DUNDEE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ MAGAZINE
CAFFEINE
WHAT’S IN YOUR CUP?
BITSTRIPS A BIT SHIT?
ISSUE 39
FREE
NOT-SO
NORTHERN LIGHTS GREECE:
THE GOLDEN DAWN
BRAINWASHED
BY BRANDING
t h g i N l l A p U OUR FIRST FASHION SHOOT
ONLINE
R ADIO
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W W W. D U S A M E D I A .CO M
V ID E O
PR I N T
EDITOR’S LETTER After mild uproar following the release of an article in our last issue, I had to be suppressed, gagged and bound, to not make this month’s feature, ‘How To Take a Joke.’ Unfortunately, I was overruled, and advised that would not be the best plan of action. Gutting. Figured there was a batch of folk out there that could really use the guide. This issue saw the creation of DUSA Media’s first fashion shoot. Compliments of Maggie’s Farm, we spent a day dressing the models up and parading them around Dundee in search of the grungiest alleyways, and abandoned lots. Which somehow led the photo shoot up my stairwell, and into my flat. After cropping my bleary morning-eyed flat mates out of the shots, I think we ended up with some pretty quality pictures. Blackfacing this Christmas? You’re not alone. Have a glance at our Christmas traditions around this planet, on page six, and appreciate the simplicity of being British. Christmas crackers seem like a small token in the face of Catalan Tió de Nadal defecating out your presents. Hate paying for parking? So do we, but lucky for Principal Pete Downes, he can charge his tickets straight to the University. Head to dusamedia.com to check out the list of expenditures from our school principals, and find out just what your fees are paying for. Keep an eye on our website for your campus news, short films, and flaming opinions. Want to tell us off, or give us some loving? Send it on over to themagdalen@dusa.co.uk.
Danielle Ames Editor in Chief Danielle Ames Deputy Editor Harrison Kelly Online Editor Felix Reimer Head of Design Alex Nicholson Craig Morrison Features Editor Alice Harrold Arts Editor Juliet Wright Entertainment Editor Magdalena Pentcheva Current Affairs Editor Jalal Abukhater Fashion Editor Claire McPhillimy Lifestyle Editor Kate Lakie Societies Editor Rebecca Shearer Sports Editor Katharine Sharpe Travel Editor Rose Matheson
Contributors Kirstie Allan, Amy Braithwaite, Ryan Brown, Laura Darbyshire, Lauren Jean Findlay, Euan Forbes, Jill Hardacre, Iain MacKinnon, Kate McAuliffe, Susie McGowan, Sean Mowbray, Alessandro Skarlatos-Currie
Production Sarasvathi Arulampalam, Lauren Brand, Ryan Cashin, Jacquetta Clark, Hannah Clydesdale, Danni Finlayson, Samuel Pérez Gutiérrez, Hazel Hayden, Samuel Hill, Claire Jane Macdonald, Susie McGowan, Kathryn McKnight, Anne McPhillimy, Catriona Mills, Marina Munro, Andrea Murray, Ruth Niven, Aileen Poe, Anna Reid, Leona Reid, Katharine Sharpe, Tim Hustler-Wraight, Alison Wright, Juliet Wright, Hazel Wyllie, Doug Young
FOR ADVERTISING advertising@dusamedia.com PUBLISHED BY Zuchaela Smylie, VPCC DUSA, Airlie Place Dundee, DD1 4PH vpcc@dusa.co.uk PRINTED BY Winters & Simpson Print 16 Dunsinane Avenue Dundee, DD2 3QT sales@wintersimpson.co.uk
CONTENTS On the Cover...Our ‘Up All Night’ Photoshoot
Issue 39 FASHION
ART 3
Beginner’s Guide to the Opera
4
Brainwashed by Branding TRAVEL
6 7
Bizarre Christmas Traditions
19
Up All Night: DUSA Media’s First Fashion Shoot ENTERTAINMENT
24
Bands of the Month
25
Bitstrips: A Bitshit
26
Marvel & Disney: Hollywood’s Power Couple
Not-So-Northern Lights
19
16
LIFESTYLE SOCIETIES 8
Nightline
9
Broke But Hungry? CURRENT AFFAIRS
28
Book Reading Society
29
Guide Dog Society
30
Oxfam Society
10
Greece: The Golden Dawn
12
Russia, A Suitable Olympic Host?
31
Making a Splash: Waterpolo Club
13
It Ain’t Easy Being Green
32
Sporting Newbies: Lacrosse
SPORT
FEATURES 14
Alex Salmond’s UOD Visit
15
Bite Behind Your Sweet Tooth
16
Caffeine: What’s in Your Cup?
17
The Real 12 Days of Christmas
10
22 24
ART
A BEGINNERʼS GUIDE TO
THE OPERA Susie McGowan
Expensive. Posh. Boring. All words thrown around when people are asked what they think of the opera. However, following a recent trip to see Rodelinda at the Gardyne Theatre, I would implore you to drop your preconceptions and give it a go. Here are a few tips to get you started.
RESEARCH Many operas aren’t in English, and it can be hard to grasp what’s going on. The characters tend to have ludicrous names, (Rodelinda, Garibaldo, Grimaldo all feature) and have so many affairs that it can be tricky to determine who’s shagging who. Do yourself a favour; turn up early and skim through the programme. A bit of background knowledge can go a long way.
HAVE A COFFEE BEFOREHAND Alternatively a glass of wine could be a good idea, as you are in for the long haul. Most operas, including Rodelinda, last three hours. I wouldn’t let that put you off, as there are many dramatic twists and turns to keep you entertained. In addition there’s an interval half way through
to top up your wine, which will undoubtedly make the second half more exciting.
DONʼT TAKE GRANDMA As for all those cynics who dismiss the opera as being boring, they’ve obviously missed out on the steamy romance scenes. The X-rated groping, grinding and dry humping wouldn’t have seemed out of place on the mono dance floor. However, the union’s mischievous couples underestimate how sexy an accompanying harmony can be.
DONʼT LAUGH We all know that it’s a serious and distinguished art form, but there are certain aspects of the opera that can leave you giggling. For example, the characters have a habit of repeating themselves. A lot. After a few jars, the
twentieth rendition of ‘You shall dieeeeee,’ can really tickle you. You will receive a few dirty glances; so keep chuckling to a minimum.
