Brig | March 2012

Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Budda Bar caught Universities employ more non-academics in religious row than academics by 60 per cent in the last seven years. Zsuzsanna Matyak Compared to other areas of the UK, Caroline Robertson & News Editor Scottish managerial positions are Graham Swann still at the top. There is a significantly steeper growth rate of them in Scot- News Editor recent shift in balance be- land than in England, Wales or North- tween the academic and non- ern Ireland. he manager of a popular stu- academic staff at universities Professor Field said that the most dent bar in the Stirling city cen- can negatively restructure alarming aspect of the ongoing re- tre has defended his premises theA higher education system, warns a structuring is this phenomenon. He after recent criticism from an Stirling University academic. said, “The HESA figures are not alto- Tangry local. John Field, Professor of Lifelong gether surprising. Seven years ago, the His response comes after recent news Learning at the University’s School of academic share was a shade higher that Stirling local, Rukman K Wewel- Education, raised his concerns issue than today, but non-academics were wala Hewage, complained about Budda that increasing funding for higher edu- in a majority even then. What is new Bar, King Street, who criticised the bar cation is primarily channelled into the is the dramatic rise in the number of as being disrespectful to his beliefs. employment of administrative mana- managers working in our universities, Manager, Simon Arnott, spoke to Brig gerial positions rather than academic especially in non-academic areas. and said that Budda Bar is not disre- staff in Scottish higher education. spectful and revealed that he is upset The figures released by the Higher at the recent complaint made about his Education Statistics Agency (HESA) business. show that three in five Scottish univer- The complaint made was in regards sity staff members are employed for 57% to the statues and imagery of the bar non-academic positions and clearly outnumber academic staff delivering claiming that they appear offensive. of Stirling staff occupied non- “Everyone has a right to their opinion teaching and research. The percent- academic posts in 2010/11 and we respect that. It would be more age of Scottish academics and non- Buddha image in Budda Bar stirred up controversy concerning in my view if we were delib- academics was 43 to 57 per cent in Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi erately misleading people to think that 2010/11. “This trend seems to be very hard to we are a “temple”, “place of worship” or gled out. one. In the case of the University of Stir- defend. It’s not at all clear why it was that Buddha encourages alcohol. “We have brought over 20 jobs to Stir- “We have only three statues in the bar ling, the balance is slightly better than necessary and whether it is necessary “However, with our name being spelt ling and I hope people realise that this that are ‘Buddha-like’ which are sold in the average, with 925 academic and at all. So the question is whether it is a as it is and our signage saying ‘Budda kind of publicity can have a negative ef- Thailand. Apart from that, the decor is 1,130 non-academic staff employed at good investment of public money and Bar & Kitchen’, we feel it is far from mis- fect on business and affect jobs. very simplistic and is not themed on any the University, which making up a 45- whether it is an essential investment leading to anyone. The bar logo itself is He continued, “Whereas I agree with religion. We don’t have statues outside 55 percentage. by universities.” not an actual Buddha image and I have freedom of speech I really wish that we and those inside can be barely seen from The category of non-academic staff According to the professor, the cause been told that Buddha images are actu- were not being singled out on this occa- the public walking by. The name of the includes, for example, posts like de- of the trend lies in the higher external ally a symbol of good luck. sion.” bar includes ‘Bar & Kitchen’ and I don’t partmental secretaries, librarians, and internal demand for the scrutiny “Throughout the UK, and in fact the In a recent letter to the Stirling Ob- believe we are misleading anyone as to information services, gardening staff of the private as well as the public sec- world, there are massive organisations server, Hewage stated that he felt the what we are at all.” and administrative managers. tor. In recent years, both the European in this industry and club promoters bar was exploiting his religion of Bud- Arnott has received only one direct From all the posts, the single group and the UK government have brought actively using the Buddha imagery and dhism for “commercial purposes”. How- complaint about Budda Bar and said of managers is by far the fastest grow- new legislations into action which correct spelling of it. I feel slightly dis- ever, Arnott stressed that he believed that he was surprised that the bar had ing category, according to HESA. The Continued on page 4 criminated against as we seem to be sin- that Budda Bar was not misleading any- number of managers has increased Continued on page 5

HIGHLIGHTS ZOEY VAN GOEY / SAT 21 APR ADMIRAL FALLOW / TUE 1 MAY FLOOD OF RED / SAT 12 MAY WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS / THU 31 MAY Email: [email protected] Brig | March 2012 2 News Editors: Graham Swann, Aya Kawanishi & Zsuzsanna Matyak www.brignewspaper.com News Brig News p1-p5 Politics p12-p13 Brig Culture p15-p23 Bc Opinion p24-p25 Features p26-p27 Sport p28-p32 Editorial

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Editor-in-Chief I will tell you where you are from Iain Blackwood Editor@brignewspaper. com Aya Kawanishi News Editor Deputy Editor Daniel Nunan verseas students are unlikely to be integrated with UK and News Editors other European students un- Graham Swann less they have a regular op- Aya Kawanishi portunityO to socialise with them, Brig Zsuzsanna Matyak can reveal. Interviews carried out by Brig asked Politics Editors Stirling students from different back- Elsa Andre grounds how diverse their social net- Colm Currie works made on the campus are, in or- der to investigate whether they make friends beyond their own nationality at Features Editors the University. Viktoria Carlson This is following a claim made by one Catriona McGale of the Students’ Union officers that it is “noticeable” that very few overseas stu- Music Editors dents take part in clubs and societies Ross Dunn and there is not much socialising be- Andy McDonald tween international and local students. In the interviews, it was found that many non-EU students do not have Film Editor friends from the UK or other parts of Stefanie Pryke Europe, mainly because they are una- ware of events and activities to meet Arts Editors them in the first place or afraid of speak- Anna Jordan ing in English even if they do. Yewen Liu, 22, a Postgraduate student Catriona Keddie Groups of friends sitting in the Atrium are often split by region Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi from China, came to Scotland three years ago with 40 students from a col- Opinion Editors lege in Shanghai to join the University year Ecology, Law and Marketing stu- ulace more diverse, with more than 100 friends. “Most of my friends are from the David Devereux of Stirling. dent from Kazakhstan. He said he does nationalities represented this year, it UK. I think it’s because we never lived Simon Ewing “I have only three or four friends from not want to take up any activities be- does not necessarily mean that students with non-EU students in first year.” the UK and Europe. They are from cause he wants to focus on his studies, are actively seeking to benefit from this In an attempt to prevent further seg- Game & Tech Editor Germany, Sweden and Scotland. They but made British friends because he was multi-cultural environment. regation, the Students’ Union has al- are my flatmates. I don’t have many Jamie Wright allocated to the same flat with them. ready taken a step forward by launching because we come here and we already “I’m living in Murray Hall, so I made a series of events called Global Café to have some friends [from China]. Food Editor some friends there. There are seven peo- increase the number of international Victoria Pease ple in my flat and all of them are from students within the clubs and societies. “We have no chance the UK. We make some food and play International and Exchange Students’ Fashion Editor games together. They are good guys.” 70% Officer Helen Cooper said, “We are Nicola Smith to communicate with Mixing different cultures will likely to aware that international students, espe- be a key issue for the University’s future. cially non-EU students, tend to be more other European stu- Currently, more than one in five stu- the increase of overseas stu- reluctant to take part in activities out- Sports Editors dents because we are dents is non-EU and half of them come dents since 2007/08 side of their course than UK students. Graeme Young from China. The Chinese students make This is noticeable at club events, and by Stuart Kenny shy” up by far the biggest ethnic group on the The International Society, for exam- looking at people who visit the Union campus, accounting for 1,083 or 9 per ple, has an incredible diversity of nearly and use its facilities. “Sometimes we have no chance to cent of the total student population. The 30 nationalities represented in their Online Editor communicate with other European most represented nationality is Ameri- membership. However, 50 out of 75 an- Daniel Nunan students because we are shy. We don’t can, with 376 or 3 per cent, followed by nual members are from EU countries. know what to talk about. And we are Indian, with 95 or 0.8 per cent. Such division by region, especially in Head of Photography afraid of our pronunciation in English.” “It is easier to make clubs and societies, may be due to the Another Chinese student, Yingshu Rajmund Bakonyi fact that overseas students are less likely social networks if you Ma, 21, a second year Finance and In- photos@ to be asked to join, suggested a British vestment student, pointed out that are an undergraduate student. information about what is going on Head of Advertising Jamie Evans, a third year student from rather than a post- around the campus does not often reach England, said, “I don’t know whether it Nash Riggins international students. She would join graduate” is the fact that they are not willing to join some activities but “I don’t really know or whether they are not being asked to Heads of Proofing any information about them. join. When you come to the Sports Fair Global Café is organised by the Union Lydia Nowak “It’s quite challenging to study in for example you have mainly got British and Clubs and Societies this semester, another country so [if I had British Travis Emond people talking to British people asking with the aim of attracting more inter- friends] it would help me to improve my them to join. And I don’t know if this is national students to events within the English,” she added. Visit our website: the case, but it just seems like Chinese Union, and making the Union more glo- On the other hand, Chunli Yan, 23, www.brignewspaper.com people are never actually asked.” balised and multi-cultural. also from China, who has completed a Although the language barrier may “Future events will hopefully include You can also find us on Twitter degree and now is a postgraduate stu- still be a main cause, putting a mixture music nights, charity events and a lan- and on Facebook. dent at the University, said that she has of various nationalities in the same hall guage night, which will provide people about 20 friends across the UK and Eu- would help create a communication op- with an opportunity to practise speaking Brig, The Robbins Centre, rope. “I know them from activities like portunity amongst students. other languages.” International Society. Some from my The University of Stirling, Oliver Pursley, an Environmental Stirling University International Stu- flat and some from my class.” Stirling. Science student from Singapore, feels dent Advisor Ian MacLellan said, “A She said it is easier to make social Helen Cooper, International and FK9 4LA “more European” because his parents valuable part of the UK university expe- networks if you are an undergraduate Exchange Students’ Officer, wants Tel: 01786 467176 (ask for are American and British. He said he rience is meeting students from diverse rather than a postgraduate. As a matter to get students more integrated has a “very small amount” of friends backgrounds and cultures. I hope UK Brig) of fact, she met all of her current friends The number of overseas students com- from outside the EU. and international students make the or 01786 467166 during her degree. ing to study in Stirling is on the rise. “I feel like the Chinese contingent keep most of these opportunities to meet, mix Fax: 01786 467190 “Actually there are loads of under- Since 2007/8, the number of students to themselves. I don’t usually see them and make friends.” graduates from Europe and the UK. For from outside the EU soared from 1,746 mixing with locals. International Society is especially postgraduates, most of them are from Want to Advertise in Brig? to 2,391, or by 37 per cent. “Maybe it’s the language barrier. Ob- keen on involving more students to join Asia and of those Asian students most of Adverts@brignewspaper This trend seems to be continuing as viously the accent here is quite hard to the society. President Alexandra Cron them are from China. So, you don’t have or recent figures from Universities and understand, so they might feel they can’t said, “We have many fun events planned a chance to meet European students.” [email protected] Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) in- talk to anyone.” for this semester and we can send any- Another way of bringing people to- dicated an increase in international un- An Economics student, Chloe Abigail one who is interested a calendar of the gether seems to be student halls such dergraduate applications for next year. from Scotland, said that people who you events. Our email is stirling.intsoc@ as the case of Semyon Snegiryov, a first Whilst this is making the student pop- meet in halls are more likely to become googlemail.com” Brig | March 2012 News www.brignewspaper.com 3 Sport p28-p32 Charity calls for students to help New website advises get wild animals back to nature where is best to take a dip ported by Lancaster University and Ab- Graham Swann erystwyth University, the project brings Graham Swann News Editor together cross-disciplinary expertise from academic, regulatory, and policy News Editor communities and campaign groups. Principal Investigator, Dr Oliver, said, wo scientists from the Univer- “The project addresses a critical debate Scottish animal charity is look- sity of Stirling have launched among those interested in bathing water ing for students from the Uni- a new website aiming to share quality around the world. Outputs from versity of Stirling to take part knowledge about techniques the project will be important for the in a new international charity Tfor the monitoring of water pollution challengeA to help end animal cruelty. public, scientists and various agencies. along the UK shoreline. “The timing of this project is para- OneKind, based in Edinburgh, is look- Delivering Healthy Water, set up by Dr mount because new molecular ap- ing for a group of participants to take David Oliver and Melanie van Niekerk, proaches are yet to offer a perfect solu- part in the challenge that will see them has been launched to promote a knowl- tion to the measurement of microbial travel to Thailand in November this edge exchange between scientists and water quality. There is scope to set a UK year. This “once-in-a-lifetime” opportu- anyone interested in bathing water agenda for assessing the risks and ben- nity will see students given the chance quality. efits of moving from current tried and to work with those who help over 300 Despite being relatively new, the web- tested approaches to new methods. rescued animals including monkeys, site is already of value to groups such “In order to understand, identify and gibbons, bears, a tiger and a crocodile. as the Department for Environment, debate promising new tools for regula- The OneKind Wildlife Rescue Chal- Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and tory monitoring it is essential to bring lenge will see a team of students volun- the Scottish Environmental Protection Former volunteers working on enclosure together experts from across academic teer in a wildlife sanctuary. The sanc- Agency (SEPA). It also hopes it will be Picture: OneKind and regulatory organisations. tuary focuses on rehabilitating wild of interest to the wider public who value “The challenge is to establish an animals captured as pets and, if possi- Those who are interested in taking climbing high mountains or trekking, all bathing waters for recreational activity. agreed evidence-base to underpin in- ble, preparing them for a reintroduction part must be aged 18 years old or over you need is commitment and buckets The number of designated bathing wa- formed decision-making in the short to to their natural habitats. and have to pay a £200 entry fee to re- of enthusiasm to fundraise for and help ters failing to reach sufficient microbio- medium term. Our knowledge exchange They are looking for a team of 20 peo- serve a place. animals.” logical standards is set to rise in the UK project seeks to understand how best to ple from across the UK to sign up and Team leader, Kirsty Connell, said, “I OneKind is a leading UK animal wel- in 2015, with the introduction of strin- do this effectively.” take part in this charitable adventure. can’t wait to take part in this amazing fare charity that seeks to promote a life- gent standards associated with a revised The Delivering Healthy Water web- However, they stress that those who opportunity for animal lovers to vol- style that is animal-friendly; and works Bathing Water Directive from the Euro- site is a Natural Environment Research are interested should be committed to unteer in the challenging environment with leading lights in academia and sci- pean Union. Council (NERC) funded project. Visit: raising £2,500 in sponsorship which of a rescue sanctuary in the developing ence to advance knowledge and under- Led by Stirling University and sup- will raise a significant amount to sup- world, while fundraising to help animals standing of animals. www.deliveringhealthywater.net. port the sanctuary in Thailand and One- both at home and abroad. I really hope Those who are interested should con- Kind’s campaigns to end animal cruelty. students will sign up for this adventure tact Kirsty Connell at: kirsty.connell@ Correction and clarification The charity’s team will help volunteers of a lifetime. My mum already has! onekind.org. In Brig’s February issue, ‘Former Stirling lecturer triumphs against odds in visa with fundraising support to help every- “No previous experience is necessary, battle’ by Aya Kawanishi stated that TIER 1 closes at the end of April 2012. In one reach their target. and unlike other charity challenges like fact, it closes on 5 April 2012. Brig | March 2012 4 www.brignewspaper.com News “People can drink themselves to death for five pounds,” says Licensing Board member

Alcohol abuse. Binge-drinking. Alcohol-related crime. These are a just few of the terms which have been used in the media alerting the public to the dangers of alcohol. Now, it is ever more likely that the Alcohol (Minimum Pric- ing) (Scotland) Bill, the first of its kind in Europe, will pass through the Scottish Parliament in the near future. It is said to be the first effective step in tackling those problems by stopping increasing consumption rates. News Editor Zsu- zsanna Matyak talked to Stirling East Ward Councillor and District of Stirling Licensing Board member Steven Pater- son. The former University of Stirling student shared his views why students should drink in pubs and clubs rather than at home and how the minimum pricing legislation could encourage this.

Where does the Alcohol (Minimum Pricing) (Scotland) Bill come from? In the previous parliamentary session the SNP tried to develop a policy that could solve the alcohol problems that the country has. It put a bill through in the Scottish Parliament to put a minimum price on alcohol, but that was defeated at the time as other parties in the Chamber refused to support it and SNP was only a minority govern- ment. Now the Government pledged to bring it back, so the bill is coming forward surely and it will be debated and passed through the Scottish Parliament.

What can this mean for Stirling? I think it is something that could make a positive difference locally. The council elections are on the first week of May. To talk about the bill, the new Licensing Board does to be elected first. Under the cur- rent situation it did not have possibility to show real support for the alcohol minimum pricing law. Until the elections happen and the new law comes through I cannot really speak of what it will do.

What is the essence of the legislation? An example of the cheap alcohol that people can pick up from local stores Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi The law will be modelled in the same way as the last one, which is to Why do people drink more responsibly in a pub? give a minimum price for alcohol. The last time they proposed it to be ting more duty on supermarket drinks to make it more balanced. At at 45p per unit. It means that for a pint of lager the minimum price In a pub you are supervised. In a pub no one is allowed to sell alcohol the moment it is six or seven pounds more expensive to buy drinks would be 90p because that is roughly two units of alcohol. So it does to someone who is drunk. Therefore the pub takes responsibility for in a pub as it is in a supermarket and I don’t think it is reasonable or not make any difference to pub prices as there is nowhere in Stirling the public and for the person who is drunk and it demands a certain sustainable. to buy a pint of lager for 90p just now. level of behaviour. That is the kind of behaviour we all want anyway. Drinking alcohol at home can be dangerous. I am not suggesting that It is a widely held view that students have a heavy drinking So how will it make a difference then? many of us are in this position but there are alcohol related deaths in culture. Is there any evidence for this? Stirling and across the country because of people over-drinking. The consumption of alcohol is going up, but going out to bars and It is a big generalisation. Obviously there are a few students abusing restaurants is going down. The conclusion must be that people are alcohol but not more than in any other groups of society. I want to see What is the evidence that it will work and have the desired getting alcohol from elsewhere. The real issue with drinking we face a situation when students in Stirling are more willing to go to pubs effect? in Scotland is the low-price drinks in supermarkets. Some shops are and clubs of Stirling. But I understand, especially that a few of my irresponsibly selling alcohol at a loss just to get people in the shops. I There is a modelling done by Sheffield University on the difference friends are still at the University, that it is far more likely that they think until we have alcohol sold as cheap as a bottle of water, that’s a that the price makes to the levels of consumption. It was shown that drink together at home instead of pubs and they go straight to a night problem. And I think that a responsible society would bring in meas- minimum price would draw it to the right level. According to their club. This didn’t happen ten years ago when I was at university. The ures, such as minimum pricing, which can solve the phenomenon modelling, 45p for a unit of alcohol as a minimum would have an ef- single reason for this is that it is too expensive to go to a pub. But sensibly. It is about to draw a sensible line, a sensible price. It’s not fect of reducing consumption, which is the outcome what is wanted I don’t think that there is a greater problem with students drinking going to price people out of the market. from this legislation. That was done by academics obviously. When than there was before or across society. the minimum price is brought in there has to be an evaluation on it, What financial and social effect will it have for students in it has to be reconsidered for a year or two just to see whether their What about people who do drink responsibly at home and Stirling? modelling was accurate. If there will be a need for adjustment, we will if the minimum price increases, effectively, they will be do it. punished for something they didn’t do? I think students these days tend not to visit pubs as often as they did. They more often tend to drink off-sales and that’s obviously because I understand that, but there is an element of drinking in Scotland and Is this the best way to solve the problem? of the price. I personally think that for students and for anyone in so- you cannot ignore it. If we go back in time to 2006 when the smok- ciety pubs are a good place for drinking because people are drinking I am not for one minute saying that the minimum pricing of alcohol ing ban came in, there were lots of people against it, but a few years responsibly and it’s a social way of drinking. That is the place where is the only way to solve the problem. Actually, duty would be a better on most of the people agree that it was a good measure. It brought it should be encouraged. No one is talking about banning off-sales, way to deal with it. But we don’t have powers over duty, neither of down the levels of disease caused by smoking in both smokers and but there has to be a reasonable balance in terms of price. We have to the Licensing Board nor the Scottish Parliament. The Exchequer in non-smokers. I don’t think anyone would turn the clock back. If we stop shops selling alcohol that cheaply. People can drink themselves London has the power to change it. Until Scotland does not have the have a problem with a certain type of drinking in society we have to to death for five pounds just now. powers we cannot change duty. A better use of duty on drinks would take some kind of measures to address it. I don’t think that 90p for make more of a difference. For example, it should be cheaper to drink a beer is an outrageous price. Doing nothing is not an issue, because in pubs for and you can always do that by reducing the duty and put- it’s getting worse.

Non-academics out- be reached for non-academic staff. and the history of government involve- In the last ten years, the Scottish high- ment in universities is a discouraging number academics er education sector has seen attempts one.” continued from page 1 for efficiency gains by increasing the He suggests that the issue should be number of students in lectures across addressed from the angle whether the holds organisations, and so universi- Scotland, Stirling restructuring its 21 system is becoming much more of a ties too, to greater accountability. departments into seven schools, the machine that provides for students in On the downside, however, these new University of Edinburgh and Glasgow an indirect way or it is still primarily responsibilities require administrative reorganising themselves into colleges concerned with research and teaching. staff to be able to fulfil new tasks. For and the University of West of Scotland “If you look at the mission statement of example, responding to a Freedom of developing into three mega-schools. Stirling University it says what we are Information request effectively takes up “We haven’t got the same pressure about is research and teaching, but the staff resources and time that teaching on cost-effectiveness in non-academic staffing decisions are not reflecting that. staff does not necessarily possess. Also, areas, particularly in this extraordinary The investments are going into non-aca- the university system itself has generat- category of managers,” said Field. demic management. ed new requirements of accountability, “The central question is what this trend “My hope is that there will be a discus- including the quality framework of the is doing to the shape of the system.” He sion on this that will lead to the sector university, data requirements and the claims that Universities Scotland and starting to explore whether cost-effi- research evaluation framework, gener- the Scottish Funding Council would be ciency measures should be made on ad- ating new administrative roles. the bodies who could effectively lead on ministrative staff. We should take a very Professor Field does not doubt that the issue and find a solution. He added, hard look at how universities organise higher accountability is a good thing. “The danger is if the sector doesn’t take what they deliver and whether they or- However, he claims the efforts to make action itself the Government will step in ganise it in the best possible way.” academic roles cost-effective are still to Brig | March 2012 News www.brignewspaper.com 5

using Buddhist statues where alcohol is Bar causes debate served and gaming machines are situ- continued from page 1 ated. He only said I should get on to the Craft Beer Society launches people who sold the statues. caused upset. “I don’t understand why bars in the “The gentleman who wrote into the UK and other western countries think it paper had actually been in the prem- is okay to use statues that represent my hand-crafted local beer in Studio ises to complain when we first opened religion in this way. and I had explained everything to him “Religious icons are sacred to each then. Apart from that, no one else has faith, they are not meant to be used in Paul Philbin contacted me directly to complain, and a joking way with no respect for Bud- most comments have been positive dhists who are brought up to respect tudents can now enjoy a pint of about the bar.” others beliefs and faiths. locally crafted beer in Studio, af- However, Hewage has expressed his “Just because Buddhism is only fol- ter The Union struck a deal with anger at Budda Bar and believes that it lowed by a small percentage of people Alloa-based brewers William is wrong for such a bar to be “exploiting” in the UK, it is wrong for businesses to SBrothers. his religion. exploit it for commercial purposes. In a move long-requested by the Uni- “In November, last year, I heard “I am not against anyone running a bar versity’s Craft Beer Society, students can Budda bar had opened in Stirling and I but to use Buddhist statues to promote now buy themselves a hand-crafted pint spoke to the manager asking why he was alcohol and gambling is wrong and is an for £3. insult to Buddhists everywhere. I have Union President Luke Fenton said that had a lot of support from many people the move had come as a result of public who agree with me, mostly non-Bud- demand. dhists. “We’ve brought these beers in because “I will be objecting at the next Licens- people have been asking for them. Not ing Board meeting in April and I will just members of the Craft Beer Society; continue my campaign against all Bud- other students have requested that they da Bars here.” are brought in also. Councillor Graham Reed, who chairs “It was one of my manifesto pledges in the region’s Licensing Board, said Bud- becoming Union President and I’m glad da Bar would feature on the agenda of a that I have managed to achieve it.” meeting in April as management would Fenton went on to discuss his hopes shortly have to apply for a full premises for the future if this beer proves to be licence, which is decided locally. successful. Michael Ironside, Head of the Craft Beer Society, with Luke Fenton Speaking generally, the Castle Ward “If this sells well then there is the pos- Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi member said, “I would encourage local sibility of getting more beers into Stu- interest groups to formally submit any dio. Also, no promises, but we are hop- views they have to the board. I respect preciative of premium quality products. “Credit to Luke and the rest of The ing to organise a beer festival at some the views of all religious groups, and I The beer is brewed by William Brothers Union team for getting the beer in, they point in the coming year.” am also of the opinion that commercial in Alloa who are indeed two brothers, so listened to us and they have provided us Head of the Craft Beer Society, Mi- organisations shouldn’t cock a snook at it is not a big company. with what we wanted.” chael Ironside said, he felt that students them, so to speak.” “I would doubt that there is any prod- William Brothers Brewing Co is based would appreciate the beer’s quality as Budda Bar opened in December of last uct in the University with a lower carbon in Alloa and is one of the most prolific well as its local connection. A statue in Budda Bar year and has a similar themed bar situ- footprint, since it is brewed just 15 min- providers of Craft Beer in Scotland, de- “I think now students are more ap- Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi ated in Glasgow. utes away from the campus. livering their product all over the world. Euro millions to be Student money day chanelled into sur- veilling surveillance ‘Juggle it all’

surveillance technology to fight crime. Rajmund Bakonyi Furthermore, it will map the surveil- lance industry in Europe and examine Head of Photography the impact of surveillance on citizens’ liberties and fundamental rights. Dr William Webster of Stirling Man- Wed 14 March, Atrium 9.30-1.30 he University of Stirling Man- agement School said, “The project will agement School and various look at how democratic societies are partners from across Europe responding to the existence of these Information and advice from have been granted a £2.6 mil- surveillance opportunities. We’re in- Tlion euros fund for a collaborative re- terested in how individuals in different  Student Money Advice search project to examine democratic societies respond. Does it bother them? responses to widespread surveillance How many people resist this informa-  Jobshop technologies. tion gathering, for example, by vandal-  Stirling & Clacks Council Trading Standards ising CCTV cameras? Increasing Resilience in Surveillance  Societies (IRISS) researchers will look ScotCentral Credit Union into the impact of surveillance on peo-  Students Union ple’s everyday life, how they react and  adjust to the fact that information is be- “How many people Low Carbon Alliance ing gathered about them. resist this information The main goals for the research pro- Quizzes, Money Toilet, Prizes and more… ject include investigating the develop- gathering by vandalis- ment of surveillance technologies and ing CCTV cameras?” exploring the relationship between sur- Workshops/Information sessions (Enterprise Zone, Library) veillance and democracy. This means understanding citizens’ views and their “The project will examine how differ- options to exercise their democratic ent societies respond to the surveillance 10-10.15 – Applying to the hardship funds rights and analysing options for enhanc- society underpinning that societies are ing social, economic and institutional different and so they respond differ- 11-12 – Budgeting for beginners resilience in European societies. ently. Countries of the former Eastern IRISS researchers will also examine European bloc have a history of surveil- 12.15-12.30pm – Get out of debt – a student story how many people are trying to access lance. Does that mean they respond dif- the knowledge held about them in dif- ferently to today’s surveillance?” 12.45-1pm – Setting up a University Credit Union ferent countries across Europe. Stirling’s British project partners in- They will analyse a broad range of clude the University of Edinburgh, the carefully selected cases, using a mixture University of Sheffield and the Open Student Money Advice - here all year of methods to produce an in-depth ac- University, but there are numerous col- www.student-support.stir.ac.uk/money laborating institutes throughout Europe count of resilience options. 4Y4 Cottrell The project consists of seven work including Austria, Belgium, Germany, packages that will produce a number Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovakia and  01786 467080 of publicly available reports by Janu- Spain. ary 2015. Each work package will cover IRISS is funded by the European different areas on the subject. The first Commission Seventh Framework Pro- report “Surveillance, fighting crime and gramme (FP7) Socio-Economic Sciences violence”, expected to be published in and Humanities project. September 2012, will analyse the use of 6 www.brignewspaper.com Brig | March 2012 Who will lead your Students’ Union?

