December 2011 Student jobs are secured at the Med The Med and the Red Room nighclub are closing down next April, but student jobs are protected by employee regulations

the nightlife complex is about now. They Zsuzsanna Matyak said, “Village life wouldn’t be the same News Editor without these unique country inns and beautifully restored village pubs. Wel- tudent part-time jobs will be pre- coming, comfortable and often built served after The Meadowpark, around unique original features and a which incorporates the Med and roaring fire, there’s nowhere better to the Red Room, closes down in enjoy quality real ales and fresh sea- S sonal food.” early April 2012. Despite initial news that the Med will Although the outlet will be completely cease to exist in its current form in Jan- transformed, staff currently working on uary, Meadowpark confirmed to Brig the premises will be carried over under that Mitchells & Butlers will only take the provisions of the Transfer of Un- over the business at Easter next year. dertakings (Protection of Employment) The nationwide hospitality firm, which Regulations 2006, commonly known as runs around 2,000 managed pubs, bars, the TUPE regulations, which provide and restaurants throughout the UK, employment rights to employees when will revamp the building and convert their employer alters as a result of a the popular student pub and nightclub change of ownership. into one of the chain’s Village Pub and Neil Rankin, director of Kenilworth Kitchen outlets. Inns Ltd which currently operates Mitchells & Butlers wrote on its web- Meadowpark, said, “My staff will be site that this kind of business is a unique fully protected in this deal. You will still pub at the heart of the village, suggest- see some of the same faces, and going ing a completely different feel from what forward there will still be plenty oppor- continues on page 4 The Meadowpark will host a series of closing down parties Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi Protesters speak out: “We are here for the rest of the UK students”

The new fee cap, which was pro- know, you might like them” and chant- table about the fees without an increase gentlemen’s handshake between univer- Aya Kawanishi posed last summer, means that Scottish ing “£9,000 courses? Are you kidding?” in the them.” sities and with the government, and I News Editor universities could charge as much as Charandeep Singh, the Students’ As- Stuart Tooley, the main organiser of don’t think that is the right way to agree £36,000 for a four-year degree to stu- sociation President at Strathclyde Uni- the protest, said that the RUK fees pro- a policy. oncerned students from Scot- dents from the rest of the UK. This was versity who led the chanting at the front- posals are a “shocking move”, and they He continued, “I think that this build- tish universities united to followed by the fee increase at universi- line, said, “We would urge the [Scottish] should be acting now to stop it from ing here, the Scottish Parliament, should march through Edinburgh to ties in England last year and led to allow Government to rethink the proposals happening. be the place for making decisions so that Cprotest against the maximum Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities and bring a new proposal back to the “The tag line for this whole demon- every MSP can be on record saying, ‘Yes, £9000 cap per annum for the rest of the to announce the maximum fee level, stration is: ‘No matter where you study. I voted for £36,000 courses.’” UK (RUK) students studying towards an making them one of the most expensive Protesters No matter where you are from. No to EUSA President Matt McPherson said, undergraduate degree. higher education institutions in the UK. called for £9,000 fees’, and that’s what we really “Education Secretary Michael Russell Mocking RUK, which stands for “the Ministers to want to be doing.” got together with representatives of eve- Enraged students from various Scot- rethink the rest of the UK”, the demonstration was tish universities gathered in front of new cap for Asked what his message would be to ry university in Scotland and they both called the RUKidding march and was the Scottish Parliament to set off for the RUK fees in the Scottish Government, he said, “It is set their agenda on the fee levels and to- organised by the Edinburgh University march, with placards reading: “SNP, November not fair to treat students this way. We day we are setting ours.” Student Association (EUSA) on 23 No- fight Scotland’s corner. Scrap RUK fee” Picture: weren’t consulted on this change prop- vember. and “Try lowering your fees. You never Rajmund Bakonyi erly. The decision was made through a continues on page 2

THE BEVVY SISTERS / SAT 10 DEC RODDY WOOMBLE’S CHRISTMAS HOOTENANNY / FRI 16 DEC SKERRYVORE / WED 28 DEC STIRLING’S HOGMANAY WITH RED HOT CHILLI pIpERS / SAT 31 DEC 2 Brig | December 2011 www.brignewspaper.com

Brig News Editors: Graham Swann, Editorial Aya Kawanishi & Zsuzsanna Matyak News Email: [email protected] To get in touch with a sec- tion, email section and @ brignewspaper.com i.e. [email protected]

Editor in Chief Iain Blackwood Editor@

Deputy Editors Daniel Nunan Jeremy Watssman

News Editors Graham Swann Aya Kawanishi Zsuzsanna Matyak

Politics Editors Elsa Andre Colm Currie

Features Editors Anna Jordon Catriona McGale

Music Editors Ross Dunn Top: Students stood up to fight for the future for those who wish to study in Scottish universities Andy McDonald Right top: Chanting echoed throughout the main streets of the Scottish capital Right bottom: Ken Macintosh, a Labour Party candidate, turned up to back up the demonstration Film Editors Pictures: Rajmund Bakonyi Laura Muir Stefanie Pryke new tuition fees had come in before, she is just not acceptable. £36,000 fees? would have never gone to the Univer- “The fees that St Andrews and Edin- Arts Editors sity. “Education is not a privilege and burgh have set are completely outra- Catriona Keddie RUKidding? should never be,” she said. geous. £36,000 for a degree is far too Another Edinburgh University student much.” continued from page 1 Zoe Tautz-Davis said, “Education is one The Scottish Labour leader candidate, Opinion Editors Patrick O’Hare, the president of the of the most important things that any- Ken Macintosh, who was also present at David Devereux one can have and the fact that you have the protest, showed “full backing to the Simon Ewing Students’ Association at St Andrews University, said that they came to show to pay so much money for it just doesn’t RUKidding campaign”. support for those from the rest of the make any sense.” He said, “I am pleased that EUSA has Game & Tech Editor UK, who make up more than a third of organised this march to protest against Jamie Wright the student population at Scotland’s the exorbitant rise in tuition fees for prestigious university. “We shouldn’t be “The fees that St An- RUK students and I have given my full Food Editor letting the SNP off the hook. 36% of our drews and Edinburgh backing to the RUKidding campaign. “Today is an opportunity for the SNP Victoria Pease students at St Andrews come from the rest of the UK. We are here to oppose have set are complete- Government to stop, listen to the pow- erful calls from Scotland’s students to Fashion Editor £36,000 fees for those 36% and to stand ly outrageous” “We had huge mobilisations of stu- alongside them.” change course and prevent Scotland’s Nicola Smith dents for the last five years and they Approximately 120 students were universities becoming the preserve of the rich.” are only getting bigger. Especially in present at the demonstration, accord- Scotland we are expecting probably a Sports Editors ing to the police personnel who were Representatives for University of Stir- Tooley, the main organiser, said that ling students were also present at the in the long term, they aim to scrap all few hundred more people than we had Scott Lorimer on duty on the day. The crowd met up a year ago and that may be because the Graeme Young in front of the Scottish Parliament and march. the fees for everyone studying in Scot- Luke Fenton, The Union President, land. “The ultimate goal is a long-term issues have gotten closer to home.” Stuart Kenny marched through the city towards the He continued, “Next year, these fees Scotland Office, the branch office of the said, “This isn’t a march just organised one and that’s to make sure in a few by Edinburgh University. They might be years time that there are no fees for are going to be coming in. Next year, Online Editor Westminster Government. our brothers and sisters will be paying Amongst the students was Emma the organisers of the event itself but it’s anyone studying anywhere. I know that Daniel Nunan for everybody in Scotland to show the sounds idealistic but actually I think we £36,000 fees to come to Edinburgh. I Meehan of Edinburgh University from still don’t think it is acceptable.” Somerset, England, who said that if the Scottish and UK Governments that this are making big progress on that. Head of Photography Rajmund Bakonyi photos@ Number of applications Music revolution starts in Stirling and interact much like myspace. Head of Advertising Ross Dunn “We have many facilities within Nash Riggins for universities drops Music Editor the site, the most effective being our Adverts@ or Editor@ not know the true picture until the fi- unsigned jukebox where bands can nal application numbers are released in upload a track which can then be Graham Swann ne Stirling man is ensur- Heads of Proofing January, but Westminster’s betrayal of searched for by genre, region, level ing that Scottish musi- Lydia Nowak News Editor students by trebling of fees down south and gigging radius. This has just cians can be heard all over is clearly being felt right across the UK.” been launched and we are hoping Travis Emond the world through a brand that it will prove to be popular.” US Scotland have recently NUS Scotland’s concerns have been O new music website. widely publicised and they have made As with any fledging project there Visit our website: expressed their concern at Innis Mitchell, 41, is the Editor of clear their belief that £9,000 fees in are obstacles to overcome, usually in the drop in applicant num- Scottishmusicians.co.uk, a website www.brignewspaper.com England, combined with Scottish insti- the form of funding. bers to Scottish institutions. dedicated to showcasing Scotland’s You can also find us on Twitter N tutions’ RUK fee decisions, are putting The website aims to expose smaller Their concerns come on the back of finest musical artists. and on Facebook. off students from applying now, if not bands and siphon off all the manu- stats released recently by UCAS, the The website’s primary goal is to from applying altogether. factured bands that dominate the central organisation through which ap- bridge the gap between the music Brig meetings take place “This is even though the hard cam- charts at the moment, but the ulti- plications are processed for entry to scene and the man in the street, a paigning work of students means that mate goal for a website like Scottish every Monday at 7 p.m. in higher education, which show an alarm- goal that Mitchell believes is difficult Scottish students won’t pay tuition fees Musicians is to play a part in a suc- A3 Lecture Theatre, Cot- ing drop for English students applying but worthwhile. to study in Scotland, so there is no rea- cess story of a band. trell Building. to institutions north of the border. “The unsigned music scene Scot- son at all for Scottish students who want The website was recently nomi- The drop of 7.6% would appear to land-wide remains largely under- to study in Scotland being put off going nated for a Scottish Music Award but show English students not preferring ground because it’s still difficult for to university.” missed out on winning due to stiff Scotland as their first choice place of the general public to interface with it. Brig, The Robbins Centre, He continued, “The irresponsible ac- competition from other established study. At the same time, the stats also Bands go to see other bands perform The University of Stirling, tions of Scottish institutions in setting sites. If the site continues on its cur- reveal that many in Scotland do not see while the public are at home watch- Stirling. the fees they’ll charge students from rent successful form then it won’t university as the path they want to take, ing the X-Factor.” the rest of the UK should not be for- be long before it becomes the next FK9 4LA with a drop of 16.2% of Scottish appli- The most crucial element of ex- gotten either. By pricing a degree at up myspace. Tel: 01786 467176 (ask for cants to Scottish institutions. posing any unsigned artist is hear- to £36,000 some Scottish institutions If you’re in a band and looking for Brig) NUS Scotland President Robin Parker ing the music and the brand new have made clear they are only interested some exposure or a music enthusiast said, “This drop in applications from site launched for Scottishmusicians. or 01786 467166 in the most privileged, rather than the looking for new Scottish music to fill Fax: 01786 467190 Scottish students from the same pe- co.uk has the facilities to host music your ears, then check the website out. riod last year is very worrying. We’ll most talented.” Brig | December 2011 3 NEWS www.brignewspaper.com Think positive, think before you drink News in Brief dad and daughter from Nigeria Silently Stressed also revealed that Agraduated from Stirling Univer- Rajmund Bakonyi most of the students who completed the sity on the same day despite studying Head of Photography survey found that the social stigma at- 22 years apart. Samuel Ayinde, 53, tached to mental illness would act as a did his MBA in Marketing at Stirling barrier. This year's Breaking the Silence University in 1989, but had to return s a response to a recently pub- found the same: participants comment- home before the graduation. His lished research report, “Break- ed on the unintended consequences of daughter Vivian, 24, has now done ing the Silence”, according to mental health language. Students noted a Masters in Marketing with distinc- which students' mental health that moving away from words that carry tion and her request that her dad be A significant negative connotations may is deteriorating, the Stirling University allowed to graduate with her was Student's Union launched a campaign to help breaking down the stigma and bar- granted by Uni Chiefs. More than help students who are currently facing a riers that deter them from getting men- 700 Stirling students graduated in particularly stressful period in their aca- tal health support. As much as 80 per ceremonies at the Albert Halls. demic life due to approaching exams. cent of students said that they would be As a first step towards mental health, afraid to ask for help if they had a men- Hollie Cameron, Education and Engage- tal health issue. The statistics include niversities and College Un- ment Officer of the Stirling University Stirling University students as well. As a Uion Stirling held its first day of Students' Union and head of the cam- response, NUS Scotland highlighted the ’sustained industrial action’ on 30 paign, organised a mental health day on role of support services at universities November , hand in hand with two 21 November. Students were invited to to fight the stigma. “More must be done million other public sector work- the Atrium for a range of free activities to engage student mental health issues ers across the UK. They protested including foot massage and munching and particularly to enhance the mental against the substantial changes to on healthy food such as fresh fruit with health support available at college and their pension scheme that they think relaxing music on in the background to Hollie Cameron produced the Think Positive leaflet to keep students university and how this support reaches would cause them to „get less for more” contributions from the em- show how mental health can easily be happy Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi all students,” they said. improved in stressful periods. However, mental health campaigns ployees. Members were protesting at and, most importantly, not to be afraid Silence report stresses the need for ef- designed for specific institutions can the entrance of University of Stirling to seek help or advice from friends, fective support services throughout the also have a big impact in encouraging campus. family and professionals with concern- higher education sector as the larger the students to deal with their mental health ing issues. Useful contact information student take up the less likely it is that consciously. voFIT, a revolutionary facial to services is also provided. Students low mood developes into a more severe Cameron thinks that the campaign she 80% Ecomposite system created by a are, for example, encouraged to see the mental health disorder. has launched in Stirling can make a real Stirling Psychology Professor Peter Student Development Support Services Last year's NUS mental health report, difference when it comes to mild mental of students would be afraid Hancock, has won the University Counselling and Wellbeing Team of the Silently Stressed was based on a sur- health problems. “The goal of the cam- to ask for help if they had a Excellence Competition category at University. vey that asked 1800 students to iden- paign is to get students thinking about global exhibition competition Tech- mental health problem Figures acquired by Brig from the tify issues that cause them stress while their mental well-being around exam World. EvoFIT helps victims and Support Services show that there is a studying, where would they turn to for time, which is arguably the most stress- witnesses of crime generate an image year on year increase in the number of support and if there are any barriers ful part of student life. Everybody has The campaign also saw the release of of a criminal’s face after witnesses students who chose to exploit the oppor- to them receiving support for mental different ways of de-stressing, but not a leaflet containing ten useful tips for and victims repeatedly select from tunity provided by the Counselling and health concern. all of them help in the long run; getting students on how to relax and get rid screens of complete faces to evolve a Well-being Team to discuss their mental According to the report, the main is- drunk with mates may be fun but over- of stress. They are aimed to linger on composite of the criminal’s face. The health problems which can range from sues for students are exams and assess- doing it isn't good for your mental or around the University so that students idea for the system was generated by being stressed about an exam to serious ments, considering career prospects, physical health. The ten top tips in the can pick one up anytime to be reminded Hancock who worked in partnership depression. The number of service users day-to-day finances, having a job, and leaflet are there to give Stirling students what they can do to de-stress. In this with Dr Charlie Frowd at the Univer- doubled between 2004/5 and 2010/11 availability of support, with examina- ideas about how they can blow off steam leaflet, Cameron advises students to sity of Central Lancashire, who de- with 178 and 407 students asking for tions being the highest rated source of without having to cope with the hango- dedicate enough time to sleeping, eat a veloped the software. well balanced diet, drink less alcohol, help, respectively. The Breaking the stress. ver from hell.” Luxury uni apartment plan revealed Stirling Council backs students in private accomodation

Council, are required to run a licensing Aya Kawanishi legislation, namely the Houses in Mul- News Editor tiple Occupation (HMO), for shared ac- commodation. The HMO was included in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 in tirling Council has voiced their last summer in order to increase the support for student tenants quality of experience for tenants at who live in private accommoda- shared houses. Under the HMO, the tion who face issues with their S landlords are required to be licensed to agency or landlord along the due course operate their properties. of their contract. HMOs include shared flats, student Speaking to Brig, Andrew Paterson flats, bedsits, lodgings and bed and from Stirling Council’s private renting breakfast accommodation that are oc- team, said that they are “aware” of cupied by three or more persons as their some of the practices going on in let- only or main residence. ting agencies in the private sector and advised how young tenants could reach out for a hand to solve typical situations “Students don’t know such as repairing, overcharging and ac- where to go when they cess to landlord contact details. All the rooms will be en-suite in ten-bed apartments Picture: Lewis & Hickey Paterson acknowledged that student have a problem” tenants are often not aware of their Alternatively, tenants can protect and, of course, larger beds. And all commodation will be constructed rights and places that they could go to themselves by simply not signing the new bedrooms will contain en-suite at Alexander Court. The townhouse seek for help, therefore leaving the is- lease until the agency or landlord actu- Stephen Wood “shower rooms”, as Andrew Stewart layout provides space for nine people sues “behind the door”. ally brings the property to an agreeable Hall already does, minimising the living on three floors, with one en- There are different contacts that ten- state even if there may be pressure to awkward scramble for the shower in suite bedroom on the ground floor ants should get in touch with. For ex- reezeblocks make for a make them to do so. This could avoid the morning. along with the kitchen, also designed ample, the Private Rented House Panel claustrophobic experience. potential repairing rows in later days of New kitchen designs, planned for in new style. (PRHP) is an organisation which helps Those are words that any- the lease. Beyond personal living spaces, the fair renting of private properties for body living on campus can The council person also said that it is B plans also highlight students’ de- tenants and landlords across Scotland. sympathise with. a good idea to have a witness when the Coming to the new bed- sire to enjoy Stirling’s “amazing and Not only do their website shows tips This common complaint has been tenant finds an issue in the property. rooms are elements that beautiful” campus with more out- on how to keep entering a lease simple, recognised by the University of Stir- In addition, keeping a record of images door seating and tables, and better it also provides summarised informa- ling and architecture firm Lewis & are crucial to university and any written communication that parking spaces for cars and bicycles. tion on what legal rights tenants have Hickey when designing the accom- has been taken place between tenant lifestyle These changes will start at the end and a range of forms which are free to modation that will replace Murray and landlord are necessary evidence of this academic year, with town- download for use accordingly to the Hall, Geddes Court, and A K David- of the issues they many want to raise. ten people, unlike some current ones houses at Alexander Court and apart- situation. son Hall. The new accommodation is It would be difficult to bring up a case that have to service nearly double ments near Polwarth being devel- After checking with the PRHP, if certainly aiming for far more luxury without valid documentations when a that, include the current standards oped over the summer. Apartments the tenant feels that the standards for than those buildings have currently. complaint is consulted, according to plus comfortable seating areas, built- at Murray will happen the summer housing are still not being met, they can Coming to the new bedrooms are Paterson. in spaces for recycling and a break- after that, with A K Davidson’s apart- contact the Stirling Council Housing many elements that are crucial to “Students don’t really know where to fast bar, or at least breakfast is the ments happening the summer after Services at [email protected] for university lifestyle such as more go when they have a problem, but we intention of the bar. that, in 2014. more advice. bookshelves, plenty of storage space are here for them. It’s all about educat- The new townhouse style of ac- Local authorities, including Stirling ing young people,” he concluded. Brig | December 2011 4 www.brignewspaper.com NEWS