BRING TISSUES Once over the novelty of people singing every word and grinding on the stage, you inevitably sink into the storyline and get drawn into the powerful emotion of the characters. The raw emotion portrayed in Rodelinda and Bertarido’s duet in the second act was so rousing and beautiful that it had most of the theatre in tears. The opera is dramatic, impressive, and moving. Now you know the basics, I would highly recommend you give it a whirl. And don’t forget your opera glasses! www.scottishopera.org.uk ISSUE 39 03
ART
Brainwashed by Branding
Grace Wright
Hey you, yeah you. Did you hear? Christmas is coming. What, you don’t believe me? How about when you see the Christmas Coca Cola ad on TV? You hear the first few notes of the song, and you see glimpses of the red trucks and those lights through the trees, is it nearly Christmas then? Of course it bloody is. Even if you see that advert in September, Christmas is ruddy coming and anyone who tries to deny it is a barefaced liar. We’re living in a society where an advert signals a holiday, no longer the changing of the seasons but a fl ipping advert. An advert by a company whose campaign was so strong they managed to change the entire colour associated with a holiday to red; not that anyone remembers. As a society have we really become so hypnotised by good branding and catchy taglines that we’ve managed to establish a product as necessary to our defi nition of a season or celebration? Not only that, do we not care that the advertising giants have managed to manipulate us and our minds in such a way?
In this day in age, living in such a fast-paced environment where things are constantly changing and improving, surely we as a society should be more aware of leasing out our senses to the most convincing advertisements (never mind the highest bidder). If we succumb to that we may as well be blind, just follow the rest of the herd and do as the big farmer boss says.
Maybe I'm just being a Scrooge
Advertisements at the present seemingly reflect how we are easily led by others, by the promise of hopes and dreams, fame and unattainable fortune, selling promises before products. Currently day-to-day adverts point to nothing more than how submissive our culture has become. It is society’s laziness and fear to leave the comfort zone that holds us back.
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To give them their due, advertisers work hard at creating ads, jingles and offensive imagery that messes with our heads. They try to make us believe buying a chocolate bar will actually land us that lifestyle with a hot boyfriend, mansion and stacks of cash. Yes they might be doing their jobs (and doing them well) but is it ethical? Do the branding giants not have a responsibility to society and the culture that they are impacting upon?
ART We’re too tied to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and all the rest of them; afraid that if we leave our phones or computers for more than a minute, we might not like that post or comment on that video — too afraid that we’ll miss out. It’s like the frenzy behind the John Lewis Christmas ad, (again another ‘defi ning feature’ of our dear holiday), an ad which has been specifically designed and scripted to prey on our emotions. However, we do so consciously, we know that they’re going to try
to get us a bit weepy or emotional at the ad but we buy into it all anyway; sharing and liking all across social media and falling right into the manipulative hands of the big ad agencies. Maybe we’ve become accustomed to having decisions made for us after advertising giants take the helm, otherwise our concepts of reality in advertising would not be so skewed (I mean c’mon, no matter what anyone else sayscats don’t have thumbs and they sure as fuck have nothing to do with milk…) But it’s time that
changed, time that societies true ethics and beliefs were reflected in advertisements and not the other way around. Maybe I’m just being a Scrooge, after all Christmas is meant to be all about coming together and appreciating the good we have in our lives (plus the presents, I mean, let’s be serious) but it’s still something to think about this festive season, when you’re sipping on a coke watching the Queen’s speech. Can’t Christmas just be Christmas this year, minus all the ad breaks?
ISSUE 39 05
TRAVEL
BIZARRE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD BY ROSE MATHESON
Kentucky Fried Christmas Someone in KFC’s advertising department struck gold by using the phrase “Kentucky for Christmas” in Japan as it has culminated in four decades of families eating fried chicken on Christmas eve. Pre-orders for the ‘Christmas Bucket’ can be made as early as October.
Santa Does the Rounds Not sure what to put on the family Christmas card this year? Well why don’t you head over to Scottsdale Gun Club in Arizona and get a photo with Santa and your firearm of choice. For only $10 non-members can get a print of the loving family scene. According to the club the promotion aims to “add a little holiday spirit to people’s second amendment rights to be able to carry and purchase firearms.” 06 ISSUE 39
Bring us a Figgy Poo Catalonia at Christmas is like Wonderland to Alice - a strange place. We’ll start with something somewhat familiar, the Nativity scene. Now you have Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and some other punters but hidden at the back of a Catalan scene is the Caganer literally translated as “the Shitter”. Everyone from Woody Allen to Barack Obama have been spotted lowering the tone of Nativity scenes across North West Spain. The next character in Catalan tradition is the Tió de Nadal who is a hollowed out piece of wood adorned with a cheery face. On the 8th December the Tió is “fed” and covered with a blanket to presumably keep it warm to aid digestion. On Christmas day children will then beat the Tió with sticks and sing at it demanding it to defecate out their presents. If that’s not distracting on the porcelain throne then I don’t know what is.
The Hills are Alive With the Sound of Krampus Austria is one of my favourite countries in the world but it has given us some scary things; H9itler, Joseph Fritzl and Arnold Schwarzenegger but it almost makes sense once you’ve met Krampus and Perchta. Krampus threatens bad children with kidnapping and being dragged into his lair aka the pits of Hell. Perchta arrives before Christmas to give you a comparatively mild warning if you’ve been bad by slicing your belly open. Coal doesn’t seem so bad now?
TRAVEL
THE
LIGHTS
E
very year we are told that the northern lights will be the best they have been for decades, unfortunately it takes more than climbing the Law on a dark night and crossing your fingers to see them. The northern lights are now explicable in science but in the past they were seen as an omen or spirits dancing across the sky. They are still called the Merry Dancers in my hometown. These dancers have travelled far, about 93 million miles from when the sun discharged particles forming clouds called ‘solar winds,’ some of which got trapped in the Earth’s magnetic field. These charged particles then collide with gases which cause the display. In Scotland it is assumed that you have to go to the deepest and darkest parts of the Arctic to see the aurora but that’s not true. I’ve seen them in Scotland, albeit I do come from deepest, darkest Scotland… Orkney. It is possible to see the northern lights anywhere in Scotland as long as the rest of the universe is cooperating. The Northern and Western Isles of Scotland are considered to be the best places to see them. Most of you have that islander friend who gets smug at this time of year showing pictures of the northern lights in their garden. Keep them in mind as travelling to these places can be confusing and expensive (but much cheaper than Scandinavia) if you don’t know the place.
