Brig | April 2012 Number Two left behind as heatwave takes over ry morning to come to work. I have Aya Kawanishi long been aware of the litter but I was shocked and sad to see the amount of News Editor litter left behind by people who had en- joyed the good weather. oncerns were recently raised “When I saw our beautiful lochside about the vast volumes of litter green covered in litter, I also thought left on campus during the week of the hazard that this poses to wildlife. commencing 26 March, after I felt that those who dropped the litter Cstudents enjoyed barbeques and picnics run the risk of becoming numb to what in the warm weather that swept across surrounds them. Scotland. The warnings come after Stir- “My intention in sending the photos ling campus was chosen as the second was to appeal to those who want to feel most picturesque in the UK by AllAbout- and shape their world to make it a bet- Careers.com earlier this academic year. ter place.” One member of staff called for “collec- Even though Union officers and stu- tive responsibility” on future waste left dents took immediate action and went behind during the spring season. around collecting the litter, the problem Piles of rubbish, including beer bottles, will not end unless everyone cleans up cans and plastic bags, were scattered on their own mess. Cleaning and Waste the grass next to the student halls near Manager Brian McIlroy, who was in- the link bridge. It appeared that part of volved in the clean-up, said, “I have no the cause was nearby bins being filled up idea the amount of rubbish generated due to heavy demand. but very little rubbish can have a mas- The week’s temperature reached its sive effect. peak at 21 degrees Celsius on Tuesday “If everyone had taken their own rub- afternoon around the Stirling area, ac- bish away with them, the problem would cording to the Met Office. not have existed. We need to take more The issue came to the attention of the of a collective responsibility for our sur- Students’ Union as Marcela Valania, Ac- roundings.” ademic Coordinator of Socio-Economic Following the incident, Vice President Development at the University, took a Jamie Moore said that the Union is al- picture of the scenery and urged the Un- ready in discussion with the University ion to take action. She said, “I walk across campus eve- Continued on page 5 Stirling campus covered in rubbish not long after it was chosen second most beautiful in the UK Picture: Marcela Valania Postgraduates to make University more savvy Induction Day are hoped to provide SGS The School came into existence as part by the end of this strategic planning pe- to bring academic schools, students Zsuzsanna Matyak with an insight into what could work for of the University’s current Strategic riod, in 2016. and support services together to work taught postgraduate students in the fu- Plan, which sets the goal of increasing Shifting balance of population skills, out how we can improve the student News Editor ture. the number of postgraduate students altering market structures and chang- experience, and how we can bring best The SGS was set up last October, re- relative to undergraduates, as well as ing demand from students are the main practice and best policy from across the he new Stirling Graduate placing the Stirling Research Gradu- enhancing their student experience. reasons why postgraduate courses UK and elsewhere into what we do in School (SGS) is about to give ate School in order to include cover for The number and proportion of re- have become so important, according Stirling,” said Sparks. its first “modern” induction taught postgraduate students. It intends search and taught postgraduate stu- to Professor Leigh Sparks, Head of the The new Graduate School is a virtual session for research post- to extend its scope of action in pulling dents have been steadily crawling up Graduate School. “Despite these fac- pan-University operation rather than a Tgraduates on 25 April covering not only academic and non-academic support over the past few years. In the 2011/12 tors, the University is still very much physical entity, consisting of Professor academic issues, but also introducing together, which will be available for academic year, they constitute 20.3 per- undergraduate-focused. The Graduate Sparks as a Head and a small secre- students to the University’s support postgraduates throughout their Stirling cent of the student population in Stir- School should be used as an opportunity services. The experiences of the holistic careers. ling. It is hoped to reach 26-30 percent to get more postgraduate students and Continued on page 4 Email: [email protected] Brig | April 2012 2 News Editors: Graham Swann, Aya Kawanishi & Zsuzsanna Matyak www.brignewspaper.com News Brig News p1-p5 Politics p6-p8 Brig Culture p9-p19 Bc Opinion p20-p22 Features p23-p24 Sport p25-p28 Editorial

To get in touch with a sec- tion, email section and @ Student Union elections brignewspaper.com i.e. [email protected]