Charities Week brings the boldness out of students “Med is dead” a fool out of myself for charity if I get to continued from page 1 Meray Diner do this again.” RAG made £360 for the Poppy Appeal tunity for students looking for part time harities week was organised in Edinburgh where donations were col- work.” between 11 and 19 November lected by selling the Poppy badges, Am- Ashleigh Trickett, an English literature and has covered lots of events. nesty International made around £230 student at the University works at the Raise and Give (RAG), People in the week. Med as a barperson. She said, “It’s go- C Stirling LinkHitch is part of Link Com- ing to be sad to say goodbye to the Med, & Planet, Red Cross Group, Amnesty International, Marine Society, Save the munity Development which works to it’s such a great place for students, and Children, LinkHitch and Barnardo’s improve the quality and sustainability I expect many people will miss it. It is were the charities involved during the of education to identify and remove the a relief that the staff has the opportu- week. obstacles to quality education in Ethio- nity to keep their jobs, and although we Each charity had a particular agenda pia, Ghana, Malawi, South Africa and will miss the great atmosphere, I look and activities around it to collect dona- Uganda by raising money from hitchik- forward to seeing what the change will tion and help the community. Charities ing. Representative of Hitch, Maria Ris- bring.” Officer Boel Marks von Würtemberg timäki, said that they have got around After months of unconfirmed rumour said, “Charity work may not occur to all twenty people from Stirling. “The about the closing down, Rankin issued students as something they want to be Charities Week provided gave us a good an announcement on Facebook in No- involved in, but I think being visible and chance to get more recognition and we vember saying, “The premises has been raising awareness about what they do have got some new members this week.” sold to a large national operator and my and how people can help is really impor- The Vice President of Amnesty Inter- company that operates the business un- tant for these societies. I hope that this “Hair today, Gone tommorow” was the most fascinating event of Chari- national Society evaluated the week as der a lease has been approached with a week has given them the opportunity to ties Week Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi successful to raise awareness and collect view to the same national operator tak- do that.” fund for Free Left-Over Stuff Society shaving event. I was nervous but I felt some donations. “We have had good re- ing over day to day operations. We have One of the fascinating events was the (FLOSS), which collect second hand good once I have done it and I have sponse from people coming and asking reached a deal that suits my company head shaving under the slogan “Hair to- materials and give them away for free. raised quite a lot of money so I am proud about the charities and events. So this is and staff. So that’s it folks, the fat lady day, Gone tomorrow” which was held by She said, “As the co-ordinator of because we are volunteer-based chari- a positive occasion for us to expand the is singing, it’s game over, the Med is the Amnesty International Society, Ma- FLOSS, I wanted to raise money for the ties living on donations.” charities to gain social awareness.” Dead.” rine Society and Barnardo’s. Especially charity because it is a simple thing to do. Gillian Slider from Save the Children Charities Week has been quite ben- Andrew Roache, External Communi- female students showed their interest in Giving up something like my hair which said they made a total of £320 just from eficial, although the charities involved cations Manager for Mitchells & Butlers, the event. Henna Luoma-Halkola from I don’t have to have can actually be use- Charities week. “Born to Walk Tall on found the advertising and the publicity said, “There is still a lot of work to do, the Amnesty International Society who ful to help people so I just did it. Hope- the Tuesday gave us £80 followed by fairly weak this year. Each charity in the participated in the event said, “I think fully the money I have raised is going to our amazing 3 legged Fancy Dress Pub University aimed to organise activities it is fun and Amnesty International is be used for something beneficial.” Crawl on the Thursday night made us and help community during the week “It’s been a lot of fun important to me so I wanted to raise Lynn Chalmers, the secretary of the £240”. Jamie Moore, Union VP of Ac- ,however there is small number of stu- money for it. We are collaborating more Marine Society, said, “We are raising tivities and Development, who joined dents getting involved with charities. at times and a lot of with the other charities in this week and money for the Hebridean Whale and the pub crawl said “It was a great night, The charities have 93 members be- heartbreak at others.” it has been more interesting this year.” Dolphin Trust and the Marine Conser- really well organised and everyone in- tween them in almost 12,000 student Julie Navani also participated to raise vation Society and I joined the head volved were so fun. I will definitely make populated university. but we would hope the business will be in a position to reopen close to Easter next year. This is an excellent oppor- Stirling Street Pastors take care of tunity for Mitchells & Butlers to trade a brand new pub restaurant in the area and represents significant investment in the local economy.” bare footed girls after nights out Most importantly for students, he add- ed, “A nightclub operation would not priority is not to leave the troubled form part of our plans.” Marina Valero person alone under any circumstanc- However, Mitchells & Butlers do not want to lose student customers. Roache González es”, the SSP founder said. Glass collecting is also one of their said, “It is our intention that all of our regular tasks. By clearing them up businesses appeal to all types of custom- tirling Street Pastors (SSP) from the streets, they make sure that ers who wish to enjoy a pint, a glass of who are taking care of people littered glasses do not harm bare- wine, or a bite to eat.” being on the streets of Stir- footed girls going home from night Rankin said, “I’m sure the new place ling at night, including stu- S clubs and are not used as a weapon will be amazing and students will still dents making their way home from even though “Stirling is very quiet be welcome. There might just not be the night clubs, are contributing to and secure compared to the rest of as much fancy dress going on, but who Stirling being “quiet and secure com- Scotland. We are lucky. I never come knows.” pared to the rest of Scotland” as was across weapons,” according to Billy Adrienn Gyori, a Marketing student indicated by figures released by Scot- Strang, one of the members. at the University has been a big fan of tish Neighbourhood Statistics. So far, 1,521 bottles have been put Red Room since she came to Stirling The SSP is a group of Christians into the bin since the SSP was launch to study. “When I heard the new owner from 11 different congregations who in 2009, according to the SSP’s sta- wanted to shut the club I got this ‘let- provide a service within the com- tistics. down’ feeling, because the Red Room munity by listening and caring for Every Friday and Saturday night, is the best student club around Stirling those who are in need of emotional members of the SSP meet in the Al- at the moment, that’s for sure. That club and physical care in the streets of lan Park South Church in Stirling guarantees a decent night, a special feel- Stirling. and split into small teams of three ing every time I go there. On the other Keeping the city’s secure for two men and women aged from 19 to 70 hand, there is not going to be a proper years now, James Mckenzie, 25, who before going on patrol. night club on campus. founded the Street Pastors in Stir- Stirling Street Pastors are happy to help any troubled person on the streets of The SSP operates in several fields “The clubs in town are already crowd- ling, said that the city is not “danger- Stirling Picture: Stirling Street Pastors such as alcohol addiction, mental dis- ed and if the new owner seriously decid- ous” compared to the outskirts area. orders which could induce suicide at- ed to shut the Med and the Red Room He said, “I don’t think Stirling is a tempts and homelessness and works NGOs including Addictions Support United Kingdom or elsewhere. If an everybody would head into town, which dangerous place. The city centre has closely with local authorities in order & Counselling (ASC), Citizens Advice applicant has accommodation even if would cause a worse night transport lots of lights, lots of cameras, and it to ensure that Stirling at night is se- Bureau and Stirling Women’s Aid. it is not in the United Kingdom they service too. Let alone, students already should always be police presence in cure. Stirling Council works with the Mr McKenzie said, “We had three would not be considered homeless. have to wait more than 10-20 minutes to that area. Perhaps in the way home, SSP by providing them equipments people re-homed last summer al- They continued, “If an applicant get a taxi which is bloody expensive, or if it is outside of the city centre, there such as foil blankets, bottle stoppers, comes to our offices looking for tem- they choose to take the night bus which first aid kit, flip flops and bottled porary accommodation and is well is always packed and sometimes unbe- “Stirling is very quiet water. The police, emergency serv- “Our priority is not under the influence of alcohol we lievably annoying.” and secure compared ices, door staff of pubs and clubs and to leave the troubled must make a judgement of whether Rankin said that he had mixed emo- CCTV controllers also work hand-in- it would be safe to accommodate the tions about closing down after the 15 to the rest of hand with the SSP. person alone under person. It may not be safe for the years he has been involved with the Scotland” The 25-year-old said that when the any circumstances” person to be alone. Sometimes it can place. “On and off I have been embroiled SSP encounter a possibly dangerous be necessary not to accommodate with the building. It’s been a lot of fun case, it is important to first observe immediately but involve other serv- at times and a lot of heartbreak at oth- are several areas in which you could how the incident unfolds, not neces- though it is usually very difficult. ices such as police, social work or ers. It’s made me money at times and feel more vulnerable, because it is sarily interfering straight away. He Stirling Council rejects to provide a even the medical profession.” it’s cost me money at times. I’ve loved not that well lighted and there are said, “We are not in the position to house to those who have alcohol in The SSP started in March 2009 and it most of the time but I’ve also hated it not so many people.” interfere if they don’t ask for help un- their body or if they already have a now have about 25 members in total. some of the time.” It is not only severe issues that less there is an obvious need. Just to home, even though they can’t get Street Pastors was originally founded He added, “Ultimately I don’t have the SSP is patrolling for but also for ensure the person is okay, we would there.” in London eight years ago and they the money required to get the building “those who might be stuck in the city ask the CCTV cameras to keep an eye In response to this, a Stirling Coun- operate in up to 300 cities in the UK, into the condition it needs to survive.” because they missed their bus, and on the situation so they would alert if cil spokesperson said, “In assessing 13 of them in Scotland. It has also He continued, “The new owner will un- perhaps, they may feel vulnerable something is wrong.” whether someone is homeless the expanded to other countries such as doubtedly spend money on the place, fix if the place is empty and they meet The volunteers also supply con- definition of that is a person must Ireland, South Africa, Canada and it up good and proper. It just won’t be people who are binge drinking. Our tact detail cards as well as leaflets of not have accommodation in the the US. the Med as you know it, whether better or worse remains to be seen.” Brig | December 2011

POLITICS www.brignewspaper.com 5

Politics Editors: Elsa Andre & Colm Currie Politics Email: [email protected] New law to end forced Youth Employment Minister plan marriages in Scotland announced by Scottish Jenny Wartnaby Government the fact he will now follow Labour’s call ew legislation has been for a minister for youth jobs.” adopted in Scotland mak- Colm Currie However, it is not a done deal just yet, ing it illegal under the new Politics Editor as it has not yet been passed by the Cab- Forced Marriage (Protec- N inet. Mr Salmond said, “That proposal tion and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Act he Scottish Government an- will be brought to this chamber as quick- 2011 to breach protection orders issued nounced last week that it in- ly as possible, probably next Wednesday to safeguard the rights of those at risk. tends to create a new post: that [7 December].” It would therefore ap- Contravening the bill and forcing mar- of Minister for Youth Employ- T pear that he strongly expects his Cabinet riage against the full and free consent ment. There are now over 100,000 peo- to pass the motion and, if this is the case, of those involved could result in a two- ple unemployed in Scotland between it will be put to a vote among all MSPs. year prison sentence, a fine or both. the ages of 16 and 24, so the First Min- Of course, it still remains to be seen The legislation will also be accompa- ister’s announcement in Holyrood is how effective the Minister for Youth nied by increased support for victims, likely to be welcomed by many. Indeed, Employment will be, assuming that the and existing powers of annulment re- Labour party leader Iain Gray has pre- motion makes it through the Holyrood garding forced marriage have been viously called for such a role to be creat- chamber. However, regardless of the bolstered as a result of the bill, protect- ed. The minister is set to be named after outcome, there is still the problem of ing those who have already been co- a cabinet meeting on Tuesday the 6th unemployment among the older popu- erced without consent. It also provides of December, and will have a budget of Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced new legislation on lation. At the end of September, there courts with the power to issue deliver around £30 million. forced marriages will protect victims Picture: nicolasturgeon.org were approximately 215,000 people protection orders that accommodate The Smith Group recently carried out unemployed in Scotland and, while the the specific circumstances and needs often being shrouded in calls for cul- Nirvana is an organisation that oper- an independent report, which conclud- number of people claiming benefits regarding the victim’s situation. This tural tolerance. Drawing important dis- ates helplines, organises refuge accom- ed that youth unemployment was likely dropped slightly in October, it is still sig- would be provided through ensuring tinctions between forced marriages and modation, and primarily educates the to be an ongoing problem of real mag- nificantly higher than it was a year ago. personal safety; for example, the provi- arranged marriages, the Scottish Islam- larger community regarding the degree nitude, and recommended “that the is- Liberal Democrat MP, and Secretary of sion of refuge accommodation or spe- ic Foundation asserted through Chair- of terror inflicted upon some young sue is of such significance that it should State for Scotland, Michael Moore, said cial protection for those at risk of being man Asif Ahmed, “Forced marriages British Asians, often by their own fami- be tackled through a dedicated ministe- of the statistics, “The Scottish unem- forced overseas for the marriage to be are not sanctioned by any faith. Islam lies. Founder Jasvinder Sanghera stat- rial portfolio, rather than an ‘add-on’ to ployment figures are a stark reminder conducted. is clear that a valid marriage requires ed that, if awareness of this issue is not a wider brief.” Alex Salmond told par- we cannot allow any let-up in our efforts The bill goes further than other ap- the full consent of both parties. To force increased, the law alone is “absolutely liament, “The Scottish Government has to get the economy back to full health proaches in Britain to tackle the prob- anyone into it is a grave injustice, which pointless”. listened to views from across the cham- and people back into work as soon as lem, although David Cameron called for should be battled against by all people Sturgeon also said, “We know peo- ber and agrees with many of the Smith possible. Each of these numbers repre- a review of the decision in July to reject of faith”, welcoming the legislation that ple who refuse are often subjected to Group’s recommendations, and will sents an individual or a family directly the criminalisation of forced marriage. will undoubtedly result in a decline of threats, assault, captivity or worse at establish a dedicated ministerial port- affected by the economic downturn and However, courts in England, Wales and forced marriages. the hands of their own family.” Sang- folio with a priority to promote skills the UK government is doing all it can to Northern Ireland have the ability to is- There has also been criticism claiming hera recalls her book, entitled Shame, and employment for young people.” create growth and reverse this trend.” sue civil orders preventing forced mar- that the bill is not far-reaching enough, the horrifying true story of a girl bru- NUS Scotland has reacted positively to On the other hand, it should be noted riages or to protect victims. As this is and that education to prevent forced tally stabbed to death in front of her the news, with president Robin Parker that, while the Scottish unemployment an order under the rule of civil court, marriages is vitally important to tackle little sisters by her brother and cousin. saying, “With youth unemployment at rate is a fairly high 8%, it is lower than its breach is punishable through a two- the issue. The Law Society of Scotland, The issue has been discussed as being alarming levels in Scotland, £30 mil- the UK overall rate of 8.3%. Holyrood fi- year prison sentence under contempt of who played an influential role in the fairly small but, despite its minority lion of new funding and a minister to nance secretary John Swinney stated his court. The Scottish Bill provides clear development of the legislation, has concentration, the government’s forced specifically tackle the problem is great opinion that “the UK government must and distinct guidelines for courts re- been at the forefront of these calls. Vice marriages unit receives approximately news.” deliver real action in the areas where garding the issue, but also reinforces Convener of the Society’s Family Law 5,000 calls a year. 85% of victims are Despite the rare agreement between Scottish government policy is making structures to help victims. Committee, John Fotheringham, said women aged primarily between 15-24, the two parties, Gray could not resist a difference: increased capital expendi- Nicola Sturgeon stated: “The intro- “Legislation alone will not be sufficient with 90% being Muslim and of a Pa- the opportunity to remind people that ture, improved access to finance for me- duction of this legislation will help us to reduce instances of forced marriage. kistani or Bangladeshi heritage. The Labour had already called for this ac- dium and small-sized businesses, and ensure that forced marriage has no A proactive approach of educating com- problem has seen more publicity re- tion to be taken. “This is a national cri- the introduction of measures to boost place in 21st century Scotland, by pro- munities where this problem occurs cently, with the Scottish-based couple sis, a crisis for Scotland, because of the economic confidence and income secu- viding flexible legal support to allow is crucial in efforts to prevent it.” The Saif Rehman and Uzma Naurin brutally profound threat it poses to the future rity.” Scotland is clearly heading in the victims to get their lives back on track.” society also emphasised the require- murdered in an “honour killing” while prosperity, future equality and future right direction and, hopefully, this new Although some have criticised the leg- ment of an education and awareness in Pakistan. Although there have been fairness of our society. Alex Salmond proposal will see Scottish unemploy- islation as being long overdue, as it first campaign in affiliation with the legisla- other tragic deaths on the road to this seems finally to get the point the SNP ment levels fall further. surfaced as an issue for debate in 2005, tion for victims and their families, but legislation, more needless murders can government have not done enough to it has been a complex issue to discuss, also those administering justice. Karma likely be avoided. tackle youth unemployment. I welcome

lower-income families harder. The In- more years of austerity compared to the Chancellor’s stitute estimated that average incomes Chancellor’s plans of a few months ago. In Brief will drop by 3% this year, and will The IFS deemed the statement new economic continue to do so in 2012. This decrease “regressive”, as those with an an- in income is the worst in Britain since nual income of £15,600 will lose an . Foreign secretary William Hague is putting the oil price shocks of the 1970s . average of £44.75 in the year 2012-13. pressure on Iran to stop building nuclear measures to The IFS’s report announced that the Those earning £18,200 will be worse poor will suffer more than the rich, as off by about £36 in the same year. By weapons. widen the gap Osborne refused to increase tax credits. contrast, those with an annual income People with a lower income will not of £76,100 will benefit by about £105, between rich benefit from the council tax freeze and thanks to Mr Osborne’s most recent tax . Nick Clegg caused outrage among Liberal the delay of the fuel duty increase as changes. Those with an annual salary of Democrats after backing George Osborne’s much as the richer part of the popula- £45,300 will get £98 more. and poor, says tion will, because they pay less council Autumn Statement. tax and they drive less. The Chancellor’s IFS measures will effectively, according to the IFS, reduce the incomes of those in . The Church of Scotland has warned the the bottom 30% of earners. The thinktank also warned that Scottish Government not to legalise gay mar- Elsa Andre families with children will be worse off riage. in 2016 than they were 14 years earlier. Politics Editor “The new tax and benefit measures are, on average, a takeaway from lower- . The government is to look again at the HS2 eorge Osborne’s Autumn income families with children, and a Statement caused outrage giveaway to those in the middle and high-speed rail line between London and Bir- last week as the Institute for top of income distribution,” said IFS mingham. GFiscal Studies released its researcher Robert Joyce. reading of the new proposed measures. The measures were announced by George Osborne announced con- The IFS stated that the new economic Downing Street as necessary because troversial economic measures to measures will increase the gap between the global financial system is experienc- deal with the crisis poor and rich people, as they will hit the ing a credit crunch,which will mean two Picture: timgarrattnottingham.co.uk Brig | December 2011 POLITICS 6 www.brignewspaper.com Politics: Comment Capitalism no more: How Ed Miliband plans to save the economy, and why it won’t work on the other hand, is it fair for taxpay- Nash Riggins ers to spend trillions of dollars in order to bail out financial giants, only to dis- d Miliband has a dream. In his cover that these bankrupt companies recently proposed five-point are then delivering Christmas bonuses plan to save the economic sys- to their disgraced chairmen in excess of tem of the Western world, the a billion pounds? In short; no, it isn’t E fair. If the people want fair, they should Labour leader is urging voters to re- shape capitalism into a more “respon- implement communism and then David sible” and friendlier practice. Yet while Cameron could decide how to spend Mr Miliband slumbers and dreams of every pound of your hard-earned mon- fairies, unicorns, and lands where bad ey. Only a fool wouldn’t shudder at the things never happen, he appears to thought. have forgotten what capitalism is. So, while it only makes sense to dis- In his five-point plan, Miliband card the notion of communism, it calls for some simple, yet favourably comes full-circle that, just as life in gen- worded, changes in the way the Brit- eral, capitalism is not fair by definition, ish people conduct their business. and it is childish to assert otherwise. These points include British banks Miliband’s final economy-saving bul- A soldier’s life in the trenches during World War One Picture: welltempered.wordpress.com being more generous in the loans they let points were to establish further vo- arrange with aspiring small business- cational training, as well as create leg- owners, and being less concerned islation against corporate monopolies, about the return and income that loan the former being the only of Miliband’s Poppy culture: much will produce. Similarly, his second goal five points that is actually achievable is for shareholders in large businesses without reprogramming human nature. to become less impatient regarding how and when they will see a return on “Ed Miliband their investments in order to let their ado about nothing? business expand without internal pres- must stop pre- sures. men who never returned home from the on or around Remembrance Sunday, As admirable as these requests may tending that Colm Currie trenches. but this year it coincided with an in- seem, how many voters can afford to This year, a number of issues relating ternational break. FIFA had previously invest their hard-earned money into a capitalism has Politics Editor to the poppy arose, including Pound- imposed a blanket ban on religious and company without any concern whatso- land banning its staff from wearing the political symbols or messages being or decades, the red poppy ever for receiving a short-term profit? symbol. Poundland had a long-standing displayed on shirts. The English FA ar- somehow fun- pinned to shirts, jackets and Likewise, struggling financial institu- ban on badges being worn on employee gued, however, that the poppy is neither jumpers has been a common tions stand to lose billions by loosen- uniforms, but a woman in a Northern of these, and eventually FIFA allowed damentally sight in the UK around the ing loan terms and conditions – and F Ireland branch of the chain refused to the players to wear black armbands month of November. It is a widely rec- when the banks fail again, small busi- take her poppy off when instructed. with the poppy printed on them. The changed in the ognised symbol of remembrance for the nesses won’t be the only ones who will Lyndsay Pattison of Lisburn walked out Scottish and Welsh national teams also fallen soldiers of the First World War. suffer. when she was told she could not wear wore the armbands in games against past ten years” Formerly, few people objected to the Miliband is calling for a less preda- the poppy while at work. Poundland Cyprus and Norway respectively. poppy, as it was in no way a harmful tory approach to capitalism, an ele- apologised and reversed its decision However, what difference did these emblem. In recent years, however, it ment of the West’s financial paradigm, More outlandish still are the responses changes really make? Do the staff of has become something of a political hot which he asserts has led to its virtual of fellow politicians to Mr Miliband’s Poundland better honour the sacrifice potato. economic collapse. Yet it is this cut- proposal. Liberal Democrat Party Pres- “No reasonable made by those soldiers any more or less Traditionally, the poppy is worn on throat, dog-eat-dog approach that ident Tim Farron merely scoffed that now that they are free to wear poppies the 11th of November, to mark the ar- indeed allows business to thrive. At “Miliband clearly has no original ideas.” person should at work? And did the footballers have mistice, and on the first Sunday there- the close of the Industrial Revolution, In Miliband’s defence, one could clearly the war victims any more or less in their after, Remembrance Sunday. It might when capitalism was just beginning to counter this argument by asking a se- be offended thoughts because of the armbands? Al- also be worn for a couple of days be- realise its lucrative potential, the busi- ries of simple questions, such as “what most certainly not. Similarly, was there forehand, to show that the wearer has ness practices of robber barons such the hell has Tim Farron done for any- by the sight of any need for Poundland and FIFA to the war victims in his or her thoughts, as Andrew Carnegie were described as one lately?”, or, indeed, “who the hell ban the poppy in the first place? It but those who choose not to wear them “Social Darwinism”. Indeed, this term is Tim Farron?”, but who has the time? somebody wear- wasn’t doing anyone any harm; no rea- are free to do so. Some people choose accurately portrays capitalism in its Politicians from every major party are sonable person should be offended by not to wear poppies as they do not agree most basic and carnal form: survival of destined to argue in favour of the vague ing a poppy, nor the sight of somebody wearing a poppy, with the British Army’s involvement in the fittest. demands of the Occupy campaigns, nor should anyone be offended by the the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Capitalism is notorious for brutally while they are simultaneously lobbied should anyone sight of somebody not wearing a poppy. or its occupation of Ireland. Even if you punishing laziness, whilst it rewards by multi-billionaires who assert that The symbol of wearing the poppy was take this viewpoint, it does not mean hard-workers with thick skins. That lower corporate tax rates will ensure be offended meant to be a sign of quiet remem- that it is fair to assume that anyone who is to say, don’t be so coy as to assume new jobs for the working class. Every- brance, which one could choose to ob- wears a poppy supports these acts. It is that Bill Gates and Richard Branson one is right, and every potential move by the sight of serve or not. Now, sadly, because some perfectly possible to remain a pacifist, haven’t stabbed a disturbing number is a gamble; that’s what democracy is people have made such a mountain out while still remembering and respect- of people in the back in order to see all about. Capitalism is dangerous, and somebody not of this particular molehill, it has be- ing the British soldiers who died in the their own enterprises flourish (even if a laissez-faire stance toward a nation’s come more of a statement not to wear Great War. Most of them were called up only metaphorically). economy is always bound to be a roller- wearing a a poppy than it is to wear one, which to fight regardless of their will, unlike Reverting to Miliband and his recent coaster ride for its inhabitants. should surely not be the case. Wear the those who participated in more recent proposal, there was also a call for caps Prosperity comes and goes, and it is poppy” poppy, don’t wear the poppy; it’s no- military events. The white poppy is still on all executive salaries, which is a fair, a folly to feign surprise when a reces- body else’s business how you choose to an unusual sight, yet it is still quite well- yet seemingly impossible, feat. The sion rolls in with the changing of the a few days later, thereby allowing its honour those killed in World War One, known as indicating that the wearer is a media has asserted this request is Mili- tide. In short, Ed Miliband must stop staff to wear poppies while they worked if at all. Like it or not, that is part of the pacifist, but still honours the casualties band attempting to ride on the popu- pretending that capitalism has some- ,if they chose to do so. Pattison stated: freedom which we now have because of of the war. Not everyone who wears a larity of the Occupy protests in order how fundamentally changed in the past “It is not a political thing, it is for every their sacrifice. poppy is a war-supporter. to secure votes, yet this is a far cry from ten years. Apparently the Labour Party race, colour, creed and religion that I This works both ways, though; not being an original request, as politicans would have you believe that if everyone am wearing it.” Politics online everyone who doesn’t wear a poppy is and their constituents have been call- starts being nicer to each other, then Furthermore, the England football failing to pay their respects to the war ing for tighter regulations regarding the economy will bounce back, which is team was embroiled in a lengthy battle dead. I did not buy a poppy this year, Liked these articles? executive pay for decades. On the one a captivating fairy tale, but a fairy tale with FIFA to allow the players to wear yet I still participated in the traditional Then you can read more about politics side, businesses must attract the most nonetheless. poppies on their shirts in a friendly two minutes silence at 11am on the 11th on our website. intelligent and capable individuals to match against Spain. It is not unusual day of the 11th month. I am still grateful lead their companies, and then be able for British club teams to wear poppies for the sacrifice made by the millions of www.brignewspaper.com to reward them for their successes. Yet on their shirts during domestic matches Twilight Sad perform final 2011 gig in Stirling’s Tolbooth

