’t close on a Friday
patients. Stretching the same service to cover 7 days
night and send everyone who is sick and dying home
without employing more staff just isn’t a good business
to fend for themselves, frankly that’s laughable. Sure,
model especially when it could endanger peoples lives.
this is only emergency services and it would be great
Would you want someone looking after you, or your
if we could have all services available 7 days a week,
mum, or your grandparent, who hadn’t slept in 30 hours?
but it isn’t just down to doctors. We’d need more
Do you think they would be on the top of their game and
nurses, porters, admin staff, the same people that we
able to provide the best quality of care? At what time do
require to run the hospital during the week. It isn’t
you think judgement is affected? The 24 hour mark? 48
even just healthcare services… How will a patient that
hours? The new contract proposed by Jeremy Hunt pro-
requires community support or social work be dis-
vides loose safeguards to prevent trusts from working
charged at the weekends if these same services aren’t
doctors to the bone just because they can afford to. At
running? It just isn’t feasible by focusing on doctors
the moment trusts are threatened with fines and pro-
alone. It isn’t about demonising doctors. Jeremy Hunt
tected by the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)
would have had more success if he’d truly wanted a
however, in the new contract there is nothing
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Opinion
with teeth to protect doctors and with the potential European referendum the EWTD will no longer apply. How can Jeremy Hunt ensure safety?
An 11% pay increase is the idea thrown about a lot in the media as part of the argument against junior doctors. Sure, there will be an 11% pay rise in basic pay. However, when you compare this to the financial loss due to
This isn’t overall about money, it’s about safety and fairness. changes in subsidies and unsocial hours it will be a pay decrease in the long term. They’re increasing basic pay hours and decreasing ‘premium’ pay hours. But this isn’t overall about money, it’s about safety and fairness. Not
ME VIS WI
safe and not fair. Doctors aren’t money grabbing, selfish people. They spend their working lives caring for people and saving lives, with patients at the centre of every working decision they make. Another thing to recognise is that medicine isn’t a clock-on clock-off profession, the time doesn’t reach seven o’clock and they drop the defibrillator because their shift is up. No. They stay
to check procedures have been done and ensure that their patients are safe and comfortable. Even with the junior doctor strikes, not one patient was put at risk, the consultants came in to pick up the slack. The only procedures that were put off were elective surgeries (non-emergency) and clinics. The government are treating doctors with such a lack of respect, demonising them and this is why we are losing our doctors to New Zealand and Australia. Let’s face a pretty straight up fact; we need doctors. And if we want them to stay, then providing them with a contract that they feel is not safe, nor fair and refusing to negotiate on the terms isn’t going to achieve this.
So should you support the junior doctors? Yes. Don’t let this contract be enforced and become a part of our history that we regret, and don’t let our safety be compromised by Jeremy Hunt.
Holly Hustad
26 Issue 54.indd 28
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“ t c f
MEGAN FALCONER, UoD VISUAL ARTS CATEGORY WINNER 2015
“I won a free trip to Ireland and connected with top students from around the world.” SUBMIT BY 31ST MAY AT:
www.undergraduateawards.com
Issue 54.indd 29
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! Hi h O t
Science
re! e h
Hel l
o!
28 Issue 54.indd 30
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Science
O UR D EEPEST G AZE The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has broken its
rate roughly 20 times greater than that of the Milky Way
cosmic distance record with its recent observations of the
today. This high star formation rate makes the galaxy
most distant galaxy now observed in the Universe: GN-
unusually bright for a cosmic object so distant from
z11. GN-z11 is being observed just 400 million years after
Earth. The observation of GN-z11 raises many questions;
the Big Bang, and is among one of the first generations
previous work had suggested that such bright galaxies
of galaxies in the Universe. This observation will likely
should not exist so early in the Universe’s lifetime.
provide greater insight into these early generations of galaxies, and will further our understanding of the early years of the Universe’s evolution.
An international team of astronomers measured the distance to GN-z11 by using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3
This observation will further our understanding of the early years of the Universe’s evolution.
to determine the galaxy’s redshift. Cosmological redshift is a result of the Universe’s expansion. As space expands, the light travelling through it becomes stretched to
The measurement to GN-z11 is an important discov-
longer, redder wavelengths. Sufficiently distant cosmic
ery that provides evidence that other unusually bright
objects show redshift corresponding to the rate of
galaxies observed in earlier Hubble images could be
the increase in their distance from Earth. GN-z11 has a
at extraordinary distances. GN-z11 lies at a distance we
redshift of 11.1, placing it around 400 million years after
thought would only be able to be measured by the up-
the Big Bang, allowing us to observe a galaxy when the
coming NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.