Editor-in-Chief Iain Blackwood throws up a few surprises Editor@brignewspaper. com Amy Hughes Deputy Editor Daniel Nunan fter weeks of campaigning and News Editors hard work, the Students’ Un- Graham Swann ion elections came to a head Aya Kawanishi for the 24 candidates on the eveningA of 28 March in Envy, where Zsuzsanna Matyak Luke Fenton, current Union President, and other members of the Union’s Elec- Politics Editors tion Committee announced the results. Elsa Andre On 27 and 28 March, 2,037 students Colm Currie cast their votes on the University Portal, accounting for a 19.33 percent turnout. Features Editors This is just over five percentage points Viktoria Carlson less than last year. Mark Charters, the Returning Officer for the elections, Catriona McGale felt that this was still a major achieve- ment for the candidates and students, if Music Editors slightly disappointing. Mark also noted Ross Dunn that only six positions were contested Andy McDonald and nine positions are still left unfilled. He said, “This could be due to the low Film Editor number of candidates running and also Stefanie Pryke the lowered intake of first year students this year, who are usually more likely to vote.” Most of the Student Union election winners were surprised by their victory Picture: Student Union Arts Editors The Union President position was won Anna Jordan by Sam Gibbs. He was surprised that He wishes McGale luck and is looking very difficult to be elected when compet- contested managed to beat RON and Catriona Keddie his victory was by such a large margin, forward to continuing his work as Sports ing against someone who is re-running. secure their positions within the Union. gaining 970 votes, while his competitors Editor. However, he felt he could take comfort When speaking to Lucy Drummond, Opinion Editors earned less than 300. He attributes his The biggest victory was for the Sports in the fact that “Jamie has the best inter- who ran uncontested for the role of David Devereux win to having such a dedicated cam- Union President. Chris Purdie retained ests of the students at heart and he will Women’s Officer, she said that despite Simon Ewing paign team and also the fact that he has this position with 1,281 votes, over half do the best he can for them.” running unopposed, she was never com- been a student at the University for five the total number of votes cast in the Moore expressed his thanks to Philbin placent and fought very hard for every years. Liam Beattie, one of Gibbs’ rivals, whole election. for being such a great competitor and a vote that she gained. “This was impor- Game & Tech Editor said that he thought Gibbs ran a good “gentleman”, saying that although they tant due to the fact that only female stu- Jamie Wright campaign and students must have re- were “very competitive when it came to dents are allowed to vote for this posi- lated more to his manifesto points. Mi- “The only point when I told discussions and things got a bit heated”, tion, and therefore my potential voters Food Editor chael Ironside, a fellow candidate, also people I was running un- outside of that they were able to have a were almost half the number that other Victoria Pease thought that Gibbs won thanks to his contested was if they had pint together in the Union with the other candidates had.” large team who managed to cover a lot asked” candidates, before the announcement of Fashion Editor of ground within the University. the results. The fiercest competition was between Lauren McKay was voted as Air3 Ra- Nicola Smith Stuart Kenny and Catriona McGale Alasdair Miller, who missed out on be- dio Station Manager. She was “very sur- who both ran for the position of Brig ing elected, said that he is “fully confi- prised” to be elected, as she felt it would 1,281 Sports Editors Editor. Neither candidate met the first dent that the Sports Union is in capable be close between herself and fellow can- Graeme Young stage quota and therefore RON, which hands next year” and he wishes Purdie didate Rory Cargill. She hopes that Car- The number of votes Chris Stuart Kenny stands for Re-open nominations, was the best of luck. Miller also said, “I knew gill will continue to be heavily involved Purdie got is over half the eliminated. The votes then had to be it would be tough when I found out that with Air3 next year, despite losing out total number of votes cast Chris would be running again and that on becoming Station Manager. McKay Online Editor redistributed to find a winner. In the in the whole election Daniel Nunan second stage, McGale managed to meet he would get a lot of votes from the clubs hopes to increase the listenership and the quota by one vote, with Kenny only he helped out last year.” involvement with other societies. 66 votes behind. McGale praised Kenny, Another candidate who was re-elected The new AirTV Station Manager will Alex O’Collard, who was the only can- Head of Photography stating that he was a great competitor, for the second consecutive year is Jamie be Theo Hardie, who was elated to be didate running for Clubs and Societies Rajmund Bakonyi and encouraged him to run again next Moore, Vice President of Activities and elected. He felt that both candidates Development Officer, said that, although photos@ year. When asked why she was able to Development. Moore was encouraged had a good chance of winning. “My win he knew there was a high chance of him beat Kenny, she said “I had a very strong by his victory as his campaign was based was mostly due to having more people being elected, he still made a huge effort Head of Advertising manifesto with very relevant points mostly around the work he had already helping me. Also, people within AirTV to put his name out there and encourage Nash Riggins which I have gained thorough experi- done. He felt his win confirmed that his thought that, as current Deputy Station people to vote for him. ence in my three years with Brig and I efforts in the past year had been suc- Manager, I had a lot of experience in He said, “The only point when I told think that the voters must have agreed cessful and encouraged him to carry on dealing with the society.” Hardie wants people I was running uncontested was if Heads of Proofing with me.” Kenny said that he knew that the same path. to make AirTV more accessible to other they had asked.” Lydia Nowak it would be a close call between them as Andrew Philbin, who also ran for this societies. Travis Emond they were both very strong candidates. position, said that he knew it would be All candidates who were running un-