To see the northern lights you must go somewhere with no light pollution - a spectacle that every human should have the privilege of experiencing, even without the appearance of the merry dancers. A clear sky and a new moon are also very important. The aurora borealis are associated with winter but, in fact, they occur throughout the year, however it’s generally only dark enough in Winter. They can appear anytime of day but they are usually seen from early evening then late into the night. It is hard to foretell exactly when they will happen but there are forecasts available online that can predict when they might appear. Even on a specialised trip to Svalbard you might see nothing but the day you come home they cover the sky. Ultimately, seeing the northern lights is entirely up to luck.
By Rose Matheson Illustration by Andrea Murray
ISSUE 39 07
LIFESTYLE
WINTER BLUES? I
t’s that time of year again; the days are shortening in our run up to winter and many of us will be clocking some serious hours, studying late into the evening. The combination of exam stress and elongating nights can leave some of us prone to the winter blues, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can leave you feeling low. You don’t need to be feeling sad to call Nightline, but we may be able to help you cope with stress, depression, anxiety, and anything else that is important to you. Whatever it is you want to talk about, we’re here to listen every single night from now until the end of term. And for those of you who would rather express yourself in writing, you can send us an email, too. When the going gets tough, students tend to talk to each other. Feel free to have a chat with one of our student volunteers at any point during the night between 8pm and 8am. Our service is confidential and anonymous and we never judge. We’re here for you. Take care, Nightline
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LIFESTYLE
BROKE BUT HUNGRY? LIVE ON SOUP FOR A WHILE… Kate Lakie
ʻTHE UGLY SOUPʼ LENTIL SOUP It may sound boring and yes, it doesn’t look that appealing, but by God is it yummy! (Not to mention extremely filling and cheap)
INGREDIENTS: • • • • • •
1 carrot 2 sticks of celery 1 onion 250g red lentils 1 litre of ham stock 5 strips of bacon
METHOD: 1
Wash, peel, and chop the vegetables.
2
Heat oil in a large pan. Add vegetables and sauté gently till ‘sweated’ or slightly glazed looking. Add bacon, and cook slightly.
3
Add stock and lentils and bring to the boil, stirring.
4
After it reaches boiling point, turn down the heat to a gentle simmer, put lid on pan and let it cook. Check it and stir again occasionally, it should take about 20-30 minutes to cook and lentils should go soft and mushy!
ʻTHE PRETTY SOUPʼ BEETROOT SOUP It’s delicious and pink, what a bonus!
INGREDIENTS: • • • •
500g precooked beetroot 1 carrot 1 onion 1 litre vegetable stock
METHOD: 1
Chop onion and frying saucepan for 5 minutes.
2
Chop carrot and beetroot and add to the onion, sauté slightly.
3
Add stock and bring to boil, then simmer for about 20 minutes.
4
Blend through to make it nice and smooth.
ISSUE 39 09
CURRENT AFFAIRS
The Golden Dawn: From Dawn to Dusk
Alessandro Skarlatos-Currie
Where once there draped black flags and banners with the swastika-like insignia of the Golden Dawn, dust is now settling on the hollowed out rooms that constituted many of the Party’s former offices. With its leader, Nikolaos Michaloliakos, and some of its MPs behind bars, many outlets of media have hailed the recent crackdown on the party by the Greek state as the end of the Golden Dawn. A closer examination of this organisation, however, would tell a very different story, revealing some of the more defining characteristics of fascism that are rather ingrained within the tapestry of authoritarian states and capitalism’s crises.
‘This is the very nature of how fascism operates’ The infallibility of the democratic love-story wherein parliamentary democracy successfully stamps out the fascists and all becomes well can be told by following the origins of Golden Dawn and its growth. Michaloliakos, the Golden Dawn’s figurehead, formed the party in 1985. From early on, the organisation expressed unreserved admiration for both the authoritarian-right politician Ioannis Metaxa’s regime of 1936-1941 and the figureheads of the fascist military Junta in Greece between 1967-1974. In fact, Michaloliakos met and befriended the leaders of the junta when he himself was arrested for beating immigrants and illegally possessing explosives. Upon the establishment of the Golden Dawn, its publications by 1987 began to show a clear association with Hitler’s dictatorship and the legacy of Greek fascism from its civil war. 10 ISSUE 39
Whilst their party remained largely on the sidelines, involved primarily with the forming and dissolving of far-right alliances and groups, the then Greek government’s hyper-nationalist tendencies in the 90s gave the Golden Dawn the perfect platform to emerge as the dominant nationalist and fascist force in Greece. As the international, and therefore the national, economy began to fissure and tremble under the pressure of its own contradictions, the Golden Dawn quickly began its public assimilation into the Greek state through the police, joining the latter force in its infamous crackdowns on leftist dissent and effectively becoming its paramilitary wing going into the squats and meetings that the police could not initially enter legally. This is the nature of how fascism operates – it is born within and expresses itself through and alongside the state, one need only look at Italy and Germany for confirmation. In fact, the Greek state’s adoption of the Xenios Zeus 2012 program of purging immigrants from the country’s capital, Athens, became the backbone of the Golden Dawn’s theoretical structure – anti-immigration, and made the hatred and beating of immigrants an acceptable norm, as the state was doing it as well. This growing relationship between the Golden Dawn and the state was consolidated by the election of the New Democracy (ND) party in 2012. Charges of murder, violence and armed robbery charged against members of the Golden Dawn all came to nothing, with even their MPs proudly bearing a list
CURRENT AFFAIRS
of unanswered convictions whilst carrying arms into parliament. This relationship and codependency between the selfproclaimed centre-right New Democracy party and the Golden Dawn further exposed itself when it emerged that an estimated 50% of the Greek police force voted for the latter. Following the demise of the GD party, 25 police officers have been fired, arrested or demoted for their connections to the Golden Dawn. The Golden Dawn, riding the wave of increased state nationalism, authoritarianism and conservatism, managed to reach over 10% in opinion polls. Today, that percentage is
falling, following the supposed crackdown on the party after the murder of leftist musician Pavlos Fyssas. However, no one should be fooled by this suspiciously abrupt ending. Fascism in Greece has a close relationship with the state historically as well as today. A government that legitimizes totalitarianism through the criminalization of dissent, systematic racism, nationalism in its social policies, and contempt towards its working class serves only to normalize fascism to the eyes of civil society. It is important to remember that the sun has not set on the Golden Dawn.