Universe was only 3% of its current age.
Whilst also giving a preview of the types of observations we can expect from the James Webb Telescope, this
The galaxy’s distance was previously estimated by
is another example of the Hubble telescope delivering
analysing its colour in images taken with Hubble and
more than expected of it. The new measurement to GN-
the NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. A combination of
z11 is proof of how tantalisingly close we are to finally
the observations made by Hubble and Spitzer show that
observing some of the first galaxies ever formed.
the galaxy is around 25 times smaller than the Milky Way, and only has around 1% of the Milky Way’s mass
Sophie Boswell
in stars. However, the number of stars is growing fast: a
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Science
PARALYSIS
LASREVERREVERSAL NOT TO BE SNEEZED AT
30 Issue 54.indd 32
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Science
After a knife attack in 2010, it would seem obvious that
The intention of the surgery was for the olfactory en-
Darek Fidyka’s paralysis from the chest down was a
sheathing cells to allow the fibres above and below the
condition he would have to accept and adapt to. He had
injury to reconnect.
been paralysed for two years and no amount of physiotherapy seemed to show any improvement. However,
With a rigorous physiotherapy routine of 5 hours per
a first-of-its-kind surgery that was performed in Poland
day, 5 days per week, Mr Fidyka is making clear progress.
has allowed him to begin walking, and even cycling
Within a few months muscle had been gained in his
again.
legs, and by 6 months he was able to slowly walk along parallel bars with the help of leg braces. The study was
The grown cells were transplanted into the spinal cord, both above and below the area of injury.
a success as it was safe, and showed no complications,
The surgery, which was carried out by a collaboration of
Now, two years after the surgery, the patient is able to
Polish surgeons and British scientists, used specialised
walk with a frame and has recovered some superficial
olfactory cells known as olfactory ensheathing cells
and deep sensation. There are plans to attempt to repli-
(OECs). The OECs were a promising choice as they are
cate the results with two more patients, with the hope of
part of the neural system, and have regenerating proper-
increasing this to ten with sufficient funding.
other than loss of smell in the side of the nose from which the olfactory bulb was removed, and after a few months, this was partially regained.
ties since their fibres are constantly damaged.
To gain enough cells for the surgery, one of Fidyka’s olfactory bulbs was removed and used to grow most OECs in culture in a lab. By using the patient’s own cells,
There are plans to attempt to replicate the results with two more patients
from an area rich in OECs, the possibility of rejection by the body, as commonly occurs in transplant patients,
This case shows an exciting new possibility for an injury
was removed. The grown cells were transplanted into
that has long been thought of as irreversible and debil-
the spinal cord, both above and below the area of injury.
itating. Hopefully, with further study, it will lead to an
Strips of nerve tissue taken from the patient’s ankle were
opportunity for patients to regain their independence.
also transplanted to the site to bridge the gap in the spinal cord.
Heather Gordon
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Issue 54.indd 34
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Science
A C AS E F O R
F OSSI L FUE L D IVESTME NT 33
Issue 54.indd 35
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Science
Dear Prof Sir Downes, Principal & Vice-Chancellor,
Recent open letters of yours read that the University of Dundee “aspires to be Scotland’s leading University”. You then pinpoint “financial security” as a necessary condition for this transformation. You finally pledge to “continue to invest in the future”.
I We gather some facts
As of the 5th May 2015, the holdings sheet of the University of Dundee reads that the current value of investments on oil, gas & carbon producers and distributors sum up to £1,905,494.
As Harvard Professor James Engell put it: “The fossil fuel companies are decent investments only under two assumptions: first, the oil and gas and coal they own in the ground shall be sold and burned. Second, they shall continue to find more oil and gas and coal and shall sell that to be burned, too. Any investor in them must want this to happen, and any investor is putting up money to make this happen with deliberate speed”. Moreover, the UNFCCC Paris Agreement calls for “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development”.