Your vote will decide.

Voting opens Monday 26 March at 9am Voting closes Tuesday 27 March at 6pm

Results Tuesday 27 at 8pm in Envy vote on your portal and in the atrium

See if you share the same views and read about the candidates here

Posters and manifestos online: www.stirlingstudentsunion.com/ yourcandidates Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012

Candidate: Andy Badger Running for: Union President Currently a fourth-year student, Andrew Badger feels that he has had the full student experience whilst at Stirling University. Having been a member of the Union in a voluntary capacity, as well as having an active role in movements such as the LGBT campaigns and clubs and societies, he believes that he can bring something back to the students, which is why he is in the running this year for Union President. This experience within the Union, he believes, gives him a keen eye for what currently needs to be changed. Sustainability needs to be improved, which, he argues, needs to improve in order to ensure students a happier learning environ- ment. Whilst the University has a set target of 70% recycling waste, it only currently sits at 40%, and this, Andy says, is of the utmost impor- tance in resolving difficulties. If elected, he intends on talking with First Buses to provide better services both in and around campus, and that to also ease the day-to-day life of students who commute to the University, he will re-introduce the locker system to allow them a weight off their shoulders, as well a several water fountains to make sure all students can remain hydrated. Andrew feels that little needs to be done to change the Union’s three main socialising areas, he says that the lighting system needs to change to provide a warmer, and more comfortable environment for students, particularly during the winter periods. Andrew believes his neutral political background makes him the ideal candidate in represent- Candidate: Jamie Moore ing Stirling on a national level, and hopes to maximise students’ learning Running for: Vice President Activities & experiences whilst at Stirling with his Widening Access campaign. Development Liam Beatie Jamie Moore is running for Vice President of Activities and Candidate: Development. He is looking for a second term in the post to Running for: Union President which he was elected last year, and believes that this makes him a strong candidate. There is a learning curve to the job, which Liam Beattie is running for President of the Students’ Union. He feels would not affect Jamie as the incumbent, and he would be al- that his time as part of the Trustee board, which has allowed him to lowed to continue for another twelve months, rather than spend- observe the Union and how it works, has helped make him ready for the ing two or three getting to grips with his responsibilities. As new role of Union President. Liam also has experience working in the Scottish students arrive every year, Jamie feels that there is no finish line Youth Parliament, and his contacts will allow him to communicate with in sight, and there is plenty more he could achieve for the Union. government bodies. He feels that the Union has been run well this past He says he has learned a lot from his successes this past year, year, but that it still needs to involve students more, something which he and also from his failures, so he knows what to do and what not aims to change if elected. Liam intends to establish a national campaign, to do this time around. Jamie wants to see the Envy location put involving the other Students’ Unions of Scottish universities, to bring to better use, with it being used by clubs and societies during the students better information and more information on how things are day, and could still act as a club by night. Another of his policies being run. Improving the bus services between the city of Stirling and the is to review the rules and regulations on which companies can University is another of Liam’s main priorities. He feels that, currently, sponsor clubs and societies, and to allow them further use of the the bus company makes a lot of money from Stirling University students, Union brand to help achieve better sponsorship. Jamie thinks but doesn’t provide a good enough service in exchange. Earlier buses into that the clubs and societies membership card introduced this University on a Sunday morning is an improvement Liam wants to see, as year has been a success, but that it can be better utilised, perhaps well as making all vehicles, instead of just some, accessible by passengers by offering more discounts on Union products to cardholders. He in wheelchairs. Another of his policies is to bring healthier and better food will also carry out surveys to see what changes the students want into the catering facilities of the Union, and to bring in more external cor- made by their Union. porate sponsorship, similar to the model currently employed by the Sports Union. Liam also wants to introduce a service whereby the Union can text urgent or important updates to students.

Candidate: Michael Ironside Running for: Union President Michael Ironside will be for running Union President and he wants to establish a Students’ Union that isn’t an exclusive club run by unapproach- able student politicians who are not engaged with the general student body. Currently President of the the Craft Beer Society, Michael aims to act on issues that are important to students of Stirling. If elected, Michael will ensure that Clubs and Societies get better managed and administrated cards that have exclusive deals in and out of the student union. Michael has very strong feelings on making the University and Union a greener place to be. He will aim to forge greater links with the local community to ensure that the Union’s environment and ethics strategy is being accounted for and he will make sure it’s on top of the Union’s agenda. He will work with Stirling Councillors and politicians to deliver the results that students want to see in their local community. Fair representation is another key area that Michael aims to put across to the students of Stirling University if elected. He will encourage and support the International and Disabled Students’ campaign from the Union and support the National Union of Students. Michael wants to improve and have more innovative ways to ensure that students can view General Meetings without having to attend. Finally, Candidate: Andrew Philbin Michael has vast experience in financial management and will sustain and Running for: Vice President Activities & increase The Union’s finance by using local products and by making better Development use of Union space and facilities for Clubs and Societies. Andrew Philbin is running for the position of Vice President for Activities and Development, and feels that right now, The Un- Candidate: Sam Gibbs ion is only big enough for the people who can throw their weight Running for: Union President around. Andrew says that there is not enough proactive encour- agement towards the clubs and societies, and that the introduc- Sam Gibbs is running for Union President and he has aims to fight and tion of the membership card from September 2011 was poorly protect free education for Scottish students. Sam is a masters student and planned and executed. In order to inject momentum into clubs he believes he has a lot to offer to the Students’ Union and the University’s and societies, he feels that The Union needs to make membership student body. The politics student wants to make sure that student voices cheaper, and should better promote the benefits received from are heard and encourage all student campaigns. He will operate an ‘‘open being a membership card holder. On top of this, he looks to make door” policy which will allow students to air their opinions and answer any Envy, The Union’s downstairs floorspace, more functional, and queries that any student may have. Sam believes that sabbatical officers to better promote the events hosted there with the use of The Un- should work closer together and he will ensure that there is greater cohe- ion’s three media societies. He also looks to establish a stronger sion and that the correct decisions are made in an efficient manner. He dialogue with the media societies, and aims to have them better will make sure that the Students’ Union block grant is maintained and that showcased as a part of Stirling’s student life, as well as making clubs and societies funds are not reduced. Co-operation in the Union is a themselves more inclusive of the student population. Andrew massive objective for Sam and he believes there will be more benefits for thinks that The Union doesn’t encourage enough space for the clubs and societies if they can work together and raise awareness of activi- smaller-sized and smaller-spending societies to join in, and that ties and events. Sam wants to improve student life and ensure the Union the start-up costs, as well as membership fees, for any new ones continues to make life better for students whilst they are at university. must be as low as possible in order to nurture the interest of any He will fight for longer library opening hours and ensure that all student particular group who want to be a part of the scheme. He believes campaigns get heard. He will make sure Studio offers reasonably priced that the knowledge that students receive of managing a club and drinks and a better selection of food. He believes there is real room for of interacting with other people of a particular interest group will improvement in both Studio and Envy. Sam is very strong minded on eco- provide them with experience that they can take into the rest of friendliness and he will ensure to increase the range of recycling facilities their lives, and that The Union is not doing enough to foster this, that are available on campus. He will work with the council to help provide nor enough to ensure that as many societies as possible join up. greater recycling facilities for students who live off-campus. Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012

Candidate: Alasdair Miller Running for: Sports Union President Alasdair Miller is running for the position of Sports Union president. He has been actively involved with the fencing club since he has been at the University. He was the Treasurer of the club and has been the soci- ety’s President for the last two years. He is running because he would like to give something back after all the support his club has received from The Union during his time at Stirling. He wants to try and visit each individual club as much as he can and to try and understand what each club’s specific needs are. Alasdair believes participation in sport is key and will look to continue the “Give It A Go” events which have proven popular at the University. He believes his first-hand experience working with a smaller club will benefit other clubs in a similar position if he is elected. He will create stronger social media and strong links with the media societies as he feels there needs to be more Sports Union coverage. Alasdair wants to build on the in-house coaching offered within teams and clubs. As well as that, if elected, he will increase the amount of em- blazoned uniforms amonst sports clubs. He believes it’s vital to develop Sports Union club nights which would be accessible to all sports union teams. This will also beneifit The Union with more students. He will take advantage of corporate sponsorship which will maximise revenue for the clubs and teams of the sports union. Finally, Alasdair will improve and create new services for disabled stu- dents so they can access sport. Candidate: Christopher Purdie Candidate: Christina Andrews Running for: Sports Union President Running for: Vice President Education & Chris Purdie is re-running for Sports Union president. The incumbent Engagement president aims to build on the work which he has carried out during his Christina Andrews already has three years’ experience as a year in charge. Course Representative, and a year under her belt as Women’s Chris knows that the job takes a bit of time to get used to and he believes Officer, Christina Andrews claims that she still has more to give a second successive year as Sports Union president would be beneficial. back to the University of Stirling. If elected, Christina hopes to One of the initiatives which Chris has put in place is a link-up with the tackle the huge issue that The Union has with engagement, both Beaconhurst school to give sports students the chance to gain first-hand with its officers, and the student body as a whole. She believes experience coaching youngsters. The Union is often perceived as “cliquey”, and looks to promote a Chris believes this is vital for students who are looking to enhance their greater interaction between the student body and Union outside skill set at University and gain experience to compete in a competitive of the Union offices, with those in executive positions making job market. the effort to visit students in their halls of residence, and around Chris will help enhance students chances of being involved in volunteer- other parts of campus. On top of this, she feels that Union of- ing, as this will help improve employability. The current Sports President ficers need to liaise more frequently on a one-to-one basis with will build on the Beaconhurst school link-up as it will provide opportuni- one another, rather than just attending the weekly meetings in ties for students to coach, umpire and referee. the current system. She sees great concern in the fact that the Chris is also involved in pushing the Lead 2014 Campaign which allows three positions of Charities Officer, LGBT Officer, and Disabled students the chance to go out and get recognised qualifications, which Students’ Officer will remain empty next semester, and says that will allow them the opportunity to coach in local schools. greater emphasis should be given to getting students involved He aims to set aside more hours for other teams to run their own tourna- with the elections themselves. She also looks to tackle the big is- ments which will help improve improve club funding. sue of server overloads on Succeed at the start of semester, which Chris is also looking to make better use of social media by using Twitter often results in students not being allocated the classes they and Facebook and make it the key hub for Sports Union information. had intended to sign up to. She hopes to re-introduce the Quick Candidate: Caitlin Stokes Computer system which students can use for a restricted number of minutes in order to print essays and for quick tasks that don’t Running for: Sports Union President require much time. Christina will also look to address educa- A self-employed riding instructor and human masseuse, Caitlin Stokes tional issues concerning students’ understanding of plagiarism feels she can bring a lot to the table if elected this year as Sports Union and the Turnitin system. President. Caitlin believes that her experience has given her the advan- tage of both coaching and performance perspectives towards sport, a val- uable asset in knowing how to deal with concerns within clubs. She sees the role as requiring good organisational abilities in order to see to the needs of all the clubs, and says she has a patience and genuine desire in making sure that solutions are figured out in achieving what is right, and what is best for all of them. She says that sport is not only a fun and light relief, but that it also looks good on your CV, and if elected, she will look to having more students involved in sporting life at Stirling, particularly those who aren’t sports scholars who can still glean knowledge from the number of experts and facilities The Union gives access to. Caitlin says that online communication is vital in keeping people informed about the Sports Union, and that the current site has been out-of-date for too long, something which needs re-consideration. On top of this, Caitlin sees The Union’s three media societies as the way forward in making people aware of events going on from within the Sports Union, and that they should be further utilised to promote the successes of Stirling’s athletes. She also looks to expanding on the “Give It A Go” week idea, and hopes to retain the current “open door” policy The Union runs.

Candidate: Alex O’Collard Running for: Clubs and Societies Development Officer

Alex O’Collard is running for Clubs and Societies Develop- ment Officer. In the three years that Alex has spent in Stirling, Candidate: Sarah Angell he founded, and became President of the extremely successful Running for: Mature Students’ Officer Paintballing society. With this experience, he believes he has the right attitude and approach to promoting clubs and societies at Sarah Angell is running for Mature Students’ Officer. She is the University. In order to fortify the existing clubs, and nurtur- a third-year student, as well as being a mother, which naturally ing the expansion of those that are up-and-coming, he will look takes up a great deal of her time. Many other mature students to acquiring external sponsorship from local businesses. This, are in the same boat, and Sarah wants to do her best to look out he claims, has the added incentive of fostering a better relation- for their interests. She has wanted to run for the post for the ship between students and their surrounding community. He last couple of years, but has found it difficult to balance with understands the difficulties that can arise from trying to get a childcare. Sarah’s central aim is to begin a society for mature society up and running, and hopes to ease the process by guiding students, which has existed previously but not for some years. students through it personally, as well as potentially removing She also wants to see a listen-again service for all lectures, as some of the bureaucracy involved. Alex believes that in hav- sometimes having children or having to travel long distances ing the clubs and societies arrange their own events within The prevent mature students from attending all classes. Sarah is also Union, not only will they benefit from better promotion, but the keen for the University to make a greater effort to help students student body will benefit as a whole in having a wider variety of with children obtain daytime care, and to make attendance for functions to attend. parents more flexible. Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012

Candidate: Lauren McKay Running for: Air3 Radio Station Manager

Lauren McKay is running for Air3 Station Manager. She has been heavily involved in Air3 during her time at Stirling University, serv- ing on the committee as Secretary this past year, and wants to give something back to the society. She says she wants to continue running the station well, and work on improving Air3 as a community, as opposed to as a society. Lauren will continue with playing Air3 live in the Students’ Union, as has been introduced recently, and also the master-classes from guest speakers, which has been a big part of the society this year. Continuing to improve the New Music Show is one of Lauren’s priorities and she wants to make more audio content available to listen to online. She also spoke about the possibility of bringing back a medium-wave broadcast for Air3, but the costs would need to be assessed against how worthwhile this would be. Lauren will encourage other clubs and societies to get involved and to be on the air waves with Air3.

Candidate: Rory Cargill Candidate: Danny Robertson Running for: Air3 Radio Station Manager Running for: AirTV Station Manager Danny Robertson is running for AirTV Station Manager. Rory Cargill is running for Air3 Station Manager. He has been AirTV has been a hugely important part of Danny’s university Head of Features in Air3 until recently, and comes from a radio life, and he wants to help others have a similar experience to his. background, with both his parents having been involved in the AirTV’s primary method of distributing its content is through its industry. Rory has promised that he will guarantee a weekly slot website, and Danny feels that the current website is not up to the on the air for all members of the society, as high demand this required standard. His main policy is to build an entirely new year has meant some shows are broadcast only once a fortnight. website, which would be done over the summer so it will be ready To achieve this, he has suggested shortening shows from two for the autumn semester. Part of this new website will include a hours to one and a half hours, and possibly combining similar database on each AirTV member, which shows their past projects shows. Rory has also pledged to begin a new flagship show for and areas of expertise. This will allow members to find appropri- scriptwriters, which would cover new ground for Air3, such as ate people for their project quickly and efficiently. Danny also plays, comedy and documentaries. Another of Rory’s aims is wants to strengthen the links between AirTV and other clubs and to increase sponsorship revenue through his job with Jack and societies, filming important events for societies who want to par- Jones, as well as bringing in more people from the radio business ticipate, and working more closely with the Sports Union clubs. to the University to give talks and master-classes.

Candidate: Catriona McGale Running for: Brig Editor

Catriona McGale is a third-year Journalism student and current Features Editor and Head of Events for Brig. Catriona has been a member of Brig for three years, the past two of which she has been Features Editor. Catriona has worked on Cosmopolitan, GT, pinkpa- per.com and runs her own blog. Catriona is running for the position of Brig Editor as she wants to use the skills and experience she has gained over the past three years to further the development and success of Brig and provide a newspaper our students want to read. The third-year student will find out what students want from their newspaper and provide it. She believes that it’s important to maintain a constant supply of Brig in news stands around campus and town. A Head of Distribution and Publicity will be elected to the committee who can ensure students know about Brig and how to get involved. Catriona will create better links between Brig and the media depart- ment. She will provide InDesign and Photoshop tutorials for Brig writers. Finally, Catriona will run writers’ meetings which are interac- tive and enjoyable.

Candidate: Theo Hardie Candidate: Stuart Kenny Running for: AirTV Station Manager Running for: Brig Editor

Stuart Kenny is running for the position of Brig Editor on the back Theo Hardie is running for AirTV Station Manager. He has of employment at Falkirk FC TV and the Edinburgh Evening News, been a member of AirTV for his three years at the University of as well as work experience with national newspapers including The Stirling, and is currently Deputy Station Manager and Head of Scotsman. As sports editor for Brig this year, Stuart has helped the Technical. Theo intends to strengthen the relationship between sports section move from three to four pages and has introduced new AirTV and Air3, filming the New Music Show in high defini- features to go alongside Brig Sports’ up-to-date news coverage. tion so it can be viewed on the AirTV website. He also wants to If elected to run the student newspaper as Editor-In-Chief, Stuart purchase a second HD camera to increase the amount of content plans to find out what students would like to see in their student that can be produced in HD. Theo is keen to distribute content to newspaper via surveys onlines, as well as establishing better links a wider audience, and to advertise AirTV better. A move towards between the Brig committee and their writers. His manifesto also in- more pre-planned content, such as drama, is something which cludes plans to form a stronger link between Brig and social network- Theo wants to bring to AirTV, and believes this would help peo- ing, alongside ideas to place more emphasis and proofing on online ple who are unsure about how to begin the filmmaking process. articles. Stuart promises to maintain the high class of content and Theo will also aim to maintain the StirSport coverage AirTV keep Brig relevant to current affairs and University matters. already provides, and to film this in HD where possible. Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012 Elections Special 2012

Candidate: Ryan Begen Running for: Student Trustee

Ryan Begen, having recently completed an internship working within the Union, believes he has the right background and neces- sary knowledge to run for the position of Student Trustee. With additional experience working as a treasurer for St Andrews First Aid, he believes that careful distribution of funds is an important factor in making sure that awareness is raised about the Union, not only in how it functions, but in how students can get more involved. Alongside this, he feels that far greater emphasis should be put upon the Union’s online presence, and that hosting more regular and varied nights within venues such as Envy is vital in ensuring The Union is a more reliable means of income, looking even to host events off-cam- pus; such initiatives have the added incentive of promoting student interest and sociability. Ryan also believes that there should be more active involvement in the Union elections, and that they should be better publicised to students to help them know how to take part. This can be done, he says, through use of better advertisement, as well as through online publicity campaigns.

Candidate: Johannes Butscher Candidate: Anton Olaifa Running for: Sustainability Officer Running for: Black Students’ Officer “Help me use my roots in green politics to branch out into sustainabil- Anton Olaifa claims he is determined to leave his stamp upon ity and make Stirling blossom.” That is the slogan from Johannes the University of Stirling. With experience in positions such as Butscher, who is in the running for Sustainability Officer in this the Vice President of the Black Boys Youth association, he be- year’s election. Johannes asserts that if people are not provided with lieves he has the right attitude for undertaking the role of Black the appropriate facilities in the immediate vicinity, they are far less Students’ Officer at Stirling University. He is keen to establish likely to recycle, and that this is one area in which the University falls dialogue with other members of the Union, in particular the short. Therefore it is up to the Union to ensure that the University Afro Caribbean society, as well as publicise black history month, provides more strategically placed recycling points and composting in order to promote awareness, and provide support for, black areas in order improve its waste management scheme. While Jo- students. Anton also emphasises the importance of establishing hannes feels that fostering green thinking in University management a greater online community for students to get involved with. If is of great importance, he also believes that establishing a greater elected, he aims to promote a strong, one-on-one approach to sense of community in the day-to-day lives of students is of equal interacting with other members of the student community, and value, and sees it as vital that more student sustainability initiatives asserts that black student politics should be a part of the main- are set up by the student community in order to ensure that they are stream politics dealt with by the Union. all on the same page.

Candidate: Lucy Drummond Running for: Women’s Oficer Lucy Drummond, drawing from her experience as the Union’s Communities Officer, is in the running this year for the position of Women’s Officer. A feminist, Lucy claims that she sees little in awareness campaigns, and more in change campaigns, emphasising the point that there is a lot of mythbusting that needs carrying out to break down misconceptions towards feminism and to promote gender equality. She actively supports the involvement of men, and persons of other genders, within women’s politics, and intends to provide an atmosphere of safety and community, with the introduction of better lighting for when students are walking out on campus during evenings, and helping staff become more aware of how to deal with gender inequalities that may arise in the teaching environment. Lucy also aims to implement a support system to put women’s minds at ease over certain health issues.

Candidate: Anum Qaisar Candidate: Phillip Chauke Running for: Communities Officer Running for: Student Trustee Anum Qaisar will be drawing from her experience as a charity Philip Chauke has a background in accountancy, and experience as worker, including a post conducting volunteer work within a Pa- a high school treasurer. Philip Chauke feels that he has something to kistani hospital. Anum Qaisar sees herself as an ideal candidate give back to the University, and says that if elected as Student Trustee, for the position of Communities Officer. With this role, Anum his main focus will be to help inform students on how to get better hopes to get more students into volunteer work, which in turn, involved with their Student Union. He feels the Union to be a vital she believes, would help to create a greater sense of community. aspect of life on campus, and that it must provide students with an If elected she hopes to create an organised area within the Union understanding of how it functions if it is to become more inclusive. devoted to the cause, with monthly meetings being hosted to Phillip also emphasises the importance of students being involved help students discuss how to approach the issues of charity and with how funding is distributed, as well as in deciding which facilities volunteer work, inspire fundraising ideas, and to inform students are available to them. In order to achieve these goals, he hopes to of how these pursuits are relevant to their degree. In order to promote regular use of Envy, a part of the Union underground which promote awareness of these charity and fundraising activities, he feels is under-used. With an emphasis on more regular and varied she looks to greater use of social media websites such as Face- events taking place in Envy, he believes that students would benefit book and Twitter, as well as establishing a dedicated area of The from a greater sense of community, and that the Union would benefit Union website to encourage regular discussion. from more revenue to re-distribute. Email: [email protected] Brig | March 2012 12 Politics Editors: Elsa Andre & Colm Currie www.brignewspaper.com Politics Putin triumphs again in Is Kony 2012 as murky Russian Presidential charitable as it election appears to be?