Visit our website: www.brignewspaper.com Study links narcissism with self-presentation on Facebook You can also find us on Twitter and on Facebook. ruptive” elements of narcissism. a half-naked, drunken mess or even get- new method of self-presentation. This Tamsin Tyeson Students with GE elements cannot ting captured from an odd angle where I cyber social tool provides a new site of Brig, The Robbins Centre, stand to be ignored or to miss an op- look morbidly obese. The ability to laugh analysis to examine personality and The University of Stirling, tirling University students have portunity to promote themselves. The at yourself looking your very worst is a identity.” Stirling. disagreed with a new study that EE aspect includes “a sense of deserving skill I’ve learnt to master, and it makes Young people with narcissistic per- FK9 4LA claims narcissistic people are respect and a willingness to manipulate you appreciate your ‘good’ photos even sonality traits were shown to promote and take advantage of others”, accord- more, whilst providing your friends with themselves more on Facebook, for ex- Tel: 01786 467176 (ask for more concerned with their self- Simage on Facebook. ing to the research. Students with both a little hilarity too.” ample, by selecting photos to display Brig) elements were also more likely to accept Finlay Begg, a second year Law stu- themselves rather than to capture mem- or 01786 467166 People who score highly on the Narcis- sistic Personality Inventory question- friend requests from strangers and seek dent, commented that he does monitor ories with friends. Fax: 01786 467190 naire had more friends on Facebook, social support, but less likely to provide his Facebook to promote himself better, Dr Viv Vignoles, Senior Lecturer in tagged themselves more often and up- it. but not to boost his ego. “I wouldn’t say Social Psychology at Sussex University, Want to Advertise in Brig? dated their newsfeeds more regularly. However, some Stirling students disa- I’m self obsessed because of it, but I’d said there was “clear evidence” from Adverts@brignewspaper The study, completed by researchers gree with this, saying that they are less say I probably monitor Facebook to give studies in America that college students or at Western Illinois University, looked likely to use Facebook to promote them- better representation of myself because were becoming increasingly narcissis- selves or be self-obsessed. Amy Flynn, of the fact that future employers may see tic. “Whether the same is true of non- [email protected] at the Facebook habits of 294 students, aged 18-65, and measured grandiose a fourth year Environmental Geography it at some point.” college students or of young people in exhibitionism (GE) and entitlement/ student, says, “I love most pictures of The report stated, “Online social net- other countries, such as the UK, remains exploitativeness (EE), two “socially dis- myself on Facebook; one on a night out, working sites have revealed an entirely an open question.” Brig | April 2012 News www.brignewspaper.com 3 Sport p25-p28 Students’ Union gets £110,000 Craft Beer Society launches for climate change project Iain Blackwood of Scotland, Transition Heriot-Watt, their own beer in Studio University of Strathclyde and the St An- Editor-in-Chief drews Environmental Network were all awarded funding for their projects. he University of Stirling Stu- The Stirling Students’ Union Presi- Meg Gettel dents’ Union received £110,000 dent, Luke Fenton, believes that stu- from the Climate Change Fund dents will benefit massively from this to lead a project called the fund and that it will increase students’ ust recently Studio put Alloa- T“University Community Challenge”. employability opportunities. based William Brother’s beer on The project will be led by the Students’ “We cannot just spend this money how tap, students did not have to wait Union and the aim will be to reduce the we like as we received it for a three year long for the next local creation to carbon emissions of over 36,000 stu- project, so every penny must be spent on Jbecome available. dents within the University of Stirling improving the green services that we of- A new beer created by David Lewin and Forth Valley College community. fer as a Students’ Union. This allows us and Phil Neil of the University’s Craft The money has been funded so the pro- to employ one full-time member of staff Beer Society was launched on 21 March ject operates over a three year period to and one part-time member of staff to and has proved to be extremely popular, make student life better. help deliver this project to students over with between 75 and 100 pints being The University Community Challenge the next three years. Overall though, I sold in the first three days. will be achieved primarily through edu- would say that all this money is being The beer, named Procrastination, is cation, raising student recognition, be- spent on making student life better. being brewed in the Tin Pot Brewery in haviour change towards recycling and Bridge of Allan and is supporting the saving energy. It will also involve pro- “Every penny must be worthy cause, Beer for the Boys. The viding campaigning skills and ensuring charity, chosen by Lewin, supports ser- individuals are aware of the resources spent on improving the vicemen and women returning from Af- they can use and have the knowledge in green services that we offer ghanistan. energy efficiency, waste, and consum- as a Students’ Union” At £3.50 a pint, the beer is the most able recycling. expensive option on tap, but despite this Procrastination, the new beer, will be featured in the Beer Festival later The Lower-Carbon University Com- “We will be educating, raising aware- it is continuing to pull in customers. this month Picture: Craft Beer Society munity Challenge will aim to change ness, changing behaviours, providing Union President Luke Fenton, who attitudes and introduce good practice in skills, knowledge and resources to the has been promoting Procrastination, chance it will feature in the planned beer In agreement with Luke Fenton, Lewin all aspects of student life when it comes community on energy efficiency, waste said that although it is expensive, stu- festival that is set to take place from 17 said that quality beer is more important to green issues and reducing carbon and consumable recycling.” dents are realising that they are paying to 19 April. to students than ever before. “Students emissions. With this fund, the Union The Union staff and officers have been for a unique drink. “Students are not He said that it is good to have a place are the middle and upper-classes of the can hope to work with landlords, the working hard over the last year to secure only looking for a cheap drink, they also for the Craft Beer Society to meet and be future, and some want more than just to University and students to make a posi- this funding with Forth Valley College so want a quality drink,” he said. “It is no able to drink a beer they created. drink lager. tive difference to the environment, as they could join the green initiative. The longer ‘cheap sells best’, but now ‘qual- Lewin, one of the creators, said that “Students are not ‘foodies’: they are well as saving students money. fund will help students at the University ity sells best.’” they had future plans to tweak the rec- more ‘drinkies’, and they care about It is not just the Stirling Students’ of Stirling but it will also benefit all stu- Fenton was also keen to highlight that ipe of Procrastination for future release what they are drinking.” Union who will be benefiting from the dents in the Stirlingshire area. all three new additions to the Studio and they were looking forward to seeing The Beer Craft Society is looking to re- Climate Change Fund. Other Scottish When the University Community bar this year are local drinks: Procras- their beer at the beer festival. He said lease a second batch of Procrastination institutions are benefiting from their Challenge gets under away, the Union tination, William Brothers, and Thistly the society was pleased to have brought next semester and hopes that the spread hard work in reducing their carbon will be looking for many volunteers to Cross. He said they were all selling well local, quality beer into Studio and hope of appreciation for quality local drink footprint at their university. Glasgow help contribute to the campaign and get and although Procrastination is only that the local choice of drinks continues continues. School of Arts Association, Students As- involved in lowering carbon emissions available until Easter, there is a good to grow. sociation of the University of the West around campus.