Music Editor Ross Dunn interviews James Graham. Page 8

Also in Brig Culture this month:

Greg Barrie reviews, Moneyball, di- rected by Bennett Miller and starring Brad Pitt. Page 11

It’s that time of year for pantomime and Arts Editor Catriona Keddie went see to Jackie and the Beanstalk at the Macrobert. Page 14

Victoria Pease cooks up the perfect student Christmas dinner. Page 16

December 2011 Brig

cultureThe Twilight Sad Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi Brig | December 2011 8 www.brignewspaper.com CULTURE: MUSIC

Music Editors: Ross Dunn & Andy McDonald culture: music Email: [email protected] music news music Roddy Woomble’s Christmas Hootenanny “This is just the record our band needed The Tolbooth’s annual Christmas wonderland show is back, this time featuring a special gig by indie sing- to make” er-songwriter Roddy Woomble. The show takes place on Friday 16, December. Tickets are priced £17/£15 The Twilight Sad’s James Graham talks to Music Xcerts & Flood Of Red Tour Editor Ross Dunn after his The Xcerts are embarking upon an- other UK tour at the beginning of last show of 2011 the year. The magnificent Aberdeen outfit are joined by Flood of Red for fter their last show of the year at Tol- a short run of shows in January. booth, The Twilight Sad front-man, Catch them in Aberdeen at Café James Graham, was kind enough to Drummonds on 21st or in Glasgow Aanswer a few questions about the new at King Tuts on 22nd. record, how he’ll be spending the Christmas holidays and pet rats in pubs. NME Cool List 2011 RD: How was that then? The music magazine has released JG: Aw fuck, it was alright. There are a couple of maniacs in there; I think one of them was our James Graham peforming at Tolbooth Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi its annual inane cool list. In typi- drummer’s brother! repeated what we’d done on the first album or get those high notes. As soon as that happened cal fashion, a relatively unknown RD: Stirling was your last show until the second it would’ve been so fucking boring, though, I was fucked. From then on it was either tops the list. With the “most unpre- February, how would you sum up the it would’ve been unbelievable. We would’ve got Morrissey or Ian Curtis vocals. dictable style in the world” Azealia tour? halfway through touring an album that sound- RD: You said the wall of noise had gone Banks claims the top spot with JG: It’s been good. We’ve been playing pretty ed like the first two and I’d have no doubt we from the new record but even when you Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker claiming sec- small venues and we’ve played a lot of places would’ve split up. There’s no point replicating were playing new material tonight it we’ve never played before down in England. what we have done before. Writing these songs sounded like it was still there. ond place. We played Hull, Preston, places we normally and the production on it suited these songs JG: It’s still there, it’s just done in a different wouldn’t go to but there are so many die-hard more. There was no point in putting a big wall way. Andy’s changed his guitar style because Bowie Musical For 2012 fans there, fans that we wouldn’t know existed of noise over everything, it would’ve spoiled it. there was no point in him doing the same thing Plans for a David Bowie musical unless we toured there. It’s been good to try We wanted the new tracks to sound a lot more as before. I think it’s still there in an intelli- have been announced for spring out new songs and to get back into the swing sparse and cold with a lot of synthesisers. gent way and that’s me not slagging off our old 2012. of things. RD: How will you be spending the records because I love them to bits but you get The singer has agreed for the first RD: Not many bands pass through Stir- Christmas holidays? older and you learn. The songs are as intense ling, and this is your second time here? JG: Getting absolutely steamin’ every day. and in your face as any other song but the noise time to allow his songs to be used JG: Third! Every Christmas Eve we go to my local pub is done in a more intelligent way. for a futuristic fantasy about his RD: Why is that? where I stay called The Swan, and even Dok RD: What’s the most bizarre thing to life called “Heroes: The Musical”, JG: Because we stay 15 minutes away. When [Martin Doherty] and Johnny [Doherty] who happen to you guys on tour? which will have its world premiere I was younger, I used to come here all the time are from Glasgow come through and they stay JG: In Oxford, I didn’t quite see this but we next March at London’s IndigO2 for Thursday night shopping at the Thistle Cen- the night at my house. It’s basically the band were in this pub and Johnny and Andy were venue. tre and the Rainbow Slides which is like flumes Christmas night out and it spoils every Christ- sitting opposite me and I; their faces looked and stuff. mas Day I’ve had in the past three years because stunned at this guy who was sitting behind me RD: I think that’s shut now… I’ve just been so hungover. I really enjoy Christ- and I said, “what’s going on?” so we got the Chili’s To Release Live Record- JG: Aw, is it? Aw, fuck, you’ve just broke my mas, I think it’s great. flip-cam out to film this guy over my shoulder ings childhood, haha. But yeah, Stirling is a really RD: The Twilight Sad started out as a and apparently the guy pulled out a pet rat and Red Hot Chili Peppers have an- nice city and all our daft friends come here as cover band. What did you guys play? started stroking it whilst his pals were getting nounced that they will release pro- well . JG: Shit. How did you know that? Guns N a drink at the bar, and as soon as he saw them fessional-quality recordings of each RD: What made you guys take your new Roses and The Manic Street Preachers. That’s coming back he tucked it into his pocket and show on its current and upcoming record, No One Can Ever Know, in a dif- when we were in school and to be fair and Man- just acted like the rat wasn’t there. tours in support of the band’s latest ferent direction? ic Street Preachers wanted to be Guns N Roses JG: Nothing made us do it; we started work- and we also wanted to be Guns N Roses. I was The Twilight Sad’s new album No One album I’m With You. ing about with stuff that interested us. If we’d younger and my baws hadn’t dropped so I could Can Ever Know is out February 6, 2012. music Tis the season for gash music, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

s we get closer to Christmas, we must the band, sounding completely different from brace ourselves for the onslaught of any of their stuff previously or in the future. Christmas songs, which will infest Also,when Billy Corgan shrieks about being a Aour lives for the next month or so. rat in a cage it sounds raw and authentic. But While it’s certainly nice to have a theme for the when he sings about children enjoying Christ- holiday, these songs get the hell played out of mas Day, it sounds rather creepy. them and seem to follow you wherever you go. Songs at times also give off the wrong message But what totally makes them that God-awful to of Christmas. Destiny Child made this mistake listen to? There are many reasons to consider: when they released “8 Days of Christmas”. The Lazy song writing, terrible melodies or even song only focuses on the gift-giving and materi- just the artist who performed the song. alism surrounding the holiday. Many an artist has often been ill-advised and However, it seems the main problem with recorded a Christmas song at the height of Christmas songs in general is poor song writing their popularity and fame. Before Madonna and awful melodies. Cliff Richard often tries to Cliff and Shane: No to a duet but yes to a square go? Picture: Google Image was more concerned about adopting African put the “Christ” back into Christmas with his re- children, during the 80s she recorded a cover leases. While not great, Saviours Day and Mis- less talented Beatle with his track Wonderful fiantly some diamonds in the rough. Slade’s of the classic Santa Baby. While this seemed tletoe and Wine are not terrible either. How- Christmas Time. The track is ruined by the aw- Merry Christmas Everyone is a fun track and like a material girls dream, critics have often ever, he cannot be forgiven for the absolutely ful lyrics and the annoying synthesiser. Paul has The Pogues Fairy Tale of New York is a simply described her performance as one note and terrible track, Millennium Prayer. Completely gone on record and stated that he is in fact em- wonderful song. So when it comes to Christmas very bland. butchering Auld Lang Syne, Richard takes the barrassed by the record. this year, when these songs come on, I will cer- Back in 1997, Alternative Rock giants Smash- song and sings the Lord Prayer on top of it. This Some of the songs which I have mentioned are tainly have a listen. But when the crap comes ing Pumpkins, to the surprise to many of their song has been universally panned, with many considered to be some of the worst Christmas on, I hope I am able to listen to something else. fans, recorded the melancholic “Christmas- radio stations outright refusing to play it. Paul songs of all time. But do I feel that all Christ- time”. This song is a complete departure for McCartney also proves he might have been the mas songs are truly awful? No. There is de- Kris Gunn Brig | December 2011 CULTURE: MUSIC www.brignewspaper.com 9 Bc live review cence. One piece of music that went down well Skrillex was Knife Party’s remix of Nero’s Crush On You. O2 ABC, Glasgow, By this time, a large crowd had gathered under the world’s largest rotating disco ball and were Saturday, November feeling the vibe. Skrillex finally took to the stage after a tedious 26 lengthy interval, and the electronic visionary tore up the dance floor with a devastating mix he O2 ABC exploded into electronic life of dubstep, electro and glitch. as Skrillex continued his exceptional One of the most iconic moments of the hour tour of Glasgow last weekend. One of and a half set was his remix of Benny Benassi’s Tthe world’s most loved and hated DJs, Cinema. Skrillex encouraged the crowd to hold he brought his Mothership Tour to Scotland’s up their lighters in the darkened hall with blue main music venue and hundreds of fans turned strobe lighting during the track’s euphoric cho- out to the sold-out event, queuing far down rus. Once everything fell into total darkness, Sauchiehall Street. he exploded the emphatic electro drop, which, After being a strongly recommended must- quite literally, shock the room and everything see during the festival period by NME, Skrillex within it. (A.K.A. Sonny Moore, former singer for From The dirty electro-head absorbed the Glasgow First To Last), has been touring all across North crowd and made the room bounce with mixes Skrillex will be back hitting up Scotland in February Picture: frodio.com America and many regions of Britain this au- of Nero’s Promises, La Roux’s In For The Kill heart-stopping drops than a rollercoaster. Overall it was a great, well-filled event, and it will tumn period. and he also throw in I Square’s Hey Sexy Lady. One of the event orgainsers said after the be good to see Skrillex in Scotland again in Febru- Fans were welcomed by support act Feed The final half hour of the set saw the majority event, “We were having technical problems ary. If you’re a fan of electronic music but not too Me, one of the big names in electro house, who of his own work over the past the year, includ- during the switch over between Feed Me and keen on what you hear from Skrillex, then I would remixed some of this year’s popular music like ing Ruffneck Bass, Scary Monsters And Nice Skrillex. The lighting took a bit of time re-ar- highly recommend you see a live set and your mind Chase & Status’s Let You Go and Nero’s Inno- Sprites and My Name is Skrillex, all with more ranging.” will be changed or even blown away. Iain Blackwood 5 out of 5 Bc album reviews Seasick Steve - Walkin’ play a wooden board Korn - The Path Of Totality tures and apparent with one string at- Man (Rhino) (Roadrunner) loss of focus that tached, perhaps sur- the album fails prisingly producing to launch. It’s as easick Steve’s rags-to-riches story is one of the album’s orn have, in a way, always been fun- though all they rely quite simply incredible. After leaving highlights. damentally based on experimenta- on is the gimmick home at 13 to avoid his abusive step- Most impressive tion. Having kick-started the nu metal of dubstep, without father, he spent the next two decades is his ability to tell genre in the early 90s, they pushed ever trying to take S stories through his K living on the streets of Mississippi and Tennes- heavy metal in a new direction by incorporat- it any further, the see, chasing his dream of becoming a blues mu- songs, and each ing juxtapositions like rap into the framework. end result sound- sician. At the grand old age of 65, Steve finally track has been per- As a movement, nu metal came to be loved ing like they are too became a commercial success, and a household fectly selected to help tell his tales. Even tracks and loathed in equal measures, but its innova- overwhelmed and lost in an unfamiliar genre. name, after his amazing debut performance like Thunderbird, which is all about drinking, tion and significance was undeniable. Now, the However, it would be ironic if fans were to on The Jools Holland Show. Now, five albums does not feel contrived. Steve’s honesty about influential Californians have expanded their abandon Korn now, as diversifying was essen- later, arrives his first greatest hits compilation. his life and the hardships he has faced is com- bracket further by incorporating the phenom- tially how they came to prominence. There’s Walkin’ Man features twenty-one compelling, pletely refreshing. The title track also shows his enon of dubstep into their tenth studio album. enough here to keep die-hards at least mildly raw and completely authentic tracks from his versatility and softer side. Chunky blocks of electronica duck and dive interested, but a large gateway for electro fans back catalogue. Steve explores many different The album features a bonus DVD that shows into each other, sometimes successfully entwin- to get involved, showing that Korn have once music genres ranging from blues, through good Steve’s live performance at the Brixton Acade- ing with the nu metallers’ trademark riffs, but again bridged the gaps between genre and time. old-fashioned rock and roll, to soul music. The my. This will be the main attraction for die-hard often shadowing them completely. fans out there. However, for those who are new sounds that Steve is able to produce are simply While Jonathan Davis and his band take to Andy McDonald 3 out of 5 amazing, especially considering he often plays to the bluesman, this is a perfect introduction. dubstep like metal did to tracksuits – with home-made instruments. Diddly Bo sees him Kris Gunn 4 out of 5 relative success – it’s in the repetitive struc-

Bc singles reviews The King Blues - The Fu- Paper Crows - When Rise To Remain - This Day ture’s Not What It Used Friends Survive (Warn- Is Mine (EMI) To Be (Tramission) er) The first single from British metal Still riding high on the success of London-based electro duo Paper band Rise To Remain’s album City their Punk & Poetry album, this lat- Crows has been highly-tipped by Of Vultures blasts out huge riffs and est offering has a vibe of desolation, many critics to be a huge break out virtuoso guitar playing, alongside a in stark contrast to the record’s more success. However, listening to this ten-ton hammer rhythm section and upbeat theme. The echoing vocals track, it’s really difficult to under- soaring sing-along vocals. The band and instrumentation add a further stand why. While female vocalist are tipped to be the next big thing, sense of loneliness and abandon- Emma Pennes gives a decent per- winning Metal Hammer’s Best New ment, before the gloom bursts into a formance, When Friends Survive is a Band and Kerrang’s Best British drum and bass breakdown. This tale of social desperation is yet dull, boring and repetitive track. To put it simply, it’s just noise. Newcomer awards. It looks like the year may belong to Rise To a further example of The King Blues’ uncompromising creativity. Hugely disappointing. Remain, rather than merely the day. Andy McDonald 4 out of 5 Kris Gunn 1 out of 5 Victoria McEwan 5 out of 5

The Twilight Sad - Sick Lacuna Coil - Trip The Hugh Laurie - Hallelujah, (Fat Cat) Darkness (Century Me- I Love Her So (Warner) Sick highlights a major departure dia) from the band’s previous offerings. International goth metallers Lacuna The star of TV’s House takes on this The guitars have been dulled down, Coil return with Trip The Darkness, Ray Charles classic. While Laurie’s instead replaced by a simple, repeat- the first single from their upcoming vocal performance may not be the ed riff, and punctuated by synths to album Dark Adrenaline which, ac- greatest, his passion and energy more create much softer and experimental cording to co-vocalist Cristina Scab- than make up for it. This is a wonder- sound. James Graham gives a brood- bia “is the best work we have ever fully upbeat track, the excellent musi- ing vocal performance bringing a done, and it absolutely captures the cianship showing that Laurie can be much-needed edginess to the track, essence of who we are”. The track considered to be a credible artist. but comparisons to Radiohead will be made. While the song is has an enjoyable, vibrant energy, and it will be interesting to see definitely a grower, it still has a strong effect. what the rest of the album holds. Kris Gunn 4 out of 5 Kris Gunn 3 out of 5 Victoria McEwan 4 out of 5 Brig | December 2011 CULTURE: FILM 10 www.brignewspaper.com

Film Editors: Stefanie Pryke & Laura Muir culture: film Email: [email protected] feature film news

Director of The Full Monty, Peter Cattaneo, Christmas films: Ho Ho Ho or No No No has signed up for Bridget Jones 3. The job was originally snapped up by Bridesmaids Film Editors Stefanie Pryke and director Paul Feig, but it was decided that Laura Muir release their inner a British director would be better suited to child, and inner grinch to discuss the job. With the title of the latest install- the pros and cons of Christmas ment being Bridget Jones’ Baby it’s not movies. hard to guess what the plot will be. Due out in early 2013. Ho Ho Ho t’s that time of year again; the tree is getting Julia Roberts is set to star in workplace com- hauled down from the loft, cheesy Christmas edy Second Act as a woman who has never music blares from every shop you wander had a job before but is suddenly thrust into Iby in the street and Santa and his helpers employment. Sounds a bit like Nicole and are everywhere you look. It’s all holiday cheer all Paris’ The Simple Life, huh? Roberts, who the time and everyone is filled with the wonderful is also producing the film will hope it does Christmas spirit, made all the more exciting by the better in the box office than her most recent Christmas movies that are so readily available to help you get in the mood. film Larry Crowne. It’s common knowledge that not all Christmas movies are great, in fact, there are more than a few The first 6 minutes of official Dark Knight that could put you off the holiday season altogeth- Rises footage will precede screenings of er. Take Surviving Christmas, Deck the Halls and Mission: Impossible - Ghost Recall next Four Christmases for example, all from the last month. But only in 5 select cinemas! Head decade that really needn’t have been made at all. along to Glasgow’s Science Centre IMAX However, even all the terrible films can’t over- screen on Boxing Day to get a sneak peek. shadow the magic of a truly spectacular Christ- The Polar Express, melancholy masterpiece or unrelateable and unfriendly Picture: IMDb mas movie. The type of movie that can warm your And those of you who can’t, worry not, the heart, fill you with excitement or make you explode month, with the upcoming release of movies such No No No first full-length trailer will be shown before with laughter. as Arthur Christmas and New Year’s Eve. While all Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Probably not high on many people’s list, Love Ac- t’s that time of year again; the tree is getting New Year’s Eve would appear, quite simply, the screenings. tually is one of the most heartwarming Christmas hauled down from the loft, cheesy Christmas Christmas version of Valentine’s Day, Arthur films to grace our TV screens at a time when having music blares from every shop you wander Christmas is quite simply the next in a surprisingly British actress Alice Eve, best known for her family around makes all the difference. A romantic by in the street and Santa and his helpers long line of cheesy Christmas films made for the comedy that reminds us during the season of per- I sake of squeezing that extra bit of money out of a roles in America in Sex and the City 2 and are everywhere you look. It’s all holiday cheer all She’s Out Of My League, will play a brand petual hope that “love, actually is all around.” the time and everyone is filled with the wonderful holiday which already rakes in boundless amounts National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, with of cash from year to year. new character in J.J Abrams Star Trek Christmas spirit, the only downside is the seeming- Chevy Chase’s signature slapstick comedy, is a hi- While it is shameful that the wonderful holiday 2, and the franchise as a whole. Unaware ly endless amounts of ridiculous Christmas movies larious addition to any Christmas season viewing. which are released every year. that is Christmas is being exploited six ways from whether she will be friend or foe, she will If anything, it’s the only film you’ll see at this time I will admit that there are some Christmas movies Sunday in order to make a bit more cash. If good play alongside Chris Pine, Simon Pegg, Za- of year where the family cat gets electrocuted. worth merit, however in my opinion these are very movies were being made for this purpose it would chary Quinto and Zoe Saldana who reprise Finally, Home Alone will take most of us back few and extremely far between. Movies like Mira- be a different story, but there is only so many times their roles. to our childhood Christmases, arguably Die Hard cle on 34th Street, Home Alone and The Night- a person can watch a film involving an unhappy, for children. There’s something so fascinating mare Before Christmas would not exist without irritable person having their life turned around by Daniel Radcliffe is embracing life after Har- about watching a young Macaulay Culkin defend the phenomenon of the Christmas movie, however a jolly man in a fat suit. his home from comedy duo robbers Joe Pesci and In short, despite the celebrities, Christmas films ry Potter by signing up to another project. movies like this seem to be the exception rather Daniel Stern who underestimate just how creative are generally simplistic, predictable and boring He will play gay poet Allen Ginsberg in than the rule. If you’ve ever seen movies like The a child at Christmas can be. Santa Clause, The Holiday, Silent Night, Deadly and this is a holiday that deserves better movies Kill Your Darlings. The role was originally I guess what I’m trying to say is, even though the Night or even Santa Claus Conquers the Martians to commemorate it. We demand better Christmas offered to Jesse Eisenberg of The Social good are few and far between, they definitely out- (yes, it does exist) then you will understand. movies, and we demand them now! Network. The film will be based on actual weigh the bad. What would Christmas be without Unsurprisingly, the film industry is already set events and will start filming in January some cheesy movies to curl up to? up with a new group of these holiday movies this Stefanie Pryke & Laura Muir, Film Editors once Radcliffe finished his Broadway play How To Succeed In Business Without Re- ally Trying. opinion