Jenny Wartnaby to Sudan’s People’s Liberation Army, Jenny Wartnaby which has committed similar crimes and are defended by members of Invis- ladimir Putin’s presidential edia campaign Kony 2012 ible Children, or other barbarity they are election success was marred involved in, such as “attacks against ci- with controversy not too un- has gone viral across social media sites in an attempt vilians or looting of civilian homes and like the parliamentary elec- businesses, or the complicated regional tionsV in December that have significant- to bring the Ugandan war politics fuelling the conflict,” according ly altered the political atmosphere in Mcriminal Joseph Kony to justice and en- able his arrest. There is no doubt that the to assistant Professor Chris Blattman Russia. The success of his party, United of Yale University. Blattman also as- Russia, in the parliamentary elections human rights abuses Kony is involved in through his Lord’s Resistance Army are serts that the charity is disingenuous or occurred amid allegations of electoral perhaps just naïve, stating, “it hints un- irregularities; international observers horrific. The LRA is a group violently campaigning to establish a theocratic comfortably of the White Man’s Burden. Organisation for Security and Co-op- Worse, sometimes it does more than eration in Europe (OSCE) stated there government built on the Ten Command- ments and the World Bank estimates hint. The saviour attitude is pervasive in were “numerous violations” which saw advocacy, and it inevitably shapes pro- the electoral contest “slanted in favour that Kony has abducted and forced an estimated 66,000 children to fight for gramming. Usually misconceived pro- of the ruling party.” gramming.” The accusations generated mass pro- them and forced the internal displace- ment of more than 2,000,000 people The issues are far more complicated tests as tens of thousands took to the than they first appear, as it is clear that streets to oppose Putin, calling for fairer since the campaign began in 1986. Vladimir Putin has caused controversy with his latest election win Some of these 66,000 children have the mere removal of Kony will end only elections, although more recently they some of the problems, and no consider- have been centred around his removal, picture: answers.com been raped, forced into sexual slavery, and forced to mutilate others as a result ation seems to have been given to the re- in the largest dissent since the collapse the presidential election, just as they did Protests against the President many of the numerous atrocities and human habilitation of children. There have also of the USSR. Protests were held a week for the parliamentary elections, stating deem “illegitimate” have resurged, de- rights violations. He was indicted by been allegations regarding the Ugandan before the presidential election where that “there was no real competition and spite an unprecedented security pres- the International Criminal Court at The army that the US troops supported rap- a human chain was formed around a abuse of government resources ensured ence, amid fears that Putin will resort Hague, but has changed tactics in order ing and looting as recently as 2008, circular stretch of road 10 miles long in that the ultimate winner of the election to force. One Russian journalist stated to evade capture. Just this year some- which adds further issues to the equa- Moscow city centre. Motorists honked was never in doubt.” There is significant it was the “biggest police operation I’ve one has been killed, there have been 17 tion. The Ugandan government and the horns in support, and, those involved video evidence of ballot-stuffing being ever seen in Moscow: soldiers and riot abductions and 3,000 displacees during LRA’s treatment of the population are in the chain were adorned in white, the posted across the internet, with reports police of all stripes all down the Tvers- 20 attacks in the Congo this year. not too dissimilar, and have mutually colour of the protest movement. of “carousel voting.” A video depicts an kaya.” There have been substantial ar- The organisation Invisible Children, benefitted from decades of violence and Putin returned to power with an of- activist signing up on an internet forum rests, totalling around 550 people so far, which is responsible for the video that displacement throughout the nation. ficial result of nearly 64% of the vote. to take part in the multiple voting, meet- with more demonstrations planned for has rapidly gained popularity, describes Only 32% of over $8.5 million spent The controversial leader, who has flitted ing organisers in the subway, then being the weekend. One Russian lawyer was itself as “a movement seeking to end by the charity navigator has gone into from different positions of power since transported by bus to a polling station. arrested under specious accusations re- the conflict in Uganda and stop the the provision of direct services, whilst the end of 1999, will be President until This took place despite the installation garding administration, a pretext often abduction of children for use as child the majority has been used to pay staff, 2018, when he could run for another of cameras in 96% of Russian polling used to silence journalists in Russia, af- soldiers.” They have received an incred- transport and film production. Chari- term of six years. Although discontent is stations to stream the election live on- ter addressing a crowd of approximately ible amount of attention as they seek to ties such as the British Red Cross, on not absolute, it is widespread. Putin has line, costing the equivalent of £280 mil- 20,000 people in Pushkin Square the make Kony “famous” in order to ensure the other hand, claim that they expect to claimed it is merely urban elites who lion. The cameras were characterised as day the election results were released, the 100 troops Obama committed in spend approximately 5% of their income are dissatisfied with his rule, but later pointless by Golos (a vote monitoring stating that the country was ruled by October can continue their mission. Al- on general management and support claimed that protests were part of an group) as the footage would not expose “swindlers and thieves.” though the US soldiers are not fighting, costs. attempt to destabilise the country from violations as they are not placed in areas Downing Street issued a statement they are providing vital equipment and Supporting the movement might lead abroad. where they usually occur. Putin stated that recognised the Russian presidential skills so that Kony might be found in to the capture of Kony, who deserves to A victory rally was organised outside that he would ask Vladimir Churov, elections as “a decisive result” , although difficult jungle terrain. They have been be brought to justice, but equally there the Kremlin in order to illustrate sup- the Central Election Commission chief, it also acknowledged problems with the supported by George Clooney, Juliette are other forces in Central and South- port for Putin among “ordinary” Rus- ”to thoroughly look into all possible election. David Cameron’s spokesperson Lewis and Zooey Deschanel, and are tar- ern Africa to which this equally ap- sians, with the majority of the 100,000 violations.” Although his impartial- stated, “The NGO polling data put Putin geting 19 other celebrities and 12 politi- plies. There are wider issues in which people having to be transported from ity will surely be questioned, as he also above the 50% needed to win the first cians in order to mobilise the issue. the American government will not in- provinces. However, interviews with stigmatised international observers round.” Election expert Andrei Buzin There have been accusations made tervene, and prominent issues such as passengers on a train highlighted that as spies and claimed that the election agreed, stating that discrepancies would regarding the media-oriented Invisible rape, looting, rehabilitation and possi- disaffection cut across differing layers of was the world’s most honest, Churov not have caused Putin to gain less than Children, such as a manipulation of bly the emergence of a successor might society not limited to St. Petersburg and is also known as “the magician” due to the 50% required, despite being tilted facts. However, they were not the only go unresolved. However, it is laudable Moscow, although there was resignation his seemingly magic power to guarantee in his favour although he “wouldn’t call organisation incorporated in the For- to attempt to solve the crisis, and aware- that Putin would succeed. successful results in elections for the these elections free or fair.” ness of these issues is important. The OSCE had misgivings regarding ruling party. eign Affairs article. Although the main criticism is that no reference is made their discontent with the elite within government and business. Occupy Edinburgh: The first day was chaotic and unor- ganised. There were many voices, from anarchists, unions to libertarians, all of An inconvenient truth whom were there to express their dis- year. content. The police were present then as Payam Martin Rad Once the demonstration began, the well, but were fewer in number. When I management at the RBS branch con- talked to the police on 15 October 2011, tacted the police, who appeared within an officer stated, “We are here to ensure n 23 February, I went to visit minutes. When I requested an interview the safety of peaceful demonstrators, Occupy Edinburgh on Princes with the manager, he responded by hav- but never to intervene.” Occupy Edin- OStreet, outside one of the Royal ing security escort me out of the build- burgh was officially underway. Bank of Scotland’s branches, where ing. I also contacted the Press Officer at Although their numbers were not sus- they had organised a demonstration RBS Head Office, who also refused to tained above 300 throughout the com- Occupy Edinburgh protestors gather on Princes Street called “Move Your Money.” This cam- give an interview or a statement. ing months, more people did show up picture: Payam Martin Rad paign started in the US in 2010 where, Within minutes, the police presence for the rallies they felt passionate about according to the founders of the cam- doubled from two to four, although and the movement has become an in- businesses, spearheaded by RBS, had while we have far more people engaged paign, over four million accounts have there were only 10 peaceful demonstra- tricate part of Edinburgh’s scenery, es- the Occupy Edinburgh camp removed in the movement.” been moved from “Wall Street” banks tors present. I also contacted the Lo- pecially with a permanent camp in the from St. Andrew Square. They were Critics of the movement believed that to “Main Street” banks, which act more thian and Borders Police media depart- heart of the city. told to move away from the city centre the winter would put a stop to it, people ethically. ment to ask why they felt such strong However, it should be mentioned that to the Meadows, where they could have around the world have shown that their As one of the activists, Josh, ex- police presence was necessary; they too they did not confine themselves to the their permanent camp. However, when discontent is rooted in real issues, like plained, “We are encouraging people to refused to comment. square. They organised rallies, with the I met the movement on 23 February, I bank and company bailouts with tax- participate in the ‘Move Your Money’ Occupy Edinburgh was officially start- help of social tools such as Facebook was told they had been evicted from the payers’ money, financial fraud and un- campaign, where you would move your ed on 15 October 2011, when the Occupy and Twitter, at landmarks all around Meadows as well. ethical behaviour. These issues do not money to a more ethical bank that does movement went global. People in more Edinburgh throughout the winter. Bob Shields, one of the organisers of disappear just because those who ben- not give ridiculous bonuses to their ex- than 900 cities worldwide joined their They also organised open forums at St. Occupy Edinburgh, said, “We try to or- efit want them to, and there are some ecutives and board members.” fellow men and women whom had start- Andrew Square every Saturday, where ganise a meeting every week, at differ- academics who believe now that the The demonstration was organized on ed the movement, Occupy Wall Street everybody got the opportunity to ex- ent locations, where people can come global economy is faced with a “double the day RBS announced their bonus (OWS), less than a month earlier. press themselves and inform the rest together to plan demonstrations, future dip recession,” and that warmer weather payout of £785 million, £400 million of On the first day, over 300 people came of the movement about the issues most events and participate in open forums. in the coming months will reignite the which goes to investment bankers, even together at St. Andrew Square to express important to them. We currently have 77 people that have Occupy movement and we will see more though RBS had a loss of £2 billion last their solidarity with OWS and to voice However, in early February, the local dedicated themselves permanently, and more people on the streets. Brig | March 2012 13 Politics: Comment www.brignewspaper.com Government’s plan for private police may save Politics: Comment money but will end in disaster

Minister John Prescott is also opposed Colm Currie to such a change to the police force. He acknowledges that his Labour govern- Politics Editor ment made changes in 2002 which al- lowed the police to employ some outside he police forces of the West staff in order to maintain public safety, Midlands and Surrey are look- but states that they did not want “to see ing into the possibility of us- private security firms patrolling our pri- ing security guards to do their vate streets.” Twork. They are open to bids from ma- Unsurprisingly, the move has been jor security firms across England and defended by David Cameron, who told Wales to take over some of the tasks Parliament, “I don’t think there’s any- currently performed by police officers, thing wrong with the police getting back picture: tangibleinfo.blogspot.com such as patrolling neighbourhoods and office functions carried out by private investigating criminal offences. The sector organisations.” However, some move is supported by Home Secretary of the tasks which may soon be done Theresa May, who has recently cut the by private companies can in no way be War against Iran? It’s time grants awarded to police forces by 20%. described as “back office functions.” May wants to see this “partnership”, as Without a significant change to the she calls it, in place by early next year. law, police officers will remain the only A similar deal was agreed last month people authorised to carry out arrests, we got some answers from between Lincolnshire police and securi- but security company employees could ty company G4S, although this was a far be allowed to detain suspects, which less radical change. The Lincolnshire sounds like a distinction without a dif- agreement means that G4S will build ference. Phil Kay, who is Chief Superin- the US and run a new police station, with tendent in charge of the West Midlands over 500 police officers instead taking and Surrey project, said that they want less than clear. war has no financial gain for America as up jobs with the firm. G4S is to take “to see what areas of business there are Nash Riggins While US representatives in Jerusa- it once did in the 1940s. over some of the force’s duties, includ- where [they] can work with partners in lem are openly denying that the gears Every potential candidate in the Re- ing operating vehicles, administering the private sector to deliver in a way of war have already begun to turn, the publican Primary, with the possible drug tests and running custody cells. that is more cost-effective, efficient and y now it shouldn’t surprise any- Free World’s top officials are far more exception of Ron Paul, openly hungers The agreement is worth approximately helps to improve the service.” Whether one to know that war is making sceptical. Off the record, one of Ameri- for Iran’s absolute destruction. Even £200 million over the next decade to or not improvements will be made to the its way onto Iran’s doorstep. ca’s top diplomats reportedly confirmed the liberal and uncontested Democratic the Lincolnshire police, who have seen service remains to be seen, but with the What should surprise us, how- that there is a strong likelihood that Is- incumbent, Barack Obama, is buckling their budget for the next four years budget cuts imposed by the Home Of- Bever, is the level of hypocrisy with which rael will wage war within the next three under intense pressure to stand firmly slashed to the tune of £20 million by the fice, the force does not anticipate any this war is being carried out. months. In response, Iranian special next to Israel against Iran’s Uranium- Home Secretary. savings until 2014 or later. From an outsider’s point of view, Iran forces are massing for the Strait of Hor- enrichment programme. Whilst the Lincolnshire model is an has fallen deep into a menacing role as muz, where independent Israeli organi- And where does this leave us? Abso- enormous and controversial change to the world’s foremost hyper-fundamen- zations claim that “many thousands” lutely nowhere. While the “Leader of the way the police force is run, G4S will “I would be far talist Islamic regime, hell-bent on de- of American troops are carrying out the Free World” is organising photo ops at least be employing trained police of- more comfort- stroying any and every “non-believer” the largest amphibious military drill of and preaching soft power, he has appar- ficers. The proposition made by West via nuclear warfare. No doubt any hard- the twenty-first century. For a war that ently authorised the landing of troops Midlands and Surrey police, on the able with trained working Iranian citizen would be terri- America isn’t committed on fighting, off the coast of Iran by the boat-loads. other hand, is to use security guards to bly insulted by such an accusation; yet that appears to send a fairly clear mes- Meanwhile, progressive Iranians yearn- do the jobs previously only entrusted to police doing these it seems that Iran’s leaders have whole- sage of its future intentions. ing to further develop their country by police. While security guards do a good tasks, rather than heartedly embraced their label as the establishing a thriving nuclear energy and important job, and there are simi- trigger-happy “protector of Islam.” “It appears evident industry are being held back by the mad, larities between theirs and the jobs of people who have Time and time again, Iranian officials violent ravings of their Supreme Leader. the police, it is hardly the same thing. At have assured the international com- that not even Mr On the other hand, look at Israel: half events where there are large groups of little or no munity that its nuclear intentions are of the world thinks the Jewish state is people gathered, such as protest march- strictly peaceful, but these assurances Obama’s closest completely insane. However, at least es or football matches, there are usually experience.” are understandably difficult to believe advisors have a they have the common decency to will- a lot more security guards or stewards given the outlandish and warmongering ingly expose their true intentions be- than police. This is because they can The main benefits of privatising part statements that were made last week by clean-cut answer.” fore carrying them out. Yet if the bombs deal with most of the problems that of the police force appear to be finan- Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme begin to drop, just how many will be are likely to occur, but in case arrests cial. There is no evidence that the ser- leader. bound for Jerusalem? More than likely, need to be made or more serious issues vice provided by private-sector workers Describing Israel as a “cancerous tu- This is an election year in the US, this war will be fought primarily by the arise, there is a police presence there will be better, although it seems highly mour” in desperate need of removal, Mr and Barack Obama is well aware that two countries in the altercation who are as back-up. I would feel better know- unlikely that they will be able to do the Khamenei declared that, if provoked, he’s already walking on thin ice. Can sending infuriatingly mixed messages ing that security staff were walking the job of the police better than the police. the Iranian people would fight a war anyone aptly predict the repercussions regarding whether or not there’s even beat near my home than if nobody was, The police force is the most important that would be “ten times deadlier for that military action in Iran may have going to be a war. but I’d much rather police officers were service we have when it comes to main- the Americans” than it would be for over Obama’s re-election? The answer The only solace anyone can give is doing it. Furthermore, when it comes taining public order and safety. Any his people. These statements seem to is complicated to say the least, yet based that this series of military activities may to the matters of investigating crimes modifications made should be about im- be the ravings of a mad-man, yet what solely upon the President’s neutral and result in absolutely nothing. Perhaps and detaining suspects, I would be far proving the service and, unfortunately, the media may or may not be making diplomatic statements, it appears evi- Israel will “miss its window” to attack, more comfortable with trained police it looks as if these changes will not do clear is that this outburst was actually in dent that not even Mr Obama’s closest and then Iran will open its doors to the doing these tasks, rather than people that, and are being implemented for all response to what appears to be an im- advisors have a clean-cut answer. international community so that we can who have little or no experience in such the wrong reasons. minent attack by Israeli forces. But then We can sit down and write a lengthy all observe its harmless nuclear energy aspects of the job. Moreover, their pri- why did the United States receive the pros and cons list regarding the validity program. Wouldn’t that be nice? Specu- mary concerns would likely be to do bulk of the provocation? of America’s potential intervention in lation aside, however, the real world the best thing for their company, rather Israel’s Minister of Defence, Ehud Iran, but it all boils down to a few vital should render at least one certainty than acting in the public interest. Politics online Barak, has repeatedly asserted to the issues: oil prices, powerful lobbyists and from this gathering storm: heads of Vice-Chairman of the Police Fed- international community that our “win- America’s military-industrial complex. state should have the courage to own up eration for England and Wales, Simon Like these articles? You can read dow” of attack in order to prevent Iran Oil prices are already fluctuating dras- to their diplomatic intentions, and then Reed, is strongly against the suggested Nash Riggins’ thoughts on David from producing a weapon-of-mass- tically due to Iran’s activity in the vital follow through with them, least of all so changes. He predicts that, if the plan Cameron’s plans for minimum destruction is slipping away; and while waterways of the Strait; however, prices their people are aware of who they are goes ahead, it will result in the “destruc- will inevitably spike to an all time-high alcohol pricing on our website: Israel’s logically-induced paranoia may about to bomb into oblivion. tion of the finest police service in the have appeared in the form of unsolicited the moment that the first missile is world.” He also believes that the quality warmongering, at least the Israeli gov- launched. Alternatively, military action and success rate of investigations will www.brignewspaper.com ernment has been honest and consistent spells billions more debt for a country suffer, and that it could lead to more in its policies toward Iran. On the other that doesn’t produce the majority of its false convictions. Former Deputy Prime hand, America’s presence in this fray is own military equipment; that is to say, 14 Brig | March 2012 www.brignewspaper.com Politics: Comment

that is wrong with our societies. aren’t all bad, and that there are people, Here we have people complaining like Stuart Rose, who have publicly said Swimming in a pool of cash: about paying taxes that they have no they would happily pay more taxes if problem affording, that they don’t need that would help the economy. We would to save up for like most taxpayers do, be tempted to applaud this sort of ini- why the rich should stay purely for greed. Instead of thinking tiative, merely because they’re so rare, of the good their money can do to help but I see it as something that should their country, and people less fortunate be considered normal. Society cannot than they are, they want to keep it to function without taxation, and it is only where they are and pay their spend on ridiculous things like, I don’t fair that everyone should contribute as know, a toilet seat incrusted with dia- much money as is reasonable, according monds, or several houses, because eve- to how much they earn. taxes ryone needs these things. More than exposing the selfishness The financial crisis either didn’t affect of a big part of the wealthiest people in As we all know, the world’s biggest back to the society that made them rich them in the slightest, or they are so rich society, the financial crisis exposed a Elsa Andre economies have been struggling as a re- in the first place. So, more and more that they can lose 70 million and still be real problem at the heart of the system. Politics Editor sult of the financial crisis which started people with high income decide to leave a millionaire, like Mouna Ayoub. Maybe I may not like rich people very much, in 2008. In an effort to boost their econ- Britain to settle elsewhere, so they can that’s why they are feeling supremely but what I truly despise is the system ’ve never liked rich people. I wasn’t omies, some governments have decided be left alone to enjoy all their money. unconcerned with the struggling econo- that created them. Call me a “bloody raised among them, and I wasn’t to ask for a little help from the highest The same thing is happening in France. my, and people losing their jobs, and all socialist” but I think that what we re- raised to like or respect them. My earners of society. In 2009, the Labour Actors, singers, football players, inves- the rest of it. Whatever the reason, this ally need is for every taxpayer to realise parents are both social workers government here in Britain decided to tors, corporate bosses complain loudly sort of attitude is exactly why I have al- that solidarity is the backbone of society, Iwho have seen only too often in their raise income tax to 50% for those earn- about how the state is robbing them of ways been so prejudiced against people and yes, that means paying higher taxes work the extent of damage caused by ing £150,000 or more. Of course, that their money and then move to Belgium who have a lot of money. I know they when you can afford it. capitalism to the poorest in our coun- made a lot of people unhappy. Calls or Switzerland. The difference with Brit- try. My grandparents on both side were for the removal of the 50% rate led the ain, in terms of tax, is that on top of the what you’d call hard, honest workers, coalition government to awkwardly de- income tax, there is a tax on wealth for which really means that they worked clare that they saw it as a “temporary” people whose estate is worth more than very hard for very little money. So lik- measure to get the country back on its 1.3 million euros. Vince Cable had pro- ing rich people was never a thing in my feet. Rather predictably, last Septem- posed implementing something similar family. Becoming rich was never seen as ber, a group of 20 economists wrote an in Britain, but the idea was met with a goal to work towards. I was encour- open letter arguing that the top 50p tax outrage. aged to find something I felt passionate rate should be abandoned because it Of course, rich French people find about, and that would make a differ- was damaging the country’s economic these taxes unfair and feel justified in ence. I was raised to be tolerant, gener- recovery. Apparently, it discouraged leaving the country in a whirl of self- ous and to help others, instead of look- “foreign investment and talented work- important indignation, saying that at ing out only for myself. So, growing up, ers” from settling in the UK. Because, least in other countries, they don’t have I naturally developed a certain distaste and this is the funny thing: although to “cling on” to their money or to be for the wealthier members of society. I rich people can afford to pay taxes, made to feel guilty about it. This sort found them individualistic, cynical and they don’t want to do it because it is so of attitude, as well as Cameron’s Coali- generally unpleasant people. The finan- much more important that they keep all tion Government’s reluctance to tax the cial crisis has just engrained this some- their money to themselves, even when wealthy, and its really rather unfortu- what prejudiced opinion deeper into my in some cases they have more of it than nate tendency to seek to protect the in- brain. they can even spend, rather than giving terests of the rich, is simply everything picture: pratique.fr March 2012 Brig culture

Inside this month: Page 16: An interview with Rachel Sermanni Page 20: The re-invention of the Wicker Man Page 22: Restaurant review of Kublai Khans Page 22: March’s Best Dressed Students

Photography by Rajmund Bakonyi Email: [email protected] Brig | March 2012 16 MUSIC Music Editors: Ross Dunn & Andy McDonald www.brignewspaper.com Bc music news Rachel Sermanni talks about scary cities, new

2013: The year of Girls Aloud album, a transition to TV and sharing her iPod on

The UK’s favourite girl group is set to return in 2013. Singer Nadine the bus with strangers Coyle confirmed that Girls Aloud will Interview reunite for an arena tour next year to mark their tenth anniversary. Ross Dunn Music Editor