We now

stock your favourite treats imported from

America

175g/190g 150g/168g/175g/176g

RRP £1.35 Equiv to: 30.3p/33.3p 300ml 300ml/300ml 150g 8 Pack

165g/175g 2 Litre

refresh... The new Campus Supermarket recharge... For everything you need. revitalise...

Sunday 8AM - 10PMAND 160g Brig | April 2012 4 www.brignewspaper.com News “My grandma is as proud as punch,” says Sam Gibbs, Students’ Union President Elect

Sam Gibbs and Student Union President. Students can start to taste the juxtaposition of these phrases because they are going to be stuck together for a year as a result of a landslide victory in the Stirling University Students’ Union elections last month. The 23-year-old Politics Masters student, who received 970 votes, talked to News Editor Zsuzsanna Matyak about his experience of the elections, as well as his plans for when he takes up office in June.

How and when did you decide to run for the role of presi- dent? Around Christmas time, I was speaking to Sports Union President Chris Purdie. He is one of my good friends and he spends most of his time at my flat, so I had an insight about the sabbatical positions. He encouraged me to run for the position and he kind of talked me into it. I had been thinking about it before but he made me realise that I could actually do it and that I fit the profile of Student Union Presi- dent. Also, I have experience with the political side of things.

What kind of experience do you have? I have worked at both MP and MEP constituency level back home in North Yorkshire. My MP, William Hague, is the Foreign Secretary and I worked with him quite closely. I have no real experience in stu- dent politics, though. It’s obviously different but many of the skills are, I imagine, transferable from national to student politics.

Why did you win at the elections? I always thought I had a chance. I benefited from the fact that I have been here for five years now. The fact that I’ve been involved in the societies and sports teams benefits me in the sense that it gives me a Sam Gibbs, SUSA President elect is confident that he will repay the faith that students placed in him group of friends throughout the University in each year. Also, I think Picture: Iain Blackwood the campaign itself was quite well run. My face was everywhere. I already used, but more could be used. When I was in charge of one of dent media can play an important role in this and even the sports even felt a bit uncomfortable walking through the Atrium having my- the sports teams, I got God-knows how many letters instead of get- teams can. The Sports Union has got around 2,000 members so if self looking down every two minutes. ting emails. Or, to take a car away to a sport fixture, for example, you Chris, as the Sports Union President, sends a message out to them need three pieces of paper before you go, and one when you return. about Union policies and events, it can reach a lot of people and we What was the reaction of your friends and family when they Even cutting that down to one piece of paper before you go, and one could do the same with other clubs and societies. got to know that you got elected? when you return would make a difference. I will also look to continue My friends were very happy. Before I could see the results, my mates working closely with Going Carbon Neutral Stirling. Only you and Michael Ironside mentioned postgraduate next to me literally jumped on me and I knew I had won. By the time I students in your manifestos. This is despite the fact that got them off me the results had gone off the screen. It wasn’t until ten You say in your manifesto that you want to operate an one of the main goals of the current Strategic Plan of the minutes later when they put it back up and I knew how many votes I “open door” policy. What do you mean by this? University is to increase the number of postgraduate stu- had actually got. It’s about to continue what Luke and to an extent Rhianna [current dents, who currently make up more than 20 percent of I didn’t actually tell my mum I was running until afterwards. I rang and previous Student Union Presidents] have done. When I first the student population. What are you planning to do for her up the next morning and said I had some news for her. I said, “I came to University, the Union was almost an exclusive area. It was postgraduates? think I’m running to be Union President. What do you think of that?” partly because I was a naïve first year and I didn’t feel confident about I think a lot of focus is directed on undergraduate but not post- She said that would be good. Then, I said “I have already run and talking to people, but I found the Union to