ISSUE 39 11
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Russia,
a suitable Olympic host for the world? With just over two months to go until the 2014 Winter Olympics in Russia, the spotlight has moved from sport to calls for the country to be stripped of their right to host the games. This is due to a recent law passed by the Russian Government preventing the distribution of “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations to minors”. This law in a nutshell prohibits any form of gay pride event, free speech in favour of gay rights, and people speaking of homosexual relationships as equal to heterosexual ones. Even though homosexual relations are legal in Russia, the government seems reluctant to grant equal rights to homosexuals. This view extends to that of many Russian citizens. A recent survey carried out by PewResearch has shown that, in 2013, 74% of the Russian population feels homosexuality should not be accepted by society.
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Several petitions have been launched in an attempt to sway the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to strip Russia of the Games. The IOC charter says, “The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practising sport, without discrimination of any kind.” However, the IOC has failed to stand by this in giving Russia its support to host the games.
A Recent History of Homosexuality in Russia:
The Russian President Putin has issued an assurance that homosexuals are welcome at the Olympics and they will be made to feel safe and accommodated. However, this will serve as little comfort to many who know of the country’s feeling towards homosexuality. At the moment the games will stay in Russia. But with over two months to go, anything could happen.
2008 Homosexuals are allowed by law to donate blood.
Euan Forbes
1993 After pressure from the Council of Europe, Russia legalises homosexual relations. 1997 It is made legal to officially change your gender. 1999 Homosexuality no longer classed as a mental illness. 2003 Homosexuality can no longer be used as a method of avoiding military service.
May 2013 Two homosexual persons are attacked and killed in hate crimes. July 2013 A law banning the promotion of homosexuality to minors is passed. The adoption of Russian children by same-sex couples from countries which recognise same-sex marriage is made illegal; at this point it is also still illegal for homosexual couples in Russia to adopt.
CURRENT AFFAIRS
IT AIN’T EASY BEING GREEN T
he last few weeks have seen a momentum building against the ‘Big Six’ energy companies. There is widespread and well founded anger at the 7-11% increases in the cost of gas and electricity that are being imposed on consumers. But, over the last few days, it looks increasingly likely that there is a scapegoat emerging; green taxes. David Cameron has announced plans to ‘roll back’ green levies on consumer’s energy bills, which it is hoped should save in the range of £50-112 on fuel bills. The taxes reportedly fund subsidies for renewable energy as well as other measures. Yet as a knee jerk reaction to public anger, they are being targeted; ‘Vote Blue, Go Green,’ right Dave? This worrying trend is not isolated to Britain. The recently elected Australian PM Tony Abbott has also announced plans to scrap a Carbon Emissions Tax.
Environmental issues are being subjected to the misguided shorttermism of politicians. By seeking the ‘quick fix’ on energy bills, the government is putting forward a view that our Carbon Emission Targets, 34% reduction by 2020, and other green initiatives should be put on ice for the sake of one winters’ fuel bills. Sadly this is an all too common theme when it comes to environmental policy.
developed to cater for this; evident through the government’s attack on green taxes. By doing this, the Conservatives’ wish seems to be pocketing votes and saving face.
Environmental issues are being subjected to the misguided short-termism of politicians
The politicisation of an issue is fundamental to the future of our society, our livelihoods, and our planet that is deeply in trouble. As the next generation will be directly faced with the challenges of climate change, it is up to us to step back and take a long term view at the situation. Only then will the vice-like grip, which political short-termism holds over the environmental issue, be released and we can begin to take steps towards a truly green future.
“
”
The politicisation of any issue reduces the capacity to take a long term view and allows it to become bogged down in incessant debates. Voters want the quick fix and snappy results. Politicians have
It is time that the political games around the green issue end. In October, the UN announced it is ‘95% certain’ that climate change is being fuelled by human beings. This seems to have been largely forgotten, or sidelined.
Sean Mowbray ISSUE 39 13
FEATURES
ALEX SALMOND’S UOD VISIT First Minister introduces economic policy at the University of Dundee On Tuesday the 19th of November, the University of Dundee played host to one of the country’s most important politicians. First Minister Alex Salmond and the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, John Swinney, launched their economic policy paper titled “Building Security and Creating Opportunity: Economic Policy Choices” in front of an invited audience at the University’s MSI lecture theatre. The paper launch began fifty minutes behind schedule, with a short speech by the University’s Principal, Pete Downes, followed by a brief introduction from John Swinney. Mr Swinney spoke of the fact that “the UK is now one of the most unequal societies 14 ISSUE 39
in the [developed world].” Mr Salmond took the floor to discuss the Scottish government’s new economic policy, which was released one week before the “White Paper” on independence. He then answered questions from a mixed audience of students, members of the media and academics. The majority of the questions posed to Mr Salmond at the event came from local students or academic staff. One of these questions was in regards to the “60 different nationalities” represented at Dundee University, all of whom will require a visa to remain in the country and work after graduating. Mr Salmond, after referring to the “country policy laid out within
the document,” claimed that the Scottish government would encourage skilled people to remain in the country, including graduates from Scottish universities. Iain MacKinnon, president of Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA), said in a press release that “it was a great boost for the University to have two of Scotland’s highest profile politicians on campus and yet another exciting moment for DUSA and the University, particularly with our commitment to engaging our students more with politics in the run up to next year’s historic referendum.” Rebecca Shearer
FEATURES
THE BITE BEHIND YOUR SWEET TOOTH Coca Cola, PepsiCo and Associated British Foods The sugar rush is booming in developing countries and, as our love of oh-so-tasty snacks and drinks increases, so does supply and demand. This leads to problems as land is not an infinite resource. The sugar industry is a huge contributor to land grabs. Large corporations buy up massive plots of land at the expense of those who previously lived on them, commonly for investment purposes. Companies take the land from previously self-sufficient farmers, who often don’t know their legal rights, and can push them into poverty and homelessness. These dodgy dealings can be violent and illegal. Imagine waking up one morning dazed and confused to find a bulldozer outside your house and being informed Pepsi now own your land. For a harrowing example, search ‘Guatemala Land Grab’ in YouTube. The lack of transparency is a massive contributor, every second an area the size of a football pitch is seized by a bank or private investor at the expense of the poor, who are getting poorer. Very few people know about this issue. Until their consumers care, why would big businesses change their ways? They thrive on secrecy. Let’s take some of the largest manufacturers of sugar products.