Creamfield’s line-up announced ackstage at Stirling’s shape- shifting venue (the stage has The line-up for this year’s dance fes- flipped to another side of the tival boasts Skrillex, Skream and room for tonight’s show), Tol- booth,B the eloquent and quirky singer/ Benga, Calvin Harris and Example. David Guetta and Deadmau5 have songwriter Rachel Sermanni seems been added to the weekend that takes unfazed by her escalating popularity, place at the end of August. so much so that she could be about to switch career to the small screen. Kanye West & Jay Z in Scots “I’ve only just been given auditions snub recently, just through music. They’ve maybe been looking for a singer and Kanye and Jigga have added to their asked me along to the audition. I really tour by announcing dates in Birming- like acting.” ham and Sheffield but still no dates in Trying to coax more information Scotland. The pair are touring their from the 19-year-old, she remains tight- joint album Watch The Throne and lipped over the potential venture. are already touring London and Man- “I can’t quite say yet. There was a BBC chester between May and June. drama but I can’t say anything because we don’t have full conformation yet and Weller thinks he’s an “alcoholic” there was another thing that will come out soon enough.” She realises that she’s Paul Weller has stated that he thinks said too much. “Whoops!” Hailing from the Highland village his addiction to booze is killing him. Rachel Sermanni before her packed show at Tolbooth Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi In an interview with The Times, of Carrbridge, Sermanni admitted that Weller revealed that he gave up drink- moving to Glasgow to further her music so my way of getting through that, if it moment and the prospect of an album should be an extension of the EP, with ing a year ago because he thought it career was daunting at first but worth it was busy I would offer them an ear to release for later this year, Sermanni has an element of grandeur, of course. would kill him in the end. my iPod, which is a bit of a strange thing every reason smile. “I’d say, it’s going to be produced “When I first moved down to Glas- but it always struck up a conversation. “The album is done, so that it’s ready by the same producer, the instrumen- T in the Park line-up confirmed gow I was really scared. I’ve always been Nobody usually accepted the ear for the to be released after the summer. The day tation and the people involved are all a country person. I was always very un- iPod because that means that my ear I came back from India on 8 of January the same as Black Currents. So yeah, I Snow Patrol, Kasabian and The Stone fond of any cities; I claimed it made me stuff is going to go into their ear.” we went straight to Watercolour studios think it’ll follow in the same veins, but Roses have been named as this year’s ill; I claimed it stuffed up my eyes and I had to ask her if she always made a in Ardgour to record for about ten days be a bit more elaborate because we can T in the Park headliners. I’d get a cold. I’m sure it was just psy- point of making sure that she had some- with the band. But it still needs loads of play around with certain sounds and Thousands of music fans are expected chological but I really would get ill. thing good loaded on her iPod when she production work so I’m going down to just stretch it. I’m a strong believer in to flock to Balado, near Kinross, for “I used to get annoyed with people offered it to the stranger on the bus. London in March to do all that. ‘whatever the song needs, it shall get’, the 18th annual festival in July. who sat on the buses but didn’t sit next “I would judge their character and “If it’s not released this year then and sometimes it doesn’t need very Twenty more acts have been added to to each other. You know, the usual ‘if put on something I thought might work the whole touring process will continue. much at all. I really like the minimalist the line-up, including New Order, Da- there’s one double seat left you’ll go to out.” I’ve been playing these songs for a long point as well, especially when it comes vid Guetta, Calvin Harris, Twin Atlan- the one with the double seat left because This is why the world needs more Ra- time so it’ll be nice to air them. I’m re- to recording.” tic, Jessie J and Brits Critics’ Choice you’d rather not sit beside anybody’. chel Sermanni-type-people. ally looking forward to that process. I’m winner Emeli Sande, with more still I used to get really upset by that.” She Strangers on a bus aside, Sermanni looking forward to writing more but to be named. seems genuinely troubled by society’s is hoping that 2012 is her year for a big there’s not much else to it.” inability to be friendly anymore. break, and who can blame her? With the If you enjoyed the Black Currents Rachel Sermanni’s new EP Black “I really wanted to chat with people fantastic Black Currents EP out at the EP then there’s good news as the album Currents is out now. Scottish Alternative Music Awards: the winners, the surprise performances and a glimpse of the up-and-coming talent scheduled set, Fridge Magnets scooped Feature the hotly contested best electronic act; best live act went to We Were Promised Ross Dunn Music Editor Jetpacks. Fridge Magents played one of the longest sets of the night, but the most usic fans united to cel- memorable track of their set had to be ebrate the achievements their new single Feeling Grows. From in Scottish music at an the hand-claps that bridge the chorus awards ceremony at the to the infectious guitar riff that wallows Mstart of March. past the waves of trance, this is a truly The Scottish Alternative Music Awards excellent song. took place in Glasgow’s The Garage with After a high-octane set from Fridge best acoustic, hip-hop, electronic, live, Magnets, Jim Gellatly presented Ten metal, rock and newcomer awards be- Tonne Dozer with best metal act before ing handed out from industry experts in presenting Fatherson with best rock act. front of a sold-out crowd. Fatherson also turned out to be the sec- Although the show was running a tad ond surprise act of the night, treating late and the “surprise performances” the sold-out crowd to a comprehensive were no longer a surprise (Twitter and set, reaffirming why they’re one of the Facebook can be held accountable for best prospects on the Scottish music the lack of surprise on this occasion), scene. For their final two tracks, the this didn’t take a shine off the night. band was joined onstage by a cellist who Radio 1’s Ally McCrae summed up educed the grandeur in the track. the significance of the awards ceremo- The last award of the night was pre- ny while presenting the best hip-hop sented by the SAMAs founder and award, highlighting the real struggle organiser, Richy Muirhead. The best that musicians face to gain exposure. newcomer is, arguably, the most cov- “These awards are great because they eted SAMA and Muirhead took great showcase music that’s under the radar pleasure in announcing that Bwani but I think even Scottish hip-hop is vast- Junction were the worthy winners. The ly underrated on the new music scene.” Edinburgh quartet then closed the cer- The ceremony opened up with a blis- emonies and wrapped up yet another tering performance from one of the Winners of the best rock/alt band at SAMAs, Fatherson, with Richy Muirhead (left) Picture: Emily Wylde poignant and significant year in Scottish nominated artists, Vukovi. Lead singer music and, in particular, the SAMAs. Janine Shilstone held her own very well, Ally McCrae for the first of two awards: out to be the first of two surprise acts of it’s an accent that can be popular; it just even though the lack of footwear was the award for best acoustic act was the night to perform a set. You can see needs to gain the exposure it deserves. disturbing. Shilstone shrieked and sung picked up by Brown Bear and The Ban- McCrae’s point; it’s difficult for people Vic Galloway, dressed from head-to- between the Rage-inspired guitar por- dits, and the best hip-hop award went to get over the Scottish accent in scots- toe in a tweed suit went on to announce tions. Billy Kirkwood then brought on to Madhat McGore, who also turned hop, but, like many indie and folk bands, the next set of awards. Before their Brig | March 2012 Bc www.brignewspaper.com MUSIC 17 Perthshire’s Alestorm owned the stage at the Glasgow Garage on February 10

Live review needed to incite movement. While they have occasionally been Andy McDonald highlighted as being sloppy in the live department, tonight Alestorm own the immicks are a risky thing for stage and control the audience with a a band to build themselves confidence and technicality that can on. Countless acts have tried only come from treading the boards of it over the years, only for their the world’s biggest stages over the last fanbasesG to leave them high and dry few years. They defy any such notion when the joke runs thin. This makes that they were never destined to be more the fact that Perth’s Alestorm have been than a singalong to a cramped venue of peddling their own brand of pirate- drunks. Fan favourites like Wenches themed metal for over five years now And Mead and Keelhauled are met with all the more impressive and, if tonight’s the same rapturous response as new of- performance is anything to go by, have ferings from the recent Back Through truly hit their stride as a band. Last time Time album, proving, if nothing else, the Scots played this venue, they were that Alestorm’s formula is a winning the support act, and around 400 tickets one. There are low points, such as the were sold overall. Tonight almost sold eight-minute Death Throes Of The Ter- out to capacity in the pre-sale alone. rorsquid, which lives up to frontman Yes, it looks like Alestorm are steering Chris Bowes’s description of “really long their ship through the dangerous waters and really boring”, but it’s this honesty of success so far, without an iceberg in and awareness of their own mortality as sight. a band that makes Alestorm a particu- Tonight’s crowd – some of whom have larly endearing act. been queuing for several hours – are a It’s rare for a gimmick to last so long, minefield of excitement, ready to ex- but from tonight, it’s evident that’s it’s plode at the slightest touch. This bodes far from time for Alestorm to walk the well for the support acts who are met plank. with a frenzy usually reserved for head- Alestorm playing live in Glasgow at the Garage Picture: www.piris-metalopolis.blogspot.com liners. Irish metallers Darkest Era are first to enjoy such a response as they Throne – hand-picked and paid-for by their native Oz, the first impression that required to ensure their hair-whirling channel the spirit of fellow country- Alestorm to accompany them on tour they make tonight is undoubtedly go- metal antics are perpetually obscured men Thin Lizzy, fusing it with progres- – who truly light the fire for the even- ing to be a lasting one. Their similari- by crowd-surfers, but their similarities Rating: 5 out of 5 sive flirtings. It’s Australia’s Claim The ing though. Relative unknowns outside ties with tonight’s headliners is all that’s with tonight’s headliners are all that’s

Field Music - Plumb The Shins - Port of Morrow through the mu- t’s been a four-year wait for this album, but skills that saw the nlike many these days, Field Music is a sic. Despite the you can now let out a sigh of relief as The last album, Winc- band which refuses to stagnate and this otherness of their Shins are back! ing The Night fourth album somehow manages to fur- approach to song Port Of Morrow is the simple indie-rock Away, earn a ther branch out in myriad directions fol- structure, the lyrics Imusic that the world needs right now; there’s no Grammy nomi- Ulowing last year’s epic double disc, Measure. It is this are often grounded fuss and James Mercer’s story-telling voice sets nation. But now insistence on evolution that makes the band notable. in mundane details your shoulders swaying. This is an easy album to lis- “Time to put zee Field Music has attracted increasing acclaim as of everyday life. ten to and you will want it on repeat as the nostalgic ear-goggles on!” is they grow with every release. Following Measure’s If you can embrace rhythms and quirky lyrics wash over you. I feel that a thing of the past, mixture of big rock ‘n’ roll guitar riffs and more am- the schizophrenic tone and temp shifts, there’s a this album certainly has more emphasis on Mer- and more pensive and evocative lines have taken bient passages, Plumb sees the duo return to their structural depth that rewards repeated listening. cer’s talent: his voice varies from rich and velvety to its place, such as “Love is the ink in the well when own backyard with charmingly deconstructive pop They’re often considered as a kind of “thinking high-pitched then dips right down again. But it’s not her body writes” in September and “Make me a music. man’s pop group”, which is a reasonable short- erratic: it makes your stomach flip with excitement drink to wash away the dishwater world” in No In recent interviews the band have discussed the hand for their accessible but complex song struc- and anticipation for the next set of words that are Way Down. influence of film musicals over the record, and there tures. After all, how many bands could build a hook about to come out his mouth. Fall of ’82 eases you into the next story; it also is certainly a sense of tonal shifts in the instrumenta- around the word “obfuscate”? You can’t listen to this album and not tip your hat restores your faith in love again. tion that can move without vocals. It should only be a matter of time before Field to him. Simple Song does what it says on the tin, yet The juxtaposition of the songs doesn’t let you Ce Soir is a miniature epic of lurching strings, Music become more commonly referred to as The when Mercer sings, “I know that things can really get too blue and the album really cares for your crashing drums and piano, crafting a melancholy Mercury Prize Winning Field Music, and attract get rough when you go it alone,” the complex use emotions: it teases them, but never lets you get too slice of classical brilliance, while the muted funk of the kind of mass audience they deserve. They re- of his voice gives a unique texture that scoops you overwhelmed. Just Like Everyone Else is lush, lyrically self-depre- ally have been a hidden gem of British music for into the story he’s singing to you. It picks you up, Once you’re immersed, it’s going to be hard to cating and impressive in its intricacy. too long now. brushes you down and sets you back on track. get away. Curl up, relax and let Mercer sing you The band do sound fundamentally British, with Some of the lyrics on this album deserve a nod of a story. a quaint modesty and dry sense of humour woven appreciation. Mercer showcases the song-writing Chris Tapey 4 out of 5 Lydia Nowak 4 out of 5 Single reviews

Lostprophets - Bring ‘Em AWOLNATION - Not Let’s Go - Calvin Harris Down Your Fault ft. Ne-Yo The Welsh rockers’ sound often fluc- The second single taken from their Harris is no stranger to producing tuates, but on this they take a step album Megalithic Symphony marks banging club track after banging club back towards the anthemic rock they something of a departure in sound. track and Let’s Go follows a similar were always best suited to. Unsur- Instead of the usual indie-electro, vein. This isn’t a bad thing, but this prisingly, however, they have again this is, in fact, more of a pop rock one does become quite stale after a adopted elements of whatever music song. However, this change in style is few listens and it doesn’t really have is popular at the time, with undeni- certainly not a hindrance. It’s a well- the same hold as We Found Love or able hints of Pendulum here. It war- structured track with light-hearted Feel So Close. However, collabora- rants repeated listens but still, like and relaxing moments that blend tions are becoming more frequent for the Tin Man, Lostprophets are shiny but lacking heart. well with the intense expansions. It’s incredibly catchy with a Harris and Ne-Yo doesn’t make the grade. highly memorable chorus. Andy McDonald 3 out of 5 Kris Gunn 4 out of 5 Ross Dunn 3 out of 5

Bruce Springsteen - We Chiddy Bang - Ray Fatherson - First Born It’s odd hearing the acoustic version Take Care of Our Own Charles of this song first then hearing the full The Boss is up to his old tricks, dis- Philadelphia-based hip-hop duo version. Anyway, another stellar ef- guising a critique of American soci- Chiddy Bang return with this incredi- fort from the 2012 SAMA winners of ety as a life-affirming country-rock bly fun track. It’s playful and features Best Rock Act. For once, the bass is a singalong. It’s like Born In The USA the trademark bouncy beats and major driving force behind the song never happened, but it’s important clever lyricism that we have come to and works well to bridge the explosive to remember that it did, making this expect from them. This, combined and memorable choruses. With every warm-but-dreary, watered-down of- with a vintage fifties sound, helps new release Fatherson get more excit- fering listenable and not much else. create something truly original. The ing and First Born is no exception to Top marks for ironic satire though. track pays homage to the music of the rule. the legendary Ray Charles and, in a clever tongue-in-cheek way, shows how popular his music remains to this day. Ross Dunn 5 out of 5 Andy McDonald 2 out of 5 Kris Gunn 4 out of 5 Email: [email protected] Brig | March 2012 18 FILM Film Editor: Stefanie Pryke www.brignewspaper.com Bc film news Producer of Bridesmaids on Glasgow flick The first Sundance London Film Interview of reasons, I thought that the story itself Festival will screen a total of 14 John Darley was interesting and worthwhile and also films at the O2 arena it has been an- the screenwriting showed enough po- nounced. The festival will take place musical set in Glasgow is per- tential that we could craft a movie out between 26-29 April, you can check haps a strange concept for a of it. There was also the idea that Stu- out the listings at www.sundance- film, usually because the city art and I work creatively well together london.com and book your tickets to is shown to be an unfriendly which made me believe that Stuart had see a seminar run by festival founder place,A riddled with uptight characters. a chance to succeed here, as director.” Robert Redford. It seems almost unlikely that something Though Mendel has worked with suc- bright and vibrant with an optimistic cessful filmmakers such as Stephen After monumental success with Ice view on life can be set in such an area. Spielberg and Wes Anderson, there’s Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs it’s Though if this concept were perhaps to a certain risk involved when working understandable that a trailer for Ice be put forward by one of Glasgow’s most with someone who hasn’t really made Age 4: Continental Drift has just popular bands, Belle and Sebastian, a professional film before. Despite this, been released online. Sticking to the then it’s perhaps understandable. Mendel states he’s very much aware of similar story-lines of melting ice, The idea for the film originally came the challenges that he’ll be facing. ‘This lost animals and one really hungry from a concept album, God Help The will be the fourth time I’ve worked with squirrel, the film is bound to please. Girl, by Belle and Sebastian’s front man, a complete newcomer and most of the Stuart Murdoch. Released back in 2009, rest of the films I’ve done were with Keanu Reeves has announced that the album featured a number of tracks pretty newish directors, so I’m used to the script for Bill & Ted 3 has been containing contributions from the likes it on the one hand, and on the other, completed. The original idea of the of The Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon every project I’ve worked on has been characters writing a song that saved and Asya from the Seattle-based group a different experience and it’s very dan- the world never came to fruition but Smoosh. With filming beginning later gerous for me to believe that what might Fans and Kickstarter project helped fund movie Picture: Belle&Sebastian were replaced with bigger and better this summer, the Glasgow set-piece tells have worked in one situation will work ideas. Excellent! the story of a girl named Eve who deals in another. What is needed from me will gin fundraising, and this seemed at least With Kickstarter donations from fans, with her emotional problems through reveal itself, and I just hope I am equal concrete. There are some rank and file including actress Zooey Deschanel and Tropic Thunder screenwriter has song writing. Soon after finding her true to the challenge.’ fans of Stuart and his band that he and Little Britain’s Matt Lucas, the financial chosen the aptly titled Boy Scouts vs “calling” she soon meets two musicians, Similar to all types of filmmaking the they have earned over 16 years of mak- goal of $100,000 was met earlier in Feb- Zombies as his directorial debut. The James and Cassie, and from there they first and biggest challenge that both ing music, playing live and generally ruary, making it the first ever UK narra- idea for the movie has been lingering develop a friendship over a long and Murdoch and Mendel faced was getting interacting, so for us, it was a place to tive feature film to raise this amount of around Hollywood since 2010, guess hazy summer. a source of financial backing. With the begin,” says Mendel. “What it’s turned money purely from donations. what it’s about, go on. Upon the release of the album, Mur- Channel 4 Alpha Fund already investing into is really cool, people participating With the way things are going, we doch stated that the project could also on the project, other financial backing in the shoot, yelling action on the first should be able to see God Help The Girl Christopher Nolan’s cinematogra- potentially be a film. When Ameri- has come direct from Belle and Sebas- shot of the shoot, walk-on parts, on on cinema screens at the end of this year pher pal Wally Pfister is set to direct can producer Barry Mendel, The Sixth tian fans who hold a similar passion the set, in the edit room, on the mix- and casting is currently underway. In his first film in the not-too-distant Sense, The Royal Tenenbaums, Munich for the film to be made. In order to get ing stage. People are getting fun treats terms of filmmaking in Glasgow this is future. The details of the film, said and Bridesmaids, read the statement, closer to the three million dollar mark, like Stuart taking fans on a van tour of something unique and exciting for the to be written by Jack Paglen, are as he was soon in contact with Murdoch to it’s been stated that even they feel that locations, and we’re doing a massive city and another chance to visit the place dark and mysterious as his filmmak- get the project off the ground. it sounds like a lot of money too; in De- post-shoot garage sale beforehand too. again says Mendel. “I’ve been to Glas- ing style. Speaking to Brig Film, Mendel decid- cember last year a Kickstarter page was People are taking home Stuart’s direc- gow a few times and really like it there. ed to commit himself because, “I was in- set up for fans to donate funding. Kick- tor’s chair, Eve’s dress from the opening Good Indian food, fish and chips, Medi- Check out www.brignewspaper. itially attracted to the project by Stuart’s starter is a website that allows artists to production number. In other words, it’s terranean food. But not summertime, com to see the latest dvd and cin- song writing and the emotional connec- pitch their creative idea to the public getting really fun and we’re hoping we now that will be something special.” ema reviews. tion I had towards his lyrics and songs. and in exchange for funding they would have enough cool stuff to get people to To keep up with God Help The Girl, But I have gotten involved for a number be rewarded. “I didn’t know where to be- buy up the last 25%.” visit the website: www.godhelpthegirl. com Airtv Adaptations debate: Film versus Book Give it a Go Feature David Pellow irTV recently hosted its hat with the arrival of The Lock-In event for the Stu- Hunger Games at the end dent Unions “Give It a Go” of the month, and the likes week; however, this time of The Hobbit and World thereA were some changes to the tradi- WWar Z hitting our screens this year, the tional format. Rather than the usual Brig Film team took to discussing mov- night where teams have to come up ie adaptations. And so came the decison with their own idea for a short film to have what could be an intriguing de- and then film and edit it for an official bate between our resident cinephiles premiere to be shown at the end of the and bibliophiles. May the odds be ever night, AirTV decided to organise the in your favour. brand new event “Scene Stealers”. The FANTASTIC MR FOX original idea remained the same, with FILM everyone who attended being split into Yes, it’s borderline sacrilege to have a three separate teams and each team Roald Dahl book handled by an Ameri- being given three hours to shoot and can director and cast. But if anyone edit their film with the finished prod- could turn the surreal wonders of Dahl’s ucts to be shown at the end with three Stolen? Never! Picture: AirTV story into a film imbued with a quirky judges deciding the best film. Howev- charm and genuine heart, it was Wes After a great deal of work had been er, instead of the teams having to come Anderson. Owen Wilson’s cameo is hi- done by all three groups the moment up with their own film from scratch, larious, and the stop-motion dancing at of truth had finally arrived with the they were given the option of some fa- the end is as heart-warming a piece of first official viewing of all of the groups In the battle of Film vs Book, who wins? Picture: Pinterest mous scenes from classic films which animation as I’ve ever seen. ‘work. The three clips chosen were the included Rocky, Stars Wars IV, Boon- - Travis Emond well-known shower scene from Hitch- of a book. empty world. dock Saints, The Matrix, Psycho, Die BOOK cock classic Psycho, the Mos Eisley - Fanny Schmidt - Travis Emond Hard and Dirty Harry. Fantastic Mr Fox was one of my favour- Cantina from Star Wars complete with BOOK BOOK The groups then had to decide ite books when I was a kid; it was prob- incredibly catchy canteen band and the Nothing beats the original book, no one The book is better as you like Neville which scene they wanted to choose ably my first experience of someone do- dojo fight between Neo and Morpheus can say “I’ve a nervous notion I should for his character, not just because you and whether they would copy the ing bad things but for the right reasons. from The Matrix. take to bleeding inwardly” better than have Will Smith to stare at for two hours. scene exactly as it had been written The characters created are very imagi- Judges Stephen Burton, Emiliya Yor- the Mr Rochester in my mind. The writ- The film is a sugary-treat; the book is a in the script they had been given or if native with the best being Mr Fox, com- danova and Chris Purdie were very ten moments that you can read over hearty meal. Book-Neville’s analytical they would put their own interesting ing across as intelligent and confident impressed with all the films produced endlessly, not missing a glimpse, just thoughts, mixed sporadically with senti- spin on it. They then had to film the you can’t help but like him and hope he with compliments given to each team aren’t the same as when you have to hit mentality, pose a new outlook on what’s scene they had chosen in the style they outwits the farmers. This story takes you about the quality that had been pro- rewind. important: “All without knowing what wanted using their own props and any with it every step of the way. duced in the short time that was avail- - Stefanie Pryke it was to love and be loved. That was a location on the University campus that - David Pellow able. However, in the end there could I AM LEGEND tragedy more terrible than becoming a they could get to in the time limit and JANE EYRE only be one winner and so the first FILM vampire”. Too right. that was available to be used as a film FILM Scene Stealers prize of a box of choco- Will Smith shows that he can act, as - Lydia Nowak location. Every good love story lives from its im- lates was given to the scene based on well as work up a sweat on the tread- There you have it, a children’s book, a Each group would have four AirTV plied meanings, its glances and almost The Matrix, which incorporated Suc- mill. Words aren’t needed when Smith romantic period drama and a vampire committee members in it to help new touches; things so subtle that we have to ceed and added some unusual difficul- can show depths of emotion with a mere horror from before the “sparkly” days members with ideas and the opera- rewatch it, just like we have to reread, to ties to the task of booking a seminar. expression, none more potent than the which have all been adapted fairly suc- tion of the filming equipment although fully grasp them. Mr Rochester’s glanc- Scene Stealers was judged by everyone scene with his dog. Years before The cessfully in our eyes. Get in touch at they encouraged new members to get es, the tone of his voice, his character who had attended it to be a huge suc- Artist revived sentimental apprecia- [email protected] to make this a involved in the directing, acting and that we fall in love with. The film Jane cess and is all but certain to be used at tion of silent movies, I Am Legend was regular online feature. The possibilities filming process at every available op- Eyre adds a layer to the story that sim- future AirTV “Give It a Go” events. released with almost no dialogue, just a are endless after all. portunity. ply cannot be found between the pages man and his dog trying to survive in an Brig | March 2012 Bc www.brignewspaper.com FILM 19 Cinema Reviews The Best Exotic Marigold Project X Hotel Dir: Nima Nourizadeh Dir: John Madden he singular aim of Project X seems to be displaying the most epic house party of all t’s a rare thing to find a film about old peo- time. If this is the case, then it is a blinding ple and even rarer to find one that’s actually success. Nima Nourizadeh’s directorial good. The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel tries to Tdebut brings scenes of suburban destruction that be such a film, and it glimmers at times, but would not look out of place in a Michael Bay film, Iin the end it turns out to be just one in the masses as three horny seniors decide to throw an open- straight from the Hollywood conveyor. to-all party in a quest for popularity, and get more The film revolves around eight elderly people than they bargained for. However, the film offers who, for various reasons, decide to upend their very little, in fact nothing, aside from one kick ass Not even a strong cast can save this weak Did you hear Chad Hogan’s having a lives and relocate to India and spend the rest of night of madness in typical American style. tea Picture: Total Film party? Picture: Empire their lives quietly in a luxurious hotel. Of course, Filmed in the “found” method more familiar to this being a film, not everything turns out as The problem with an ensemble cast is that be- horror films such asBlair Witch Project and Para- friend Kirby (Kirby Bliss Blanton) and the seduc- planned; the hotel turns out to be in an advanced cause there are so many stories that either the normal Activity, Project X follows the nerdy trio tively attractive Alexis (Alexis Knapp), but the lack state of decay and the seniors find the culture of writing or the acting has to be very good or it’s go- of Thomas (Thomas Mann), Costa (Oliver Cooper) of development leaves the audience caring very lit- India to be quite a bit different from their home ing to be hard to sympathise with. Some of it is, and JB (Jonathan Daniel Brown), who are will- tle about the outcome. In fact, the most appealing country. Hi-jinks ensue, but also a fair amount of but not all of it, and I found it especially hard to ing to do anything to get laid, and determine that characters are the two young, crazy and complete- drama. bring myself to care about Ronald Pickup and Ce- throwing an awesome party at the parentally va- ly out of their depth security guards, whose inter- The film successfully manages to be sympathetic lia Imre’s respective characters’ search for love in cated home of Thomas is the best means of achiev- pretation of protecting the house by any means is to its characters, without being condescending. their final years. The writing, in general, is very by ing this. Undeniably it is entertaining to wait and all too literal, resulting in several comic moments. The alienation and marginalisation of the elderly -the-numbers. The film strays very little from the see just how out of control things get at this party, Project X has been accused of being a glorified, is keenly felt, especially in the earlier scenes, but standard Hollywood formula, offering us mostly and there are plenty of laughs to be had along the extended beer commercial, with scantily clad the characters are never victimised, overcoming stock characters and story-lines, such as the fa- way, but relying purely on this spectacle results in women and alcohol fuelled stunts never far away, their problems like you expect movie heroes to do; miliar narratives of the overbearing wife and the the film rather running out of gas. andthis is not too far from the truth. in this case by uprooting and moving to a more downtrodden husband and young couple’s strug- Sporting the usual teenage appeal that has seen There is no sense of regret or punishment fol- accepting place. Once the gang makes its way to gle against traditionalist parents. Within half an films such as Superbad and The Inbetweeners lowing the decimation of half a neighbourhood, India, the mood lightens considerably and the film hour, you’ll probably have formed a pretty good achieve mass popularity, Project X offers little in and the thumping return to reality that you natu- proceeds like any other romantic comedy would. idea of how the film ends. It’s disappointing, espe- comparison. This is disappointing considering rally expect never emerges. In fact, the film never makes a big deal about the cially considering the film’s otherwise strong treat- this is a Todd Philips (The Hangover) production. If the idea of an hour and a half of drunken be- fact that it’s about old people; it is just a romantic ment of a usually neglected minority. There is just no character development whatso- haviour on an unimaginable scale, along with a comedy that happens to be about old people. Overall, then, as with much of mainstream cin- ever in this film; nor is there an obvious plot, aside thumping soundtrack that will have you itching for There’s a fair bit of comedy, most of it provided ema, your enjoyment of this film will be directly from the aforementioned epic high school party. the dance floor appeals to your taste, then this is by a toned down Bill Nighy and a whacked up Dev proportional to your tolerance for Hollywood No connection is made with any character, it is not the film for you. Just don’t expect to emerge from Patel. There is also a bit of drama, which is lent tropes. It’s good for a few chuckles, though, and if their fate that keeps the viewer interested, the sole the cinema feeling you have learnt any valuable life that extra oomph by the pedigree cast, most prom- you can look past the stale plot you’ll find the films interest is just how messed up the night can actu- lessons. inently Tom Wilkinson and Judi Dench. Wilkin- approach to old people refreshingly matter-of-fact. ally get. This is just as well, as the fates of Thomas son’s story, the man returning 40 years later in and co. are treated as a brief aside rather than a search of his lost love, is particularly poignant, Erik van Berlekom Rating: 2 out of 5 climactic finale. The usual high school romance Greg Barrie Rating: 3 out of 5 mostly due to his power as an actor. features as Thomas gets caught between long-term