be hard to approach. I felt graduate students. Postgraduate students, even Scottish ones, I’ve already won.” She told me off for not telling her, but she is very that they heard what you were saying and then they ignored it. I think have to pay fees. The postgraduates have to support themselves happy. Also, my grandma is as proud as punch. I was also getting a Union President has got to be visible. Students should be able to financially and with all the fee increases coming in, the Union as many messages of congratulations. It’s nice that so many people put recognise my face and know who I am. I think that would help with a body has to fight as hard as possible to cap any proposed in- confidence in me and hopefully it’s not misplaced. I’m sure it isn’t. making people feel more confident about coming to you with issues, creases for postgraduate students. Another thing that could work problems, advice, and help, or whatever they want to come to you for postgraduates is related to the fact that a great percentage of Let’s talk about what you stand for, what you promised in about. postgraduates working part-time or even full-time, or they may your manifesto. What do you mean by a 24-hour library? have families. We could look at putting more materials online onto By a 24-hour library, I mean that the building is open 24 hours a day. Why did only 2,037 people vote when there are around Succeed. The desk, the information services and the computer repair section 12,000 students at the University and what could be done would be open normal hours. I came up with this because of problems about this? A surprisingly high number of students have either I had in fourth year. When I was writing my dissertation, the limit on In last year’s election we had a 25 percent turnout, which everyone work-related or accommodation-related legal issues. Do the number of books that you could take out was 12 at a time. I think was very happy about. It was the highest for a few years. This year you think students should be able to turn to the Union for on any one day, when I was sitting in the library there were around it was 19.33 percent, which was obviously disappointing. I think the help regarding these issues? 30 books around my desk. At closing time, I had to put 18 back, which weather this year didn’t help. It was glorious outside and everyone They should be because the Union is there to serve the students. was a pain. I’ve put this to the Principal already. He seems keen. He was sitting on the grass and didn’t want to come in and vote. People It’s ultimately that what the Union is there for. In situations like said he would help me push that one. The only additional cost would cannot argue that they didn’t know there were elections. It was eve- that hopefully I, or one of the VPs, could take the problem on and be to employ porters at the desk and more heating and lighting cost, rywhere. There were papers, posters, flyers. It was all over Facebook push who needs to be pushed for a solution. but they wouldn’t be substantial. I’d assume you could find a student and all over Twitter. It was in Brig, on AirTV and on Air3. People ob- for supervision at the desk. If not, you could employ a porter. It’s not viously knew it was going on. The problem is therefore either people Have you ever thought about getting a lawyer into the hard work and there would be no training or expertise involved. forget to vote or they don’t want to vote. If they don’t want to vote, we Union or someone with legal knowledge, and to publicise have to work out why, whether it’s because they don’t feel the Union to students that if they have a legal problem then they can What about green issues? How will you make Stirling is there for them, which is a fail and we need to work so that every- come to the Union for help? greener? body feels more inclusive. No, I have never thought of that. Maybe we could get someone to Recycling statistics need to be improved. There are targets out there run a drop-in session. I don’t want to promise in case it’s not pos- that aren’t quite being hit. Concerning the mass that was left after the How would you do that? sible but I don’t see why something along those lines couldn’t be hot weather, I’d put bottle banks outside somewhere. It doesn’t have Things need to be more widely publicised in terms of events as well as worked out if there is a demand for it. It’s not a bad suggestion; to be permanent; it could be temporary just for the summer. Also, we spreading the message about what the Union actually does. The stu- that’s something that could be looked at. should look at cutting paper work to a large extent. A lot of emails are