We now come to three numbers:
•
2 degrees Celsius: This the world average temperature increase which is deemed viable, if not safe, for peaceful human civilisation (sort of). Warmer is wilder, in its most negative acceptation. In fact, the Paris Agreement suggests nations “to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels”.
•
565 gigatons: No more than this amount of carbon dioxide must be dispersed if the 2ºC threshold is to be avoided. Just to add a further harrowing figure, 16 are the years which humans will need, on current trends, to release said quantity of CO2.
•
2795 gigatons: If the oil, gas and carbon currently known by the fossil fuel companies would all be used, this much carbon dioxide would be released into the atmosphere.
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Science
II We draw a contradiction from the gathered facts and we clarify its origin
It is clear that we have reached a contradiction. Where is the knot? How to untangle it? Perhaps it is a definition issue. We shall look for clarity and explicitly state what “future” is for us, for the problem itself stems from within a particular idea of future: as humans can perceive a very small range of wavelengths, the rest cannot be seen, so the reached contradiction ceases to be one if ‘future’ is intended somewhat differently. Differently to what? To the following:
Pars destruens: future is not merely the nth position in a university’s ranking, it is not obtaining a degree from a “leading” university. Pars construens: future is rather to gather knowledge to contribute to, and rejoice within, the beauty of this world, both human and nonhuman, and from the experience gather more knowledge, thus adding again our small effort to the whole, and on and on. But how, if no beauty is left?
Assuming therefore this very general definition, or any of the kind, as ‘true’, then the knot must necessarily lie somewhere else.
Here: the tool on which your promise of a brighter future for the University and its students, i.e. “financial security”, (partly) rests upon, and therefore nourishes, what threatens it the most.
There is only one way out of this contradiction: the University must divest from fossil fuel companies.
III We present the only way out of the contradiction, which is both logical and moral
There are two logical ways out of this contradiction: either both you and the University reject that very general idea of future, or the University divests from fossil fuel companies; tertium non datur. The latter one, the way of divestment is the only one of the two which adds up moral to its logical necessity. Thus, as Kant would say, the University has only one way out: divestment from fossil fuel companies.
It is perfectly understood that divestment is challenging indeed. However, many academic institutions have opened the pathway. To cite some examples: the University of Glasgow was the first in Europe to agree to completely divest from fossil fuel companies; other renowned British universities, including the University of Edinburgh, Warwick and Oxford, have already fully or partially divested.
Moreover, the Bank of England warned of the “huge financial risk” posed by fossil fuel investments. For if policymakers will ever agree to implement laws to fight climate change, the fossil fuel industry will inevitably suffer.
Finally, time. We have very little left, and it must not be wasted. The situation demands swift and radical action. A partial or a late divestment would be nonsensical. As the International Energy Agency’s chief economist states: “the door to reach 2 degrees is about to close.” If we do not get a hold on our emissions by 2017 “it will be closed forever”.
Michele Villa and Isabella H. Impesi
35 Issue 54.indd 37
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Science
Issue 54.indd 38
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Science
Science isn’t cheap and after the 2008 financial crisis scientific research was hit hard as most private research universities took a twenty percent reduction in their annual revenue.
T
his resulted in many researchers and labs losing
So there has been success when people are just sacri-
their funding. Not being able to continue their
ficing their time but what about what scientists really
work, many important areas remain poorly investigat-
need - Money.
ed. Luckily for us, smaller public research universities weren’t hit so hard directly as they do not rely on private
For this we will look to a New York biotech start up
donation as a major stream of income.
called Epibone. Founded by a group of former Columbia University researchers that lost their jobs as a result of cutbacks at the university. Their goal is to grow bones
So there has been success when people are just sacrificing their time but what about what scientists really need - Money.
for the purpose of transplant patients. Part of their funding comes from private donation, donors including Peter Thiel, the man behind PayPal. They have been operating since 2012 with some success in engineering stem cells onto bone grafts and have garnered the interest of the scientific community following the publishing of several papers in prestigious journals.
So now we have large groups of highly educated scientists with no institution to fund or house their research.