Television DVD & BluRay Reviews

We Need to Talk About disturbed Kevin is impressive, with the continual Kevin torture of his mother a visible source of pleasure TV Round Up to both. Dir: Lynne Ramsay The opening shot sets the mood, with Eva dream- ing about a tomato festival in Latin America prior ature versus nurture is the key agenda to her marriage, which subtly fades into a waking Flying in from across the Atlantic, in Lynne Ramsey’s chilling adaptation reality as her house is attacked with red paint. The of Lionel Shriver’s novel. A haunting colour red is predominant, and constant conno- Golden Globe winner Homeland mother-son relationship dictates the tations towards the eventual bloodshed enables narrative,N with Tilda Swinton and Ezra Miller Ramsey to avoid the violence itself. Throughout Review turning in perfectly cold performances as Eva and We Need To Talk About Kevin there are clever Kevin respectively. John C. Reilly rather takes a links between past and present, as Ramsey sticks Travis Emond rather back seat role as the oblivious husband/fa- to the novel’s way of darting back and forth be- Critical acclaim, Golden Globe awards, Barack ther: no coincidence as Ramsey takes the viewer tween time zones. Obama’s stamp of approval: Homeland has al- into Eva’s head and traps them inside. This film will certainly cause conversation and ready cut a glorious path into TV schedules in the Swinton is brilliant as the demonised mother of debate, as opinions contrast on whether a child States, and now it has bypassed airport security a murderous, psychotic son, attempting to carry can be born evil or is constructed by the manner to land in our shores every Sunday on Channel 4. on with her life following the horrific turn of events of their upbringing. Whatever you conclude, the As the title suggests, Homeland revolves that is gradually provided for the viewer. The ex- fantastic acting and cinematography will have around terrorism and all the baggage the word ploration of the family dynamics as Kevin grows you completely fixated by what must be one of the invokes. One of the characters says, “As we all up leaves uncertainty about whether or not the most disturbing films of the year. know, the terrorists are still out there, wanting mother played a role in the shaping of an emotion- blood.” The problem is trying to figure out who less killer. The cohesion between child actor Jas- Greg Barrie Rating: 4 out of 5 the terrorists are, and it isn’t always obvious. per Newell and Millers’s portrayal of the greatly Clare Danes plays Carrie Mathison, a bipo- lar CIA agent equipped with a gun, suspicions, an attitude problem and a whole lot of issues. Semper Fi or Allah hu akbar? When a source tells her that an American POW Picture: Channel 4 melodramatic and sometimes downright crazy has been turned by Al-Qaeda, she feels she must Game of Thrones Bauer could torture and shoot as many bearded events. Sean Bean and Peter Dinklage (who earned defy authority and morality to find the truth. guys as he wanted with impunity: there was no Dir: David Benioff & D.B himself an Emmy Award for Supporting Actor) in Damien Lewis ditches his English accent to play time to question ethics when the nuclear weap- particular, bring gravitas and wit in just the right said POW, Nicholas Brody. Eight years being Weiss ons in North Korea needed to be disarmed in amounts. Bean as the noble Eddard Stark lost in a confined and tortured have left Brody with post- thirty minutes! Homeland is instead steeped in world of depravity and immorality, and Dinklage traumatic stress disorder and one impressive ex, swearing, violence, murder, backstab- the murky world of reality, where there are no as Tyrion Lannister, a dwarf who has all the best looking beard. And when he is finally rescued bing, leg-stabbing, eye-stabbing, basically bad guys or good guys, and where sometimes lines to describe his depravity and immorality. by US soldiers, that’s when the problems really all kinds of stabbing: Game of Thrones is right and wrong are the same thing. It is hard to What sets this series further apart is the genuine start. not for the faint-hearted. Based on the first root for the CIA when they’re lying, manipulat- Sbook of George R. R. Martin’s epic fantasy series sense of danger to each and every one of the char- Homeland can make for an uncomfortable ing, backstabbing and generally crapping on hu- acters, the bad and the good. Anyone familiar with watch, something epitomised by Brody coming A Song of Ice and Fire, the HBO show has a lot of man rights; and it isn’t easy to condemn a man the books will generally know what’s in store, but home, bruised and broken, to kids who barely exposition, characters, politics and fantastical ele- who was placed in a harrowing position and ex- the uninitiated will soon learn that in the game of remember him and a wife who has moved on. ments to convey in only ten episodes (about eight pected to come home a hero. thrones, no one is safe. If that isn’t enough, there is also more than one hundred pages’ worth), but it does so brilliantly. All that’s certain is that with a cast on top A hefty array of extras is on offer, including the character willing to do terrible things in order to At the heart of the tale is the struggle between form, an exciting labyrinth of twists and turns, almost mandatory “making of” and “behind the get what they want, and what makes this even the Stark family and the Lannister family. At times thrills and drama to spare, Homeland is not to scenes”. There are also a few featurettes fleshing more unnerving is that it’s often easy to under- violent, at times subtle, there is always tension be missed. Perhaps we should be annoyed that out certain aspects for those who have not read the stand why. In this fashion, Homeland brings to behind the scenes as the clueless king contently Damien Lewis has again decided to ditch home- novels. Audio commentary is available on seven of the forefront some pertinent issues of the mod- spends his time swigging wine and shagging grown shows for a better funded and more am- the ten episodes with cast and crew, and they are ern era and puts them out there for discussion. whores. But this is just the core of the complex web bitious US production, but with television this worth listening to, if only for the potent silences Despite being developed by some of the team in Game of Thrones, and doesn’t begin to explain good, and with a second season on the horizon, during some of the more extreme sex scenes. behind 24, this is not another clear-cut case of the huge wall keeping the undead “white walkers” we’ll let it slide for now. at bay, nor the dragon eggs belonging to an heir of “good guy versus a whole lot of bad guys”. Jack the usurped king. Travis Emond Rating: 4 out of 5 An impressive cast helps ground the sometimes Email: [email protected] Brig | March 2012 20 ART Film Editors: Catriona Keddie & Anna Jordan www.brignewspaper.com Bc The Wicker Man re-invented Theatre Review Rory Mulligan (Sean Biggerstaff) to play Although the performance lacks seri- Howie the policeman in their produc- ousness, it makes up for it with snappy Anna Jordan Arts Editor tion of The Wicker Man. one-liners, ridiculous gags, nudity and As he learns more about the Loch Parry impeccable comic timing. ome elements of Appointment Players, Mulligan becomes increasingly When Hemphill proposed screen-to- with the Wicker Man resonate suspicious of the group’s unusual be- stage adaptation ideas to director Vicky with the 1973 cult horror classic: haviour and the unknown whereabouts Featherstone, The Wicker Man was not a small Scottish island, mysteri- of Roger Morgan, the actor who played originally an option due to its shock Sous disappearances and a giant wicker Howie before Mulligan stepped in to ending. man used for sacrifices. take his place. Fortunately, the writer’s love of the However, it wouldn’t be an adaptation story led him to conceive the idea for without a twist. In this case, it’s an ama- “Horror comedy the “play within a play” production. He teur drama group who are all out of their hails The Wicker Man as “one of the boxes on Prozac. isn’t just horror best films ever”. Fresh from Scottish comedy legends with jokes, it’s Some may question a comedy adapta- Greg Hemphill and Donald McLeary, tion of a horror classic, believing that it Appointment with the Wicker Man cen- deeper, it serves would be risky. tres around a theatre group called The Hemphill argues, “Comedy is a part Loch Parry Players. Company leader the audience.” of all the great horror movies. If you’re Finlay Fothergill (Hemphill) is desper- laughing at the characters, you like ate to revive a slump in audience fig- -Greg Hemphill them, you don’t want them to be in ures, so he brings in TV cop heart-throb peril. Horror comedy isn’t just horror I won’t give too much away; let’s just with jokes, it’s deeper, it serves the au- The cast in the first musical number Picture: Markus Stitz say that hilarity ensues. dience.” Taking a cue from Hamlet’s play with- The Still Game and Chewin’ the Fat in a play idea, audiences get to see all star emphasises that the play is “affec- 60 Second Student Review the behind the scenes action; everything tionate” and “a celebration of The Wick- from faltering sets to backstage romanc- er Man” rather than a pastiche. es to extravagant costumes (or lack of in This project has also given him a PUSH at MacRobert some cases). chance to reunite with Still Game co- The sound and lighting is controlled star Paul Riley who played Winston In- This was one of the most bizarre performances I have ever sat through. It was by a rather clumsy operator called Dun- gram on the TV show. a jumble of people changing their clothes too often for no apparent reason and can whom we hear from throughout the Other cast members include Sean walking around looking aimlessly at each other. There didn’t really seem to be show, often apologising for unexpected Biggerstaff (Harry Potter), Jimmy any dancing in it either, just some jumping sometimes, and any co-ordination blunders. Chisholm, Johnny McKnight, Sally Reid between the performers seemed to be purely coincidental. The hour and a half I This set-up allows the audience to and Rosalind Sydney. spent watching this was a slow descent into madness from which it then clawed warm to the production of the show The show will be touring Scotland un- it’s way back out. On more than one occasion I was left feeling uncomfortable. along with the cast and crew. However, til the end of March. Probably not everyone’s cup of tea. if it’s substance and heart that you’re Ad Poster Picture: Markus Stitz looking for, I’d give this one a miss. Millennium Series: evil shall with evil be expelled