Graduate School Recruitment and Admissions Service, of that is to learn what else the research convey the message that Support Ser- and ‘This Is Your Life’. It provides an to fix existing functions in a six-to- students actually want, and how we can vices are “accessible and are not there to opportunity for students to think about to blossom nine-month period. These changes will refine and develop that for intake com- analyse or judge them” and that they are planning their career early.” include making the application and ad- ing in in October or over the Spring the confidential. Jane Harris, Head of Money Advice Continued from page 1 mission process slicker by turning the following year. We will also learn how Ali Clark, Head of Disability Service and Student Guidance, said that they process fully electronic, as well as im- to deliver that for a much larger body of added, “It is also an opportunity for stu- will help students with funding op- tariat. They will be joined by Stephanie proving the mix of available postgradu- taught postgraduates which we need to dents to meet someone from the servic- portunities and debt issues. She added, Colvan, currently employed by Edin- ate programmes. Later on, the groups think about for September.” es informally and ask questions or have “We also work with students to develop burgh University, who will take up the will focus on new elements that could The whole range of support services a chat with us if they wish to.” and improve budgeting skills. Budget- role of Policy Officer. Once she comes be developed and added to the system will represent themselves on the Day. Pamela Crawford, Joint Head of Ser- ing tools like our new budgeting calcu- to Stirling on 21 May, the School will in order to improve service provision for Les Wallace, Senior Counsellor of Stu- vice of the Career Development Centre lator which is available on Succeed will crack on in making a real difference to postgraduates. dent Development and Support Ser- (CDC), told Brig why having the CDC get a mention. Those are the key things postgraduates’ student experience. For the latter phase, SGS hopes to vices, said, “It is important at this point at the induction stage is a great advan- we will be highlighting to students.” SGS will first organise short-lived, draw inspiration from the experiences to make them aware [of the counselling tage to postgraduate students. “It raises fast-paced working groups, involving of students attending the Induction service] before they get into a pattern of awareness of the CDC’s services to stu- students, academics and staff from Stu- Day at the end of this month. Professor working and possibly gradually build- dents and the events that take place dent Support Services and the Student Sparks said, “What we want to get out ing up a backlog of stress.” He hopes to during semester such as ‘WORKFEST’ Brig | April 2012 News www.brignewspaper.com 5