2013 will see the release of Wolf Creek 2. Is December necessarily the time for stand up comedy? Director Greg McLean is returning to the project and is excited at the prospect of a Film Editor, Laura Muir, ques- I think the only reason to buy a DVD of a stand- budget ten times larger than that of the tions the apparent obsession and up show is if you wanted to go and couldn’t. Let’s original. He gives fans a sneak preview tell- marketing technique of releasing face it, the tickets are not cheap, and the price of ing them there’s “a lot of chasing going on”, stand up comedy DVDs only in the a DVD tends to be a lot closer to most people’s budget. “getting to throw trucks of cliffs” and “of run up to Christmas. course, plenty of blood and guts.” But what I’d really like to know is why stand-up ith Christmas fast approaching, it is comedy DVDs are billed as great stocking-fillers for friends and family and not just a good DVD that It’s been 18 months since director Doug now time for another annual event, what seems to be the release of every you would buy for yourself? The message that the Liman signed up to All You Need Is Kill, stand up comedy DVD of the year. With advertisements seem to be putting across is “great however, it’s not closer to starting produc- W gift for a laugh, but you’d never buy it for yourself”. scheduled release dates between 12 November and 5 tion. Based on a Japanese novel, a soldier December this year, you should be chuckling along Which, speaking with confidence as someone who killed in action during a battle with aliens nicely with your Christmas dinner. These include the has and more than likely will again, is not strictly has to relive his final battle until he finally stylings of such comedy legends as Billy Connolly, Ed true. gets it right. Tom Cruise has expressed in- Byrne, Dylan Moran, Stephen Merchant and many However, I would like to point out a flaw in the more. system: there is such a thing as saturation of the terest in the Groundhog Day-esque role but market. These DVDs are everywhere come early has a busy schedule until late 2012. As a lover of live stand-up, this time of year when there is a comedy DVD or advertisement every- December and no two are the same, so unless you, where you look, can get rather irritating. I understand or your intended gift recipient, have a clear favour- With the Twilight series almost at an end, that there is a quite frankly extreme amount of money ite, you could be stuck up the back of your local what’s next for tweens around the world? to be made off selling DVDs of live tours, especially HMV for hours trying to choose. Speaking from ex- Paramount believes it to be Daughter Of with the popular comedians like Peter Kay, who has perience, I can tell you that this is not fun. A stand- Smoke And Bone, a young-adult novel reportedly raked in around 7 million this year alone, up DVD for a Christmas gift may seem simple, but based on angels, demons and forbidden love but what I can’t understand is the appeal of such too much choice can over-complicate the already stressful ritual of Christmas shopping. in Prague. DVDs. Surely the major selling point of the comedy tour is not only the laughs but the atmosphere. I’m Liverpool FC crazy John Bishop has an- However, the upside of buying the DVD of the not simply talking about the intimate gigs in tiny other DVD out this Christmas show, as with every DVD, is that there is usually venues either, although those do, as a rule, gener- Picture: Timeout all kinds of fun backstage footage that the audience Check out www.brignewspaper.com ate the best feeling; even tours of huge impersonal looking at each other, watching everyone react to never get to see, and of course there is no risk of the to see the latest movie reviews includ- arenas have a better atmosphere than sitting in the the jokes, especially with controversial ones. Take comedian picking on you out of the crowd. ing In Time and The Rum Diary. living room in your pyjamas, you must admit. I find it from me, you don’t want to laugh at a joke that is that while the jokes are still funny, watching the DVD far from PC in from of your mothers disapproving at home with friends or family is quite awkward, all stare. Laura Muir, Film Editor Brig | December 2011 11 CULTURE: FILM www.brignewspaper.com Bc cinema reviews 50/50 Moneyball Dir: Jonathan Levine Dir: Bennett Miller

comedy about cancer? Seems to be a ennett Miller’s Moneyball joins the bit of a paradox but that is the subject elite group of Hollywood baseball films, matter of 50/50. The story is actually with the likes of Field of Dreams and based on the experiences of Will Re- BEight Men Out proving huge successes A in the 80s. Following most significantly in the iser, friend of Seth Rogen and writer of the film. Starring in the lead role is Joseph Gordon-Levitt, footsteps of the latter, Moneyball focuses on the who in the past few years has really been flex- off-field aspect of America’s beloved sport, por- ing his acting muscles, and there is no exception traying it for the cut-throat, financially control- here with Oscar hype already surrounding his led business that it is. performance. Miller, the director of Oscar nominated 2006 Gordon-Levitt plays Adam, a 27 year old regu- Ain’t nothing funny about cancer. Except film Capote, returns with another biographical Brad Pitt excels in his role fixing a strug- lar guy who works for a radio station along with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogan story, looking at a failed baseball player and his gling baseball team Picture: Empire best friend Kyle played by Seth Rogen. The film Picture: Empire desire to find success from behind the scenes begins with Gordon-Levitt out for a jog and at of the sport. Moneyball is scripted by Steven should generate enough runs per match to win. one point stops at a set of traffic lights, with no little screen time. Mitch and Alan introduce Zallian, writer of Schindlers List, and Aaron Beane embraces the idea entirely, and relays it to traffic in sight, waiting for the green man while Adam to weed and from here he begins to live life Sorkin, who won an Oscar for The Social Net- the old-school collection of scouts and coaches a daredevil female jogger just runs across. This a bit more freely. With every scene that passes, work. Therefore, it is no surprise that the film at the team. They prove much more resilient to sets up one of his key personality traits; he is a Adam beings to look weaker and more off-colour is constantly entertaining and intelligent, with the concept, ridiculing the replacement of what bit of a safety freak, not learning to drive because with the chemo taking its effect on him physi- the sharp dialogue particularly notable as you they call “age-old wisdom” for the results of a of the danger, remaining with his neglecting cally and mentally. would expect when Sorkin is involved. Although formula. The film demonstrates a fascinating girlfriend played by Bryce Dallas Howard. How- As time passes, Adam becomes more alone deemed as a sports film, the amount of screen battle between cemented values in the game and ever this is due to his erratic and ever worrying as the people around him find it more difficult time on-field is restricted and never prolonged, modern technology, as the chief scout parts way mother played superbly by Anjelica Huston. to relate and console him. It seems that Kyle at so there is plenty to be gained from its viewing with the team and the head coach (Philip Sey- Gordon-Levitt and Rogen’s chemistry is brilliant times uses him and is not there for him at im- for those who do not follow baseball or sport in mour Hoffman) stays in charge yet undermines right from the off and throughout the film. Some portant times but a touching discovery by Adam general. Beane at every opportunity. of Rogen’s lines are utterly hilarious and memo- reveals the truth and brings tears to one’s eyes. Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane, the general man- Pitt’s performance is flawless throughout, ooz- rable and the source for a lot of the comedy. Overall a very touching and, at times, extreme- ager of the Oakland A’s, a financially strapped ing charisma as a character both laid-back yet Upon receiving the news that he has a rare can- ly funny film with a good script and great acting team constantly forced to deal with the poaching highly passionate and motivated. Potentially his cer on his spinal cord, he attends a counselling all round, especially by Gordon-Levitt. The only of their best players by incomparably wealthy ri- most assured and convincing performance to and well-being appointment with the sweet, and flaw is that mid-way the film slows down a lot. vals. Set in 2001, Beane takes drastic action fol- date he handles the role perfectly. slightly out-of-her-depth Katherine, a student There should also have been more emphasis on lowing the loss of three key players, recruiting an Moneyball proves to be a more realistic sport doing her dissertation in psychiatry played by Adam trying to let go of his cautious sensibili- awkwardly nerdish advisor that caught his eye film, veering away from the fairytale ending that Anna Kendrick. The comedy produced by Kyle ties and experience more, not to the extent of Yes during negotiations with the Cleveland Indians. often patronises audiences into irritation. It and Adam is contrasted with the comedy be- Man but it would have deepened one of the im- This man is Peter Brand (Jonah Hill), a 24 year rather explores the development of the charac- tween Katherine and Adam which is more awk- portant layers of the story. However this may be old Yale graduate who studied in economics. It is ters within the story, with the emotions of Pitt’s ward and uncomfortable. to keep in touch with the realism as the focus is his unique strategy for forming a winning team character subtly entered as the film progresses. When Adam begins chemotherapy, he meets more on the character’s relationships. A clever on a low budget that intrigues Beane in his mo- His altered perception of what is really impor- Mitch and Alan played by Matt Frewer and Philip comedy that Joseph Gordon-Levitt fans will love. ment of desperation. tant at the end of the day proves to be the real Baker Hall, two elderly gentlemen also suffering Brand believes that a winning team can be cal- victory. with cancer. The time between these characters culated through statistics rather than perceived Craig Wilson 4 out of 5 Greg Barrie is by far the funniest and yet they sadly receive 4 out of 5 value or ability, forming a team that collectively

television Bc dvd and blu ray reviews Horrible Bosses Inevitably, the attempts at the murders go astray and, once again, there are only giggles as TV round up Dir: Seth Gordon characters attempt to unravel themselves from the mess they have gotten into. There are some orrible Bosses is a comedy that on meagre attempts at laughs through the three the surface looks great; great cast, guys’ relationship with each other but this falls Stuff yourself with Christmas Specials! good trailer and what seems to be flat as there is little depth to each character to long with the snow and Christmas a plot well-suited for some outra- give them each some sort of distinction. As the H movie trumps along, Dale becomes more whiney trees of December, the final month geous comedy. Sadly the film does not deliver of the year also throws up a televi- the goods to the standard by comedies of the and frantic and therefore irritating. sion line up stuffed to the brim with recent past. Jamie Fox makes a small appearance in which A Christmas specials. Many of these are of course Nick, Dale and Kurt played by Jason Bateman, some of the biggest laughs come along, but that awful, but occasionally an episode will arise Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis respectively is not to say they are anything more than just a which commands our attention, enthrals our all hate their bosses; Kevin Spacey, Jennifer more enthusiastic snigger. Sadly it is the goofs minds and maybe even gifts us some extra holi- Aniston and Colin Farrell and ultimately plan during the credits that actually provide real day joy. to kill them. Obviously there are a few hiccups laugh-out-loud moments, which is not a good From Father Ted’s 1996 Christmas journey to along the way as they try to gain Intel on their tag to have. Overall, a decent attempt with some receive the coveted ‘Golden Cleric’ award to the employers, providing a few laughs. The bosses good moments, but not in the same league as the two part finale ofThe Office in 2003 and the an- themselves sadly do not provide any moments of Apatow comedies of the last few years. nual Doctor Who instalment on Christmas Day, hilarity either, only slight chuckles however Jen- Special features only consist of some deleted there is always something to watch during the The Doctor Who Christmas special is nifer Aniston’s character does have some good scenes that again provide little or no laughter. festive season. one not to be missed moments, for obvious reasons. 2 out of 5 Craig Wilson So, what should we indulge in this year? Well Picture: BBC on the Doctor Who front, the TARDIS will be taking a tantalising trip to Narnia in what Flu epidemic reach the Crawley estate, Down- the worst actresses on screen this year. Who Transformers 3 looks set to provide a thrilling encounter. With ton fans will be eager for more and this festive knew you could find someone more talentless guest star Bill Bailey also bound to cause a episode is expected to attract up to 15 million Dir: Michael Bay than Miss Fox, but find her they did. It’s quite few giggles, this Time Lord take on The Lion, viewers. clear Michael Bay cast her simply for her Victo- The Witch and the Wardrobe is one not to be However, don’t worry about your winter ria’s Secret past. ransformers: Dark of the Moon is, let’s missed. viewing getting too serious. This year’s Top Running for over two and a half hours, with be honest, not great. Nevertheless, it Elsewhere on the BBC, Charles Dicken’s clas- Gear Christmas special sees three classic Brit- the final battle taking up most of the last hour, does exactly what it set out to do: show sic Great Expectations has been made into a ish cars take to the roads of India with the aim it’s terribly difficult to stay focused. In the cin- awesome robots fighting for over two three part drama due to grace our screens over of earning some extra cash through the trading T ema, with the novelty of 3D it probably didn’t and half hours. the festive period. Starring Gillian Anderson business. There will consequently be no lack of feel so hard on the old attention span, but on the The story is, surprisingly, more believable than and Ray Winstone, this adaptation may not sarcastic Jeremy Clarkson banter filling your small screen you’ll find yourself nipping away that of Revenge of the Fallen. What if the Apollo bring much jolliness or cheer, but it does look living room. for numerous cups of tea knowing you’ve not 11 moon landing was actually a covert expedition set to grab audience attention. BBC isn’t the Still, if all Clarkson’s driving doesn’t rev your missed out on anything important. to find aliens in an abandoned spacecraft? only one airing Dicken’s this Christmas how- engines, a Michael MacIntyre Christmas Spe- As previously mentioned, the fight scenes are, And so the story goes, Optimus Prime and pals ever, with Sky One also getting in on the action cial is also scheduled, and with Jimmy Carr’s as always, completely epic. And Bay does do a have to save the Earth once again. with their two-part take on Treasure Island genius Big Fat Quiz of the Year and the X Fac- great job with them. They really are the only There’s not a lot to say about Shia LaBeouf, his which stars Eddie Izzard and Middle-Earth tor final this line up should prove a real Christ- positive, but it’s a positive that will ensure many dialogue with Bumblebee is just as humorous as ring bearer Frodo. I mean Elijah Wood, sorry. mas cracker no matter what your preferences, more Transformers flicks to come. always but really, that’s it. He’s there because he Meanwhile, ITV’s campaign for Christmas so Merry Christmas and happy viewing! The DVD and Blu Ray release is half-hearted at needs to be. viewers lies heavily with highly acclaimed early best, with no special features at all. The real problem with this movie is Megan 20th century drama Downton Abbey. After the Stuart Kenny, Sports Editor Fox’s replacement. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. theatrical season two finale saw the Spanish Sam’s new lady-friend is, quite bluntly, one of 2 out of 5 Stefanie Pryke, Film Editor 12 Brig | December 2011 www.brignewspaper.com

Crossword courtesy of crosswordpalace.com. For the full solution, go to: The Brig crossword http://www.crosswordpalace.com/quick/1001/qa1023.html Clues

Across Down 9. Pleasantness (7) 1. Coiffure (6) 10. First (7) 2. An intergalactic gas 11. Make rough (7) cloud (6) 12. Cushioning (7) 3. Lofty (4) 13. Large long-armed ape (9) 4. A young swan (6) 15. Ancient upright stone (5) 5. Give out (8) 16. Warehousing (7) 6. A language of India (10) 19. Glorified (7) 7. Pain lotion (8) 20. Lacquer ingredient (5) 8. An idle slothful person (8) 21. Not abstract (9) 14. Pleasurable (10) 25. Carved altarpiece (7) 16. Racecourse (8) 26. Half man and half 17. Bridge (8) horse (7) 18. A twining plant (8) 28. Failure to be present (7) 22. Solicit (6) 29. What you do to a 23. Go on a journey (6) toothpaste tube (7) 24. Bowed (6) 27. Person, place or thing (4)

Student Picture of the Month This month’s winner is Ben Wainwright. This scenic photograph was captured by Online in December Ben on holiday in Puigpunyent, Majorca. What to look out for this month Brig’s online favourites this www.brignewspaper.com: month. Each month we shall be bringing you a Head of Photography, Rajmund surprise selection of the most-talked- Bakonyi will have a host of different about websites around the Brig office. photos taken this semester, including: Just scan the QR codes below into your -The Twilight Sad Android phone, Smartphone or iPhone -Student Protests at Holyrood QR code app and sit back while the -Joint Media Awards 2011 technology does the rest of the work. -Stirling Uni Muay Thai Tournment Don’t worry, we won’t be sending you -Men’s first XI Rugby anywhere too lewd or unkempt. There’ll be no funny business here, thank you Editor-in-Chief, Iain Blackwood will very much. be reviewing Soulwax from Paris, France.

Check out Sports Editor Graeme Young’s “Fact or Fiction” Q&A on sports-related topics, as well as the re- port from the Stirling Uni Mauy Thai tournanment.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, if you can afford it’, Ehssan Shamoradi shares his insights into Christmas counter- culture.

Simon Leigh discusses the issues aris- ing from celebrity-endorsed foods.

Victoria McEwan vists the AC/DC exhibition in Glasgow.

Read the full Twilight Sad gig review by Music Editor Ross Dunn.

Ben Wainwright reviews the Infinity Ward’s third installment in the Mod- ern Warfare gaming franchise.

On our sister sites: If you are interested in getting Head to air3radio.com to read their involved with Brig, then come review with Welsh post-hardcore along to one of our meetings, band The Blackout, as well as Stirling every Monday evening at 7pm Uni sports coverage from athletics to in A3, and get involved with the equestrian. exciting world of student media! Join Brig today to see your name See the latest highlights from Stirling in print and receive your own Uni’s very own TV station AirTV website login, which allows you (airtvonline.com), including John to upload content when you like, Wheatley’s reproduction of Ham- and to build your own online let’s 3rd Soliloquy, and João Pidade’s portfolio. Hunter’s Ground. Each month we shall be featuring what our editors consider to be the best photo taken by a Stirling student over Join today! the course of the month. Please submit your photographs to our head of photography, Rajmund Bakonyi. All photos that get sent and are not choosen for print will appear on our website. www.brignewspaper.com Brig | December 2011 13 Brig |December 2011 CULTURE: ART 14 www.brignewspaper.com

Arts Editors: Catriona Keddie culture: art Email: [email protected] Bc Theatre Fee Fi Fo Fum... The Panto season is upon us

Brig’s Arts Editor Catriona Keddie took a trip His makeup was like Heath Ledger as the jok- er’s and he committed to the role in the same down to the “panto-sphere” at the Macrobert’s way. His actions were like that of Beetlejuice and he was a perfect amalgamation of the two annual pantomime production, Jackie and the iconic characters in a pantomime form. His Beanstalk. outfits were bad guy in style, and more than once he donned glittery three piece suits, a n a rainy Tuesday morning, a trip cal story was given a few great twists. How- diamond skull topped cane and a tall top hat; to the pantomime was something ever, don’t forget, the classic pantomime in- as well as morphing into the 80’s version of that I hoped would brighten up gredients: the “it’s behind you”, the love song, himself, mullet included. Othe day. The MacRobert’s produc- the jokes the kids would get, the jokes they Other stand out cast members included tion of Jackie and the Beanstalk was just the wouldn’t (!) and the sing-along at the end. Fairy Mary Christmas, played by Jo Freer, antidote needed to liven up a wet Stirling The production featured every hit song of the story’s narrator who was very pretty, and day. this year; Firework by Katy Perry, Someone had a fantastic costume including a tall gold- The show was written and directed by Like You by Adele and Price Tag by Jessie J; en Christmas tree headpiece. The pantomime Johnny McNight, who starred as Dame Dot and some golden oldies I wasn’t expecting, al- Dame was another that outdid him/herself. Von Trott. Also starring Helen McAlpine as though the 80’s flashback was pleasantly sur- Anyone who has the talent and guts to pull off Jackie, the story’s hero, the tale follows the prising! I Wanna Dance with Somebody was a medley of Rhianna songs in feather clad bi- children’s classic with the usual panto spin: accompanied by the dance company in day glo kini has my respect. the poor boy (in the case, girl) swaps the outfits with mullets and leg warmers. The finale was the typical wedding scene but family’s cow for magic beans instead of cash The cast included child actors and danc- the cast were done up like the wedding party and ends up in the dog-house. Only for the ers who were a pleasure to watch. They were from this year’s royal wedding; with Widow magic beans to then grow into a beanstalk talented dancers and had a great energy. All Dotty as Kate Middleton and Fairy Mary as which she climbs up and steal the giant’s of the cast did, but for me, it was the villain her bridesmaid, Pippa. The two daughters golden harp, hen and coins and, naturally, Count Monty Bisto who stole the show. even poked fun at princesses Beatrice and save the day. Johnathon Holt’s portrayal of the typical Eugenie, wearing the outfits and hats that This was no ordinary rendition though, baddie was fantastic, from his movements, were endlessly mocked in the media. and without giving too much away, the typi- right down to his never-faltering show voice. The pantomime was a real treat to see, espe- cially as someone who hasn’t been to one for many years and isn’t into the audience par- ticipation factor. However, I would go and see it again, but maybe at an evening show, after a few drinks with a group of mates. I would probably go back just to see the “is that a gun in your pocket” gag; which is something I genuinely wasn’t expecting! The jokes were witty (but some were better suited to the older viewer) and for a show that has such a distinct format it was well written, excellently choreo- graphed and good fun. You’ll have to see it for The Count Monty Bisto gave the stand out performace, yourself! with flair and style Picture: Douglas McBride