Literature Review ling as to the genre, plot or relationships My only other clue to the upcoming film books, unable to put them down. Not for predecessor, played by Noomi Rapace in Catriona Keddie Arts Editor between characters; only that it was the was the hype surrounding leading lady a long time has a series trapped me like the Swedish films; it almost feels like I’d Hollywood remake of the Swedish pro- Rooney Mara. Her photograph as the this. be cheating on Rooney. As crazy as that hen I went to see the sec- duction, which gave me a clue as to the film’s protagonist was released in the They are incredibly detailed, with every sounds, she is a mesmerizing character, ond production of the first story’s location. February before the film’s December character’s background intricately docu- even on paper. instalment of Stieg Lars- If you think back, when was the last release and the surrounding excitement mented and their personality leaping off I felt that everything corresponded per- son’s Millennium Series, time you had that feeling? That feeling built from there. I couldn’t wait to see the pages and into my imagination. Hav- fectly between the films and the books. TheW Girl With The Dragon Tattoo; I had of a completely new slate for a story to Mara in action and she didn’t disap- ing the film as a reference for characters They seamlessly moved from one to the literally no idea what to expect. be written on, a blank page entirely open point. only enhanced this. They were perfectly next and every loose end is tied up and I know this was a book first, I don’t know to a new ideas. It was a very refreshing But, I’ll come back to Mara, and I’ll also formed on screen and this effortlessly neatly snipped off; no stone is left un- how I avoided it for so long. I had no ink- experience when going into the cinema. come back to her co-star Daniel Craig, translated into the written version. turned. another roaring success. Daniel Craig is cast as Mikael Blomkvist, Crime writing like this is addictive. It is So the story is of a disgraced journal- the hard hitting investigative journalist fast paced and nothing is certain. There ist, Mikael Blomkvist, who is jailed and ploughing for answers. Although he has are several twists and the shocking truth fined after losing a libel case with a cor- played James Bond and that American that is eventually unravelled is a slam in rupt billionaire. He is subsequently in Tomb Raider, Daniel Craig has never the face. I would know, it took me until hired by Henrik Vanger, the retired CEO looked this good. The silver fox really 3am to come to the end. of Vanger Industries, to investigate the suits him. I urge anyone who hasn’t, to get this now cold case of the disappearance of Rooney Mara is the sensational Lis- trilogy in their lives. It may take over his niece. His employment is under the beth Salander. Ruthless, seemingly your free time but it is totally worth it. guise of accumulating his family’s mem- cold but utterly fascinating. Pierced I currently don’t have any free time, but oirs. and tattooed, with black spiked hair, when I do, I will be making a swift re- Along the way, he hires the mysterious she is laden in leather but this doesn’t turn to read these books. They are so in Lisbeth Salander to assist him. Salander overpower her slight frame. Somehow depth that, second time round, they may is a world class computer hacker with a it all perfectly falls into place and she is even be better. photograhic memory, a hard outer ar- perfect for this role. I haven’t seen her mour and some dark secrets. Salander has a very troubled past that is shrouded Macrobert Listings in secrecy, she refuses to reveal almost anything about herself to anyone. Her equally troubled present is viciously The Artist: Fri 9th- Thurs 15th March brought to light. She is violently abused by her legal guardian, but, thankfully, The Woman in Black: Sat 17th- Wed 21st March she carefully conducts her revenge. Sa- lander and Blomkvist work together on A Dangerous Method: Fri 23rd- Sun 25th March the case, their relationship develops and they uncover the Vanger family’s own secrets. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close: Sat 24th- 26th March In case, like me, you are blissfully una- ware of the plot of these books (and Best Exotic Marigold Hotel: Fri 30th March- Wed 4th April films) I’m going to stop there. Sadly, after seeing this film I was unable Red Shoes Project: Sun 1st April, 11am to stop there. As soon as the cinema au- dience got out (warning: almost three Dorothy- Retiring from Retirement: Thurs 5th April, 7:30m hours later) I went straight online and bought the second book. Thanks, Ama- A Night in Scotland with the Alexander Brothers: Sat 7th April, 7:30pm zon: one click buying. Waiting for this book was unimaginably difficult; it took Editors’ Recommendations: Casablanca showing on orginal film strip will be a lot of strength not to scour the internet playing in the MacRobert Filmhouse from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th of for the next part. March. Don’t miss this piece of cinematic histoy! Also, don’t miss the SUDS Thankfully, it did come and then so Comedy Festival on Monday 26th March, 7:30pm! Last year’s show was a did the third book, and not a moment grand success so we expect more great things from our student drama society Mara and Craig shine on the silver screen Picture: www.photobucket.com too soon. I became engrossed in these this year! Brig | March 2012 Email: [email protected] Bc www.brignewspaper.com Games & Tech Editor: Jamie Wright GAMES & TECHNOLOGY 21 BRIG GAMES POWERED BY Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning Review ole-playing games are fate and destiny, is the creation of New from a wrong move on the player’s part going to have a hard York Times bestselling author R.A. Sal- rather than a cheap hit or a badly spec’d time of it in 2012. They vatore. He manages to gives the world a character. This leads me on to one of will be competing for very well thought out feel to it. However, Reckoning’s best attributes: its charac- Rpeople’s attention with probably this does not extend to the overall feel of ter building. When you level up, you will the two biggest RPG releases of the story for the game. receive some points to put into Might, the last 5 years, Star Wars: The Old The broad strokes of the story are well Finesse, or Sorcery, and the magical part Republic and The Elder Scrolls V: constructed and are a nice deviation is that you can mix and match as much Skyrim. There is hope for Kingdoms from the Tolkien style of fantasy; how- as you want. The other genius is that it of Amalur: Reckoning, however, if ever, the interactions that you have with is cheap and easy to go back and reset it can carve out its own identity this world, the storyline and the charac- your character’s points at any stage in against these two titans of the gen- ters, are bland and lifeless. These issues the game, be you level 5 or 35. So, one re and present something differ- that Reckoning has stem mostly from minute you can be a warhammer-wield- ent and interesting for those play- its third person perspective. During the ing tower of steel, the next you can be ers already bored with what 2011 not-infrequent conversations with other a teleporting wizard who rains down had to offer. characters on your adventures, you will meteors and shoots lightning. As you At a glance, Kingdoms of Amalur: be asked to contribute something us- can imagine, it’s a lot of fun. It’s just a Reckoning would seem to present itself ing the Bioware style of conversation shame that the way you get to that com- as a mash-up of The Elder Scrolls games wheel; however, even though you will bat is more than a little dull. The box art doesn’t look anything like World of Warcraft. Oh, wait, that with third person combat in the vein pick something to say, your character The way that you obtain quests in looks like the blasted lands, nevermind. Source: Giantbomb.com of God of War, and even though it hits in game will never actually say a sin- Reckoning bears a striking resemblance the target you couldn’t call it a perfect gle word, even though the camera will there is no other word for it than rotten ing, as looking at your character’s bewil- to an MMO-style of game design. Walk dered face isn’t even visually appealing. fit. Many of its elements are lifted from spend half of the time for that conversa- into a town, see gold exclamation marks game design. MMO tropes, a less than stellar attribute tion fixed on your bored, expressionless above villagers’ heads, talk to all villag- The monster designs and general In two or three years’ time, the opin- for a single-player game. face. Even if someone is telling you they ers, complete quests in the most efficient look of the game are in a similar vein to ions of those who experienced King- The main story starts with you wak- just murdered your dog, you don’t get manner, collect reward from glowing World of Warcraft, further instilling the doms of Amalur: Reckoning will be ing up after having died in unknown a dog: I’m just talking metaphorically, question marks, rinse and repeat. On feel of an MMO style; however, it adds a that it was a good game that came out circumstances, and you are the first per- this isn’t fable, your character will still many occasions I found myself running huge amount of satisfaction to the com- too close to the release of Skyrim and son to be resurrected using the “well of have the same bland expression of abso- around not knowing what quest I was on bat, especially when you’re taking down Star Wars: the Old Republic. However, souls”. As someone who has been resur- lute boredom as before. or what the point of it was, which is okay creatures the size of a house. Sadly, the that would not be getting to the heart of rected you are known as someone who is Where the story suffers from the third- for an MMO, because the interactions same cannot be said for the character the issue. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reck- fateless, and in a world ruled by fate this person perspective, the combat revels you are seeking are those with other models and in particular the faces of the oning should be remembered for being is something exceptional, as the events in it. The action is fluid and responsive players, but in a single player game it people you interact with throughout the a decent game that was dragged down that you take part in are no longer pre- with a difficulty that is challenging with- is lazy and, coupled with the problems game. This exacerbates the problems al- by a handful of bad design choices. determined. This world, governed by out feeling cheap. Death usually results with the story telling already mentioned, ready inherent in the game’s story-tell- Rating: 3 out of 5 Jamie Wright Games and Tech headlines The Games Developers Conference has happened in San Fransisco, incredibly smart people came, saw, and got very intoxicated • Video games retailer Game is having problems financially and is currently unable to stockMass Effect 3 and other EA Games • Blizzard cuts 600 jobs to ac- commodate the rising cost of game development and bamboo • Medal of Honor has a sequel with a dumb name, Medal of Honor “Warfighter” Who said A quick look at the adventure new Playstation Vita games are The Playstation Vita is going on sale comparatively strong line-up of games at a bit of a hard time. Sony has had to show off. The technical power house dead? financial problems for a while and iOS of the bunch is Uncharted: Golden arly last month Tim Schafer devices have completely turned the Abyss, which looks almost straight of announced there was some- mobile gaming culture on its head with the PS3, but the best way to describe it thing new in the works at his 69 pence gaming. However, Sony has is as the straight to DVD version of the production company, Double always relied on its wow factor to get Uncharted series, which, to be honest, EFine. Funded entirely by public contri- people to notice its products, so can isn’t that bad. butions through Kickstarter, the plan is a PSP with the power of a PS2 and an The proof of concept and probably the to create an old school point-and-click iPhone-style touch screen be a com- best game of the launch has to be Little adventure game. If Schafer ringing this petitor in the handheld market. Deviants. Its whimsical nature will melt particular bell hasn’t got you salivating Well, when you see a PS Vita for the your heart and the ways it uses all of the then perhaps this will help: Ron Gilbert first time, the first thing you and Vita’s hardware features will leave you is also, er, ringing a bell. The last time everybody else will notice is its screen; stunned. The flip side to the best game they collaborated they came up with the it is gorgeous. The 5-inch capacitive is of course the biggest disappointment, first two instalments of the Monkey Is- multi-touch OLED screen is probably Wipeout 2048, which manages to have land series, still considered by many to the best display I have ever seen, and load times that are to put it plainly, be the finest games of their kind. Kick- By the time you read this, the kickstarter will be over, but go and check combined with the power of the quad unacceptable. starter donations have now exceeded out the final total at Kickstarter.com Source: Digitaltrends.com core processor it can display PS2 qual- Overall, the PS Vita has a pretty good $2.5 million, over four times their initial ity graphics, which is pretty impressive. line up from what I have seen, but with forecast. The question we should ask out of this community. Instead of a too high then it’s a simple case of “use The Vita also sports a rear track pad, a price tag of £197 for the Wi-Fi version ourselves is, why? I think there are two retrospective of Schafer’s works to cel- hammer on picture”. But you don’t live that at first sounds a bit weird, but give or £259 for 3G, it might be hard to get plausible answers. It could be that it’s ebrate Double Fine’s announcement, it in the normal world: you are a PI in a the game Little Deviants a go and you someone with a smart phone to get a just another Schafer game. When you is more appropriate, I think, to look at noir. Naturally, then, the hammer has will see how good it is. touch device that can’t make calls. The consider what this man has created, you something new and exciting in one of the pearly lustre of silverfish in a crack The hardware is defiantly impressive true potential of the Vita will come realise he is incapable of mediocrity; his gaming’s oldest formats. dealer’s den and the picture towers over but what about the software? Any about if they can get some must-have last point-and-click title was Grim Fan- PataNoir is the epitome of all that’s you like the memory of your murdered new piece of tech will live or die on is have games to make everyone stand up dango, a morbidly vibrant adventure good in modern text adventures, and wife. In this instance, you would then be software support, and the PS Vita has a and take notice. which hasn’t aged since its release over probably best described as the game able to talk to your wife who might give a decade ago. Douglas Adams, Alfred Jarry and Valve you clues. If she is reluctant to talk, then Despite Schafer’s voodoo, I’m not never made. It’s a “pataphysical” detec- you could throw silverfish at her face un- convinced this is the reason for the fun- tive story that uses noir tropes in a way til she “squeals”. Okay, bad example, but draising success. In an interview with that simply couldn’t be done in an en- you get the gist. Metaphors interact with Schafer, Gilbert said adventure games vironment with any more than one di- other similes only, and once you get into never died, just they haven’t kept up mension. You play as Douglas Reilly, a the flow a new challenge presents itself; with the RPGs and FPSs that dominate private investigator with a special gift. A it becomes increasingly difficult to sepa- today’s market. I agree. Whilst the ad- baron wants your help to find out what rate the various images swirling around venture game may not have grown in has happened to his daughter. So far, so you. It’s a radically inventive, funny and popularity, it still has an exceptionally normal. Things take a turn for the crazy challenging game. After the 10 minutes strong following. Nowhere is this more when you run up against the puzzles, it takes you to figure out how to leave evident than in the text adventure. Due though. Nearly every obstacle you face the office, I guarantee you’ll be hooked. to the relatively simple coding involved, consists of two layers: literal and meta- It’s free to download or play online and I anyone with a concept is able to create phorical. implore you to do so. one. As a result, some of the most origi- As you would expect, if you have a nal and exciting ideas in gaming come hammer and there is a painting that is Matthew Anslow Just imagine Little Big Planet with a touch screen Source: Nextgn.com Email: [email protected] Brig | March 2012 22 FASHION Fashion Editor: Nicola Smith www.brignewspaper.com Bc Too soon for Winehouse? March’s best-dressed students ou’d be forgiven for thinking can only imagine the double takes that Left that, after the shock death of would have occurred as model after Rachel Wilson Amy Winehouse in July 2011, model strutted down the catwalk, all of First year, Film & Media Studies the Winehouse family would be whom looked like carbon copies of the If you had £1,000 to spend on one freeY from controversy by 2012, but you’d Back to Black singer. As the swarm of fashion item, what would it be? “I be mistaken. Despite having died over 6 oversized, black beehives made their think it’s more important to budget months ago, Amy’s name is still hitting way down the catwalk to barbershop and look through charity shops or the headlines and managing to cause a renditions of Winehouse’s greatest hits, look for bargains. I’d rather stir. This time, however, it’s not down to surrounded by smoke from the models’ spend my money on travelling!” drink and drugs, it’s all about fashion. cigarettes it can hardly be said that the Favourite item for spring? An avid follower of fashion, mixing and models’ stark resemblance to the trou- “Anything light and bright. I’m updating vintage styles from the ‘50s, bled singer is merely a coincidence. always outside during the summer Amy followed the trend of other fash- Mitch Winehouse, Amy’s father, told or camping so anything easy to wear ion savvy celebs and, in October 2010, the papers that his entire family were and comfy.” launched her own line of clothes in col- upset with the pictures released, stating laboration with a high street store. Her that, “They were a total shock.” Mitch store of choice? None other than the admitted that although he was pleased Right British high street designer brand Fred at his daughter’s influence on the world Rory Cargill Perry. Working closely with the brand’s of fashion he found it disrespectful that Philosophy designers, Amy created her Paper Doll the fashion designer used his daughter’s Favourite item of clothing? “My collections, drawing on her own 50s image without consulting the family for brown leather, Zara boots. Bought inspired tastes to create a fresh feeling permission or without at least offering a them in sixth form and they’ve lasted yet vintage looking collection and, with donation towards the foundation set up me ever since.” enough designs prepared to last through in Amy’s name to help other troubled Who do you model your style to the Autumn/Winter season of this youngsters; especially when he planned on? “Usually a modern take on year, her collection is due to live on long on using images of Amy during the ‘90s grunge along the lines of Kurt after her. A true testament to a true lov- toughest period of her life, a period full Cobain.” er of fashion. of excessive drinking and drug taking. But this, I hear you cry, is hardly scan- But should Gaultier’s line be seen as to say that, "We just consume far too dalous or controversial enough to make disrespectful to the late singer or rather gree with is her implication that salad is much. I’m talking about all this dispos- headlines. Well, no, actually. It’s not. a tribute to her and her influence on Buy less, better than a McDonalds. able crap. What I’m saying is buy less, That comes courtesy of the French, modern pop-culture? Was the show re- To prove her point: Chinos and Bar- choose well. Don’t just suck up stuff so haute couture designer Jean-Paul ally in bad taste or was it rather a means bour Jackets. At the moment the whole everybody looks like clones. Don’t just Gaultier. to highlight Winehouse’s talent and wear more, country is walking around in chinos eat McDonald’s, get something a bit bet- Jean-Paul Gaulteir has always caused individuality? Due to the proximity of and barbour style quilted jackets. Both ter. Eat a salad. That’s what fashion is. a stir in the world of fashion. Who can Gaultier’s show to the time of the sing- of which you can get in any high street says Viv It’s something that is a bit better.” forget the cone bra he created for Ma- er’s death it is understandable that the store. Mass produced items of clothing iery fashion designer Vivienne Easy for an absolutely loaded fashion donna? And what about this year? Well, Winehouse family be upset by the use of for the masses. It seems that consumer- Westwood recently caused a stir designer to say, right? this year he’s done it again. Amy’s image without their prior knowl- ism has stifled our creativity. amongst the unfashionable Brit- When the whole country seems to be With every eye in the world of fashion edge to the event, but surely anything So next time you pick up your chinos ish public when she boldly pro- skint it's understandable that, for most, fixed on Paris Fashion Week in January that keeps the memory of Amy’s many intent on pairing them with your Bar- Fclaimed that, "People have never looked shopping in high street stores proves a bour, step back and ask yourself if you of this year, everyone around the world talents alive is to be commended rather so ugly as they do today." waited with baited breath to see the new better option than flitting between out- really want to look like every other guy than condemned? Putting our ugliness down to conform- collections by some of the world’s most rageously expensive designer outlets. in the country. ism and consumerism, she went on Eoghan O’Driscoll famous fashion designers and, true to That said, the only thing I really disa- form, Mr Gaultier did not disappoint. I Amy Dunsmuir Pot, kettle, fat Karl. We still love you Adele he fashion industry is ruthless. in more fashion magazines than you This much we know. In this day can shake a shoe at. The catch? She is and age models are constantly famous for starring in a 1960s period under pressure to stay “slim,” drama, a time when curves were worn Tsorry, I say slim, I probably mean thin- a plenty. The recent trend for period ner than a pre-pubescent boy. To fit into dramas and vintage inspired wardrobes teeny-tiny, itsy-bitsy, sample size cloth- seems to be the only thing steering de- ing it’s a running joke that models sur- signers away from sample sizing; noth- vive on nothing more than diet coke and ing to do with the fact that most of us cigarettes. Perhaps, not so funny. An couldn’t get it past our knees. extra roll of fat and you are more over The fashion for using super-skinny than last season’s Prada sandals; more models in runway shows and ad cam- finished than Tyra Banks’ modelling paigns was sparked in the 1990s with career and out quicker than Linsay Lo- then spring-chicken, Kate Moss. The han’s knickers at a party. trend was called ‘heroin chic’ and quite Recently, this overly critical eye was rightly so. Fashion houses were influ- cast upon eight-time Grammy Award enced by grunge, so clothes and models winner, Adele. Chanel’s creative direc- alike reflected this. Since then models Brig Fashion takes over tor, Karl Lagerfeld, was quoted as saying have remained on the wrong side of the singer is “a little too fat.” Perhaps a slim. Some fashion lines have even gone DebRA in the Thistles little bit rich coming from a man who so far as to use computer generated bod- ies to achieve the slim and flawless look: he Brig Fashion team took on the challenge to take eclectic was a little bit of a porker himself in the H&M we’re narrowing out eyes at you! items from DebRA in the Thistles Centre and create outfits past. The designer’s comments, made in T This idea of “perfection” has manifested for our ‘decades’ photoshoot. With a little help from Photoshop, Paris newspaper Metro, left fans reeling itself into women’s magazines, our Brit- and Rajmund Bakonyi, we just about look presentable. and caused a stir in fashion circles. Nev- er one to shy away from controversy, La- ish culture and, most importantly, the gerfeld, quickly dismissed his comments minds of women themselves over the as being “taken out of context.” Call me a past few decades. cynic, but when the f-word is used, there Over the years only a few models have usually isn’t much to decipher. managed to break this vicious cycle. Here at Brig Fashion HQ, these com- Clothes and fashion are such a huge ments got us thinking about fashion part of most women’s lives and so the and how weight and size has played a association between clothing and be- massive role throughout history. When ing underweight is always going to be a trying to imagine a time in which mod- dangerous one. To be quite frank, there els and actresses looked like they had is never going to be a designer revolu- actually seen a hot meal, one person tion in which we are presented with comes to mind: Marilyn Monroe. At her more average-sized models: the sam- height of stardom, she was a US size 16. ple sizes just aren’t made for that. Fine. She had womanly curves and dresses But it is entirely unfair to use the same that flaunted her full figure. Celebrated standards for ordinary people (or even for her curves, fashion of the day was extraordinary, like Adele). Lagerfeld’s made to reflect “real” women’s figures comments may echo the voice of fash- and certainly Marilyn’s. And today? ion, but in a country where the average Let’s just say, it is a lot more difficult to dress size for women is a size 14, it cer- find a curvy woman in an ad campaign tainly does not speak for the rest of us. or on the big screen. Mad Men actress Now let’s all go eat a biscuit and think Christina Hendricks is a prime example ourselves lucky that Chanel doesn’t care of a full-figured woman who is featured what we look like. Alice Hinds Brig | March 2012 Email: [email protected] Bc www.brignewspaper.com Food & Drink: Victoria Pease FOOD & DRINK 23 Mother’s Day meringues Gin for f you’re stuck for ideas for what to Preheat the oven to 140oC/120oC fan/ give your mum this Mother’s Day, Gas mark 1. Line a large baking sheet why not get busy in the kitchen and with baking parchment. In a large clean whip up some tasty meringues? bowl using a hand mixer, whisk the egg the win Light,I and with a delicate crunch of pis- whites with a pinch of salt to stiff peaks. tachio, these will be just the dessert to Gradually add the sugar 1 tablespoon serve your mum for a well-deserved af- at a time to create a very stiff and shiny et’s face it: we all love a nice lit- ternoon tea. Simply serve with delicate meringue. Whisk in the cornflour and tle drinky once in a while. Be sandwiches, scones with clotted cream vinegar, then fold in almost all the pis- it Vodka, Wine, Beer, Peach and a glass of pink fizz for an original tachios, reserving a handful. Schnapps, Midori or a potent alternative to the usual twee gifts found Lcombination of the lot, an alcoholic in the shops. Spoon the meringue into 6 piles spaced drink can be just the ticket at the end of well apart on the baking sheet and using a hard day. Yet in recent years, one spir- Adapted from delicious. magazine July the back of a spoon, create a slight dip it in particular has started to pour itself 2011 in the middle. Sprinkle with the remain- more rapidly into our cocktail glasses. ing pistachios and bake for 45 minutes. To which do I refer? None other than Once cooked, turn off the oven and leave the deliciously fragrant, endlessly quaf- You Will Need the door ajar to cool completely. fable spirit named Gin. 4 large egg whites These meringues will now keep in a Gone are the days when this spirit was 225g caster sugar well-sealed container for up to a week solely a drink for your Nan at Christ- 1 ½ teaspoons cornflour and can be paired with a simple berry mas. Along with other vintage-esque ¾ teaspoon white wine vinegar salad and a good dollop of crème frai- trends, it has come back with a venge- 50g shelled pistachios, che, mixed with a dot of vanilla paste. roughly chopped ance. Originally, gin was used as a Victoria Pease and Nicola Smith medicine to treat kidney and stomach Try some tasty gin cocktails to shake up your spiritual knowledge ailments. Alas, today it has quite the Picture: Alice Hinds adverse affect, but is still nonetheless Tom Collins delectable. Made predominantly from Add the Vermouth to a shaker full of ice. juniper berries, the spirit has a fragrant Ice Stir this round until the ice is sufficient- quality which makes it perfect for drink- 2 shots Dry Gin ly coated. Strain off the Vermouth and ing neat or simply with bitter tonic. If 2 shots Fresh Lemon Juice discard. Add the gin to the Vermouth that sounds a bit too full on for you gin 1 tsp Sugar Syrup soaked ice and stir for around 20 sec- virgins out there, try it with a fruity mix- Soda Water (or Sparkling Water) onds. Strain the liquid into a cold glass er. An excellent choice is cranberry juice Slice of Lemon and serve with the olives skewered on a served with a slice of cucumber. Try to cocktail stick. avoid the cheaper “own brand” options Scoop the ice into a cocktail shaker. and instead splash out on a good bottle, Add the gin, fresh lemon juice and sugar Gimlet like Bombay Sapphire. Gordon’s is also syrup. Top up the mixer with the soda an acceptable brand, for those wishing water, pop on the top of the shaker and Ice to pinch a few pennies. give it a good old shake. Serve with the 2 shots Gin ice and slice of lemon, in a long glass. 1 shot Rose’s Lime Juice To hopefully inspire some new gin lovers (and tickle a few taste buds), here Dry Martini Add all the ingredients to a cocktail are a few classic ways of using the spirit. shaker, with ice. Shake it, like a Polar- Please remember to drink responsibly. Ice oid picture. Strain into a short glass and Or at least drink enough to forget any ¾ shot of Vermouth serve. misdemeanours. Why not treat your mum to some tasty homemade meringues? 2 ½ shots of Gin Picture: Nicola Smith 3 Green Olives Alice Hinds Review: Kublai Khans Something to be Forgotten? Five of the Best: Merchant City, Glasgow need of any foodie inspiration, there Twicipies are recipes on the wall. Price: £20.90 (weekdays) & £22.95 On my first visit to the BBQ Ide- (weekend) for the Mongolian Feast. cided to try llama, which, considering ood blogging has never been sim- I do not even eat lamb, was a rather Fpler with the rise of Twitter, and ublai Khans is a Mongolian adventurous first dish for me to try. I the ability to share recipes in under Restaurant, which delivers a mixed up a sauce of my own with coco- 140 characters is something many truly unique dining experi- nut milk, paprika, curry powder, BBQ prolific foodie Tweeters, such as Gizzi ence, with many exotic types sauce and chilli flakes amongst other Erskine and Nigella Lawson revel in. Kof meat on offer including ostrich and spices and sauces. Here, Brig Food shows you some tasty zebra. I was a bit anxious waiting on the recipes: all under 140 characters. For my starter I had wild boar. I had cooked meal coming to my table, but never tried this meat before and for me again I was pleasantly surprised. Lla- Jacket Potato with Houmous it was a pleasant surprise as it is not ma is similar in texture to beef and I and Roasted Red Pepper much different from pork. thought it was quite similar in taste to Scrub and roast baking pot with s/p The main course is the exciting part lamb but less oily. However, I did find and oil for 1 ½ hrs till crisp. Fill with of Kublai Khans though and the reason the meat quite tough and chewy, so I’m jarred red peppers and 2 tbsp hou- why everyone loves it, and after expe- unsure if I would have it again since I mous. riencing it myself, I agree. You do have prefer my meat more tender. Something for the Weekend is changing channels, but will you be the option of choosing a meal off the For the second dish I had water buf- watching? Raspberry Mojito Granitia menu but I think most people go for falo which I preferred to the llama. Picture: BBC Simmer 250g rasps, 25g sugar, juice the feast option which allows you in a It said on the wall chart that it was ½ lime, mint + 1 tbsp rum. Blend + sense to create your own meal as you similar to beef but with less fat. After y Sunday mornings usually air soon. sieve. Pour on baking sheet, freeze for are allowed to revisit the BBQ as many sampling, I actually discovered that it consist of sleeping until For those who have never tuned in, 2 hrs. Scrape with 2 forks. times as you like was far tastier than beef. This, in turn, late in the afternoon, sit- the show dishes up a three-course meal To create your own dish, first you made water buffalo my favourite meat ting in my pyjamas all day each week with a brunch at the end in Bacon, Avocado and Parmesan choose between a base of noodles or of the night. I also tried the chicken Mand the possibility of watching Some- case you’re still hungry. And for the al- Salad rice. Secondly, you fill your bowls from and it was lovely, so if you are not into thing for the Weekend on BBC iPlayer coholics amongst us, a couple of cock- Grill 2 slices bacon till crisp. Chop + to a selection of beautifully fresh vegeta- being adventurous there are always later in the day. For “normal” people, tails are served before 11am to wash all bowl of rocket w/ chopped avo + lemon bles. I pigged out on the water chestnut some tasty alternatives to the more out- their Sunday mornings include toast, the food down. Sadly however, the show juice. Top w/ shaved parmesan + driz- and bamboo shoots. Thirdly, you then rageous meats. tea and the same television programme also promotes the career of Louise Red- zle balsamic vinegar. chose which meat you would like from It was a struggle to fit dessert in after at its time of broadcast. However, in re- knapp. You may remember her from the a vast and interesting selection which all that food, but it was worth it. I or- cent weeks the BBC has announced the girl band Eternal and the “It is” Thomas Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms includes such novelties as venison, wild dered the Mars bar cheesecake, which cancellation of my guilty TV pleasure. Cook advert. It is a holiday, Louise, we Mix 2 tbsp chopped walnuts w/ sof- boar, ostrich, springbok, zebra, kanga- has to be one of the best desserts I Where else am I going to watch celebri- get it. Thankfully, due to her lack of tened leek. Stuff into 2 ‘shrooms and roo, octopus, llama and camel, as well have ever had. The cheesecake has a ties attempting to cook while promoting presenting and cooking ability, she has top with torn mozz + breadcrumbs. as more mundane meats such as beef mousse-like texture and it was simply their latest autobiographies? been left behind to pursue “other pro- Grill 4 5 mins. Serve w/ rocket. and chicken. wonderful and Kublai Khans would be Channel 4, that’s where. Soon after jects” and an extended holiday. Finally, you complement your selec- well advised to put it on their regular its axing, battle commenced between Changing broadcast provider from Blueberry Pancakes tion with a combination of sauces, oils, menu. Channel 4 and ITV1, with the former the BBC to Channel 4 could possibly lift Mix 100g s/r flour, 25g c sugar, 1 egg herbs and spices, before taking your I would highly recommend visiting coming out on top. Upon winning this Something for the Weekend and give it , 100ml milk + 2 tbsp B-berries. Tbsp bowl over to the huge open barbeque. Kublai Khans this year if you fancy honour, they snapped up the presenting a new lease of life under a less harsh set into frying pan over medium heat, You are then free to either return to something different. I had a very pleas- duo made up of deadpan cockney, Tim of broadcasting rules as its former sup- cook 1 min each side. your seat to have your creation served ant experience and it’s always a novelty Lovejoy and everyone’s favourite token plier. I guess I’ll have to wait and see if to your table, or to stay and watch the to say that you ate llama in 2012. bald man, Simon Rimmer. The new it’s worth its weight on 4oD. Grill Chefs do their thing. If you are in show, which has been imaginatively ti- Victoria Pease Victoria McEwan tled “Sunday Brunch”, is scheduled to Ben Lennox Email: [email protected] Brig | March 2012 24 Opinion Editors: David Devereux & Simon Ewing www.brignewspaper.com Opinion Location, location, location: town vs. campus

investigated to MI5 level by someone However, one downside to living in the biggest advantages of living in town: Ledger’s Joker were based on this man. Craig Wilson with a keen mind and experience in both town, and it is a rather big one, is the if you move in with friends from your This brings to the table another argu- establishments. Luckily, I am equipped expense. In halls you pay for your room, first year, those close friends become ment in favour of campus life: the peo- ver the years, some of the with both. gas, electricity and the fabulous décor, your best friends. ple walking amongst you aren’t tooth- world’s greatest intellectuals I’ve lived in town for the last two years. and the price remains constant every less and dragging their toddler by their have debated the most con- There are many advantages to living month. This makes it much easier to save “This constant ban- ankles behind them. In halls, you feel troversial topics, Communism here: for starters, you’re never more for days out with your friends or drink- more like you’re living in a community Ovs. Capitalism, Coke vs. Pepsi, Dusk vs. than five minutes away from anything, ing so much you don’t even remember ter is what made liv- of people who are very similar to your- Fubar, etc, and now I’m going to tackle especially all the clubs and pubs, and what your savings paid for. Whilst most self, and this is a very comfortable situ- the biggest of all: Living on Campus vs. this saves a good amount of taxi fares flats in Stirling are cheaper than halls, ing in Murray Hall ation to be in. That being said, most of Living in Town. Obviously such a hot and uncomfortable chat with taxi driv- the cost of bill is more inconsistent than these people like to party (and party topic as this needs to be researched and ers. Rangers’ home form, especially if you in my first year such hard) and can sometimes be a bit of a live in a flat like mine with high ceilings bad influence. At least in town you don’t and no double glazing, where it would a great experience” need to deal with ten steaming drunk still be cold if it were heated by the en- young adults in your kitchen, or peo- ergy of the sun. There’s also the bonus The campus itself is beautiful and eve- ple singing Wonderwall at four in the of paying a TV licence as well as internet rything you need is close by, with the morning. In town you’re more likely to bills, although this is better than having occasional trip to Tesco aside. It’s very just hear sirens of some sort; a fair ex- one TV room for a hundred people and picturesque and natural, and I’d find change, in my opinion. living with the ever-reliable services of it difficult to say the same for Stirling On the whole, I’ve had a lot of fun living CampusNet. town centre. Living in town, I’ve come in town. Despite being more expensive, Having said that, in halls there can be to realise organisations such as the MIB I prefer having a double bed and space so little to do (especially on weekends) must be fictional, since the scum of the to do my yoga without being judged, as that even procrastination becomes bor- universe are in fact still walking the well as a fridge that can fit more than a ing and writing your essay is genuinely streets in matching tracksuits in broad tub of butter and two cans of Strong- entertaining, although if you’re bored daylight. A word of warning: at some bow. But my year in halls was a brilliant there’s always an array of personalities point, a local will ask to borrow a pound, time, and my only regret is that I didn’t to mingle with. This constant banter is and if this is a gangly man with a blue make the most of my time there; that’s what made living in Murray Hall in my cap you should refuse as he will ask you, probably my main reason for missing first year such a great experience; ob- “Can you do me a big favour, pal? I’ve the banter you can only really experi- viously you don’t become best friends got to get to Falkirk, so can I borrow £5? ence for that first year. If you’re a first with everyone you live with, but I was If you give me your number I’ll give you year living in halls now, make the most fortunate enough to be in a group where it back tomorrow.” Clearly, the greatest of it, because living there in consecutive everyone got along great and we had a fictional criminal masterminds such as years will probably be too much for the First year accommodation, Murray Hall Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi lot of fun. Actually, this leads onto one of Danny Ocean, Charlie Croker and Heath soul and the liver to take. Toilet attendants: just the tip of the iceberg it had been done for me. I nodded my but I generally only do it when I feel a Colm Currie head in his direction, washed my hands, good service has been provided. Ever Politics Editor then made to dry them on my trousers since I was taught how to, I’ve been us- and make good my escape. But no; he ing the toilet on an almost daily basis swooped in with a paper towel, which and, not meaning to toot my own horn, I could hardly refuse. I waved away his I’ve become rather good at it. The ef- he guidelines on whom, when offer of cologne and turned to leave, but fort of soaping up, turning on the tap and how much to tip aren’t then he grabbed my arm. and drying my hands isn’t so much that clear, and vary greatly from I can’t handle it; in fact, I do it almost place to place. In some US without thinking about it. So, in this Tstates, waiters and bar workers are paid “When the ser- instance, I didn’t feel that I should be less than the minimum wage, as they’re obliged to tip. As a student, I don’t have expected to earn tips in addition to this. vice has been good a great deal of money, so I don’t just give If you don’t leave a tip, or tip less than it away. I’m also not in the habit of giv- 15%, this will usually be considered in- I will tip, espe- ing tips to taxi drivers, as chances are sulting. In Italy, on the other hand, tips I’m already giving them a fair wedge. aren’t expected by those in the service However, if I’ve had a few refreshments industry. Italians often tip only when cially if someone I usually feel generous, so I’ll probably the service has been exceptional, and give them a couple of quid more. Unfor- Italian waiters have even been known has gone beyond tunately, when I’ve had a few refresh- to refuse tips from tourists. Tipping in ments is when I’m most likely to get a the UK is somewhere in between; it’s taxi anyway. expected, but not needed to make a the call of duty to Broadly speaking, though, before I give living wage. Some restaurants include a tip I evaluate whether or not it’s been a service charge for larger parties, but make my experi- earned. When the service has been good generally any tip left is at the discretion I will tip, especially if someone has gone of the customer. However, sometimes ence as comfort- beyond the call of duty to make my expe- there’s some pressure to tip, and I don’t rience as comfortable, relaxing, or tasty like that one bit. as possible. Where the service has been I recently had the misfortune of using able, relaxing or poor or merely adequate, I won’t tip un- the toilets in the Med; whatever your less I’m pressured into it, in which case thoughts on it, it’s hardly the classiest tasty as possible.” I usually crumble like a buttery biscuit Picture: ebay.co.uk venue in Stirling. Before I went in, my base. friend had alerted me to the presence of I’ve worked as a waiter and a barman or if they caught me looking at my phone if you’ve been there a long time, if you’ve a toilet attendant, so in order to have the He indicated the tip bowl. I, in turn, in the past and, having been on the oth- while I was meant to be doing some- been difficult in any way (although cus- perfect excuse not to tip, I left my wallet indicated that I was skint, and I was er side of the situation, I don’t think my thing “productive”, then I would fully tomers don’t often realise when they at the bar. Sure enough, there he was, allowed to leave, but my goodness, did opinion has changed. I would always do expect my tip to be reduced or forgotten have), if the staff have gone out of their armed with his squirty soap and his ar- I feel awkward. Had I not been fore- my best to give a good service and treat about entirely. However, there are some way to help you, and (probably the most ray of fancy colognes. I did what I had to warned, I think I would have been ca- the customers well, not least because a conditions where, if you meet even one, important one of all) if you’re with kids. do, then made my way to the sink area, joled into giving him as much as one good tip can buy a couple of pints after a you must always leave a tip: if the ser- Follow these simple rules, and you prob- where I begrudgingly accepted a helping pound. long shift. If I spilled a glass of wine on a vice has been good, if you’re a big group, ably won’t go wrong. of soap. Before I could turn the tap on, I’m not against tipping in all scenarios, customer, brought them the wrong food, if you’ve had a lot of food, if you’re rich,