Did you know that Coca Cola owns Innocent Smoothies, Burn and Five Alive? Did you know PepsiCo own Walkers, Ocean Spray and even Scott’s Porridge? You may have never even heard of Associated British Foods. Well they produce Kingsmill, Ryvita, Jordans, Crusha, Ovaltine, Twinings and the list goes on.
It’s time for an age of corporate responsibility If we don’t know who makes our food, we can’t keep them accountable. Recently these companies have become a target for campaigners and students activists. Our own students on campus have been petitioning and raising awareness of the issue. The Oxfam Society are passionate about Land Grabs and have been working with the People and Planet Society
‘
to encourage the university to switch to Fair Trade Cola. It would be unfair not to mention that these businesses buy their sugar off a third party, however their influence on the sugar industry is huge. The change they could invoke is considerable and it’s time for an age of corporate responsibility. Coca Cola, the biggest buyer of sugar in the world has, as a result of mass petitioning, committed to a “zero-tolerance” policy on Land Grabs. Let’s hope PepsiCo and Associated British Foods get the message. The power is fi rmly in the hands of the consumer. Sign a petition, send a letter or give the crafty buggers a tweet! Ryan Brown Illustration: Samuel Pérez Gutiérrez
ISSUE 39 15
FEATURES
CAFFEINE what’s in your cup? In today’s society, caffeine is synonymous with energy. Many swear by their ‘caffeine fix’ to kick start their morning, boost their lunchtime slump or ease the drag of evening overtime. People associate caffeine with feeling awake and alert, and happily consume any product with the word emblazoned on the packaging. The coffee industry is worth billions of dollars in the US alone and energy drinks are on a similar scale worldwide.
Caffeine is a psychoactive drug which is present in many types of plants. When consumed, it deceives our nervous system. For example, when we are awake, the neurons found in our brain are constantly firing electrical signals. This creates a chemical called adenosine. Once the adenosine reaches a certain level, it prevents the cells from becoming overstimulated and encourages the body to sleep. Caffeine changes everything because the receptors confuse it with adenosine, but as it’s not the correct chemical, it cannot activate the receptors; simply blocking them. With these receptors useless, the brain’s stimulant chemicals have a greater effect. Caffeine also raises our heart rate, increasing blood flow to the rest of our body and energising us so we feel mentally and physically, awake. 16 ISSUE 39
Worrying comparisons can be drawn between caffeine and other drugs which are illegal for this very reason.
FEATURES
One known effect of caffeine, however, is addiction
So, if this substance clearly works, why the bad press? It all boils down to side effects. A Google search of the words ‘caffeine’ and ‘cancer’ leads to an article from the Telegraph which warns us that ‘Caffeine “can increase breast cancer risk’”. It also gives an article from LiveScience entitled ‘Caffeine may kill some cancer cells’. It’s no wonder we are so confused by caffeine when it is surrounded by hysterical fear-mongering. One known effect of caffeine, however, is addiction; having withdrawal symptoms is a recognised condition. These include drowsiness, lack of concentration, headaches and irritability. If you find yourself anxious after missing a coffee, unable to skip a routine caffeine fix, or would put other activities
off in order to obtain the substance, then you would potentially be diagnosed as an addict. Worrying comparisons can be drawn between caffeine and other drugs which are illegal for this very reason. While we shouldn’t flippantly dismiss all news we hear about the potential downsides of caffeine, it would also be unwise to take them all to heart. We simply have not been researching the drug long enough to understand any life endangering, or indeed prolonging, properties it has. So if you feel need for a cup of coffee in the afternoon, then enjoy it and the effects it gives you. You never know what laws might restrict your caffeine ‘fixes’ in the future. KATHARINE SHARPE ISSUE 39 17
FEATURES
Lauren Jean Findlay
Christmas movies take-over our screens! You’ve opened day six on your chocolate countdown calendar and you can already tally the amount of times you’ve watched Elf.
‘Santa! OH MY GOD! Santa’s coming! I know him! I know him!’ You’re in Debenhams having a browse, Santa casually strolls past, and you still get a longing to sit on his knee.
Festive adverts start showing
Starbucks is even more of a must! Pumpkin spiced lattes, choc-orange mochas, hot chocolate and cream, gingerbread. Mmmm. Cosy goodness.
You actually start wishing for snow! We all dream of a white Xmas, then moan because we’re stuck in the house, our deliveries are late and the trains are off.
The Coca-Cola truck, soppy John Lewis adverts and of course Scotland’s favourite, ‘We’re walking in the air, I’m sipping on an Irn-Bru. My chilly snowman mate says he would like some too.’
You start sending eCards with dancing elves
You put up your OTT house decorations
Your cheesy Christmas jumper is back in fashion!
Tinsel, advent calendars and fairy lights everywhere. Just blinding! If there’s a power-cut, we’re blaming these guys for blowing a fuse.
Y’know that flashing reindeer jumper with the 3d nose you’ve always wanted? Go on, treat yourself. It’s acceptable this month!
You hear a Mariah Carey song and actually enjoy it!
You are completely skint
You may not want to admit it, but we all love a little Christmas Carey.
After Xmas decorations, nights out, gift buying and updating our wardrobe’s winter warmers, our bank balances are looking quite pitiful.