What’s on at the Macrobert

Jackie and the Beanstak runs at the MacRobert theatre until 7th January 2012. Student tickets £12 VIP Panto Party Sat 17 December 2011 - 19:30PM It’s our 40th birthday this year, we are celebrating in style and you are invited to join us... Too Many Penguins? Wed 07 December 2011 - 09:45AM Lunchtime music recitals: The Ashfield Saxophone Quartet - Fri 16 December 2011 - 13:10PM An Audience with Charles Dickens -Thu 12 January 2012 - 19:30PM Jilly, Jackie, the Cow and the Dame Picture: Douglas McBride Bc Visual Arts SUDS act out Property Rites

Jeremy Watssman consciousness and lets them spring to hundred times, especially the pinocchio life. Cue ruminations on the nature of moment where one robot first experi- Deputy Editor free will and the murder of freedom by ences free will, but something about the capitalism. It’s all very high art, but un- haunting presence and steady-handed s the audience gathered in fortunately the themes are a little mud- confidence of the actors made it more Envy to watch SUDS’ first one- dled, and by the end I wasn’t sure what interesting than it has been before. act play, sixteen sheet-covered the play was trying so hard to convince Unfortunately, the performance was Afigures sat motionless on the me of. not entirely flawless. The play certainly stage. For a full half-hour, these barely Such was the power of the acting, how- improved once the potential buyers human shapes lay like discarded furni- ever, that these script issues had almost cleared off the stage. Their monotone ture. It took me a moment to decide if no impact on my enjoyment of this play. delivery and somewhat limp presence these were actually actors; who would be The sixteen actors playing the robots made them seem more robotic than the devoted enough to sit under a sheet that were required to talk perfectly in time, statues they were trying to buy. These entire time? These guys, apparently. sing (surprisingly competent) rendi- issues weren’t severe, however, and the Property Rites is a play which wears tions of Adagio for Strings, and dance singular creepiness of the sixteen figures its intentions on its sleeve. It’s about a in synchrony. Their gradual escape from never failed to reestablish suspense af- man who is trying to sell a multimillion- mechanical slavery to loose-bodied free- ter the few bum notes. pound art installation, which is made up dom was full of bodily spasms and vocal This was a test run before the play is of sixteen robotic figures who can do ba- ticks. taken to the Scottish Community Drama sically anything they are told to. He fails It should have been cheesy, but for Association’s one-act play competition to sell the installation to a wealthy fam- some reason it was captivating. The next year. Despite the occasional fluffed ily when one of the robots malfunctions. leads were utterly convincing, and it’s lines, it’s impossible to think of this per- Because the owner hasn’t looked after hard to overstate the sheer bravery of formance as anything less than a proud them properly, the robots have con- these actors for attempting such a feat. success, and SUDS stand a great chance Nothing short of a ‘proud success’ Picture: Sarah Grant tracted a “virus” which gives them a I felt like I’ve seen these scenes before a in the competition next year. www.brignewspaper.com Brig | December 2011 15

£ 1 S(FHRI-SOUN) TS! Brig | December 2011 CULTURE: FOOD & GAMES 16 www.brignewspaper.com culture: food & games food Food & Drink Editor: Victoria Pease Email: [email protected] The Student Christmas Dinner hristmas is coming, and what an hour. better way to celebrate than Meanwhile, get on with the trimmings. with gathering round your flat- You should get everything done within Cmates and pulling off the best the first hour of the chicken roasting, but lunch ever? Getting everyone involved if you are less confident, you can prepare will make sure your day goes off without everything up to a day in advance and a hitch, even if you’re more of a calamity keep chilled in the fridge. than a culinary Jane. Pigs in Blankets Of course, this is just my version of the • 12 chipolata sausages Christmas dinner, and you can pimp it • 6 rashers of smoked streaky ba- up any way you want. Miss your yearly con dose of sprouts? Why not fry them with Cut the slices of bacon in half and sep- some pancetta? More of a bread than arate the sausages if linked. Wrap the Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas Meal with your flatmates Pictures: Nicola Smith cranberry sauce person? Give that a go bacon around the sausages and place on instead. Just remember that it’s your a grill pan lined with tin foil. • 1 tablespoon plain flour gas mark 6. Remove the foil from the and a sharp knife, cut between the joint Christmas and you can do it your way. Apricot and Celery Stuffing • 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt chicken. Preheat the grill for the pigs in that links the thigh with the body of the • 200g sausage meat • 1 sprig of rosemary, leaves re- blankets at a medium heat. Reset the bird. Then cut between the thigh and Roast Chicken with Citrus • A large handful of breadcrumbs moved and finely chopped time for another 30 minutes. leg to separate into two pieces. Repeat Butter • 2 sticks of celery, chopped Peel the potatoes, cut each one in half Place the sausages under the grill, on the other side. Remove the wings by • 1 small chicken (about 1kg) • 1 white onion, chopped and place in a pan of cold water. To turning regularly to brown all over. This finding the joint with the knife, and cut- • 50g butter • Large handful of dried apricots, prepare the salt, place the rosemary on should take 20 minutes. If they cook too ting through the breast as close to the • 1 clementine chopped a chopping board, top with the sea salt quickly, just place in a ceramic dish and joint as possible. Repeat on the other • 1 lime Sweat the onion and celery in 1 table- and using the back of a spoon, smooth keep warm in the oven. The potatoes, side. To slice the breast meat, steady the • 1 sprig rosemary, finely chopped spoon of olive oil over a medium heat for the two together to release the oil from veg and stuffing should all be turned to meat with the fork and slice on a diago- • Sea salt 5-10 minutes until soft. Leave to cool. the herb. Place in a ramekin to serve ensure they are crisp all over. nal. Preheat the oven to 180oc/160oc fan/ In a large bowl, mix the sausage meat, later. Once the timer has finished, take the Warm up some plates in the oven gas mark 4. Soften the butter slightly breadcrumbs, apricots, cooked onion Once the prep is all done, keep an chicken out of the oven. To test if it’s for a couple of minutes before plating in the microwave for about 10 seconds. and celery together with your hands. eye on the time. When the chicken has cooked, place a sharp knife or a skewer up. Place some meat on the plate, and Zest the clementine and lime into the When fully incorporated, roll into 12 been cooking for 40 minutes, place the into the thickest part of the bird, usu- then 3 sausages, 3 stuffing balls, a small butter, add the rosemary, reserving balls and place on a baking sheet. pan of potatoes under a medium heat ally around the thigh, and if the juices bundle of vegetables and two potatoes, some for later, and mix well. Cut the Honey Roast Carrots and and bring to the boil. Once boiled for run clear, it’s cooked. If this is the case, served with the rosemary salt sprin- string off the chicken and lay in a roast- Parsnips 5 minutes, drain and shake the pan to remove from the tray using two forks kled over. Add wine, beer, bucks fizz, ing tin. • 1 parsnip crush the edges slightly. Sprinkle over and place on a clean chopping board. crackers, party hats, bad jokes, impos- Gently pull the skin away from the • 2 carrots the flour and make sure each potato is Remove the fruit from the cavity and sible puzzles and you’ll have a fabulous meat across the breast of the chicken • Olive oil covered. Pick the potatoes out the pan loosely cover the bird with foil. If the Christmas meal that will be hard to beat. and down the sides. Smooth the cit- • A drizzle of honey (added later) and place on the same baking sheet as chicken needs longer, return for another Happy Christmas! rus butter across the meat, and then Peel the vegetables and then slice the vegetables. Drizzle with plenty of ten minutes and check again. Victoria Pease smooth the skin back over. Cut the lime lengthways into 1cm thick strips. Place olive oil. Check the stuffing, potatoes and veg. Food and Drink Editor and clementine in half length ways and on a baking tray and drizzle with olive At this point there should be about Drizzle the honey over the parsnips and place in the chicken cavity and around oil, and season with salt and pepper. 10 minutes left on the timer. Place the carrots, turning them to ensure they are Check www.brignewspaper.com for the bird. Top with sea salt and the re- Roast Potatoes with Rosemary trays with the veg and potatoes and the fully coated and return to the oven for a recipes for cranberry and clementine maining chopped rosemary and cover Salt tray with the stuffing in the oven, and final ten minutes. sauce and the perfect homemade gravy with tin foil. Set the timer and roast for • 4 large floury potatoes turn up the heat to 200oc/180oc fan/ Now to carve the chicken. Using a fork to accompany your meal. games and technology Games & Tech Editor: Jamie Wright Email: [email protected]

far. The Wii has had some great games Skyward Sword is but, with the exception of the occasional The game industry’s dark & dirty obsession five years too late light-gun shooter, none of them have uch of the modern games implemented motion control in a way industry, most notably in t’s interesting to think back to E3 that improves the experience. In Mario the genre of FPS, has an ob- 2005, when the Wii, then code- Galaxy 1 and 2, waggle is a footnote, in session, a dark, dusty and named, “revolution”. The hype No More Heroes and Twilight Princess, M dirty obsession. They are fixated upon was all about how it would change unsynced sword control make for highly the delivery of more and more realistic I unintuitive experiences, in Mario Kart gaming forever. With this in mind, it graphics for every new game. I believe could be said that the Wii failed. Maybe driving with the wii-mote makes me that this obsession, while not unappre- not in terms of sales, but I’m talking nostalgic for the analog stick every time. ciated by the gaming community, is det- about something more fundamental These are all more or less good games, rimental to the quality of the industry here. The Wii has failed to achieve the but they’re good despite motion con- when it hinders the full realisation of a basic goal of the system. The release of trol, not because of it. At best, motion game. the latest Zelda game, Skyward Sword, controls add nothing and at worst, they For first person shooters such as Call possibly the best game for the system, directly hinder the experience. of Duty the goal is to make every explo- makes this clear. The precise and mean- The aim of the Wii was to revolution- sion, every knife to the chest more vis- ingful use of motion controls in that ize video gaming. Skyward Sword does ceral and genuine than the last. Each game puts everything else on the system just that, but it’s five years too late. Had bristle on a soldier’s beardy face, each to shame. it come out at the start of the system’s scar representing a lifetime of inner de- What sets Skyward Sword apart from lifetime, things might have been differ- mons. it’s predecessors is just how well it im- ent. It might have inspired developers, Why is this? What does that finely plements motion control. There are created a true revolution. All it can do crafted ‘tache on Captain Price’s face Dull bland visual leading to dull bland games Source: IGN.com many things that make it a great game: now is show us what other games on the signify aside from him having a lot of the art style, the level design, the ingen- Wii don’t do. time on his hands between saving the ful. Both of these games were formed on 2000 title Deus Ex came into my pos- ious puzzles, but what brings all these Erik van Berlekom world and saving the players ass? the same engine, Unreal2, but the de- session last summer a full ten years after elements together are the controls. As If you ask a gamer over the age of 18 veloper Epic Games had decided to sac- having picked it up for a quid in the Red one of the few games to actually use what the best FPS they have played they rifice a major graphic advancement in Cross. After one hour I had forgotten the Nintendo’s Motion Plus attachment, could give you any number of answers, return for a great many more features sheared off polygons and had become it has a precision rarely seen in Wii few of which will be the most recent re- to the fun factor of the game. engrossed in the plot and staggered games. Sword control is one-to-one, but leases. Unreal Tournament 3 was a whole by the complexity of the level designs. it goes beyond that. There is a respon- You may think that limiting such a different kettle of manure. Named after When I finally completed the game and siveness in the way even less precise question to over 18s is, well, limiting the Unreal3 engine this game was re- returned to Halo:Reach I found myself function are performed; roll or raise but I would retort that MW2 and 3 have ceived well by critics and gamers alike. squinting at the colours, confused by the your shield by shaking the nunchuk, both been certified 18 by the BBFC. Blinded by the expansive maps and need for such lurid design and swapping or raise the remote over your head to Their “target” audience of over eight- shiny new weapons the gamer drooled the disk back to Halo 2 for a bit of relief you throw bombs, lower it towards the eens are old enough to remember other, onto their keyboard and watched as the from the visual onslaught. ground and you roll them. It feels good. better games but have been given very uniqueness of the series drained out in I believe that the games industry is It feels intuitive. It feels meaningful. few alternatives over the last few years. favour of complicated movement ani- stuck in a rut of visual realism and have The motion controls add a layer of im- An example of graphics being detri- mation and vehicle destruction physics. forgotten that a gamer can, when push mersion and control that would simply mental can be seen in the Unreal Tour- Recently gamers have become molly- comes to shove, suspend his or her not have been possible with a standard nament series. Built upon the Unreal en- coddled into expecting graphics up- disbelief and immerse themselves in a controller. So why does this indicate gine, devised and created for the single dates to every new release. When a game without the compulsory eyeball- that the Wii has failed? player game of the same title, this game game claims no such advancement, a melting “realism”. Because by being so great, Skyward was a great success and was followed consumer will simply acclimatise to the Sword, shows how impoverished the The Wii’s potential unlocked too by two sequels, UT2003 and UT2004, graphics that are presented and enjoy motion control experience has been so late Source: IGN.com which were also commercially success- the title regardless. For example, the Joshua Thompson CULTURE: FASHION Brig | December 2011 17 www.brignewspaper.com

Fashion Editor: Nicola Smith culture: fashion Email: [email protected] To knit or Another December’s best dressed not to knit? designer Left f you’d have asked me this time last year I’d have been strictly in attacks H&M Ben Lennox the ‘not to knit’ camp but, over the Film and Media summer I seem to have caught the fter just 24 hours of being on I sale, the new Versace collec- Favourite item in your knitting bug. That’s right, my name’s Amy Dunsmuir and I am a knitter. Long tion for H&M has reportedly wardrobe sold out. H&M has been col- gone are the days when knitting was A Suede dessert boots purely for your Granny and that the laborating with high fashion design- only things you could create were awful ers since their 2004 collection with What’s your winter novelty Christmas jumpers or hats and Karl Lagerfeld. Over the years, fashion staple? lovers have also been treated to col- scarfs made from really itchy wool. In Duffel coat fact, and yes you are reading this right, lections from designers such as Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Matthew knitting has become cool! With celebri- Right ties on both sides of the pond stepping Williamson and Lanvin, to name a few. out of the knitting closet and holding Each collection has sold out in a mat- Rachel Hyndman their needles proudly it seems knit- ter of days or even hours and received English ting’s street cred has gone sky high. And mass acclaim from us mere mortals and don’t go thinking it’s just small time, fashion messiahs alike, and the Versace Favourite designer? old school, Z-list celebs that are avid collection seems to pose no different. Alexander McQueen Or does it? knitters, some of the biggest names in What’s your winter Hollywood have been heard mumbling The Versace line was founded by Gi- “knit one, purl one”. With the list in- anni Versace, in 1978. Since the open- staple? cluding Julia Roberts, Madonna, Uma ing of the very first boutique, Versace Chocolate brown boots Thurman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cam- has gone on to be considered as one of eron Diaz, Dakota and even hard man the most glamorous, high fashion labels Pictures: Amy Dunsmuir and Alice Hinds and star of Gladiator Russell Crowe, it’s in the industry. Known for its luxuri- ous, and often over the top designs us. Some of the items are simple, classic ed jacket made from turquoise leopard been mutilated by an all over palm tree no wonder knitting is coming back into and well structured pieces that could sit print. The items have been made from print. Even the boxers are atrocious. To fashion. With patterns now less dowdy the label has six diffusion collections, as well as Versace Couture. Couture in your wardrobe from season to sea- good quality material and will be worth those fashionable men out there, don’t and old fashioned there’s no need to son. One such item is the beautiful floor the money. Many of the pieces are dis- be swayed by the Versace label. worry that someone might mistake you gowns can reach staggering prices of up to $10,000, and they are worth every length, sumptuously red dress made tinctively Versace, having been made So, when the H&M Versace items for an 80-year-old as you walk down the from 100% silk with a chiffon lining. with their signature gold pattern. If come up for bidding on eBay (which street in your hand knitted cardi. You penny. Handmade and intricate, the gowns, suits and jewellery parade down The dress features a corset body, cut out looking über designer is your style, by all they undoubtedly will) you have been might also find that not only is a DIY back and thigh length slash in the front. means, go for it. But most of us will look warned. Leave the outlandish outfits to scarf going to be a hell of a lot cheaper the Milan Fashion Week runway every year. Donatella Versace, the current ar- Quite simply it is the epitome of Versace a tad like a Big Brother winner, gone on Gaga. Donatella has created some ex- than one you’ve bought from Topshop glamour and is a snip at just £149.99. a shopping spree. cellent items for those of us who are a but, it’ll also be far more unique and tistic director, recently opened up the Versace archives to Lady Gaga, making And yet at the other end of the scale, The men’s collection however, does bit more high street than high fashion. may even get you a few compliments buyers could also choose to purchase a not fare as well as the ladies’. On first in- This does not apply to items which can along the way! So, with winter draw- her the first person since Gianni’s death in 1997 to be given the privilege. Now, lurid pink two-piece comprising of top spection, the classic, grey wool suits are only be worn in darkened rooms and are ing in thick and fast and temperatures and skirt. With a yellow heart pattern rather stylish. Almost every other item approached cautiously with sunnies. Or dropping further and further to the with the collection for H&M, every as- piring Gaga can get in on the action. and multi-coloured fringing scattered is made from a black and white graphic indeed anything created for the men. My dreaded 0°C now would defiantly be the around the top and skirt which borders pattern so garish it could cause seizures. advice is to save your pennies for when best time to pick up some needles and Featuring everything from dresses, to coats, to leggings, the women’s collec- slightly into ‘euro-trash’ territory. The The eye-stinging prints don’t end there you can afford ‘proper’ Versace. It’ll be have a quiet word with your Granny. same can be said for the cropped, quilt- either, a cashmere blend jumper has far more worth it. Amy Dunsmuir tion isn’t for the shy and retiring among Alice Hinds Getting Ahead in the Job Market – Accredited Modules to Help You!