Brig Writers On... Editorial & Opinion “Memes are hilarious if done right, pain- “I like memes if they’re about something “I think the only thing worse than inter- Each month, we ask Brig ful if done wrongly and they’re ingenius I can relate to. Otherwise I just end up net memes are the people that lecture Online Articles writers their opinions on when they are exclusive to something complaining that they’re spelled wrong- others on how to use them properly.” you know.” ly.” David Devereux Check out brignewspaper.com to read: a given topic. This month: Craig Wilson Simon Ewing Internet Memes Simon Leigh investigating The Sun on Sunday “Some memes are okay. Some of them “Memes are one of the most recent “Internet memes, y u no make me are funny. Some are neither and some ways the Internet has found to let eve- “Like you, I used to have an opinion laugh? Meanwhile in the Cottrell build- are both. Some of them are overused.” rybody show their creativity. They are about internet memes; my failure to ing, someone somewhere is laughing at David Devereux commenting on web- Colm Currie fantastic.” wear knee-pads put a stop to that.” the latest meme.” sites’ comment sections Sean Heron Ehssan Shamoradi Simon Leigh Brig | March 2012 Opinion www.brignewspaper.com 25 Getting shirty about T-shirts Be open to debate another. Elsewhere, I’m surrounded by tion, often opted for a snappy white suit is as a theme for pub crawls. We try to Simon Ewing T-shirts with phrases on them I don’t and pulled it off swimmingly, so he must Ehssan Shamoradi keep everything as informal as possi- understand, pasted in odd angles and in have had something sussed. (I often find ble. We don’t expect esoteric knowledge Opinion Editor odd fonts, saying things like “Excellent that pulling off a white suit is pretty dif- about the machinations of American Auditioning ’89”, “Macaroni Kids of the ficult, especially if I haven’t undone any hat do you actually do politics, or, for that matter, any previ- Summer” and “Banana Jam Brainbox of the buttons beforehand.) This is fair in the Debating Society? ous experience with debating. There’s couple of weeks ago I realised When this question was no requirement to actually get up and that my T-shirt sleeves stick Festival”. And then you have the slogans enough, but for those of us who don’t trying to appeal to the “lad” demograph- know a stitch about fashion it’s difficult posed to me during Re- throw yourself right into the firing line, out too much. While every- UnionW Week, I was momentarily at a although if you do, we won’t bite. body else’s seem to head di- ic. These can take the form of blokey to work out what this or that piece of proverbs (“Excuses are like assholes: clothing says about us; what kind of man loss. Wasn’t it obvious? When you call The focus of the majority of meetings, rectlyA downwards as soon as they’ve yourselves the Debating and Public everyone has one and they all stink!!!”; does it make? When I said above that I rather than on proper debates, tends left the shoulder, mine waft around like Speaking Society of Stirling University, to be on practice and speech-oriented wings, drifting dumbly away to form “Save water – drink beer!!!”; “Take my know what I don’t want to wear, this advice; I don’t use it anyway!!!”), Chuck doesn’t mean I’ve got any idea what I surely the general gist of things is self- games designed to help you improve and these billowy wedges that make my arms evident? Well, I thought, we debate; to lighten the mood. For instance, we’ve look weedy, and make my ability to pick Norris facts or, if all else fails, blatant do want. For me, then, clothes-shopping misogyny. Last year, for instance, Top- has become a numb, stifling experience thankfully, before I’d opened my mouth recently introduced a new game where out clothes for myself look pretty much in reply I realised the questioner had a the speaker has to talk about a random non-existent. This isn’t the only problem man was forced to withdraw a range of where I usually end up with no more T-shirts bearing such messages as “Nice clothes than I began with; and more of- point. subject for a minute without stuttering I’ve had with finding T-shirts that fit me: Back in first year when I tested out soci- or repetition; if you falter then the first thanks to my weird dimensions, the hem New Girlfriend: What Breed is She?” If ten than not, I end up with fewer. that wasn’t enough, should I find a T- When I was young I was jealous of eties to decide which fit me best, I joined person to catch you out takes over. Try- will always be too high or too low, or the the Debating Society with an open mind. ing to come up with something interest- neckline too low or too tight, or the arm- shirt that actually fits me, it’s usually in Dennis the Menace, not because of his a colour I’m too insecure to wear (lime- youthful abandon or his heart-warming My expectations, which had ample time ing about hospital food certainly leads to pits too tight or too loose. to develop while I negotiated the Cot- some unusual tangents. While I can’t blame the T-shirts for green, lilac, and what the Dulux colour bond with his pet dog, but because he chart calls Javan Dawn 5), has buttons must have always known what to wear trell labyrinth, were of a kind of formal This isn’t to suggest there aren’t prac- their reluctance to fit my frame, these conversation supervised by a guy with a tical benefits to the society. There are measurement issues aren’t the only ob- in daft places, or buttons which aren’t in the morning and what to do with his actually buttons but just look like but- hair. For someone like me who doesn’t gavel. Apart from the gavel bit, the re- many transferable skills that debating stacles I face when I’m looking to buy a ality didn’t contradict this, and after a helps to sharpen, all sure to be useful new t-shirt. I’m not the most fashion- tons. Or it’s one of those polo shirts know what his “image” is, beyond the which looks like it has another layer sticking-out-T-shirt-sleeves look which, straightforward introduction the society when stepping out into the world of able person in the world, I’m not even has proven to be a highlight of my stop 9-to-5s and caffeine: it trains you to spot the most fashionable person writing this underneath but really has nothing of the however much grief it gives me, does kind, or, finally, it will be made of mate- provide quite a good armpit ventilation at Stirling. flaws in logic, articulate and structure article, but I’ve got a good idea of what While my experience with debating has arguments, think on your feet when un- kind of things I don’t want to wear, and rial so thin that it exposes the curves of system, this idea of being able to say my admittedly gorgeous nipples to any- “red-and-black striped jumpers is defi- been positive, it never occurred to me der cross-examination, and to become these seem to be the same things that that my somewhat lackadaisical defi- conscious of the way you present your- fashion designers are most eager to stick one who cares to look. nitely the look for me” is just as unreal as The way we dress clearly says a lot that of being able to say, “/@#8%&~!?” nition of debating was not universally self. on their T-shirts. If it’s not brand names shared. After having to reassure a few The case of the Debating Society be- and logos making me look too eager to about us, and provides one of the most five times, quickly, backwards, without convenient means for expressing per- stuttering. If I ever do find my image, inquisitive first years about the merits of ing misconstrued is not unique. Stereo- look trendy, it’s images from popular debating, I quickly garnered from them types are everywhere, and the process culture (the Superman sign, the Rolling sonality and individuality. “Clothes I’ll probably buy a lifetime’s supply of it, make the man,” said Mark Twain, who, and wear the same set of clothes day-in, a collection of negative stereotypes that of reverting to them when encounter- Stones lips, a Banksy piece) making me combined to form one mightily un- ing niche societies is deceptively easy. I look too eager to fit into one fan base or if my Google image search is any indica- day-out, just like Dennis and his jump- ers. pleasant image. I realised the popular found myself in a similar position earlier Even more conveniently, I’d propose conception of debating was highly in- this year after hearing about the exist- that we go without any clothes at all. Not fluenced by the pompous grandeur of ence of the Medieval History Society. It only would this be economically ben- the House of Lords; it was a place where sounded appealing, but I couldn’t shake eficial and environmentally friendly, it the inhabitants turned into petulant lit- the nagging concern that it was just would get rid of this anxiety about what tle rich kids with a sense of entitlement, some weird role-playing society. I can’t to wear, what looks silly and what puts and a desire to argue the nearest per- trace this misconception back to any across what image. It would take time son’s head off with no regard for reason one source, but before long the notion before this became feasible, but if we all or good manners. had festered and the verdict was settled. stopped wearing clothes today, ladies, I can see where this idea might come Thankfully the reality quashed any delu- evolution would probably get its act from. The practice of debating is steeped sions. I “gave it a go”, the result being together in time to give our great-great- in a history that goes hand in hand with the discovery of new friends who were great-great-grandchildren lovely thick the very foundations of academia. For entirely normal apart from a penchant coats of fur, probably. Charles Darwin some, however, all this steeping has for bursting out with random facts about probably says so in his bestselling novel meant that some shit has stuck too. As historical battles. The Origin of the Species, where I imag- an ancient activity it can be seen as ar- Time and again stereotypes engen- ine he also backs up all the points I’ve chaic, hostile and even elitist; thus the der the pernicious effect of making you just made in this article. You don’t have question, “What do you actually do in hesitate to try new things. That can’t be to see eye to eye with everything he said the Debating Society?” was a rather allowed to happen. If you want to leave to agree that the man was a genius. Hats polite way of asking, “Aren’t you just a university under the conviction that you (and pants and trousers and T-shirts) bunch of miserable, snobbish bastards?” made the most of your time, make sure Picture: fossilvintage.com.au off to him. The answer is a definite no. There’s no you get out there and experience every- dressing up in fancy gowns, nor do we thing it has to offer. In the unlikely sce- need a podium or a mallet (although nario that you find Stirling’s clubs and we could use a timer if anyone has one societies wanting, make your own and Religion: a thorn in the side of education handy), and our only use for fox-hunting share it with the rest of us.

a specific religion and send them toa there, though. It goes on to say that “the Sean Heron school that encourages it, but I don’t see homosexual act is disordered, much why it should be the State’s job to fund like contraceptive sex between hetero- t seems that while the Scottish Gov- any of it. As far as I’m concerned, reli- sexuals. Both acts are directed against ernment strives to improve and gion is a personal thing that everyone God’s natural purpose for sex. Babies modernise our education system is entitled to (Freedom of Religion Act, and bonding.” When we allow our chil- with developments such as the con- etc.) but those who don’t follow that re- dren’s moral education to be influenced Itroversial Curriculum for Excellence, ligion shouldn’t be asked to pay for it. by such extreme opinions as this, we some have taken it upon themselves to If a parent wants his or her child to be leave them open to ideas which, though do exactly the opposite for Britain as a religious, this education should happen perhaps understandable in past times, whole, not least Secretary of State for at home. There are far better things they are no longer acceptable, and have the Education Michael Gove. can and should be learning in school. danger of offending many people, most Earlier this year, Gove ran into prob- Instead of having the Christian message commonly women, homosexuals and lems with funding his project to deliver hammered into them, for example, they those of other religions. a King James Bible to every school in could be learning about other religions, As it stands, religion’s role in schools Britain by Easter. David Cameron has and tolerance for the beliefs of others. seems to be to teach beliefs which the been reported as telling Gove that pub- For me, a Christian upbringing just majority of society doesn’t even share, lic funding should be avoided, although means being taught good morals, which leaving children ignorant and intoler- it may be used if private funding can’t be as far as I can see is basically the point of ant. This isn’t just a problem for British found. all the stories in Sunday School Bibles, schools. The European Court of Human While I understand that the King James and this kind of education can easily be Rights has already banned schools in Bible is an important part of British his- kept within the home. Italy from hanging crosses on the wall tory, I don’t understand why it would Another recent news story which in the name of freedom of religion, al- be needed in a school. Not once during raises the question of religion’s role though this was later lifted. While the my time at school did we whip out the in schools is of an American preacher ban may have been a step too far, it Old Testament for a bit of Bible learn- handing out booklets in Roman Catho- was one in the right direction. I agree ing; I’m not sure my school even had a lic Schools in Lancashire, titled “Pure that schools should be able to demon- Bible. I asked my friends about this and Manhood”. This booklet maintains that strate their religious affiliations, but they said exactly the same. The only ex- homosexual feelings often stem from a they shouldn’t be allowed to teach im- ceptions were those who had gone to a bad relationship with the father, an in- pressionable and sometimes confused proper Roman Catholic school, and by ability to relate to other males, and even children that any particular religion’s “proper” I mean prayers, religious edu- sexual abuse. This is not just wrong but dogma is the one and only way to live. cation focusing almost entirely on Chris- ignorant, and will have negative con- Religion should stay in the temple or tianity, and crosses all over the shop: the sequences not just for for anyone who at home, and leave the schools to teach whole shebang. I think it’s fine if parents believes it but for those they will meet only those things that the majority of the want their kids to be raised following in the future. The booklet doesn’t stop population agrees upon. Do we need Bibles in our schools? Picture: beezodogsplace.com Email: [email protected] Brig | March 2012 26 Features Editors: Viktoria Carlson & Catriona McGale www.brignewspaper.com Features FeMENism: how do men fit into the women’s movement? Catriona McGale states, “Feminism is simply the belief It is an argument which I would agree with. Positive discrimination is after all Features Editor that women should be as free as men.” If that is the case surely any reasonable a juxtaposition which can never really hursday 8 March was the cel- person, man or woman, must be a femi- make sense, as no form of discrimination ebration of International Wom- nist? can ever really be positive. To employ en’s Day. In honour of this Stirling University student, Liam Be- staff on the basis of gender surely only day last year I investigated the attie, thinks so, saying he would class further highlights a gender difference, Timportance of feminism to the modern himself as “not only a feminist but an and, personally, I would much rather day woman, and found that 75% of the egalitarian.” He also argues that it is be hired for my brain than my second X young women I spoke to classed them- only logical that men are involved in, chromosome. selves as feminists. This year I looked and encouraged to, support feminism, Yet, the facts remain that on average Could they all be feminists? Picture:Google Images into what feminism means to young saying, “I see the women’s movement as women earn 21% less than men, it takes women on average 16 years to pay off men, asking “do you need to be female a gender equality movement that to be different view on the matter than wom- Student’s Union Elections only female to be a feminist?” successful must allow men to have a role their student loan opposed to 11 years for men and women account for only en, I’m not aware of the issues which students are able to vote for the posi- within the movement.” After all, viewing they may be directly affected by.” While tion of Women’s Officer, an issue which “Do you need to feminism as a concern for women only 19.5% of parliaments worldwide, mean- ing some form of action is clearly still this is a good sign in that it shows young all the male students I spoke to found be a female to would surely defeat the purpose of gen- men are viewing women as their equals, unfair. der equality entirely. needed to tackle the issue. be a feminist?” It is not only in the world of business it is also an obstacle towards men active- Liam Beattie, argued, “Male students and politics that sexism still exists. The ly supporting feminism as it is an issue should have the right to vote for the “Men can be which they no longer feel is relevant. Women’s Officer in the Student Union I spoke to a group of male Stirling Uni- recent closure of the UniLad website, pro-equality; if following sexist ‘banter’ regarding rape, It would also explain why some men elections, it is sexism in itself to exclude versity students regarding the issue and hold a negative view towards feminists, men from voting for this position. To while all of them agreed that they were that’s what feminism shows that disrespectful attitudes to- wards women are still prevalent in our as it appears to them that there is no achieve equality between the sexes, ex- in support of women’s rights, most were means, then yes, men cause left to be fought for and those who cluding men is not the way to achieve apprehensive to class themselves as society, and are too often expected to be can be feminists.” laughed off. Women also face criticism are still campaigning are wanting to this goal.” feminists. For some, such as Philosophy push women’s rights ahead of the rights Lucy Drummond, who is currently in and Politics student, Daniel Nunan, this over their choices regarding marriage, children, career, sex, relationships, ap- of men, opposed to securing equal rights the running for Women’s Officer, -de was because while he supported femi- Given this concept, Simon Ewing, a for all. Stirling University student, Sa- fends the voting system saying, “The nism he wasn‘t actively supporting it. fourth year English student at Stirling, pearance, eating habits and so many everyday issues, in a way which men rah Kelly, agrees that it can be hard for women’s movement is about women However, when I questioned females agrees saying, “Men can be pro-equality; men to empathise with the issues which being empowered and making decisions on the matter for my previous article, a if that’s what feminism means then yes, rarely do. It has even been found that girls are women face. She says, while she would for themselves.” She explains that men lack of active crusading was not taken men can be feminists.” However, while never say a man can’t be a feminist, “no would find it extremly difficult to relate into account when classing themselves “pro-equality” appears to be the accept- raised to be self-deprecating in order to be liked, whereas for men an openly man can ever understand what it’s like to many of the issues which women face as feminists. It would seem that for ed meaning behind feminism for young to be a woman”. and therefore she doesn’t believe they women today feminism is slowly but women, it does not seem to be the as- self-assured attitude is seen as a posi- tive trait. Yet in spite of our instinctive should be able to decide on the direction surely shaking off those negative con- sumed definition of the word for males, “Women earn 21% which the movement takes. notations of “militant, mouthy, men hence why most of the males I spoke to self-deprecating humour, women are continually seen as unfunny; a look at less than men, it It is a valid point, yet it is still sure to bashers”; which was never the intent did not instantly classify themselves as be controversial to those who believe of the movement in the first place, yet a feminist. For many men, it would ap- any comedy quiz panel show consists of teams continually predominantly made takes women on av- that there should be no distinctions has made many women over the years, pear that they continue to associate fem- made between men and women in order including myself, hesitant to take on the inism with a concept which makes men up males with one token female at the erage 16 years to pay end. for us to ever be equal. However, Lucy title of feminist; and is starting to regain the enemy, making it appear a move- off their student loan contests, that we cannot treat every- its true meaning of “the liberation of ment which is somewhat impossible for Of course, some of these issues may be seen as somewhat frivolous, par- opposed to 11 years one as equal until we actually are and women.” them to get involved in. until then we have to give women the “I see the women’s Rajmund Bakonyi, a second year Me- ticularly in relation to problems women have faced in the past and many women for men and wom- power to direct the women’s movement. dia student at Stirling, felt that feminism Though, she says, “That is not to say movement as a gender often feels like “women not wanting are still facing in third world countries en account for only today, but all of these inequalities, at- men can’t get involved in the campaign- equality movement to be equal to men, but better.” Louise 19.5% of parliaments ing. We have rebranded the Stirling Bleakley, also studying Media, says that titudes and issues demonstrate that that to be successful women in the western world today have worldwide.” Women’s Group as the Gender Equal- many of her male friends would agree, ity Movement and we have several men must allow men to often feeling discriminated against by still not achieved true equality with men, even if it often feels like it. However, the She adds, “You can see the problem, on our committee.” She adds that she feminists. She added that some of them appreciate it, fight it and avoid contrib- believes men can, and should be, femi- have a role within the worry that the issue will turn on its head, majority of males I spoke to regarding feminism were not aware of many of uting to it, but you can’t understand the nists. movement.” making women more dominant within full-on effect it can have.” However, And perhaps more men are in fact society and leaving men facing inequali- these problems and believed that wom- en were equal to men in our society. Andy Davis, also a student at Stirling, feminists than even they realise. From Feminism is not about women becom- ties. Several of the male students I spoke does not agree. He argues, “You don’t my research it was clear that men today to expressed similar concerns, arguing Colm Currie, a Politics and Philosophy ing or replacing men, it is simply about student at Stirling felt this was the case have to be a woman to understand wom- believe women should be equal to men women being given the same respect that movements such as positive dis- en’s issues,” and feels that the women’s and if you agree then guess what, you’re crimination in the workplace were put- saying, “It seems that women are equal and opportunities as men As Caitlin nowadays.” However he added, “I have a movement should be more inclusive to- a feminist. Now what are you going to Moran, author of How to Be a Woman ting men at a disadvantage. wards men. Andy points out that in our do about it? Useless things my mum says In celebration of Mother’s Day, Features Editor Catriona McGale asked you to share your mum’s words of wisdom. “Patience is a vir- “There are two things “1. Never marry a tue, virtue is a grace, you should never man straight from his Grace was a little run after: a tram and mother. girl who wouldn’t a man, because the wash her face.” next one is on the way 2.Never become Daniel Nunan soon.” dependent on a man’s “Marry a man who Zsuzsanna Matyak money; that way you is on the same level can always walk away Mum knows best at every age Picture:Google Images or smarter than you. “Don’t get caught.” if you want to.” “Never let your George Raynor Then at least you’ll “Always put ginger in Helen King happiness or self- have something to talk your food; it warms worth be dependent “Old age doesn’t come “Don’t use the word about.” up your body and is itself.” ‘twat’.” on anyone but you.” good for your health.” Nicola Smith Victoria Pease Ross Dunn Catriona McGale Aya Kawinishi Brig | March 2012 27 Features www.brignewspaper.com Save our City Centre

Juliet Hounam

rom thriving historic market bily boarded up shop fronts. Some of town to neglected concrete these have been lying empty for as long sprawl, Stirling is in urgent need as two years, and local people say that of rediscovering its identity, lo- no one has been to view them for as long Fcal people say. as they have been unoccupied. Sandra Residents also express their concerns says these are off-putting for some of that Stirling city centre is “losing the will her elderly customers, who often visit to live” and in dire need of a revamp. the hairdresser as part of a day out to re- Many businesses have gone bust or relo- lax and catch up with old friends. cated, and forlorn and vacant shopping Further down on Friar Street, Michael spaces mock their absence. Shoppers in- Farquhar, owner of the Junk Rooms creasingly turn to out of town shopping says that Stirling’s centre is in urgent centres for convenience, and in Stirling need of revitalisation. He expresses some small business owners say that the worry that the Council has been drag- decrease in footfall since last year has ging its feet and ignoring the problem been as much as 30%. for far too long. “Stirling council are in This problem is particularly visible no way helping the city meet the poten- due to the small nature of the city cen- tial it deserves. We have a castle, thou- tre, and boarded up shops and pubs are sands of tourists pass through here to littered throughout. learn about the city’s heritage and cul- In a review published in December, ture, and yet the tour companies know King Street circa 1930 Picture: Stirling Council Archives Mary Portas, the Coalition Govern- full well that Stirling has nothing further ment’s “Street Tsar” has attempted to to offer. The buses come in to Stirling, Wilma Burns, 61, is a life long resident address some of the problems currently go straight up to the castle, then leave who remembers when Stirling was a facing centres such as Stirling. “I want after four hours on to their next desti- busy trading post. “I really saw things to put the heart back into British high nation. Why are we not competing with change at the end of the 1970s, when streets” she proclaims on her website. these other destinations to keep hold of the Thistles Centre was introduced.” However, the recession and out of town our visitors?” She says, “Many of the independent shopping centre mean that a number of He adds, “We should be organising grocers and bakers were forced to close towns and cities are beyond help. Lo- arts festivals in Stirling. All the empty after that, and consequentially Stirling cals worry that Stirling is one of these, boarded-up shops could be used for lost much of its charm. Its a shame as and not only fraying at the edges but pop-up shops and to show case art. back then there was a real sense of com- also pock-marked with commercial rot. There is so much potential for our city munity, and people came from all over Many shop-keepers blame this on the but the Council doesn’t seem to do any- Scotland to do their shopping and visit council and say the rents are making it thing about it. They should be much the cinema.” more involved with local businesses in The council has tried to address these “There is so much building innovative schemes to attract problems with a farmers market at the potential for our city new people and make it a viable desti- bottom of King Street but this is often nation.” cancelled due to the weather. They also but the council don’t Bernice and John Carter who part say that much of their funding from seem to do anything own the G Cafe and greengrocer just off Creative Scotland has been cut, so new Port Street, say that Stirling centre in its initiatives and schemes have been put about it. They should current state is soulless and in order to on hold indefinitely. “We are not at all be much more in- attract new visitors, it is in urgent need short of ideas for Stirling’s redevelop- of offering something different, and en- ment program, but at the moment we volved with local busi- couraging independent shop owners is just do not have the finance.” Kennedy nesses in building in- imperative in doing so. says. “We are also fully aware that the Bernice says, “The problem is that empty shops and some of the concrete novative schemes to these big chains just have it so much buildings are an eyesore, and have been attract new people and easier than small independent busi- a cause of concern for sometime. Unfor- nesses, they have all their pensions tunately, they are all privately owned make it a viable desti- schemes and environmental health in and it would require the landlord’s co- nation.” place before they set up new stores. All operation and further funding from these things are extremely off putting to outside bodies to tackle this problem. impossible for them to stay open. new entrepreneurs, as the paper work Sandra Kidd, part owner of Narcissus required can seem endless and intimi- “I really saw things hairdressers on King Street, says that dating.” She says, “In fact, if we don’t see her rates, at £1,000 per month, are just these things change, and Stirling centre change at the end of too high. She is currently appealing for continues as it is, it will be catastrophic the 1970s, when the the Council to reduce them but the ap- for tourists and they will just stop visit- peal has been dragging on for months”. ing.” Thistle’s Centre was I warned Stirling Council some time ago Students have also expressed their introduced.” that I am in dire financial difficulty and disappointment in the fact that Stirling in danger of closing, but they have not centre doesn’t have anything to offer in However, it is important to note that done anything to help me. I am now the way of somewhere to “hang out” like Stirling’s shop vacancy rate is 7% below considering remortgaging my house, as most student towns and cities do. Emma the national average”. I just can’t meet the bills each month.” Dove, a Film and Media student at Stir- It is widely recognised that Stirling city However, the appeal process is often ling, says that she would love if there has a wealth of potential as the historical complicated and arduous. Andy Ken- were somewhere she could go to sit on gateway to the highlands. Whatever the nedy, City Centre Initiative Manager sofas to drink tea and chat in the late future holds for the city, it is clear that Murray Place Picture: Stirling Council Archives for Stirling agrees that the manner in evenings. its centre is far from the bustling mar- which rates are assessed is antiquated “It does seem that Stirling centre ketplace it used to be. and needs to be revised.” Our last com- seems to lose its will to live towards the mercial evaluation took place in 2008 end of the day. Pubs are still open, but before the recession hit, and only went they are often nosy and with nowhere to into force in 2010 after shop keepers had sit. Sometimes I would just like to take already started to struggle. Assessors my course work somewhere and social- also evaluate the rates depending on ise at the same time. That kind of thing property value rather than taking into is severely lacking here. Also, many of account the individual businesses. I do the buildings and shops lack atmos- not think this is a good system.” phere and appeal.” Mary Portas also recognises this in her Stirling Council has a chequered his- review, and one of the recommenda- tory with planning decisions, many tions is for the government to consider of which have caused anger amongst whether they can better support small residents. Post-Second World War rede- businesses and independent retailers velopment programs meant that many in the assessment process. However, historical slums were destroyed, despite Kennedy states that any changes to the Stirling being left largely intact by the current system will take years to go into bombs. New buildings were deemed effect. This could mean that many more cheaper than restoration of historical small business owners such as Sandra sites, so many original features were fail in their struggle to survive the reces- lost to make way for concrete structures. sion. Familiar landmarks were torn down and Just a few feet up from Sandra’s hair- for several years the top of the town was dresser there are as many as five shab- a scene of gaping houses and rubble. Closing signs and boarded-up shops now line the streets of Stirling Picture: Raymund Bakonyi 28 www.brignewspaper.com Brig | March 2012 Brig | March 2012 Email: [email protected] 29 Sport www.brignewspaper.com Sports Editors: Graeme Young & Stuart Kenny Anatomy of a shot: the perfect netball shot n this month’s anamoty of a shot, Brig Sport joins up with Ruth Step 2: Preparation Step 3: Gaining power Step 4: Ball release Step 5: Follow-through Arbritis, a goal shooter for the I Balance the ball on your fingertips and The power for your shot comes majorly Put your hands back behind your head Let go of the ball as you straighten your University of Stirling’s first netball team, to bring you the mechanics of a use your other hand to balance. If you from your legs, so bend your knees as if and bring them forward again in a legs, and try to move your arms as little perfectly executed netball shot. Pictures are off balance then your focus will not you are going to jump and let your en- strong, fluent motion that will help you as possible. by Rajmund Bakonyi be fully on the task in hand and there ergy flow from your hands to your feet. to maintain your accuracy, sending the You should end your shot on your tip- is a good chance you will not convert ball directly towards the net. toes, with your arms following through Step 1: Starting position This will make sure that you are stable the shot. as well giving you a strong, powerful This technique provides a much more with your shot towards the ring. Always make sure to do this quickly base from which to shoot. accurate shot than if you were to shoot Now all that remains is for you to Make sure you have a good view of the as well: goal shooters only have three Power in your shot is essential in with the ball in front of your head. watch your opponent’s face sink in ring as you take the ball. Also look to seconds to get their shots away. making your shot, no matter how close despair as you sink shot after shot to have your back straight and feet shoul- you are standing to the ring. win the match. der width apart to help balance.