We are yet to see an example of members of the general
What happens next is called the “open science” move-
public getting involved in the funding and develop-
ment, or crowdsourcing science. It is a movement with
ment of scientific research. This is where Dundee’s own
goals of making science more accessible to the general
Young Researchers Association exists to bridge this gap.
public as well as having research publicly funded in a
Members of DUYRA seek out poorly funded areas of re-
visible manner.
search and undertake small projects to investigate them, potentially filling gaps in the scientific literature. Most of
One such example would be the “Polymath Project”,
DUYRA’s resources are crowdsourced or privately fund-
started up by Tim Gowers (Professor of Mathematics at
ed showing future potential for open science research.
Cambridge and Fields medal recipient), it is a platform
But these are early days and not the first time groups
for large collaborative math projects. Allowing for seem-
have tried such an undertaking, the future success of this
ingly impossible equations to be solved by large groups
is up to you.
of people ranging from other Fields medalists to high school math teachers to university students. Making
It is a very privileged position to be in control of the
what would have been information only available to a
future of scientific research, what will you do with it?
select few open to the public. This project has had great success in furthering public understanding of math as
James Russell
well as some minor breakthroughs in Professor Gowers’ work.
37 Issue 54.indd 39
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Societies
Issue 54.indd 40
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Societies
DARE ARE RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN UGANDA & ROMANIA Fancy doing something worthwhile this summer? Look no further! DARE are recruiting volunteers for our projects in Uganda and Romania. UGANDA:
opportunities to volunteer in schools, summer
This project involves constructing a water
camps and malnutrition centres. Students
tank and working with the local schools and
participating in projects pay for their flights,
community to promote hygiene/sanitation.
food and accommodation; so DARE is proud
Find out more here: http://www.littlebiga-
to state that all the money raised by the
frica.org/…/LBA-Action-Sitaru-Profile-
society goes directly to the projects abroad.
ROMANIA:
We are always keen to welcome new stu-
This is a short-term project working at a
dents to help us fundraise, or represent
summer camp for Roma (gypsy) children, a
DARE as an enthusiastic and hardwork-
little known community who live in very poor
ing volunteer. The projects we work with
conditions and wouldn’t normally get the op-
are sustainable and give you a chance to
portunity of a holiday. There is also the chance
make a visible difference whilst volun-
to spend time in Jacouda (a Roma village)
teering. There are no hidden ‘admin’ fees
and work with a HIV/AIDS project. Find out
required like a lot of organisations and all
more here: http://www.lovelightromania.com/
fundraising goes directly to the projects.
DARE is a student-run charitable society
Upcoming fundraising events include: Race
aiming to actively support international de-
Night, Bungee Jump, and Sponsored Cycle.
velopment projects. We raise money during
To find out more or get an appli-
the academic year through events such as
cation form, get in touch at
acoustic nights, bungee jumps and sponsored
daredundee@gmail.com or on
cycles. Over the years we have co-ordinat-
Facebook Dare Dundee
ed a range of summer projects in countries such as Romania, Guatemala, Tanzania and Ireland. Each project is different, including
39 Issue 54.indd 41
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Sport
CLUB FEATURE
MIXED LACROSSE This month we take a look at team sport Lacrosse
Dundee University Mixed Lacrosse Club has seen its
numbers regularly appearing at training each week.
biggest growth in membership this year and, in turn,
Promising results began to arrive as the
indulged in one of its most successful seasons yet. This
weeks progressed.
year we joined the Lacrosse Scotland League, which gave us the opportunity to compete against many
As one of the sports unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smaller clubs, we do not
different clubs, including both university and club sides
currently have access to a coach. However, plans are
of all different levels.
currently being laid out in order to secure one for next season. As has been the case for the past few years,
The team is predominantly made up of people who
the students themselves coach the team. Our current
took up the sport in first year as complete beginners.
captain, Fiona Sinclair, has done wonders with the club.
They have learnt new skills and have been given the
Having only played the sport for four years herself she
opportunity to develop them over time. Being one of
has managed to not only lead by example, but also
the smaller sports clubs within the university, the team
inspire new and existing players and encourage them to
have developed a very close bond with one another
continue working hard on developing new skills in order to
and relationships remain strong both on and off the field.
improve their play.