Your social calendar is suddenly packed!
You can no longer button your skinny jeans.
There’s always a night out and an outfit to be purchased. Whether it’s a festive-themed party, work nights out or family get-togethers, December is a pretty intoxicated month.
It’s too hard to resist all those Xmas goodies the shops entice us with and stuffing our faces takes its toll. Ahwell it’ll soon be New Year and time for resolutions! Gym membership anyone?
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Stick your Gran’s head on an Elf ’s body and watch her dance around. Hours of entertainment!
Reject the glitz and glamour of the party season trends and tap in to your inner Courtney Love; this year less is defi nitely more! If you haven’t already checked out Maggie’s Farm then march those Doc’s in the direction of Union street. Our models are rocking a selection of our favourite pieces from their boutique store!
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FASHION
This page: Lace t-shirt £20 Shorts £28 Velvet dress £40 Opposite page: Lace bodycon dress £45
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FASHION
This page: Patterned monochrome leggings £25 Leather skirt £30 Mumford & Sons vest £26 Checked shirt £20 Vest £25 Opposite page: Fringed kimono £30 Snake-print skirt £38
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ENTERTAINMENT
Mutual Benefit
The Preatures
My newfound studying/relaxing playlist is in an avant-garde-genre I can only describe as tiny-symphony music. Henceforth, the celestial mutual benefit.
Everyone can come together for this deliciously cultish band. Their tracks have a magnetism about them that is understated but still up-beat.
This quiet passion project of Bostonian Jordon Lee has consisted of six EPs since 2009 without much acknowledgement, but his new seven-track album, ‘Love’s Crushing Diamond’, has been sold out on bandcamp since July.
‘These creations have been meticulously constructed and enamor accordingly.’ He mixes synths with layers of vocals and string instruments, so mutual benefit’s sound is often understated, like waves gently asking to be paddled in a few more times before the tide takes them away. But don’t let that floating sense of wonder trick you into believing otherwise - these creations have been meticulously constructed and enamour accordingly.
Paul Lester of The Guardian christened them as a speciality in R&B Country music - “Call it Country and B, or R&C”. On the other hand, when I listened to ‘Is This How You Feel?’, my mind transported me back to old school rock ‘n’ roll and presented me with oodles of Brat Pack simulacra.
‘To me this is the theme song for the metamodern hardboiled antihero.’ Their must-listen-to track is ‘Pale Rider’, referencing the Clint Eastwood film of the same name. To me this is the theme song for the metamodern hardboiled antihero. The riff and tempo place themselves perfectly over any of the scenes in Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘Drive’ and sell the love for that neo-noir character in the chorus: “I know he leads a darkened light but I do not fear the shadow of a man I love and understand / Come from nowhere, leave from nowhere. Oh, it’s an old, old game”. LIYL: Washed Out, Sufjan Stevens, Youth Lagoon.
LIYL: Haim, Little Richard, Patti Smith.
Start With: ‘Advanced Falconry’, ‘C.L. Rosarion’, ‘Auburn Epitaphs’.
Start With: ‘Is This How You Feel?’, ‘Manic Baby’, ‘Pale Rider’.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Bitstrips: A Bitshit
Kate McAuliffe
I
t all began with the rampant Farmville outbreak of 2009. Survivors were plagued with the dreaded Candy Crush Saga of 2012. But now Facebook users face a new pandemic: Bitstrips. With over 7.5 million users since the outbreak in January, Bitstrips has a contagion rate higher than the Ebola virus. For fortunate individuals still blissfully ignorant of the latest media app vomiting all over Facebook, Bitstrips is an incredibly annoying new app which allows users to create avatars and use them in different scenarios via customisable comic pictures.
‘Bitstrips provides the perfect way to channel your passive aggression, racism and homophobia - score!’ Symptoms of the Bitstrips app may include the swift colonisation of your Facebook page with meaningless comic strips containing ‘in jokes’ you cannot even pretend to be interested in. Those infected will use the app to describe the mundane daily experiences of their lives’ in an effort to be funny. Wit succumbs to colourful cartoon images of people buying canned beans, writing on a chalkboard and sitting at a computer.
Some Bitstrips provoke more than just yawns from their victimised audience, however these are most likely from shock value. Bitstrips seems to provide the perfect way to channel your passive aggression, racism and homophobia score! Amazingly, this app seems to prove right Michael Crichton’s theory that the internet will prevent the progressive evolution of mankind. The app is also held accountable for pandering to the huge volumes of self-absorbed Facebook users, the ones who clog up your page with ‘sexy selfies’. Now we can thank Bitstrips for making them a tad more attractive, as all Bitstrip avatars are guaranteed to be thinner, prettier and have better hair (sigh) than the real you, which is pretty much their whole marketing scheme. But have no fear users, a vaccine is available! Simply find any Bitstrip posted on your newsfeed. Then click ‘Hide all from Bitstrip’ and voila , you’re cured. Problem solved. You’re welcome - until the next outbreak.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Marvel & Disney The Power Couple of Hollywood
Not so long ago, Marvel, one of comics’ two great powerhouses, was doing whatever it could to make money out of their superheroes by selling them off to the highest bidder. DC ruled the cinematic world with Batman and Superman, while all Marvel’s big talents - Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, X-Men - were being brought to the silver screen by other studios.
So the ball began rolling. The Incredible Hulk was last on screen in what many criticise as Ang Lee’s worst film in 2003, so it was probably with trepidation that Marvel chose their green giant as the next to enter the fray. A change of pace and new look, both as human and monster, turned audiences around; it was a modest hit. And once again, a post-credit scene, this time letting us know a ‘team’ was being formed.
Now Marvel is owned by Disney and running their own studio, they have two of the top-five grossing movies ever under their belt, the most financially successful hero of cinema in Iron Man and the thirdhighest grossing movie series of all time with the Marvel Cinematic Universe. With Thor in cinemas now, there really is no stopping this cinematic giant.
After that everything falls quickly into place; another Iron Man, then Thor and Captain America led up to the movie event of the decade.