With all the doom and gloom in the media, you may be thinking how are you going to compete against lots of other people for jobs when you eventually leave university. Do not

worry. The Career Development Centre offer accredited work experience and career management skills modules to help you make successful career decisions, gain work experience and market yourself successfully to employers.  Work in a Summer Camp in America. The earlier you

apply, the more opportunities are available to you! Active Learning in the Community (PDM9AL) is a full work experience module, offering 30 hour volunteering projects during semester (normally 3 hours a week) in a local charity or  Application is free and on our website, www.wildpacks.com public sector setting. Opportunities for spring 2012 include event organisation, marketing, research, and social care support projects with Bannockburn Riding for the Disabled,  Work on sports camps, adventure camps, special needs Citizens Advice Bureau, Scottish Swimming, Stenhousemuir Football Club, and Women in camps, riding camps and many many more, Sport and Health. There are also range of full and half modules in Career Management  Wild Packs offer the highest salaries in the industry,

Skills (PDM9L2, PDM9L3, PDM9LW, PDM9D2, PDM9D3), delivered face to face or online.  No prior experience working with children necessary These help investigate the career planning process and prepare for a successful transition (although it does help),

from study to work. Opportunities include identifying skills and strengths, making successful  Full onsite training provided, job applications, and sessions on presentation skills, interviews and assessment centres.  Medical insurance, visa forms, food and accommodation Jamie Fraser, a Stirling Alumni and Managing Director of Wild Packs Summer Camps Ltd are all part of the deal,

shares his own experience of taking a Career Management module:  You must be able to fly by June 15th (ish) and have your summer free until around August 15th, From my experience at Stirling and now from the position as Management Director of a Wild Packs, the Career Development Centre and the modules they offer give you the opportunity  Up to six weeks travel time post camp,

to develop essential skills. These modules will be time very well spent.  To read all about camp, see pictures, watch videos and access our application form then log onto Jane Parker, Stirling Student www.wildpacks.com. If you want to look at some more The career management module I took has been my favourite and most useful module. I videos head over to our Youtube channel, now feel more confident in where I want to go and how to get these when I leave university. http://www.youtube.com/user/WildPacksSummerCamps or like us on Facebook; search Wild Packs Summer Camps. For more information on these modules: www.careers.stir.ac.uk/modules For more information head over to our website: http://www.wildpacks.com , email us via [email protected] or ring us in the office on 01383435991.  Brig | December 2011 OPINION 18 www.brignewspaper.com

Opinion Editors: David Devereux & Simon Ewing Opinion Email: [email protected] They’re beginning to dress the shelves like Christmas

Christmas endeavours do reduce the re- green teddy bear waiting to give you a es, high streets and the people that walk for all concerned. Stuart Kenny ligious side of the holiday to an extent, warm hug that will launch you into the them to light up, and it opens the gates However, even if commercialisation is Sports Editor they also promote Christmas further as swing of benevolence sweeping the na- for the avalanche of familiar films and beginning to take control of the holiday, a period in the year that is just gener- tion throughout early winter. songs to stuff us up with festive cheer. the family values of the season undeni- ally awesome. The point many seem to This Christmas utopia allows people The religious element of Christmas ably remain in place. It remains one of amilies and friends are gath- be missing is that the commercialism of to wear an unnecessarily large grin for may have been lost for many. After all, the only times of the year when families ering to celebrate, while their Christmas only heightens the season’s a single month of the year, and this is an the holiday season now officially begins get together to celebrate. Everybody kids put into action a plan of cheer. ideal that children fall in love with: the when the Coca-Cola advert that origi- feels a little better than they normally Fimmaculate behaviour to keep affability of the grotto, the hard-work- nally gave Santa his dapper red outfit would, and the sounds of Slade, Whiz- their names off the infamous “naughty “An alternative way of ing elves, the writing of a wish list that hits out televisions, and a Christmas zard and Frank Sinatra join forces with list”. Easter, go back to your rabbit hole. brings with it a hearty beam when their without a viewing of Elf is certainly one some outstandingly cheesy films and an Halloween, hit your haunted house. It’s looking at this is that much-desired new bike arrives on the that is incomplete. Buddy the Elf saves array of mouth-watering munchies and Christmas time. these adverts only begin big day. Commercialisation allows hous- Christmas and it’s a great experience beverages to give us a season that is usu- For the many unaware of the holiday, ally top notch. Christmas is defined by the Oxford Dic- the jolly festivities that The panic of Christmas shopping is tionary as “the festival of the nativity of little bit earlier. How one that fills many with joy and al- Christ, kept on the 25th of December”. though we may have strayed off course However, it’s clear this meaning has much do they really get from the original meaning of the festivi- been somewhat lost over time as the ties, if it is all working to bring people modern festive season has become less in people’s way any- together and put that extra skip in the concerned with religion and more with way?” step of millions around the world, why exchanging gifts and enjoying lavish on earth are people complaining about parties. Some argue that the traditional People often condemn the post-Hal- it? There is no reason why the laughing nativity scene is now being crushed with loween business rush as more frustrat- Santa Claus and nativity scene cannot a callously laughing Santa Claus, but are ing than a Christmas elf’s efforts to sit side by side on the fireplace. the glowing reindeer and giant Christ- reach the top shelf of a North Pole su- Christmas is a season of cheer that mas trees of commercialisation really permarket. Of course, the earlier these presents a chance to give gifts to love so bad? stores advertise the more they can sell, dones, raise your spirits for a little Of course, many non-religious peo- hence the arguments that the festival while, and eat more food than a hun- ple also celebrate Christmas, but this is becoming heavily money-driven. An gry Mr. Claus would on an extended doesn’t mean that the religious aspect of alternative way of looking at this is that lunch break. So if you’re doubting your the holiday has been forgotten. In fact, these adverts only begin the jolly festivi- seasonal values during this festive time Christmas Eve is a time when many who ties that little bit earlier. How much do of year, let the bright lights kick any would not normally find themselves they really get in people’s way anyway? Scrooge-like thoughts from your mind, church-bound make their way to a mid- Commercialisation is not a monster give in to the power of the sleigh bells night service with friends or family. This with dollar signs for eyes, loading up a and glistening snow of the winter won- isn’t to say the holiday still mainly con- shotgun as it prepares to attack you in a derland, and remember: “‘tis the season cerns itself with religion, however; over- back alley. It’s more like a shiny red and to be jolly”. all, it doesn’t. Although business-related Picture: thecoca-colacompany.com There will be blood (as long as you’re straight) is lifted.” With obvious eye-catching which, while maybe justified at the time medical enquiry. Question 12, split into Why is this mistreatment still allowed? William Buchan intent, the title didn’t quite portray the due to the lack of medical knowledge, is a few parts, raises the issue of hepatitis, HIV, as with hepatitis and jaundice and full story. In reality, as the article went nowhere near justifiable now. In reality, but get to question 13 and things start to drug abuse and however many other of few weeks ago, you may have on to say, gay men could only give blood there’s been no real change; this outright get interesting: “Are you a man who has the risks mentioned, isn’t exclusively noticed an announcement on if they hadn’t interacted sexually with banning has been simply a more blatant had oral or anal sex with a man in the suffered by those of any specific sexual the University Portal giving way to prevent gay men donating. The orientation. It is, as with any disease, Adetails of a blood donating new law is still a restriction based on “The banning of most likely to infect and be carried by event here on campus. It read, “If you sexual orientation, and is therefore by those who are careless, irresponsible can never find the time to give blood, definition still homophobic, even though gay men from giv- and most vulnerable. Being gay doesn’t here it is: 21 and 22 November, 12 noon it may allow those willing to keep gay make you any more vulnerable to HIV to 3:30 pm.” In response, your inner men from donating to plead progress, ing blood isn’t than being straight makes you any more monologue begins: “Great! This is so acceptance and public appeal. The fan- vulnerable to getting the sniffles. Being me! I’ve always wanted to give blood but tasy of the HIV virus being a gay man’s sneezed on by someone with the sniffles can never find the time and, as it just so disease is long gone, so why haven’t the based on medi- does, though, and as far as I’m aware happens, I’m completely free on the 21 laws it brought about disappeared along it doesn’t matter who you find sexually and 22 of November from between 12 with it? The excuse that this is because cal reasoning or attractive, we all have to sneeze eventu- and half three; this was obviously meant of a sluggish British bureaucracy and a ally. to be!” So, you click on the link, anxious parliament weighed down by legislative sound logic, but a I’m not particularly eager to give blood, that there might be some last minute impediments is hardly acceptable in the but I am particularly eager to make sure complication stopping you from finally face of how much campaigning has been throwback to the that if I wanted to I’d be able to, and that succeeding in your childhood dream of going on, and for how long. so should any of the countless other gay giving blood. You are greeted with the Picture: miceheight.blogspot.com The Donor Health Check form used homophobic para- males being discriminated against by a location, the Iris Murdoch Building, another man in the past twelve months, on the 21 and 22 to decide among those system that, while willing to preach the and a short sentence explaining that it regardless of whether or not they used who have turned up to donate who le- noia of the 1980s” height of modern multiculturalism and might be a good idea to eat something protection. So, you put the phone down, gally can and can’t is luckily available diversity, is only too willing to discrimi- beforehand. You know where the Irish scrap that date from your diary, and online. From the beginning the form past 12 months, with or without a con- nate on its own doorstep. Being able to Murdoch Building is, and you know start planning a night out at GHQ, be- seems medically focused, with the types dom?” Answer “yes” to this, and you’re help someone out, someone who might how to eat, so with all anxieties nulled, ing a certified member of one of the few of questions which are more likely to greeted with nothing short of the sort of die otherwise, is such a humane and you make the date in your diary and call groups not allowed to give blood, along- put you to sleep rather than to raise glance your teacher gave you when you unifying act that, in a time where divi- your parents with the news. side heroin and cocaine addicts. any real interest or concern; a standard admitted to forgetting to bring a pencil sions seem to be ever more present with Well, not quite. Soon after this an- The banning of gay men from giving tick-the-box form so far. Get to question to class. You’re useless to the form, and any number of worldwide reasons for nouncement went up, the Metro ran an blood isn’t based on medical reason- 11, and the form asks directly as to your it just doesn’t know what else to do with gloom and misanthropy, it should be article headlined, “Gay men allowed to ing or sound logic, but a throwback to HIV status, in a move which stinks of you. You’re given the number to some open to all those able and willing regard- give blood for the first time after ban the homophobic paranoia of the 1980s political correctness more than serious call centre, and left to go away. less of sexual preference. Brig Writers On... Editorial & Opinion “For me, Christmas is a family event. “Family, food and freezing cold. Sounds “I usually prefer Boxing Day to Christ- Each month, we ask Brig Everything is forgotten about for the day fun; just spend some time thinking mas Day; it’s a lot quieter, there’s less Online Articles writers their opinions on and we all have a great time.” about those who are less fortunate!” stress involved, and everyone leaves you Check out brignewspaper.com to read: Craig Wilson Simon Leigh alone.” a given topic. This month: Simon Ewing Ehssan Shamoradi arguing against the Christmas commercialisation of Christmas

“Drink. Drink. Drink. Drink. Drink. “A financial disaster of a festival devoted “Empty bank account, endless phone Rebecca Brown arguing that the Kindle Drink. Drink. Drink. Drink. Drink. to the material obsessions of sycophan- calls to relatives, cold and miserable is a poor replacement for the book “Christmas never lives up to the hype. Drink. Drink. Drink. Drink. Drink. tic mothers. Wait, we’re talking about weather: Christmas is the most wonder- It’s the big anticlimax to the year, before Drink. Drink. Drink. Drink. Drink. Easter, aren’t we?” ful time of the year.” Stacey Leslie on why Christmas is the the process repeats itself. Fun, though.” Drink.” William Buchan David Devereux best holiday of the year Colm Currie Andrew McDonald Simon Leigh on celebrity-endorsed food Brig |December 2011 OPINION www.brignewspaper.com 19 The police force and the media’s double standard prosecute all rioters, but I doubt that to me a reasonable number. Most peo- we tell the police that they should tough- I once heard a policeman say that every Sean Heron he would have backed them up if, by ple living in Union Street this year will en up on rioters and protect us from vio- society gets the police force they de- doing so, the situation had got even have seen the fight a couple of weeks ago lent protesters but then go on to criticize serve, and it seems that we are getting olice officers have the hardest more out of hand. in which it took around four police of- them for doing just that, we are telling one that’s too good for us. job in Britain right now, and On 9 November, the student protests ficers to arrest one man. This is because them we will not support them. the way we treat them is unfair. against cuts took place in London. It of a condition called “excited delirium”, PWhile the modern police force was felt that these could result in some which makes someone in desperate cir- includes many who are corrupt and violence and, in light of the summer ri- cumstances, such as getting arrested, power-hungry, it also has people who ots, the police decided to go all-out to much more powerful than they would just want to help, provide for their fam- prevent anything from happening. On normally be. So, considering that it can ily and make a positive difference in the the whole, this worked, and the pro- take odds of four to one to make an ar- world. Basically, it’s made up of exactly tests went by relatively peacefully. As rest, 4,000 maintaining 14,000 doesn’t the same people who make up every ever, though, the media made it their seem too heavy-handed. other part of society in Britain. priority to turn these protests into It’s possible that the angle the media This isn’t an ideal situation, but it isn’t something scandalous. They decided has taken on this event is a result of the an ideal world, and we should stop treat- the easiest way to report this story was prior controversy over the police’s use ing it like one. When the riots broke out to question how many police officers of rubber bullets against the defenceless over the summer many criticised the were sent to keep the peace. students. This was compared to the ma- police for not doing enough, but when We ask the police to uphold the law chine gunning of protesters in the Mid- they tried to take more control the exact and ensure that mass protests remain dle East; surely this comparison shows same people called it “heavy-handed”. peaceful, but when they achieve this how ridiculous our media really is. Also, The police were in an impossible posi- we tell them the police presence was calling anyone armless prior to a conflict tion. People were telling them to tough- too much and a waste of time. News- that hasn’t happened yet is just stupid. en up, but had they done so they would papers have reported that 4,000 of- During the 2010 student protests a pro- never have gained the support to defend ficers were assigned to monitor the tester threw a fire extinguisher, which their actions. David Cameron can urge 14,000 students, which, although I’d say is likely to do more damage than, the police to become more merciless and many would argue otherwise, seems say, a police officer’s truncheon. When Daily life out on patrol Picture: glasgowunihumanrights.blogspot.com The Battle of Stirling Link Bridge What the Kindle means for the book trade fair enough, new students don’t know back has been loved, and it is evident majority of these books have been re- Claire Heuchan that a pristine hardback is revered. Al- jected for good reason. As a result, it’s Chris Watson this. In September, it’s obviously going to take a little while for the first years though coffee stains are the anathema of more difficult to find eBooks on Amazon ntil recently, I had always the literati, they are also evidence that that appeal to me. This was not a prob- here are some things in life to realise that such a code exists, but it imagined myself living in a the companionship of that particular lem in book shops. that seem to be designed spe- does. But it’s so infuriating when you house with approximately book has been welcome during peaceful Ultimately, my defection seems like cifically to cause stress. You have to continually zig-zag from one side the same amount of storage moments. For example, it is testimony a natural step. Due to ePearl technol- would expect, for example, that to the other because people are coming U T and going from every direction. If every- space as the British Library. This wasn’t to my undying love of J.K. Rowling’s ogy, the Kindle resembles the page of a a pedestrian route from one point of the because I aspired to join the ranks of the writing that I still own the first edi- book far more closely than the glare of University grounds to another would be one would just walk on the left or even super-rich, but rather so that I would tion of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner a computer monitor. The act of reading the least of my worries, but the bridge the right (never let it be said that I’m a have sufficient space for my ever-ex- of Azkaban” that my little cousin once remains the same. As for the ‘feel’ of the which leads from the Atrium over to the monster) then the whole journey would panding personal library. Since the age dropped down a toilet. A rating of one Kindle, it is of the same as that of any Halls of Residence is a constant source be much easier and a lot less stressful of four, I have accumulated books at an to five stars does not convey such fond- book. In fact, the Kindle has a comfort- of stress for me. much easier. alarming rate. My bookshelves would be ness, and it is this impersonal nature of ing presence, as it has the space to store When you’ve got all the time in the I can just about handle all these things crammed full and, much to my mother’s digital files which gives credence to the an entire library while weighing less world and you’re ambling back home to if I try hard to keep my rage in check, displeasure, often double-stacked. Kindle’s critics. than the average paperback. halls from your lecture, the bridge is al- though. I can just about cope with cross- When times were good, a trip to Glas- This time last year, I was among those The waning of the paperback leaves ways dead quiet and you can make your ing the bridge behind a slow person, or gow was required so that I could fre- who considered the idea of using an way quite happily, at whatever pace you passing someone who’s walking on the quent Waterstone’s and Borders. These eReader as akin to sacrilege. My mother like. That’s all well and good. It’s always wrong side, without picking said person trips resulted in several new books and had been dropping hints the size of San- when you’re in a mad rush, when you’ve up and hurling them over the edge and arms that ached from carrying them ta Claus’s sack that she thought I would slept in and have to dash over to a class into the murky, freezing December loch! from shop to shop; books came first, like a Kindle. Outrage faded to apathy. you’re already late for, that the bridge is No; the real bane of my life as far as logic second. When my pocket money Apathy turned into curiosity. It turned packed with people who all seem to be the bridge goes has to be cyclists. The had been spent, I could always wheedle out that joining the 10% of British adults sauntering along at one mile per hour. first time I saw a cyclist on the bridge, I a pound or two from my Nana, and this to receive a Kindle over the festive sea- You end up unable to squeeze past be- was taken completely off guard. He very was enough for me to get my fix from lo- son was actually a good thing. This was cause there’s no space and everybody’s nearly cycled right over me. I thought, cal charity shops. not immediately obvious to me, though. coming from the opposite direction; you “Why would you take your bike over the Now, Borders is a thing of the past. After downloading my favourite classics have to tiptoe along and by the time you bridge?” Presumably he wasn’t about to for free, I quickly lost interest. The se- reach the automatic door of the Atrium cycle it right through the middle of the lection of books available was somewhat you’ve made yourself an extra five min- Atrium and down the steps to the bus “Book retailers lacking. utes late for your class. stop, so the likelihood is that he was just For months my Kindle lay in my bed- This could all be dismissed as bad luck. cycling back and forth along the bridge are now fighting side drawer, all but forgotten. Then I However, people walking slowly isn’t to annoy people. He succeeded, in my went on a family holiday. Before receiv- the only annoying habit on show on the case. Anyway, since then, I’ve seen cy- a battle on two ing my Kindle, I was one of those peo- bridge. You also have to deal with the clists on the bridge several times and I ple whose luggage consisted primarily groups of four or five students who insist still don’t understand where they’re go- fronts, and their of books. In a rare moment of rational on walking side by side so that they are ing or what they’re doing. The bridge is thought, though, I decided to give my hogging the whole width of the bridge, narrow enough for pedestrians without Kindle a fair chance. I soon learned leaving you squashed between a person having to dodge bicycles left, right and competition in that the quality of the book determines you don’t know and a concrete wall. centre. So, if you’ve ever cycled across the level to which it can be enjoyed, not Clearly these people have never heard the bridge please take this as a polite both instances has the medium; Gone with the Wind, one of walking in pairs, and more often than request never to do it again. Walk like of the world’s most celebrated romance not these same people are unable to everybody else. But don’t walk on the been created by novels, cemented my own love for the walk any faster than a snail’s pace. right; stick to the left. And don’t walk Kindle. More annoying than these things, how- too slowly; try to keep at a reasonable Amazon.” Picture: mustangdaily.net Book retailers are now fighting a bat- ever, is when people totally violate the speed. And make sure you don’t walk in Although it upset me at the time, I am tle on two fronts, and their competi- me with mixed emotions. On one hand, standard bridge-walking “code”: always rows of any more than two people. Do all beginning to understand why Borders tion in both instances has been created I am pleased to see that the Kindle has stick to the left side of the bridge. Now, that, and you can’t go far wrong. liquidated: because of people like me. by Amazon. In America, the sale of the benefited so many people. The number Once I became old enough for a debit paperback has been outstripped by eB- of Kindle owners using public transport card, I created an Amazon account, ooks. Although the same cannot be said says volumes about the eReader’s ap- where novels were a little cheaper than in Britain, the circulation of paperbacks peal to commuters. On the other hand, in bookshops, and most were accompa- is declining. Even if a customer doesn’t it is strange to see such a constant as the nied by extracts so that I could still get own a Kindle, there is still a strong like- book losing its place in society. When a feel for each and every potential pur- lihood that she or he will prefer buying handing my redundant paperbacks into chase. Books were a continuous pres- paperbacks from Amazon to paying the charity shops, I cannot help but feel a ence in my life, so much so that I was in- full retail price. twinge of nostalgia. capable of imagining them in any other Despite a range of critically acclaimed However, when I look to the future, in way. And then came the Kindle. novels being available for download, particular to moving away from home, I Like most bookworms, I had not be- there are also eBooks which have been am glad to know that I will have enough lieved that the experience of reading rejected by publishers that are accepted room to take all of my books with me. could be improved upon. My gut reac- by Amazon. By cutting out the middle In the meantime, I will simply hope that tion was that the Kindle could never man, Amazon undermines the pub- that everyone who receives a Kindle this match the experience of holding a book lishing system, which is already under Christmas manages to overcome their in my hands. Unlike their digital de- strain. This is not necessarily a good prejudices. If a stubborn purist like me scendants, ink and paper books tell two thing. Although some fantastic manu- can learn to love the Kindle, so can any- stories; that of the author, and that of scripts have been turned down by pub- body else. the owner’s relationship with the book. lishing houses, most notably Harry It is obvious that a well-thumbed paper- Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the The University of Stirling link bridge Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi Brig | December 2011 Features 20 www.brignewspaper.com