This season kicked off positively when we were
We had a number of fixtures throughout the season
successful in recruiting our largest number of newly
(some considerably more successful than others) but
matriculated players in the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, with greater
all in all each game gave the players something new in
40 Issue 54.indd 42
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Sport
which to learn. Many of the freshers faced off in their
different abilities, and managed to secure ourselves a
first ever competitive games against some of the most
win. During St. Andrews indoor tournament, we nar-
challenging clubs in Scotland, such as Edinburgh Univer-
rowly lost to the St. Andrews first team with a score
sity first’s and ‘Capital’, which is one of Edinburgh’s most
of 7-5 in their favour. We played some of our best
experienced club sides.
lacrosse as a team at the tournament and the players truly took a lot away from it.
The season kicked off with a highly successful start after a 7-5 win over Robert Gordon University, followed by
We can only carry forward all of the new things we
one of the highlights of the entire season - our game
have learnt from this season and continue to grow
against Aberdeen’s development side. We went into the
and develop as a team. The key to our success is our
game with a squad mainly comprised of new players and
continuation to strive towards new and better things
were not necessarily expecting anything huge to come
for the club, and to do as much as we can to make
from it. However, it’s safe to say that we were pleasantly
the sport bigger and better than ever before. Wheth-
surprised with a 12-3 victory and a massive team
er you are heavily into your own sport and want to
morale boost.
try something new outside of your comfort zone, or you hardly ever participate in team games, why not try something new and give lacrosse a go? It’s the
The season kicked off with a highly successful start after a 7-5 win over Robert Gordon University
perfect team to join - not only will you get to play the best sport in the whole world but you’ll also get to meet many different people, expand your horizons and make lots of new friends!
Author, Elena Hall We took a large squad over to St. Andrews where we entered a mixed club tournament, facing teams of all
41 Issue 54.indd 43
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M AG DA L E N
NOW RECRUITING
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Issue 54.indd 44
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Sports
The European
SUPER league
The Death Of Football What would Manchester United argue, did we create football or did Leicester? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call it the money pot created by soccer and fandom around the world. Who has had more of an integral role . . . Manchester United or Leicester?
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n amongst the wonderful English Premier League season we’re witnessing, with the unlikely lads of Leicester leading the way, you can always count on
a narrow-minded, self-interested, materialistic, money-grabbing businessman to try to take away the joy. The man I flatteringly describe is American Charlie Stilli-
There should be no self proclaimed right to be called elite and reap the benefits of that reputation.
tano, co-founder and chairman of Relevant Sports, who is responsible for the erroneous, and also disrespectful,
Namely, the European Super League, an invite only com-
comment that opens this article.
petition for Europe’s predetermined ‘elite’ that would, most likely, replace the current Champions League. So,
So what has gotten me so riled about this man? Firstly
essentially, Stillitano’s plans would bar teams like Leices-
the suggestion that Manchester United created football
ter from a European adventure because they are not
in 1992 is particularly exasperating. Manchester United
considered ‘big’ enough.
were fortunate that they became successful just at the right time, with the birth of the Premier League and
Representatives from England’s perceived ‘Big Five’
football going global, but that totally discounts a game
clubs (Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool,
that has been played for hundreds of years. Football was
Chelsea and Arsenal) all met Stillitano on the 1st March
not ‘created’ in 1992.
to allegedly discuss the European Super League. The main motive for them is money, or greed, however you
Anyway this is not the major issue. I can, after all, forgive
want to look at it.
a degree of footballing ignorance. What has infuriated me, and fans all over, are the designs that Stillitano has
The predetermined ‘Big Five’ are all considered elite
on the game.
because of past glories. There should be no self-pro-
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Sports claimed right to be called elite and reap the benefits of
‘No — because the Champions League is PSV Eindhoven
reputation. It is unashamedly disrespectful to all other
and Ghent.’ Yes Charlie, that’s correct. PSV were better
clubs and gives them a greater unfair advantage that
than Manchester United and Ghent were better than
many would consider they already have. It is also worth
Valencia this year. They earned that right.
pointing out that there is no logic to it at the moment.
So this is why the European Super League must not hap-
At the time of writing the current ‘Big Five’ find
pen. Who cares about the International Champions Cup?
themselves 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 10th in the league.
Fans don’t care and clubs don’t even list a win amongst
Blackburn Rovers, currently rocking around in English
their honours.
football’s second tier, have won the league more recently than Liverpool.