When Marvel decided to self-finance their first movie back in the noughties, no one could have guessed what would come next. Directed by a man most famous for the 90’s comedy Swingers and starring a post-rehab but pre-blockbuster Robert Downey, Jr. Marvel were probably expecting a modest profit at best. But the seeds were sown for something greater by a post-credits teaser featuring Samuel L. Jackson as an eye-patch wearing government agent. 26 ISSUE 39
‘Marvel have come a long way in just over half a decade, and show absolutely no signs of slowing.’ Synergising multiple heroes in one film had been done before, but merging four franchises into one was a whole new ballgame. No strangers to risk-taking, this task was put in the hands of director and serial geek, Joss Whedon. The Avengers ended up the third highest-grossing film of all time and cemented Marvel at the top of the superhero heap.
Now well into Phase Two of their master-plan, we’ve seen Iron Man 3 break box office records and now Thor is back swinging his hammer. A Captain America sequel is due next year, alongside new property Guardians of the Galaxy before everything culminates once again in 2015 with The Avengers: Age of Ultron. The sky really is the limit. Phase Three is already in pre-production with Edgar Wright’s Ant-Man soon filming, and head-honcho Kevin Feige (who masterminded this entire project) has already hinted at further sequels and standalone movies. Even our TV screens aren’t safe; Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. showcases some of Marvel’s minor heroes, and a slew of other TV possibilities include one featuring Captain America’s old-flame Peggy Carter set back in the 1940s. Marvel have come a long way in just over half a decade, and show absolutely no signs of slowing. For a superhero fan like myself this is no bad thing, and as long as things keep going as they have then I know we have a great few years of superhero cinema ahead of us. Iain MacKinnon The Contenders to the Throne: The DC Universe: DC had the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy, and a multi-hero movie has been on the cards for years. After this year’s lukewarm Superman reboot it remains to be seen whether an on-screen reunion with Batman will rescue them.
The X-Men Universe: Fox have actually had some successes with a couple of standalone Wolverine movies, but with next summer’s Days of Future Past intended as the biggest hero mash-up ever, could there be such thing as superhero overload?
The Figures: Series: 1. Bond2. Harry Potter3. Marvel Cinematic Universe4. Star Wars5. The Tolkien franchise-
$7.8B $6.3B $5.3B $4.4B $4.0B
Movies: 1. Avatar2. Titanic3. The Avengers4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Pt 25. Iron Man 3-
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SOCIETIES
Meet the Dundee Book Reading Society ‘Book’ yourself a place
S
helved was created by a like-minded group of friends who are passionate about reading and literature. We found there was no society on campus specifically geared towards this, and over a pint (where all the best ideas are thought up) we decided to create one. Consequently, ‘Shelved’ was born.
We’ve got lots planned for next semester too, including a sponsored cycle and a climb up Ben Nevis.
The society hosts a number of events on campus. All funds raised through the society go to our designated charity ‘The National Literacy Trust’, chosen after we learned about the work they do to tackle illiteracy. It is shocking that one in six people are illiterate – because illiteracy has such a negative stigma in society today, they often suffer in silence.
So far Shelved has made a successful impact on campus. Our monthly Shelved book club (held in the Burgh coffeehouse on Commercial Street) always has a great turnout. The books we’ve read so far are The Picture of Dorian Gray and To Kill A Mockingbird. The society votes on three books every semester (so everyone gets a chance to read what they want), which we then discuss at the meetings. We’ve also held bake sales on campus to raise money for the NLT, as well as various other events, such as our Speakerbox acoustic event held in Air Bar in November.
The NTL is our chosen charity because it runs inspiring projects to help fight this problem. ‘Mia’s Fund’ helps children gain access to guidance support in reading, and the ‘Words for Work’ campaign helps children and adults boost their employability skills through workshops and one-toone sessions. You can find more of their research and resources on their website literacytrust.org.uk. We hope to raise enough money to make a significant difference in the Trust’s valuable work. 28 ISSUE 39
We’ve got lots planned for next semester too, including a sponsored cycle and a climb up Ben Nevis, more spoken word nights and fundraisers galore so come along to a meeting and grab a coffee and a chat! Laura Darbyshire
SOCIETIES
A chat with the newly affiliated
Guide Dog Society An introduction to one of Dundee Uni’s newest (and cutest) student societies
What is the main goal of the guide dog society? The main purpose of the society is to raise awareness to students regarding Guide Dogs as well as raising funds for local Guide Dogs. Our current goal for the year is to raise at least £1000, to be carried on and bettered in the next year. The money that we raise will go towards naming a guide dog puppy, which costs around £5000. This would mean that the society would get to name the puppy as well as receive regular updates about their welfare. There may also be a chance that the puppy would get to attend the majority of our meetings.
Visit our facebook page: Dundee University Guide Dog Society or email us on dugds@outlook.com. Anyone interested, students or non-students, can also sign up to our regular newsletter by registering their interest via email. Amy Braithwaite
‘Come along to our information evenings and meet the dogs’
When and where does the society meet? We meet every second Wednesday evening in DUSA’s Liar Bar. Student membership for one year is only £1.
Does the society have any events coming up this year? After the success of our first bake sale, we have planned another in the library foyer for the first week in December. Next semester, we are planning a ceilidh as well as an information evening for the end of January. We have a few other events being planned for next semester, which will be confirmed via our Facebook page.
How can someone interested in joining the society get involved? Come along to our information evenings and meet the dogs, their people, and the committee and you will understand why we are raising money for such a worthwhile cause! ISSUE 39 29
SOCIETIES
HOW TO BUILD A STUDENT SOCIETY AND WIN A DUSA AWARD Jill Hardacre Your four-step guide to starting a student society If you have an interest that isn’t represented on campus, why not think of starting a society? Last year I set up the Oxfam student society, which went from a group of me and a few friends hanging out, to winning the ‘best new society award’ at the DUSA awards. Here’s a handy guide if you fancy doing the same thing: STEP ONE Find your passion/interest/hobby Societies can revolve around anything, from charities to sport, Stephen Fry to real ale, basically anything that can form a coherent sentence! For me, I had worked in an Oxfam shop since I was fourteen, had campaigned at festivals and been on a couple of training events. STEP TWO Grab a couple of friends It’s as easy as it sounds. Especially being a fourth year now, it is nice to see my friends on a regular basis for our meetings and drinks afterwards. The amount of friends I have made through the society has also been amazing, and it’s a great way to find like-minded people in the university.