Features Editors: Anna Jordan & Catriona McGale Features Email:[email protected] Countdown to Christmas: Let’s go to the festive market Austria’s market is famous for its giant Anna Jordan Valkenburg, Germany advent calendar which is projected on to Features Editor the front of the City Hall. It also has a Valkenburg hosts the Velvet Cave giant nativty scene made from 50 tonnes he run-up to Christmas is a market which is held at the base of the of ice. favourite time for many peo- castle ruins. Each year the event has For those closer to home, the Edinburgh ple across the world and gets a theme based on a Dutch legend or and Glasgow markets are wonderful Tcelebrated in various different story. Between the stalls, “chapters” of places to visit. I’d particularly recom- ways: get-togethers with friends and the story are displayed for visitors to mend Edinburgh’s market, which was family, chocolate advent calendars and read leading up to the market’s exit. rated as one of the UK’s best by Yahoo! a bid to get as many kisses under the Online this year. mistletoe as possible during the festive Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna season. Christmas markets are a long-standing These festivities are based around The traditional Christmas market Picture: Foxpictures.com holiday tradition worldwide, particular- the UNESCO Heritage Site, built in ly in Europe. the 14th century. Visitors can peruse Spotlight: Edinburgh Christmas Market 2011 Though each market has its unique handmade Austrian gifts whilst glug- quirks, there are still elements which ging mulled wine and listening to carol s my two flatmates and I headed side while the smell of rich, flavoured can try out water running in a bubble- are common among them. Fairgrounds, singers. This one is great for kids too, out of Waverley train station, coffee and mulled wine pulled us in the pod, a Christmas pudding roller coast- ice rinks, mulled wine and German fare with weekend activities such as games the familiar M&Ds Ferris wheel other direction. We couldn’t help but er, a bungy snowdome and of course, a are all characteristic of the Christmas and cookie decorating classes. A bazaar. was the first thing to catch my eye. There admire what the stalls had to offer, in- skate on the large ice rink. was even a bagpiper playing traditional cluding the two handsome young men Unfortunately, as it was the opening In fact, festive German markets have Tivoli Christmas Market, Copen- Scottish tunes, almost as if to lead us in offering free chocolate. It certainly felt day, the attractions didn’t open until been around since the early 13th century. hagen One of the oldest is the Bautzen Christ- to the fair. It had all of the fairground a lot like Christmas. the lights were turned on that evening. classics: chair swings, a twisty slide and What stood out to me was the friendly To tell you the truth, after the warm, mas market which was first recorded in This market is held in Tivoli Gardens a giant stand-in snow globe. vibe coming from each and every stall. fuzzy, happy feeling the mulled wine 1384. However, in 1294 the “December which is a year-round amusement The huge inflatable structure and the For lunch, we had fresh crepes from a sent through me, this was probably a Market” in Vienna was first recognised park. Children also really like these flurrying fake snow made it tempting to stall run by an Australian man who has good call. Maybe next time though. and may be seen as a forerunner to its celebrations as they can meet Santa go in and have our picture taken; but it been in the game for eleven years. Yet, Overall, a magical day; really worth a traditional German counterpart. Claus and his merry band of lepre- was the price that pushed us away. he still prepared the food with such care visit. Despite this, the markets still attract chauns. The park boasts a 150 year old Instead, we decided to look around the that is rarely seen nowadays. He used countless visitors to Germany every double decker merry-go-round, which stalls and try on all of the crazy hats on organic, fresh ingredients, professing year, particularly to more famous sites is the oldest of its kind in the world. offer. that “it makes all the difference”. It re- such as Dortmund, Erfurt, Nurem- For food lovers, there are sweetmeats The German market was a particu- ally did. berg, Dresden, Stuttgart and Augsburg. and handmade Danish pastries on of- lar highlight. It’s true: the Germans do As we ate our crepes, we drank sweet If you ever fancy visiting a European- fer. know how to do Christmas. Handmade mulled wine and peered over the park market further afield, you’re spoiled for Graz Christmas Market, Austria choice: gifts and candles graced the stalls on one towards the castle. This year, visitors ple to choose how to celebrate.” celebration of all faiths is a key point in As, while Christmas has developed a the politically correct Christmas debate. We wish you a politically correct winter period new meaning for Athiests, it is not one Surely it would be deemed politically Catriona McGale a “holiday tree.” So what does that mean? If Christ- simply of presents, food and alcohol. It incorrect to repress the celebration of seems that for non-Christians, Christ- Muslim, Jewish, Hindu or any other Features Editor It is a move which Hilary Fortnam, mas is becoming an increasingly less whose father Reverend W Awdry wrote religious holiday is there any reason mas has become a time to relax and cel- religious holiday within the UK, so why the books which the show is based on, for other faiths to be offended by or ebrate with loved ones, which Thomas is it politically correct to censor the cel- Merry Christmas!” A joyful, fes- is not happy with. She said in a letter to excluded from the celebrations? If it points out, is in itself a key part of the ebration of Christmas, simply because it tive greeting, it’s not a phrase you The Telegraph, “It’s frustrating to me has already lost its religious sentiment Christian faith. is the predominant holiday in our soci- would generally deem offensive, because I don’t want people thinking my would changing our general focus of the Yet, regardless of your religious beliefs ety? yet according to the schools, work- “ father wrote those words.” holiday to a general Winter festival be surely in a world too often filled with For McCulloch it is an inconsistency places, and media who are censoring our Former Government Minister, Anne such a big deal? Or is it time to put the stress and bad news, a day to simply which does not make sense. He says, seasonal greetings, it is. Widdecombe, also expressed her disap- Christ back in Christmas? Perhaps those spend with family and appreciate the “The high priority we put on the impor- In our ever growing multi-cultural so- proval of the cartoon’s Christmas edit, who don’t believe in the religious aspect good in life can never be a bad thing? tance of religious freedom in Britain ap- ciety, where for many the significance of saying, “It is another example of the of the day should stop celebrating it all Yet, for those who do wish to celebrate plies to Christianity as well. As a Chris- Christmas is no longer based on religion, politically correct brigade trying to air- together and those who do can observe the religious aspect of the holiday why tian I’m not offended by other religious is it time to change the way in which we brush Christmas out of our lives because it as a quiet, religious day. should they be restricted from doing so celebrations. Religious freedom and re- celebrate the festive season? Or do those they fear they might upset non-Chris- in a traditionally Christian country? specting other ethnicities doesn’t mean tiptoeing around their terminology need tians, which is nonsense.” “Recent surveys Trainee Catholic school teacher, Amy getting rid of the distinctiveness of our to pull a cracker, pop on a party hat and Is it nonsense, or are ‘the politically Welsh, thinks it is important to remem- faith, but learning to acknowledge and lighten up? have shown that the correct brigade’ quite right in aiming ber that Christianity is still the central appreciate the differences we have.” The politically correct Christmas is to avoid offending other faiths with the vast majority of peo- faith within our society and schools, and And perhaps the assumption that the an idea which first came to light in infliction of a Christian holiday upon that we shouldn’t repress the religious celebration of Christmas would offend 2006 when it was reported that 3 out ple in the UK still everyone? Muslim student, Nimrah Ali, sanctity of the day. She says, “Christmas those of other faiths, when their cel- of 4 workplaces were to stop putting up feels it is an unnecessary effort, stating identify with Chris- and the story behind it should still play ebrations do not offend us, is far more Christmas decorations so as not to of- that she takes no offence to Christmas a major role in schools.” insulting than a simple “Merry Christ- fend employees of other faiths. Mean- tianity and therefore celebrations, in fact she enjoys them. Teaching Assistant, Catherine Macey, mas!” greeting could ever be. while, the Royal Mail removed any She says, “Having lived in the UK my Christmas is still agrees, stating that the traditional Christmas references from their tradi- whole life I have grown up with Christ- Christmas customs will remain an in- tional festive stamps, The Red Cross very meaningful for a mas too.” tegral part of her school’s celebrations. banned Christmas displays from their “In school I was always happy to play huge number of peo- She said, “The staff here feel that if charity shops and playgroups nation- a part in the Nativity and I loved our ple.” a child is attending a predominantly wide replaced their Christmas parties Christmas parties.” Christian school they should integrate with ‘Winter celebrations’, so as to be “I don’t have a big celebration on the into the celebrations of Christmas as inclusive for all children and parents. 25th with my family, but I do enjoy cel- President of the Stirling University much as possible. We shouldn’t need to Recent years have seen a growing per- ebrating the lead up to Christmas with Christian Union, Thomas McCulloch, stop to accommodate their feelings.” suasion towards the use of ‘Happy Holi- my friends.” feels that it is important that we remem- “We are still having our Nativity play, days’ or ‘Seasons Greetings’ in place of “Even though it is not a religious ber that Christmas is a holy day, saying, Christmas grotto and Christmas parties ‘Merry Christmas’, an increased mod- holiday for me, there are still definitely “Recent surveys have shown that the and we are still calling them such. All of ernisation of school Nativity plays, re- many aspects of the celebration I can vast majority of people in the UK still the children are taking part, including moving much of the religious message enjoy.” identify with Christianity and therefore Muslim and other faiths and their par- and the censoring of Christmas caroling Yet, is it really only for people such as Christmas is still very meaningful for a ents have agreed to that.” in many shopping centres. Even Tho- Nimrah that Christmas is enjoyed as a huge number of people.” Mrs Macey also highlighted the fact mas the Tank Engine has been moulded non-religious holiday? After all, we are However, while for Thomas and many that the school makes sure to celebrate into a more culturally rounded charac- living in a growingly Athiest society but others, the religious aspect of the day re- other religious holidays, such as Eid, ter. In a Christmas episode of the Chil- that doesn’t stop those from tradition- mains most significant, he does not feel to cater for children of other faiths and dren’s TV show this year, Christmas has ally Christian backgrounds celebrating that non-practising Christians should also to educate all pupils on the impor- been transformed to “winter holidays” The Christmas Nativity Christmas, even if the story of Christ not celebrate the day at all, saying, “Of tance of different religious holidays. while the Christmas tree is referred to as Picture: Google Image himself isn’t one they believe in. course, there should be freedom for peo- It seems that the understanding and Features Brig | December 2011 www.brignewspaper.com 21

panel of the UK X Factor but turned it and workers. The man responsible, An- rest of the public. down, leaving the show with three new ders Behring Breivik, described the at- 2011 in a Nutshell judges, Gary Barlow; Kelly Rowland and tacks as “atrocious but necessary” in the October Tulisa Contostavlos. fight against Norway’s liberal immigra- There were varied reactions around tion policies and the spread of Islam and the world on the 3 October, as 24-year- As the year draws to a close, Features Editor Alex Salmond and his SNP party were multiculturalism in Western Europe. old Amanda Knox was acquitted of Catriona McGale recaps the highs, lows and re-elected to power in the Scottish Par- the murder of her former flatmate, liamentary elections held on 5 May. It Amy Winehouse was found dead in her Meredith Kercher, following almost need-to-knows of 2011 so far. was a landslide victory for the party who flat on 23 July, from an alcohol over- four years in jail for the crime. Knox dose. The 27-year-old Back to Black was convicted in 2009, along with ex- January secured a clear majority of the vote and into the tens of thousands. singer had a long-running history of boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito and friend With the release of her second album, made gains in many traditionally La- drug and alcohol related abuse, as well Rudy Guede, but released upon appeal ‘21’, on 23 January, the until now rela- bour areas. Meanwhile the referendum The legendary Dame Elizabeth Taylor as suffering from depression. She kicked due to implications with the DNA col- tively under the radar, singer Adele was on the AV vote, which would change died on 23 March, aged 79. The star, her drug habit in 2008 and had man- lection from the crime scene. Sollecito catapulted to fame. The record sold 208 the way that Parliament was elected, re- who was best known for her work in aged to stop drinking on several occa- was also released while Geude’s convic- 000 copies in its first week debuting ceived a resounding ‘No’ across the UK. Cleopatra and Who’s Afraid of Virginia sion, including for a short time in the tion was upheld but reduced. at number one in the charts, where it Wolf, had been suffering from an ongo- weeks before her death. stayed for 16 weeks, making Adele one June ing heart condition to which she ulti- On 6 October the public mourned the of the biggest pop sensations of the year. On 23 June, more than nine years after mately lost her battle after suffering a the disappearance of then 13-year-old Victoria and David Beckham welcomed death of Steve Jobs, the founder and congestive heart failure. the rather questionably named, Harper former CEO of the revolutionary tech- The student protests which began at the Milly Dowler, London man Levi Bellfield Seven, into the world on the 10 July. nology empire, Apple. Jobs died aged end of 2010 continued in the New Year, was found guilty of her murder. The April Harper was the much anticipated first only 56 following an eight-year-battle with the first official organised rallies 43-year-old, who has been convicted of The first SlutWalk, a movement which daughter for the couple who have three with pancreatic cancer. taking place in London and Manches- the murder of another two women and protests against women being blamed boys, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz. ter on 29 January. The demonstrations the attempted murder of a third, was for enticing rape, took place in Toronto Succeeding a tumultuous year in Libya, against university budget cuts and a rise sentenced to life imprisonment. Milly on 3 April. The campaign was sparked Col Muammar Gaddafi was killed on 20 in tuition fees have gained support from went missing on her way home from after Toronto policeman, Constable October after weeks of fighting between students, and non-students, UK-wide. school on 21 March 2002, her body was Michael Sanguinetti, warned girls to Gadaffi loyalists and the rebel forces, Whilst last year’s protests received a lot found on 18 September that year. Bell- “avoid dressing like sluts” to stay safe. in Gadaffi’s hometown of Sirte. The of negative attention due to violent be- field was first investigated in August While the movement gained a lot of former Libya leader was captured alive haviour, this year’s protests have been 2009 and charged with the kidnap and support worldwide it was also met with but killed moments later in circum- more peaceful with police comment- murder of Dowler on 30 March 2010. critics who claimed that the marches, stances which remain unclear. ing that there has been little trouble for which involved many of the protestors them to deal with. New social networking site Google+ dressing provocatively while carrying launched on 28 June, hoping to be the Reality TV star, Kim Kardashian an- placards displaying messages such as, nounced on 31 October that she will February first viable rival of the hugely success- “slut pride”, were in fact detrimental in be divorcing NBA star husband, Kris After weeks of protests in Cairo and ful Facebook. The Android based site the fight for women’s rights. started with four key features which Humphries, after just 72 days of mar- throughout other parts of the country, riage. The couple, who wed in a lavish, Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak, they believe are missing or ineffec- As of the 11 April it became illegal for televised ceremony on 20 August stated was forced to resign from his position tive aspects of Facebook. The function, women in France to wear a Burqa, the “irreconcilable differences” as the rea- on 11 February. Mubarak had dictated Circles, allows you to split all of your full body covering worn by many Islamic son for their split. Critics have dubbed the country for 30 years suppressing any friends into certain groups, such as best women, a move which caused an outcry August the whole marriage a publicity stunt. opposition but eventually fell subject to friends, workmates, family and so on, nationally and worldwide. The first ar- A rampage of riots throughout London an uprising of millions of protestors, fol- in order to control which information rests were made just hours after the ban between 6 to 10 August resulted in 3100 November lowing the lead of other Middle Eastern you share with certain people. Sparks is was enforced when two women, dressed arrests, five deaths and the damage of an Former personal physician of Michael countries. an online sharing engine which allows in burqas, protested against the new law you to share common interests within estimated £200 million worth of prop- Jackson, Dr Conrad Murray, was found erty. The riots were sparked following a guilty of the involuntary manslaughter On 18 February Facebook recognised your different circles, such as articles demonstration in reaction to the police of the star, on 8 November. It was ruled ‘in a civil partnership’ as a relationship and videos, which will spark conversa- shooting of a 29-year-old London man that the 58-year-old had given Jackson status option on their users’ profiles. It tions. Hangouts is a multi-person video two days before. The initial protest was a fatal dose of drug Propofol to help was a move that was welcomed by LGBT chat system and Mobile allows users to intended to be with his insomnia, an act described by rights activists, who felt that it allowed communicate via the site on-the-go. It a peaceful march yet turned violent the court as “reckless” and a “viola- gay and lesbian couples to share and initially launched on an invitation only when two police cars were set on fire by tion of care”. Murray had pleaded “not celebrate their relationship through the basis but opened its virtual doors to individuals believed not to be a part of guilty”, with his lawyers arguing that social networking site in the same way a everyone on 21 September and now has over 40 million users. the initial cause. the singer was dependent on the drug straight couple would. and must have given himself the fatal George Square and other parts of Glas- measure. March July gow city centre were transformed into 11 November was a momentous date On 7 March, actor Charlie Sheen was Although the conviction of Bellfield in a war-torn Philadelphia mid-August for this year as it is a palindrome which fired from the hit US comedy, Two and June brought closure to Milly Dowler’s the filming of blockbuster, World War Z, occurs only once every hundred years. a Half Men, in light of a number of con- family, they were later caught up in a starring Brad Pitt. The city centre was It was also a day, as it is every year, to troversial personal issues. Including phone hacking scandal, when it was filled with Brad fans from Glasgow and commemorate those we have lost fight- violence towards his ex-wife; dalliances revealed on 4 July that The News of the surrounding areas throughout the with escorts; drug and alcohol abuse the World had hacked the schoolgirl’s fortnight of filming, all hoping to catch and public criticism of the show and phone when she first went missing. It a glimpse of the heartthrob. its producer. Sheen’s public meltdown, was also found that the News Interna- along with his ‘winning’ catchphrase tional tabloid had deleted messages on Superstar Beyonce Knowles announced developed somewhat of a cult follow- the phone in order to free up space for at the Notre Dame cathedral her pregnancy by patting her baby bump ing, which although the actor lapped up, new messages, a move which had given 29 April saw Prince William tie the knot at the end of her performance at the was surely tinged with sadness given his the Dowlers false hope that their daugh- to his girlfriend of ten years, ‘commoner’ MTV Video Music Awards on the 28 Au- clearly fragile mental state. ter was still alive. The public outcry to- Kate Middleton, in front of an estimated wards the scandal, which also included gust. The baby, which is due in Febru- audience of two billion worldwide. The the phone hacking of Sara Payne, whose ary, will be the first for the star and her public and media interest in the wed- daughter Sarah Payne was abducted and husband of three years, rapper Jay-Z. ding brought a new heir of celebrity to murdered in 2000, victims of the 7/7 the Royals, while a new star was born in London bombings, relatives of deceased September the (pert) shape of the Duchess’ sister, British soldiers and a number of politi- On 8 September fashion designer John Pippa Middleton, who wowed in a tight- cians and celebrities, eventually led to Galliano was found guilty of racist and fitting Sarah Burton for Alexander Mc- the closure of The News of the World antisemitic abuse for comments made Queen dress. on 10 July. in a Paris bar. In February 2011 he was accused of hurling insults at a couple in May The final instalment of the phenomenal the bar, including “ugly Jewish bitch” Almost a decade after the 9/11 terror- Harry Potter movies, Harry Potter and and “Asian bastard”, with another wom- ing for our country, with a two-minute ist attacks, Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin the Deathly Hallows Part Two, hit UK an claiming he had made similar re- silence being held at 11 minutes past the Laden was shot by American forces in cinemas on 15 July smashing UK box of- marks to her in the same bar in October 11 hour. Pakistan on 1 May. His death was con- fice records, making £23 million in it’s last year. The British designer, who has After claims from a 20-year-old woman firmed through DNA testing on the 2 opening weekend. The massive figure a known addiction to alcohol, sleeping that he had fathered her 3-month-old May, yet without any visual proof of his broke the record for the UK’s biggest tablets and Valium, received a €6000 son, teen pop star Justin Bieber took a killing to the public, conspiracy theories three-day weekend, biggest Friday re- fine for his comments and has been fired paternity test 18 November to disprove ran rife. by fashion label House of Dior, of which the accusation. The scandal first arose Japan’s strongest earthquake since sult, biggest Saturday result and biggest he was the creative designer. 31 October when Mariah Yeater filed records began hit the country on 11 single day figures, all records which were The nation’s sweetheart’, Cheryl Cole, a lawsuit against Bieber for custodial March triggering a mammoth Tsunami set by the film’s predecessor,Harry Pot- was kicked off her pedestal and the The first of the Occupy Movements took support, claiming she had slept with across the North-East of Tokyo. The ter and the Deathly Hallows Part One. American X Factor judging panel on place on 17 September with Occupy New him after one of his concerts in October disaster devastated 250 miles of build- 25 May, to be replaced by ex-Pussycat York and Occupy San Francisco and has 2010, resulting in the birth of her son in ing, roads, electrical generators and nu- On 22 July, Norway was hit by two ter- Dolls singer, Nicole Scherzinger. The ex- since evolved to over 2600 occupy com- July 2011. Bieber denied the accusation clear reactors. Residents of the area sur- rorist attacks. The first was a car bomb act reason for the replacement remains munities, including Occupy Edinburgh saying, “I’ve never met the woman.” At rounding the Fukishimi Nuclear Plant which exploded outside the executive unclear but it is widely believed that her and Occupy Glasgow. The movement the time of going to print, the pater- were evacuated due to an explosion in Government buildings of Oslo, kill- distinct Geordie accent and a conflict protests against social and economic in- nity test results were unconfirmed with the plant, leaving the future of nuclear ing eight people and severely maiming with fellow judge, Paula Abdul, was what equalities, using the slogan, ‘We are the Yeater demanding Bieber retake the energy in Japan in doubt. The final many more. The second was a mass got her the axe factor. The singer was of- 99%’ to highlight the growing financial test with her present. death toll of the full catastrophe reached shooting at a summer camp on the is- fered her former position on the judging land of Utøya, killing 69 camp residents gap between the wealthiest 1% and the Pictures: Google Images Brig | December 2011 SPORT 22 www.brignewspaper.com