Rubbish at rubbish Students getting away with paid-for essays Continued from page 1 to increase the green efficiency and re- their true ability. In the long term, em- cycling facilities on the campus, which is Joanna Stahl ployers will be taking on students with often described as one of the most beau- degree classes that are not an accurate tiful in the UK. representation of their ability.” “The Union is upset with what hap- Professor Watt warned that prospective pened the other week and the ultimate nline essay-generating ser- employers of students using the service goal is to educate and change attitudes vices are easy to come across: will eventually find out that this is not towards the disposal of rubbish on our just a simple search in any their true ability, which will be uncom- campus. search engine, and hundreds fortable for the student and may even “Discussions with the University have ofO options are provided. A student at affect how that employer regards all already started to look to place more Stirling University has admitted to us- Stirling degrees. recycling points on campus and bin bag ing such a site and paying for an essay, dispensers at these points. claiming “it was definitely worth it”, as “The [next] Union’s General Meeting the pressure of their workload was too will see a motion for the Union to put much. “In avoiding the work pressure on all on-campus outlets to use A Business student at Stirling Univer- involved, students are also only biodegradable bags in future.” sity used BestEssays.com at a cost of A spokesperson for the Estates and £140, paid online through the website, avoiding the learning, part Campus Services advised people that having to choose the subject and length of the reason they are com- when they find a full bin, they should of the essay and finally paying for it. ing to University in order take the litter to another bin or home but He believes it was worth the risk. “I was to build upon their skills” not to leave it on the grass. nervous because I had only 24 hours to “Given that the campus is known for its order and receive it; I felt relief when I outstanding natural beauty, it is a pity submitted it.” The student concerned Students who considered the option of that some people feel it is acceptable to attained a grade of 2F, and did not get Olea Cudreasov, third-year Economics student, is writing her essay in purchasing an essay online described leave litter in the volumes experienced. caught. the library. She says she would never take the risk of getting caught the main reason as they were struggling “We clearly want everyone to enjoy the Getting caught for buying essays online Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi with a particular piece of coursework campus, but at the same time we would is not commonplace at Stirling Universi- and were feeling overwhelmed at their hope that they respect the environment. ty. Dr Swapnesh K. Masrani, a business not to fear failure, either in life or gener- and have never established an actual in- workload. Litter is unsightly and poses a danger to lecturer, said, “I am aware that these ally, as the University is here to support stance of it happening. They did not pursue this avenue due to staff, students, visitors, and wildlife on services exist, but I have not caught any- students. “The time at university should “The purpose behind all assessed work the cost and the fear of getting caught. the campus. one in my modules. But I have had sus- be cherished as there are no shortcuts in is to give students an opportunity to One student said, “After looking into “We are planning to meet with the picion in some cases.” life and in the tough job market of today, learn. And, in avoiding the work in- it, I felt it was not worth the money and Students’ Union to discuss what can be Nevertheless, he has never had enough cutting corners is not going to get them volved, students are also avoiding the the consequences of whether I did get done to raise awareness amongst stu- evidence to pursue any of these cases. anywhere in the long term.” learning, part of the reason they are caught were not worth putting my Uni- dents. Whilst we have staff who clear lit- Dr. Masrani said that buying essays on- Roger Watt, a Professor in Psychology, coming to University in order to build versity career on the line for.” ter, we need everyone to play their part line is “sad” as “you can cheat the world is also aware of online essay-generating upon their skills.” Students asked by Brig said that it was in reducing litter in the first place. We but not yourself”. websites, and is strongly opposed to it. He added, “Students using online unfair that students have gotten away will also be looking at bins being emp- Furthermore, he told Brig that the “I am aware of the existence of such essay-generating services are going to with it because they put the hard work tied more frequently during periods of most important message for students is services, although I know no details end up with a result that does not reflect in doing it legitimately. warm weather.” Electrical fire on Union Street forces students out completely extinguished, inspected the Rajmund Bakonyi building and permitted students to re- occupy their flats. Head of Photography & The fire caused damage within flat 3D, Zsuzsanna Matyak the most affected areas being the bath- rooms and the hallway which all burnt News Editor out. Other areas of the flat were less af- fected as the fire doors kept the flames fire occurred in the Union out. Struggling to make ends meet? Street student accommoda- There was some additional water dam- tion complex on 17 March, age in 3A, the flat below 3D, as the fire causing damage within a flat caused a plastic water pipe to burst. In financial hardship? andA leading to a burst water pipe, caus- The residents of the damaged flats ing flooding in the flat below. No-one have been relocated to alternative ac- got injured. commodation in the Union Street stu- Around 3pm, an electrical fire broke dent accommodation complex. out in flat 3D on Bayne Street, originat- Hello! You there - Yes YOU! Apply now - yes ing from the panel within the electrical cupboard of the flat. “When she opened the The fire was discovered by one of the electrical cupboard, it was residents, who checked the electrical cupboard after both showers switched all in flames” off. After discovering the fire, Cathrine Thomassen immediately warned her Anne-Lise Helseth, one of the resi- Grants still available to eligible students from: flatmates and they evacuated the flat be- dents in 3D, said, “I only found out fore the fire alarm went off. All the life about the fire because Cathrine let us all safety systems were functioning. After know. Both of the electrical showers got  Discretionary Fund + Childcare/Lone Parent fleeing to the courtyard, the residents switched off, and Cathrine went to the warned the porter, who called the fire electrical cupboard to see if any of the Childcare Fund brigade. fuses had went. When she opened the The Central Scotland Fire & Rescue electrical cupboard, it was all in flames. Service attended the scene in a couple of “Upon discovering the fire, Cathrine Last date for applications: Friday 4 May minutes, checked that the fire had been warned the rest of the people in the flat, and we were all out before the fire alarm went off. I can’t even remember seeing  Nightingale Fund (Nursing students) any flames when we made our way out of the flat, when the rest of us came out of our rooms the hallway was so thick of Last date for applications: Monday 4 June black smoke that we couldn’t really see much at all.” She added: “The porters and other Uni staff have been nothing but supportive and helpful. They’ve really done every- For full information and forms: thing to make sure we’re all ok. I can say  our Succeed pages on the behalf of all the people in our flat that we’re all very satisfied with how the  our website - www.student-support.stir.ac.uk/money porters dealt with it all.” It is expected that flat 3A will be ready  or collect a form from our Reception for re-occupation very soon, and flat 3D The burnt-out hallway of Flat 3D within a few weeks. However, the resi- in Bayne Street dents said that they do not wish to move Student Money Advice, 4Y4 Cottrell Building, [email protected] Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi back. Email: [email protected] Brig | April 2012 6 Politics Editors: Elsa Andre & Colm Currie www.brignewspaper.com Politics Scotland is green: Stirling students renewable revolution share their thoughts ahead of schedule on Scottish Independence Allen Worwood