The joy of sport is competition. Real competition where you have to earn what comes your way. This is what
Claudio Ranieri, Leicester’s manager, also made a crucial
makes it a joy and why Leicester’s achievements have
point about the self-proclaimed ‘elite’. ‘I understand big-
been such a delight to watch. They have earned their
ger teams don’t want one year without the Champions
way into the Champions League. If Manchester United,
League, but this is sport. For one year, you don’t achieve
Liverpool and Chelsea stay where they are then they
this, you want to make something different? It’s not
don’t deserve the honour of representing the English
right. You are afraid. You are not strong. They have to blame themselves. They should ask: Why is a little team like Leicester doing better than us?’
Unfortunately, for these clubs, that is the question that they would never ask. It would shine a light on their own stewardship and performance. It would show that
They would have what they wanted anyway so they could put out the reserves for all that it mattered
they aren’t, actually, doing very well considering the advantages they enjoy. So, instead, they are looking for
Premier League in Europe. They’re not good enough.
ways to maximize their commercial intake, increase their
This is why the European Super League must not hap-
wealth and, in doing so, kill football as we know it.
pen. Automatic qualification is the end of competition
Stillitano’s Relevant Sports Company are the mas-
and the essence of sporting joy. The wonderful climax of
terminds behind the International Champions Cup, a
this Premier League season, with its potential for twists
preseason tournament that takes place across the globe
and turns, would be depowered.
between ‘elite’ clubs. They earn a ridiculous amount of
Can Manchester United make it into the top four? It
money from it but the competition is essentially mean-
wouldn’t even matter. They would have what they want-
ingless. No one talks about it and no one cares. But for
ed anyway so they could put out the reserves for all that
the businessmen and board members of these clubs it’s
it mattered.
all about money, money, money. So if Stillitano could kindly go away and leave his clueless ideas out of the game then that would be great.
Why is a little team like Leicester doing better than us?
And if the chief executives and chairmen of the ‘elite’ clubs could focus on their own clubs and sort things out themselves then that would be great too. Suck it up and compete - that’s the aim of the game.
‘When you see the teams we have this summer in the International Champions Cup, you are going to shake your head and say, ‘Isn’t that the Champions League?’ Stillitano continued to say in his infuriating interview where he declared Mancheser United the creators of football.
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H
aving never been to an OpSoc show in the
As the show has now passed, I won’t go into further
five years I’ve been a student here (huge
detail but just to say well done, and to anyone
mistake, go to every show!) and going to
reading this I would highly encourage you to attend
Heathers purely under the guise of a DUSA TV
any and all future shows put on by this outstanding
crew member, I was fully under the all work, no
group.
play mind set and had no intention of writing a review. However, after watching the show (not
Next years March show has been confirmed as
just once, but three times now) I realised it fully
The Witches of Eastwick, with rehearsals beginning
deserved the glowing review I am about to give it.
in September 2016. If you want to be part of the show keep an eye on the OpSoc Facebook or
Firstly, it is important to note that the OpSoc cast
Twitter @DundeeOpSoc for further information!
is made up of students, the majority of which as far as I am aware aren’t studying a formal drama
Congratulations to the entire cast, crew and team
course. I may be wrong but regardless, these guys
involved in this production, it was truly incredible.
have gained such an impressive reputation that
I will probably be listening to the soundtrack for a
they managed to secure the European Premiere of
good few months more.
Heathers: The Musical; not an easy feat.
Andrew Stewart
With countless hilarious and heartfelt songs, relatable to most people’s teenage high school
For a full review from DUSA Media’s
experience (to a certain extent, I should hope), the
Online Manager, John Paterson,
cast delivered an on point portrayal of teenage
go to dusamedia.com.
angst. Directed by Neil Lavin with a lead cast of Rowan Hall playing Veronica Sawyer, Ross Hunter
Photo credits: Gillespie Crerar
playing Jason “J.D.” Dean and Elayn Fraser, Ellen McBride and Rachael Elmore playing the three Heather’s, amongst many many other talented members, the cast gave an outstanding performance that they should be exceptionally proud of.
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JOIN YOUR STUDENT MAGAZINE WRITERS SECTION EDITORS COPY EDITORS DESIGNERS AND MORE... EMAIL THEMAGDALEN@DUSA.CO.UK OR GO TO WWW.DUSAMEDIA.COM/MAGDALEN FOR MORE INFORMATION
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