Sports Editors: Scott Lorimer, Graeme Young & Stuart Kenny Sport Email:[email protected] All I want for Christmas is a January transfer dream team declaring their interest, Gomes looks Luiz looking shaky at the back, Chelsea Stuart Kenny probable for a January exit. have also been linked to the England Centre Midfield: Eden Hazard Sports Editor international. Belgian wonder kid Eden Hazard has s the streets become crowded Left back: Jordi Alba been linked with a move from French with festive shoppers and This speedy Spanish youngster has Centre Back: Christopher Samba side Lille for some time now. The sneaky football managers been carving out a name for himself at Another centre back at the heart of a 20-year-old has attracted attention begin peaking at players that La Liga side Valencia, and the 22-year- summer East London transfer tussle, from the likes of Arsenal, Manches- A old’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Frenchman Christopher Samba has ter United, Real Madrid and Bayern would see their side rocket up the table in 2012, transfer rumours have begun With youth and Champions League been rock solid for Blackburn Rovers Munich but it is expected any potential to swarm the footballing world. With so experience on his side, footballing gi- since his £450,000 move from Hertha buyer will have to fork out around 50 many names being linked with glamour ants Manchester United and Barcelona Berlin. With Arsenal’s current defensive million Euros for the Belgian youngster. moves to new clubs, Brig Sport rum- have both been linked to snatch Alba problems, veteran manager Wenger Hopefully the promising youngster mages through the rumour mill chaos up, with United scouts apparently eye- may be on the lookout for another de- makes a move to England so we can see to bring you our dream team assembled ing him as a long term replacement for fender, however it is Liverpool who are him take on the Premier League’s best. from the potential transfers of the 11/12 Patrice Evra. currently in prime position to snap up January transfer window. Enjoy. the Congo international next month. Left Midfield: Gareth Bale Centre Back: Gary Cahill Another Tottenham man, Gareth Bale Goalkeeper: Huerelho Gomes After failing to agree terms with Tot- Right Back: Taye Taiwo took Europe by storm last season, Tottenham’s Brazilian shot stopper is tenham before the summer transfer Nigerian fullback Taiwo joined Italian and after highlighting his frightening set for an exit this window after the deadline, Gary Cahill still looks set to legends AC Milan in the summer, but ability, he has established himself as signing of Brad Friedel and presence leave Bolton this summer. Manager after failing to cement a position in the one of the most dangerous forces in the of Carlo Cudicini have relegated him to Owen Coyle has voiced his desire for first team, he has already been linked Premiership. It seems only a matter of the future of the sturdy centre half to be with moves to Liverpool and Benfica, as time now before this pacey Welshman third choice goalkeeper at White Hart Lille’s Hazard Picture: Caughtoffside.com Lane. Gomes hasn’t been a fans’ favour- resolved quickly and it seems he may well as being touted to join Premiership leaves Spurs for bigger things, with the well end up at White Hart Lane yet. high flyers Newcastle. The 26-year-old current front-runner none other than ite after becoming mistake prone, and and after being placed behind Rooney, However, Redknapp may face a transfer is well known for his long range drills Catalan giants Barcelona. However, the keeper’s relationship with manager Welbeck and Hernandez, there are bidding war with East London rivals as well as being hyped as a free-kick Redknapp’s price tag of £35 million on Redknapp went down the drain before strong rumours Dimitar will leave Man- Arsenal for the player, and with David master. the Welshman may put any potential the start of this season. With PSV chester United in January, with Rus- buyers off. sian big spenders Anzhi Makhachkala Right Midfield: Wesley Sneijder apparently preparing a move. World cup finalist Sneijder was heav- Striker: Carlos Tevez ily linked with a move to Manchester The infamous substitution scandal at On the bench: United pre-season and openly stated Bayern Munich has put a permanent CB: Neven Subotic – This Dortmund he would be interested in the transfer. black mark on the record of prolific strongman has been the subject of After City’s start to the season you can striker Carlos Tevez who was once held interest from Manchester United and bet Sir Alex will be anxious to boost his in such high acclaim both on and on the Arsenal. squad mid-season in order to fight for pitch. Whatever can be said about the LB: Martin Montoya – Barcelona Manchester’s bragging rights and this Argentinean however, he is undoubt- youngster Montoya has been linked Dutch star would definitely help the edly a top class striker who will most with a host of English clubs. cause. likely move in January to reboot his RM: David Beckham – Football talis- career at a high standard football club man David Beckham has been strongly Centre Midfield: Ki Sung-Yueng abroad, with AC Milan currently look- linked with a move to French side PSG. After joining Celtic from FC Seoul in ing most likely. CM: Luka Modric – The Croatian the 2009/10 season, Ki has made a big international was strongly linked with impression in the Scotland. Touted as Striker : Dimitar Berbatov a move to Chelsea last summer and South Korea’s answer to Steven Ger- Berbatov racked up a twenty goal may be looking to move clubs again this rard, the midfielder has shown praise- tally last season to see him joined top winter. worthy technique alongside rocket like joined top goal scorer in the Premier S: Roman Pavlyuchenko – Tottenham’s long shots in the SPL, and has attracted League alongside fellow Brig Sport Russian striker has been warming the interested from various clubs includ- dream team striker Tevez. However, the White Hart Lane bench and will no ing Blackburn, Tottenham and Russian Bulgarian has been deemed surplus to doubt be looking for a new club. Gary Cahill on international duty Picture: Mirror Football side Rubin Kazan. requirements at Old Trafford this year, Back from the brink: Kevin is the ultimate winner one hour to get to the rig and then an- wheelchair tennis players in the world do get selected.” pupils to set and achieve personal am- Scott Lorimer other hour to get me to hospital. and remains Britain’s best. To make Outside of his career as an athlete bitions, pursue a healthy and active life- Sports Editor “My heart stopped as we landed on matters more astounding, Kevin had Kevin is an ambassador for the Winning style, appreciate the value of hard work the roof of the hospital and then again never picked up a tennis racket before Scotland Foundation’s Champions in and adopt a positive, winning attitude. ften when you hear athletes on the way to ER. I had suffered a bro- his accident Schools Programme. Kevin’s journey started ten years ago ‘over-coming’ a small injury or ken back, broken in five places, two bro- If there was ever a more deserving ath- The initiative is a role-model pro- in the most horrendous of ways. Over minor ailment, it is regarded ken legs, two broken ankles, ruptured lete, Kevin would be right up there with gramme which places Scotland’s top a decade later, with the nation behind Oas a major accomplishment. A spleen, punctured lung, and nine broken the greatest and takes nothing for grant- international athletes in the classroom him, it could possibly end in the most triumphant endeavour of human spirit ribs! I was in an induced coma for three ed. “After the accident and the realisa- to deliver a series of inspirational work- unlikely of places, the winner’s podium in the face of adversity. weeks, very touch and go as to whether I tion of what had happened, I was just shops. The athletes encourage school at the Paralympic Games However, no accomplishments come would survive. thankful to be alive. I concentrated for bigger than that of a Stirling-based ath- “I recall nothing of the accident, may- 3 years on rehabilitation, working every lete on course for the Paralympic Games be that’s a good thing,” jokes Kevin. day in the gym at hospital,” he says. next year. 34-year-old Kevin Simpson is After, no fewer than seventeen opera- “I even stayed in a hotel for a year to be a Paralympic hopeful like no other. tions and three months later, Kevin was close enough to the hospital that I could Just over ten years ago, Kevin Simp- flown back to the UK on a stretcher in go in twice a day to use the gym.” son did not have any disabilities. He was a medical plane. He then spent the next After three years of intense work, working his last shift for three weeks ten months in rehabilitation at the spi- Kevin started began to walk again with on an offshore drilling rig in the Gulf of nal unit at the Southern General Hospi- the aid of callipers. Now he is calliper Mexico, when he was victim to a truly tal in Glasgow. free and walking extremely well for horrific accident. Bizarrely, it was at the Southern Gen- someone who was told he would never “I remember looking at my watch eral where he was introduced to his walk again. Of all the goals Kevin has at 09.30 and thinking ‘ya dancer, two sport at the age of twenty-four. set, he says that none have been big- hours to go’,” explains Kevin in his typi- “I was introduced to wheelchair tennis ger and better than proving the doctors cal jovial manner. “Then the next thing by an ex-patient. He had a tennis rack- wrong. I can remember is lying in hospital six et with him and I jokingly said to him, “I was told by doctors in the US and weeks later, unable to move. ‘where you going with that, you can’t the UK that I would never walk again. “A sheet of metal had fallen 90 feet play tennis in a chair?’” says Kevin with I was too stubborn to allow them to be from the structure of the rig and landed the same enthusiasm as if he was telling right and my greatest goal was to prove on my back.” a joke to his friends. them all wrong.” The list of Kevin’s injuries is so ex- “He then told me all about wheelchair On merit, Kevin should be first on the tensive, he admits that he is lucky to be tennis and a club he trained with and list for Team GB in 2012. But he is well alive. that was the start of it. I played once a aware he has got to earn his spot in the “I’ve since learned that to control week for a few years and then in 2004, team. “I’ve been training full time for bleeding internally and externally, I was I set my goal of playing in the Beijing the last three years with London as the placed in a body bag full of ice to slow Paralympics.” goal. I won’t find out until May next the heart rate down so I wasn’t pumping Not only did Kevin achieve his goal, year so to help me qualify I’ll play about out so much blood. The helicopter took but also earned his place in the top fifty twenty tournaments to prepare for if I Kevin Simpson in action Picture: scottishdisabilitysport.com Brig | December 2011 SPORT www.brignewspaper.com 23 Clansmen glory cut short No female athletes nominated for the BBC’s

make us fill out a questionnaire about Sports Personality of the Year awards Graeme Young what our goals are for the next season. Sports Editor Each week at training he asks us if we are achieving those goals and that keeps he Stirling Clansmen have you motivated. I know for a fact that I breezed through their first am a better person and a better student three fixtures with their defence because I am part of the Clansmen.” not conceding a point, but they Orr’s success does not end on the field, T he has worked tirelessly to get the Amer- were given a rude awakening last week when they came up against the Glas- ican-based Football University (FBU) gow Tigers. Team President Craig Black camp involved with the Clansmen and spoke to Brig Sport and he believes the after a successful training camp in Sep- result might have been the wake-up call tember of this year the highly respected to set the American Football team up team of coaches will be returning to well for the rest of the season. Stirling in the spring, Craig added: “It After a perfect start to the season is really fantastic to get the coaches over which included a flabber-gasting 90-0 again. At the present moment we are over the University of the West of Scot- the only university that they are visit- land Pyros (UWS), a 55-0 drubbing of ing and I think that says a lot about how the Napier Knights and a 20-0 defeat of professional a set-up we have. I think Edinburgh, the Clansmen had made the the reason they are coming back as they perfect start to the season. saw how enthusiastic we were about The side were brought back down to the game. To have guys like Cecil Mar- earth with a demoralising 20-0 defeat tin (NFL Pundit), Larry Zierling, Thur- to arch rivals Glasgow Tigers last week- mond Moore (NFL Coaches) and David end, however Craig Black believes that Diaz-Infante (x2 Super Bowl champion) while the result is disappointing it may come and help us get better will really just give the Clansmen the extra moti- help us all in the long run.” Open water swimmer Keri-Anne Payne is one female who’s been overlooked Picture: Google Image vation needed to push on for the rest The Clansmen know they have a long of the season, he said: “We were so an- season ahead but they are determined to rig Sport takes a look at the hot- sport, but it doesn’t make the people in coverage of women’s events. I don’t gry with our performance. It is the first gain the Scottish championship this sea- test topics which are currently charge of writing up the shortlist look think it reflects badly on British Sport, time in a long time that we have failed son and Craig believes if they can make Bdominating the agenda in the great. There are several female candi- after all it’s the opinions of 27 sports edi- to score any points. We were outplayed the playoffs they have a real shot of com- world of sport. This week we look at dates that could have been considered. tors from national and regional newspa- and as coach always says it is harder to peting well. the uproar which has engulfed the BBC Swimmer Keri-Anne Payne was named pers and magazines. I’d rather they were stay undefeated than anything else. We The Stirling Clansmen will be back Sports Personality of the Year awards, the first member of the Olympic Team honest opinions and not tainted with had been warned the week previously in action at home against the Durham with no female nominated in the main GB after she won her second 10km Open tokenism against Edinburgh, that our perform- Saints on 11 December on Airthrey category. Swimmers Rebecca Adlington Water World Championship gold this ance wasn’t good enough even though pitches, everyone is welcome to come. and Keri-Anne Payne, who both had summer for example. I think there’s Juliet Hounam - FACT: we recorded a 20-0 victory. We know along and give support to the team. successful years have been critical of the quite a few female world champions The fact that no female has been se- we can improve and hopefully this gives decision not to include a female on the like Payne and fellow swimmer Rachel lected for BBC Sports Personality of the extra motivation to really push on and shortlist. Brig Sport has assembled a Adlington, who won gold in the 800m Year is most likely due to fact that the claim the Scottish championship and crack team of sports enthusiasts to offer event at the World Championships, sports editors in charge of nominations earn a place in the playoffs. their opinions on events. which could have easily been swapped are still predominantly male. I do large- Craig believes all the plaudits for the in for the likes of Amir Khan without ly feel that this reflects badly on British success in recent times should go to one Tom Flanagan - FICTION: much notice or outrage from the public. sport, as it shows that female sport is man, their Head Coach Rob Orr and he What needs to be remembered is that I think the amount of hysteria surround- still not taken seriously. However, “to- knows the Clansmen are very fortunate the selection of SPOTY nominations has ing the decision has outlined that this is kenism” for the sake of it is also a bad to have him, Craig added: “The biggest stemmed from what we are exposed to a strange call from the panellists. thing, and the lack of female nomina- key to our success has been our coach in the media. Don’t forget that this is an tions is perhaps reflective of wider lack Rob Orr. He has put together a fantastic award for a “personality”. I remember Marc Spowart - FICTION: of interest in the field. This should also programme which has led to our suc- listening to Test Match Special into the Surely it would be worse if tokenism af- be addressed if female sport is to be cess. We are one of the smallest univer- early hours of the morning as Alastair fected the panel and a woman was put taken seriously, then I’m not sure that sities competing on the national level, Cook hit 235 not out down under in on the list simply to avoid questions like “tokenism” in nominations will help its in terms of the size of our squad. The what turned out to be an amazing Ashes this being asked. There is a real lack of cause. However, as British sport is very universities on the south coast of Eng- series, yet I can’t remember where i was women’s sport being broadcast and this well established in Europe, and if we do land have so much depth with players when Keri-Anne Payne won her 10km reflects the top 10 candidates. There are pride ourselves on equality as a nation, who have played the game long before open water gold let alone who she was. those who will claim marginalisation then this sends out a bad message, and they arrived at university so we are al- This award is about celebrating the and the under representation of wom- shows that there is still an element of ways the underdog. I think coach does achievements of the sports stars that en’s sport, however, there remains a se- stigma surrounding females in sport. an excellent job in both his approach you’ve grown to love over the year and, rious lack of demand for it being broad- with people and the way he game plans for me, it’s impossible to include anyone cast. I think this lack of coverage plays a for opponents.” who hasn’t been in the media spotlight. huge part in the overall 27 opinions that Black believes that one of his great- make up the list. In the upcoming Ol- Keep your eyes peeled for the next full est strengths is as a motivator, he con- Stuart Kenny - FICTION: ympic year, perhaps the list will include edition of Fact or Fiction which will be tinued: “After every season Coach Orr Picture: Jimmy Thomson I don’t think it reflects badly on British more female candidates with increased appearing online very shortly.

n this month’s anatomy of a shot, Brig Sport joins the University Anatomy of a shot: the perfect volleyball spike Ivolleyball team to bring you the me- chanics of a perfectly executed “spike” Step 2: Your final step should be Step 3: Your non-hitting hand should Step 4: Now bring your hitting hand Step 5: To finish the spike, bend your shot. Pictures by Rajmund Bakonyi shorter, and you should swing your now be pointed forward to be used for forward, keeping your eye on the ball, knees and land with your feet a couple arms backwards as you take this step. balance and help aim, and after bring- and be sure to strike the ball with the of foot apart in order to mainain your Step 1: After positioning yourself The knees should then be bent to gener- ing your hitting hand back it should be heel of your open hand. Follow through balance as you watch your opponents in centre court, watch your setter to ate power, and after jumping be sure to extended. This will provide the required with your strike and this will drive the panic and despair as they fail to return anticipate the ball flight, and make a keep your eye on the ball as you bring angle for the shot and provide a more ball downwards, making it difficult for an expertly crafted spike shot. timed run towards the net. your arms into the spike position. powerful effort. an opponent to return. December 2011 FREE

Page 23 - Anatomy of a shot: Volleyball spike Sport Page 22 - Kevin Simpson is a paralympic hopeful www.brignewspaper.com www.brignewspaper.com Champions Stirling retain Alex Jack Cup

Stuart Kenny space and I was sure the game was over. Sports Editor That’s when I didn’t feel Gretna could make a way back, because they were still he University of Stirling First threatening when we were only a goal XI football team have won the up, but I didn’t think they could come Alex Jack Cup for the second back from two.” time in as many years after bat- Gretna are the only side to have de- T feated the students in the East of Scot- tling hard to beat rivals Gretna FC 3-0 in the final late last month. land league this season so far, and so After a well-worked Kieran McCaffrey it was no surprise that the game was goal just before half-time, the student’s evenly balanced for large periods. After top goal scorer Chris Geddes finished a fast-paced start it was Gretna, who off the scoring, netting two in the last bore the first half advantage of a sus- twenty minutes to secure the victory. piciously sloping pitch, that composed University Head Coach Stevie Burchill themselves first. Their first chance came spoke to Brig Sport of his delight, not- after Joseph Slattery emerged from a ing the great achievement of his squad. piece of scrappy defending with the ball. “It’s a great, brilliant achievement. The forward then drove to the centre Obviously we won it last year and it’s of the goal before releasing a low ef- hard to replicate that kind of achieve- fort which appeared to have goalkeeper ment but I feel the lads have really de- Kevin Walker beat before it clattered the served it in the end and of course we’re left post and was thumped clear. delighted with that final result. That’s The side in black and white found two years running now and hopefully themselves frustrated again soon after. this can start a long chain of wins in the When Jason Atkins was booked for a trophy” professional foul on the left edge of the Burchill continued, “I felt it was a little area, Gretna’s David Renyard stepped The University First XI side celebrate with the Alex Jack Cup Picture: Ian Sneddon bit nervous at one nil, because although up to hit an effort which seemed to we were in command of the game after spend an age in the air before clunking controlling the game since moving from struck the post once more to deny the leased Geddes in the dying seconds of our late first half goal, we’ve been there the far post and bouncing clear. a wide role into centre field, dispos- students doubling the deficit. the match, the goal scorer found him- many times and if the other team hit A dangerous Kieran McCaffrey free- sessed Gretna inside their own half. The If this wasn’t theatrical enough, Ged- self through on goal with only himself on the counter-attack they can get a lift kick and some good work by the Stirling ex-Wrexham man then played the ball des was denied by the woodwork again and bewildered goalkeeper Grant in the from an equaliser and the game can so attacking force followed, and after tak- to McCaffrey who kept the move flow- within ten minutes when his effort from Gretna half at all. With plenty of time, easily be turned on its head. I think it ing a strong foothold in the game, the ing with a quick ball to Pentland on the the right side of the area beat the goal- Geddes strolled up the pitch before slot- is just so important we got that second students went a goal up minutes before right wing. Pentland then skipped past keeper but not the post to see the goal ting into the bottom right corner calmly goal. Because of the way the game was half-time. The goal came when team a defender before cutting the ball back framework act as saviour for the fifth to cue the mass celebration from the going, the second goal gave us some Captain Robert Pearson, who had been for McCaffrey to finish off an excellent time in the match. Stirling contingent that signalled the move and put Stirling a goal to the good. Stirling’s chances continued when capture of the Alex Jack cup for the sec- Gretna returned to the field with an at- Pearson found his way through a scram- ond year in a row. tacking mentality after the break, but it ble to form a one-on-one, but Gretna’s Two-time goal scorer Chris Geddes seemed the luck was against them when man between the sticks Connor Grant spoke after the game, saying, “I had they hit the post for the third time in acted quickly to prevent a shot. The Uni- missed a few good chances before I the 50th minute. The chance came from versity finally got their second goal after scored, so it was a relief to finally hit a Heaney corner which was headed 85 minutes however, with striker Ged- the net. It was a strong team perform- against the post. The ball then bounced des finishing off a stylish move to claim ance and I always felt the chances would back and was hit goalward once more by a well earned goal. come. a Gretna forward, but Walker did well to The goal came after Chris McKee “It could have been a different story tip the ball over the bar for another cor- broke down the left wing and hit a curl- as they hit the post a couple of times in ner which would come to nothing. ing cross to the back post where Michael the first half, but we worked hard and It was then Stirling’s turn to attack Pentland was waiting. Pentland control- got the rewards. It is turning out to be once more, and after some highly ques- led well before cutting the ball back to a good season so far for me: I scored tionable defending from Gretna, Stir- Geddes who made no mistake in burst- 25 goals last season, so I’m not too far ling’s Chris Geddes claimed the ball in ing the net to put the game to bed. from beating that. The East of Scotland the left corner of the box. The striker Gretna pushed hard for a way back league is a good standard and we are do- then moved towards the rushing goal- into the match late on, but their press- ing well.” keeper and struck a curling shot to ing left huge gaps at the back and after The first team can now look forward to The team line up to collect their winners’ medals Picture: Stuart Kenny the back post, but the ball remarkably the men in green found the ball and re- 2012 and hopefully win more trophies. Football team spirit lays foundation for success enced unbelievable achievements in re- The minute I joined the football team I Lyndsey Clark cent years. It has seen the introduction was a lot happier. of both a 5th and 6th team, and the 1st “The football teams have always had a team became British University Cham- very high standard of performance and he University of Stirling football pions. They also finished 2nd in the East when we win everyone is buzzing. It just team take over the sports grounds of Scotland Premier division and won makes life happy, and with the winning Ton a Wednesday afternoon. This the Alex Jack Cup. comes the partying, where everyone is the time when they go about their “The 2nd team gained promotion to bonds and has a good time.” business, create the goals and win BUCS Scottish division 1A, while the Alex Watson, a centre-midfielder for games. However, the team have no trou- 3rd team won the Stirling and District the 4th team, echoes this view, adding: ble winding down in the clubs when division 2 title. The main achievement “It gave me a chance to meet people and they aren’t preparing for a game, and however, is the high quality standard of make a large group of friends. the football lads have no doubt made an football that is displayed by the Stirling “The social side is for me the biggest impact around the University. sides across all 6 teams.” influence, with club nights out contrib- The Association Football Club was With things progressing so positively, uting massively to my university experi- founded in 1969, around the time the it’s easy to see why the club currently has ence.” Sports Union was formed. The Club 120 proud members. But it’s more than With achievements galore, and report- takes part in competitions for students just a sports association; it’s a chance to edly happy players, the future looks The University football team is rich in history Picture: SUFC website on Wednesday afternoons and local and forget about the stresses of Uni and have good for the Men’s football organisa- regional non-student competitions at a bit of banter ‘for the boys’. tion, and Ross furthered commented: having a positive effect on new members captains, vice captains and committee weekends. Over the past two years, the Graeme Lindsay, a 4th year, plays cen- “The club pretty much aims to continue coming into the club.” members help share the work load.” club has seen the formation of 5th and tre-midfield for the 2nd Team. Speaking along the path of success that it’s on. The Club’s success eminates from So next time you see them running 6th teams, just one of the numerous about his time with the club, Graeme “Being such a big club, it’s sometimes the strong commitee that supports about dressed as gnomes on a nightout, achievements that club president Ross said: “Before I joined the football club, hard to unite all members in the same the teams and, Ross adds: “The role or shouting illegible chants come last Chapman is particularly proud of. I only knew people from my halls and way as other clubs have but club mem- of president is a time consuming role. orders at the bar, remember: they only Chapman said, “The club has experi- they weren’t really my type of people. bers are keen to get involved and this is Luckily, my vice president, the five team play hard because they work hard.