Fact or fiction: Was Chelsea’s move to sack André Villas- Boas the right decision?

AVB was sacked after a 1-0 loss to West Brom Picture: Google Images Greg Barrie. Fiction: The results He conducts himself brilliantly off the and progress during AVB’s short reign pitch, and, being a cult hero of the club, were undoubtedly poor and below the this will fair him well in the dressing standards expected at Stamford Bridge, room and on the pitch. but Abramovich bought into the “pro- ject” that the ambitious manager set Iain Blackwood. Fiction: I feel that out for the club. Yet again, a complete Villas-Boas was unfairly dismissed from lack of patience and real understanding Chelsea Football Club and now he is has been displayed by the owner, as he just another miserable statistic for the seems to believe things should just click London club. The former Porto boss instantly. The real worry is the appar- was not given enough time to settle ent player power at Chelsea, with senior in and gel his own team together. If players able to effectively lose the man- age was such a concern from the start, ager his job. All clubs must maintain which has now proven to be, then why a hierarchy where the manager calls did Roman Abramovich put such an the shots and is shown respect by the ‘“inexperienced” manager in charge? A players. manager needs time and Boas shouldn’t have been so heavily scrutinized be- Tom Flanagan. Fact: It’s a shame cause he wasn’t going to win the league that AVB’s young age has played a in his first season. strong factor in his dismissal as Chelsea The 34-year old was still finding his boss. He seemingly lost the dressing feet and finding Chelsea’s best system room to a squad where they turned and first team, even if it meant leaving to older members of the first team in out Frank Lampard. The Chelsea squad Lampard and Drogba when things were needs to have a hard look in the mirror, going wrong. I understand the idea as they are the ones that prompted of building your own team takes time Boas’ departure with such poor perfor- and that Abramovich doesn’t help with mances on the pitch. The Chelsea squad his tendency to sack a manager before has barely changed in the last couple they’ve got the ball rolling, yet winning of seasons and and they have simply less than half of your games as Chelsea forgotten how to play well as a team. manager simply isn’t good enough with As a result, Chelsea have now had nine the resources available. What Di Matteo managers in ten seasons and massive has in abundance at Chelsea is respect. losses in contract pay-outs. For more coverage, including Six Nations updates, follow us Brig | March 2012 30 online at www.brignewspaper.com or on twitter: @brig_sport www.brignewspaper.com Sport Men’s hockey side leave it too late to make final

ball before the chance was gone to im- Jameson and Stebbing after they coun- David Chalmers prove on their attacking chances. The tered following an interception of a Stir- team gained a few penalty corners, but ling pass, and the duo got in behind the he University of Stirling’s ultimately they were all wasted, with no home team’s defence before Jameson Men’s Hockey team was shots on target. flicked the ball to Stebbing who clipped knocked out of the BUCS Pete Stebbing then doubled St. An- it over the rushing Russell to extend the Scottish Conference Cup at drews’ lead with what looked to be an in- lead with just over 10 minutes left on the Tthe semi-final stage after going down credible goal. The ball somehow looped clock. 2-3 to the travelling University of St. right over Russell with pace after taking Stirling Captain Ben Mills helped his Andrews side at the Gannochy Astro. a deflection that took the ball high in the side get back in it however, converting a The Stirling students were disappoint- air and past the ‘keeper, cementing his penalty flick to give the home team hope ed to lose out after reaching the final of side’s dominance just before half-time of a comeback. the BUCS tournament last year. arrived. Jameson missed an open net after After progressing to the semi-finals The second half started off with Stir- rounding Russell following this, to the following a 2-0 away win over Edin- ling gaining a penalty corner but once relief of the Stirling crowd. Mills at- burgh in the last round, Stirling would again failing to capitalise on the op- tempted a slap-shot for Stirling but have felt confident about their chances. portunity. James Raynford intercepted failed to get it on target, hitting it just However, the home team started off the ball and passed to captain Ben Mills wide before a pass from Ally Hender- the match in disappointing fashion, who produced a great lofted pass for Ally son was finished by the impressive Alex Hayes to cut the gap with just under with Ben Jameson opening the scor- McPhee to run onto down the left-hand The men’s hockey side battled hard Picture: Ruta Sile ing for St. Andrews within the opening side. Chris Russell was forced to pull off five minutes left to equalise. Will Smith two minutes following a dreadful piece a fantastic save when St. Andrews coun- tried in vain to get a goal himself, but of defending from Stirling. Jameson ter-attacked, but Stirling followed that was frustrated in his attempts, while the Paton after the match, who gave his of the best teams in the competition. flicked the ball in after some confusion up with an attack themselves through crowd called for the attacker to play the thoughts on the potential comeback of I don’t think we were at our best, but in the attacking circle, and goalkeeper Richard Carsewell which eventually ball instead of holding onto it. Smith his side when they brought it back to you’ve just got to beat the team that’s Chris Russell was furious with his came to nothing. produced an impressive interception 3-2. out there on the day and we didn’t do team-mates. Ally Henderson failed to convert a and dribble but failed to produce a con- “I thought it was on: we’ve come back that, so good luck to St. Andrews in the Kristopher Kemp intercepted a pass penalty corner soon after, but was the structive attack as Stirling tried to stay from more down than that before,” said final and we’ll bounce back next year.” just on the halfway line and carried it closest for Stirling yet after only block- in the competition. However, James Paton. “The difference was the guys down the left-hand side before being ing prevented the ball from nestling in Raynford was harshly ordered off in a have to believe that themselves. Yeah, I dispossessed. Will Smith attacked the the bottom corner. heart-breaking finale as the final whis- thought we were going to come back and For more sporting news and channels while Alex Hayes was run- St. Andrews scored their third after tle was blown to end hopes of a final nick it, but it wasn’t to be today. coverage visit: ning the midfield. St. Andrews had this, to move the match seemingly be- spot, and St. Andrews’ early dominance “I don’t think the guys did themselves most of the chances in the first half, yond reach for the Stirling contingent. proved decisive. justice today, last week was their best www.brignewspaper.com with Stirling often dawdling on the The goal came from a combination of Brig Sport spoke to Coach Murray performance of the season against one Captain’s Corner: Fencing Pathfoot hosts sports medicine exhibition

n our first Captain’s Corner What has been your proudest segment, sports editor Graeme achievement so far as Stirling Young speaks to Alasdair Miller President? about his time as President of the Ifencing club, and what his club is really There are many achievements that all about. have made me smile and feel proud to Miller is a 21-year-old Business Stud- be part of the Fencing Club. These in- ies student at the University of Stirling, clude seeing members who you’ve been and came to the University in 2008 working with and coaching compete after growing up in Wormit. and excel themselves at competitions, Miller has always had a keen interest seeing club members coming together in sport and in the summer of 2008 to help out with the running of the worked as a Children’s Sports Coach club’s International Fencing Competi- developing their skills in a wider range tion, The Stirling Sword, and for it to of different sports. In the summer of be a success two years running and 2009 he set up his own summer fenc- seeing the club membership increase ing club with a fellow coach and in the year on year. n exhibition exploring the impact of the Pathfoot Building and at the Mac- tish artists commissioned to bring us summer of 2012 headed to America on Athe history, culture and science of Robert cinema. This will bring artists, creative voices and a contemporary per- the Camp America scheme, where he What qualities do you believe are sport and exercise medicine on the hu- practitioners, athletes and writers to- spective to the detailed and thoughtful coached fencing at a summer camp. needed to make a good captain? man body opened at the University of gether as they engage in debates over themes of the exhibition. Different art- Brig Sport caught up with him to ask Stirling on Friday 2 March. the core themes of the exhibition and ists expressed differing points of inter- him about his time fencing. I feel that a good captain should be The exhibition, which tours Scotland, the lesser known issues that surround est and stories which are expressed in someone people feel comfortable is entitled “Human Race: Inside the the sporting culture which is so ripe in their work. Brig Sport: How long have you interacting with and talking to. They history of sports medicine”, and gives our country. Kitty Chilcott from the Scotland & been Fencing? should be someone who has the onlookers the chance to see newly com- Over the past 200 years we have seen Medicine Partnership, said, “Through- knowledge and experience of the sport missioned artworks and rarely seen film masses of technological advances and out the project we have had the privi- I have been fencing for three and a half in order to help other members footage. The Human Race experience improvements in technique, and in the lege of working with leading research- years now after starting at the within the club. But I think most im- will run until 13 April 2012, so there is modern day we have a richer under- ers and practitioners and had access to University Fencing Club in 2008. In portantly they should be someone who plenty of time to have a look around. standing of the human body than ever Scotland’s historical collections. This 2009 I qualified as an internationally is down to earth, caring and there for Funded by the Legacy Trust UK and before. The exhibition on display gives has given us a fascinating insight and recognised British Academy of Fencing members when they’re needed. Creative Scotland National Lottery us a chance to look at these develop- understanding of Scotland’s impact on Coach and have been actively coach- Fund, the exhibition brings with its as- ments in detail. the history and development of sports ing within the club for two and a half What advice would you give sociated evening lectures, a school pro- Another aspect of the Human Body medicine.’’ years. During my time fencing someone who was thinking about gramme and film screening which will exhibition is the previously mentioned I’ve become a regular on the Scottish taking up the sport? take place on Wednesday evenings in artwork, which was provided by Scot- Pictures: Rajmund Bakonyi Fencing Circuit attending the majority of the Scottish National My advice would be to go for it. Fenc- Opens. ing is a sport that many people have heard of but very few try. However, Did you become part of the team once people give it a go the majority as soon as you arrived at Stirling? get hooked and stay with the sport for years to come. The vast majority of I joined the Fencing Club in September fencing clubs are really keen for new 2008, when I was a first year, members to come along and try it after attending the first session and out, providing all the equipment and haven’t missed one since. During my coaching to get them started. It’s a time at Stirling I have represented the great sport for whole body exercise, de- club at national competitions, veloping quick reactions and improv- BUCs and helped bring back medals ing hand-to-eye co-ordination. at SSS events. Fencing is a sport that I really enjoy and one that I’ve had great Anyone wishing to get involved with fun in representing Stirling as the fencing club can contact Alasdair part of individual and team competi- Miller about coming along for a ses- tions. sion with the team.

Brig | March 2012 Sport www.brignewspaper.com 31 Taylor confident ahead of Challenge Cup semi

homework and hopefully take a win.” Stuart Kenny Taylor then went on to talk about Sports Editor the fitness of his squad which has seen various first team players drop out of ith the semi-final of the the squad. This includes club captain South Challenge Cup com- Robert Pearson, who has missed recent ing up on March 17, Alan matches with an ankle injury, as well as Taylor told Brig Sport defenders James Drummond and Matt thatW his side are confident going into the Sheridan who have also been unavail- game against Glasgow University. able for selection. The Men’s First XI have faced several “We’ve had a rough week with lots of tough matches on route to the semi, the team carrying niggles,” said Taylor. including a win over Whitehill Welfare “Seven players were unavailable for the and an away victory at St. Cuthbert’s game today [against Edinburgh City], Wanderers, and the students will now but the boys have really shown a lot of face their Glasgow student counterparts strength. with a place in the final up for grabs. “We’ve worked really hard with the Taylor spoke on the back of his side’s players to make their focus keeping pos- 1-0 victory over Edinburgh City in the session, and when we’ve got the ball oth- opening round of the King Cup. He said, er teams can’t cause us too much prob- “We’ve got a lot of work to do before we lems. The players are capable of keeping put ourselves in the final, but we’ve got the ball well.” ourselves in a nice position and we’re The semi-final approaches with the carrying a lot of momentum going into University on a good run of form that the semi. has seen them take four wins from their “The players have to keep themselves previous four East of Scotland league The University First XI line up against Edinburgh City Picture: Stuart Kenny focused to give us a chance of progress- matches, including an 8-0 thrashing of ing though. It won’t be easy and we’ve Selkirk away from home. donian league in which they play on Sat- ment to the Stirling First XI who are tough task when they face Loughbor- certainly got to go into the game with This run of success was also furthered urdays. The students have shown their currently sitting mid-table in the BUCS ough at Warwick University. determination and put in some hard with the aforementioned 1-0 win over potential in the South Challenge Cup Premier Division North, which is the Although February’s clash with work, but we are confident ahead of the City in the King Cup on March 3. After though as they fought off sides includ- highest level of BUCS football. Loughborough was postponed, and re- game that we can do all of that. reaching the final of the competition ing East of Scotland team Lothian This- The Stirling team’s morale will also be arranged for March 14th due to poor “We know a little bit about [Glasgow for the past two years, this victory saw tle and South of Scotland side Newton on a high after the club claimed a place weather, the side’s previous meeting University First XI]. The second team the students re-open their campaign to Stewart to earn the right to face Stirling. in the BUCS championship semi-final in October saw the English University have played them three times this sea- fight for the Cup, as a Chris Geddes goal Glasgow University’s First XI have not where they will face sporting rivals and walk away from Stirling with a 1-0 win. son in BUCS fixtures so we’ve had a look moved the team one step closer to King been getting on too well in the BUCS BUCS league leaders Loughborough Nevertheless, Stirling’s First XI will no at them there, but obviously they’ll have Cup glory. Scottish 1A league, however, as they lie University on March 21. The University doubt be out to avenge this loss this time some additions that come in to play on Meanwhile, the Glasgow side Stirling second to bottom in fourth place, three battled past the Universities of Heriot- around. a Saturday. We think we know what will face in the South Challenge Cup points behind the University of Stirling’s Watt and Brighton to reach this semi- we’re up against though and we’ll do our semi-final currently sit 8th in the Cale- Second XI. This should give encourage- final, but the men will have an especially Stirling swimmers travel to 2012 Olympic trials each session. From the travellers, Stir- the Women’s 400 I.M; coming third in times just shy of their personal bests in Freestyle wasn’t enough to make the ling Swimmer Rob Bale was delighted her heat to record a personal season’s the final of the event, with Cameron fin- semi-finals. Kerry Buchan did however to qualify for the Team GB Swimming best. ishing 7th and Lewis 8th. manage to qualify for another final, this team, where he will take part in the Day two saw further success for the Day four saw Jak Scott and Rob Bale time in the 200m Breaststroke after re- Men’s 200m Freestyle after securing a Stirling team, as Rob Bale set the bar compete in the 100m Freestyle, and they cording a time of 2:31.00 in the semi- bronze medal finish in the final. for British athletes with a 1:48.41 time both cruised through to the semi-final of final. Ian Wright spoke before the event in the 200m Freestyle, an effort that was the event with times of 50.25 and 50.42. On March 8, day six, Kerry Buchan about the training the Stirling team have the athlete’s best in over two years. Jak Although Bale just missed out on a place swam admirably to finish 4th in the undergone to get to this point. Scott and Josh Walsh also found them- in the final of the 100m Freestyle, Scott 200m breaststroke, whilst University “Every week, training consists of ten selves through these freestyle heats into qualified in the top eight with a time of student Cameron Brodie finished 14th sessions of two to two-and-a-half hours the semi-final. Bale and Scott then went 48.89 that set himself another career in the Men’s 100m butterfly semi-final. in the pool as well as six land training on to qualify from this semi-final before best. Scott went on to finish 8th place in Day seven then saw Lewis Smith sessions such as strength, conditioning, setting times of 1:47.68 and 1:48.61 re- the final. qualify for the final of the Men’s open circuits and running. They swim about spectively to finish in 3rd and 5th place Jamie Ross, Ross Muir and Douglas 1500m freestyle event, however the ath- 60k a week and 70-80% of that is work- in the final. This secured former Euro- Scott were also in action in the 200m lete slipped one place to 3rd in the final, ing on technique. pean Junior Champion Rob Bale’s place Breaststroke later that day. Unfortu- and so his time of 15:24.33 was not good “They have to spend so long in the on the Olympic Swimming team, whilst nately, only Jamie Ross could qualify to enough to see him make the top three. pool because humans haven’t evolved in Scott must wait until after the secondary move into the semi-finals where he was Stirling based Martin Cremin also swam water. You have to work on it and spen trials in June to find out whether his 5th disappointed to finish 9th. in the final of this event, finishing in Robert Bale Picture: Speedo UK dtime there to become efficeient and de- place finish will be enough to see him Lucy Ellis began Stirling’s proceed- eight place. velop good technique. head to London as a relay alternative. ings on day five, but unfortunately her Stuart Kenny “The hugeness of the event will raise Lucy Ellis was another Stirling swim- season best time in the Women’s 100m Sports Editor it to another level. The world will be mer in action in the morning of day two, watching and they’ll be in the Olympic and the swimmer made it a day to re- swimming pool. member as she set a career best time of ith the Olympics fast ap- “The trials will be the biggest event to 4:13.37 in the 400m freestyle to qualify proaching, 14 athletes be held in Britain. Usually there are are for the event final, where she finished representing Stirling 500 people at a swimming competition, 7th in a tough tie which was won by Re- Swimmers, as well as two but there will be thousands at the trials. becca Adlington. moreW from Kerry Wood’s Stirling Ama- “That alone, will be a great experi- Kerry Buchan also impressed as she teur squad, recently made their way to ence. Even the ones who don’t make it set a time just 0.5 of a second off the top the London 2012 trials to try and book through will be able to look back and re- rank in the Women’s 100m breaststroke their place at this year’s Olympics. alise that in time. They’ll be able to say: heat, and Ryan Bennett closed out a suc- The trials were held at the Olympic ‘I was part of that.” cessful morning for Stirling after quali- Park, London Aquatics Centre, with Day one heats saw success for Lewis fying as the second fastest Brit in the household names including Rebecca Smith who won his heat in the Men’s 100m Open backstroke. Bennet finished Adlington and Liam Tancock swimming 400m Individual Medley, but when the third in the following semi-final and alongside the Stirling swimmers to fight student could only match his heat time then took fourth place in the final the for their place in the 2012 Olympics. of 4:18.19 in the final his fifth place fin- next day with a time of 55.18, just miss- From the fourteen athletes that trav- ish wasn’t enough to see him qualify. ing out on an Olympic spot. elled from Stirling Swimming, several Jamie Ross also took positives out of the Day three saw Lucy Ellis qualify for an- were affiliated with the University of 400m I.M. heat, with a time of 4:24.17 other semi-final, this time in the Open Stirling, including Lewis Smith, Ross that saw a new personal best for the ath- 200m Freestyle. Ellis then finished 8th Muir, Jamie Ross, Danielle Huskisson, lete. in the semi-final, narrowly behind Keri- Cameron Brodie, Joshua Walsh and Ross was in action again on day one Anne Payne, to sneak into the final the Ryan Bennet. in the Men’s 100m Breaststroke, secur- next day where she finished in 8th place. The team travelled up with Coaches ing 11th place in the semi-finals with a University of Stirling students Lewis Rob Greenwood and Ian Wright as well time of 1:02.85 that took nearly a second Smith and Cameron Brodie also tasted as a sports scientist, physiotherapist and off his previous personal best. Ross fin- success on the 5th, finishing in 7th and even a chef in an effort to make life as ished 14th in the aforementioned semi- 5th places in the Men’s 200m Butterfly easy as possible for the swimmers upon final after recording a time close to that to cruise into the final of the event with their return from the pool, where ap- of his earlier heat. Meanwhile Danielle a time of 1:58.94 for Brodie and 2:00.10 proximately 2,500 spectators watched Huskisson also kicked off her trials in for Smith. The boys went on to record The trials were held in the London Aquatics Centre Picture: Speedo UK March 2012 FREE

page 31 - Olympic swimming trials Sport page 30 - Men’s hockey semi-final www.brignewspaper.com www.brignewspaper.com Future bright for Championship Clansmen the host’s superiority. Two of the touch- Graeme Young downs were from rushing attempts and Sports Editor the third was scored on a punt return. McDowall’s heroics were aided by quar- he Stirling Clansmen, The terback McDonald who added to the University’s American football score with a rushing touchdown of his team, set the tone for their own. The highlight of the first-half may upcoming playoff push with well have been Clansmen wide receiver Ta dominating win over the Durham Chris McCrum’s excellent catch. The Saints. The Clansmen were in no mood throw was from quarterback Kenny for taking it easy on the English side, as Mackay, who was making only his sec- they ran out comfortable 68-0 winners, ond appearance for the home side. which gives the team an overall record of With an almost uncatchable 48-0 lead 7-1 in the regular season. The Clansmen heading into the break it would have were already crowned Scottish champi- been understandable had the Clansmen ons before the game. The score-line en- had eased off after the break but to their sured the hosts home-field advantage in credit, the side with designs on major the first round of the playoffs against the success this season continued their on- Loughborough Aces, who will no doubt slaught on the Saints. Kenny Mackay offer a stiffer test than what the Clans- continued where he left off in the first men faced from the Saints. half and the quarterback belied his inex- The Clansmen started off the game perience by rushing for another touch- well and never looked like taking the down in the second half. He also added game lightly, despite their place in the another touchdown by delivering a per- playoffs already being secured. The fect pass to Grant Fraser, who took the hosts took advantage on the Saints first ball in for another touchdown. drive, with Clansmen captain Zake Mu- The ability to keep teams to limited luzi forcing a turnover from the Saints. points or in the Clansmen’s case no The Clansmen hold an impressive 7-1 record at the end of their regular season Picture: Clansmen Facebook This led to fellow linebacker Ahmed El- points, has been a big reason for their Hag recovering the ball and taking it in success this season, and the defence The Clansmen ran out convincing son and even since the end of last year. has us well prepared for each upcom- for a touchdown. Quarterback Cam Mc- didn’t disappoint in the final regular 68-0 winners and there is a real confi- I think at the time some of them weren’t ing opponent. We have our own logins Donald stretched the lead to 8-0 after season game of the year with another dence within the team that they can go so sure but I truly believe that on our where we can go and watch game film he ran in for a 2-point conversion. solid display. The ability to cause turno- and challenge on a national level this day we are good enough to beat anyone. throughout the week and then on the Things got even better for the hosts vers is crucial in the game and safety Joe year. Head Coach Rob Orr believes that We have won the Scottish champion- Friday we go in-depth on our upcom- before half-time as star running-back Macari intercepted the Durham quar- this could be the year that a champion- ship, which is big for us, so I think we ing opponent. I really enjoy watching Tony McDowall heaped the misery terback on two occasions. Fellow defen- ship can be brought to Stirling. He said, can really compete in the post season the game film as I have a real interest in on the overmatched Durham side. He sive back Duncan Adams helped himself “I believe we have a real chance. I have this year. watching how plays develop.” scored three touchdowns to drive home to his own interception as well. been saying to them since the pre-sea- Coach Orr believes that the discipline Linebacker Zake Muluzi believes this he instils in his players will be beneficial is the strongest team since he has been as playoff time comes around, he added, part of the Clansmen. He said, “Since “Everything we have done in training is I’ve been here this is the strongest to get ourselves to this point here. We team we’ve had. If we are going to win spend a lot of time instilling the pro- anything, it will be this year. We have fessionalism in these players. They all worked hard and it would be a shame if set their own goals every season and it we never finished with a championship.” is about getting to a point where they Coach Orr knows that things are look- graduate and say we worked hard on a ing very bright for the future with the team and put ourselves in a position to news that the FBU camp is returning win everything.” to Stirling in April. The camp will run Offensive Lineman Craig Black be- over a full weekend and the coaches will lieves the upcoming opponents Lough- include NFL pundit Cecil Martin and borough will provide a stiff test for his two-time superbowl winner David Diaz- side, he said, “Loughborough have one Infante will also be there. Coach Orr is of the best programmes in the country. thrilled that the camp will be returning Arguably Birmingham is number one after their visit last September. He said, but Loughborough are probably right “It’s a great filip for the team and the behind them. We know it will be a tough university. The FBU camp could have game but it is one that we will be well went anywhere but they chose to come prepared for.” here and I think that says a lot about the Craig believes that Coach Orr’s role in programme that we are running here, coaching the side plays a big part in the it’s great news for us.” Matthew Barrington in the Clansmen’s 68-0 thumping of Durham Picture: Clansmen Facebook team’s success. He added: “Coach Orr