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STEP THREE Do the paperwork This is the trickiest of all the steps, but it’s all worth it in the end. To get a fully affiliated society, contact the VPSA who will give you a pack of all the things you need. You must write your society’s constitution, then grab 20 signatures of students who approve the existence of your society. It is worth noting they don’t need to come, just that they are not offended by the existence of a ‘knitting’ society being affiliated to the union! Finally, attend the society’s council meeting where the vote takes place allowing you to be officially affiliated. This is not as scary as it sounds, unless you are ‘the kicking small puppies society’… STEP FOUR Off you go! With some societies, your activities are going to be pretty obvious; with others they may involve some more planning. A short rundown of the typical society night include film nights, speakers, publicity stunts, music events and many more, but here’s my top tip always end with the pub! And there you have it, the easy guide to starting a society, and if you’re lucky you might get a seat at the DUSA awards 2014, trust me it’s worth it – there’s free wine!
SPORT
making a
splash Dundee Water Polo Katharine Sharpe
Considering I find it hard to launch myself around a court on dry land, I was intrigued as to how anyone can physically manage to do this whilst battling against surges of chlorinescented water. Club Captain Eleanor Manson was on hand to tell me more…
Making A
When did you first get involved in water polo?
Splash
I started playing in my first year of University. I didn’t intend to join, I just went to the swimming Give it a Go, ended up staying and trying water polo...loved it!
Dundee Water Polo
Is there a good mix of beginners and advanced players on board so everyone can learn together? We had quite a lot sign up at the Fresher’s fair; we have 90 matriculated members. A lot of people come for the swimming then try water polo and really enjoy it. I think because it’s a team sport; it has a good buzz around it. The rules of water polo are pretty easy: just get the ball in the other goal, and you can take the ball off anyone holding it. However you can only throw and catch with one hand. And you have to constantly tread water. Matches tend to be four quarters of eight minutes.
How does Dundee do as a team? Our coach Alasdair Campbell joined us last year, during which both the male and female teams won their BUCS league; the ladies won their Scottish league and reached the semi-finals of Tier 2 BUCS, and the men won Tier 3 of BUCS. This year we are continuing this winning streak; we’re both in Tier 2 of BUCS and currently both teams are unbeaten. What’s the funniest thing to happen in training or in a match? Probably when someone gets hit in the face with the ball… Let us in on life outside of the pool. Socially we have an absolute ball! We are lucky as a lot of our fun competitions are away so in October we had Granite City in Aberdeen, where we went up and had a tournament against Glasgow, Stirling, RGU and Aberdeen. Then had a big themed night out, which was ‘Under the sea.’ Very messy and a lot of fun! How can people get involved? We train two hours on a Friday and two and a half hours on a Sunday. People can come along whenever; they can email swimmingwaterpolo@dundee.ac.uk for more info or find us on Facebook.
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SPORT
Sporting Newbies:
Lacrosse
Katharine Sharpe
‘Try something new. Challenge yourself. Do something different’. Since we’re constantly bombarded with this mantra in life, I had given in. My choice of sport for third year was going to be something that took me away from the cosy realms of the familiar. It was narrowing down the staggering list of options that proved the hardest part; I knew I wanted something that I could feasibly pick up quickly, something that involved running around to tire me out, and ultimately something that would be a good laugh. Oh, and after a particularly harsh winter of football, if it were to be an indoor sport, it would gain further approval in my eyes. Reading through the menu of clubs on the website, I realised that lacrosse was looking like it fitted the bill very nicely… that we were still in the relatively mild months of September helped me to overlook the ‘indoor’ aspect for the time being. My previous knowledge of the sport consisted of a childhood spent reading Enid Blyton books, and those match scenes in Wild Child. Turning up to the Give It A Go session, I was a tad worried that it would pan out exactly as it often did in these sources; lots of Upper Class girls, playing since they were out of nappies, who would kick you down as soon as look at you. Thankfully, it being a mixed club instantly dispelled any air of ‘bitchiness’ that so often pervades single sex sport teams. I then quickly discovered that, for many of them, this was only their second year of playing; a year ago they, like me, had never even picked up a stick.
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SPORT This did not mean, to my surprise, that there was a noticeable lack in quality of play; I was amazed at how effortlessly some tricky techniques were demonstrated. For instance ‘cradling’; a rapid twirling action performed while the ball is in the net of your stick, in order to keep it securely in place whilst you are running, and to help prevent you getting ‘checked’ (someone hitting their stick onto yours, releasing the ball). Yes that’s right. You have to simultaneously run in the correct direction, cradle the ball and not drop it, look for options to pass to your team mates, and not get tackled. A couple of months in and, admittedly; I’m still not all there, but that just adds to the sheer thrill when I do get it right. The atmosphere at training sessions is not overly serious, but focused as everyone attempts to learn the basics or hone their skills. Returning players go out of their way to ensure that we newbies can get as much out of the time that we can. Taking part in a friendly tournament in Edinburgh after only a couple of weeks was a fantastic way to immerse us; there’s no faster way to learn than by attempting to mark senior players with more years experience than I’ve been alive!
The club has experienced a huge influx of players this semester; from being unable to field a team last year, membership figures have rocketed to 92. Club Captain Sarah Goodwin is delighted with this spike in interest: “I am absolutely thrilled with the number of students who matriculated this year. We have a huge range of members in the club, including players with lots of experience and others who just want to give a new sport a try. Either way, we are a friendly and social club who welcome any new faces. Training sessions now have fantastic numbers, allowing us to grow as a club and receive some more recognition within the University and the Scottish lacrosse community.” So, with determination, I battle on towards completing the sequence of “catch, cradle, run and pass” more than a couple of times per match. Considering how quickly everyone has helped me to even pick the ball up correctly, I see no reason why I can’t do it before the semester is out… Interested? Training times are Monday, 6-7.45, and Thursday, 8-9.30, at Riverside.
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SPORT
MON-FRI: 8:30AM - 5PM
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COFFEE OFFER
BEFORE 10am & AFTER 4pm
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