sition. There will be difficulties more ccording to recent reports in the sense of other states recognising from the Department of En- Franz Bernhardt & Scotland as an independent sovereign ergy and Climate Change, Michael Devine state.” Duncan also raised concerns Scotland has managed to about who will pay when it comes to reachA and actually exceed its renewable student fees in an independent Scot- energy target for 2011. The statistics, he Scottish Independence Ref- land. published at the end of March, show erendum will take place in 2014 that the amount of renewable electricity and the SNP’s Yes campaign for Anonymous: “I think Scotland and the generated in 2011 rose 45 % on 2010 to it starts in May. Independence, Scottish Government are a competent 13,750 gigawatt hours in total. Tdevolution or remaining within the UK: country and government and I think it The original aim of renewable energy the issue has sparked a heated debate is one more step towards completing the production by the end of 2011 was 31%, both north and south of the border, with process started by devolution.” but Scotland is on course to have 35% of Westminster and the Scottish Govern- its electricity consumption coming from ment arguing both about the timing of Sean: “I think it will be close and there renewable energy sources, if consump- the vote and the questions to be on the is a lot of Scottish nationalist opinion. tion continues to grow as it did in the ballot. With these issues in mind, we However, I think the referendum will previous year. Alongside this, wind en- took to the Stirling University campus to be very much similar to the A.V. refer- ergy generation and hydro generation in ask British students how they felt about endum.” 2011 have both substantially increased Ardrossan wind farm in Ayrshire is one of many in Scotland the Referendum. Picture: wikimedia.org in terms of renewable energy consump- Several British students raised the tion for Scotland. put into renewable energy will need to the renewable energy sector. Sam, Third Year: “I am in favour, be- problems an independent Scotland In light of this positive news, Alex go towards establishing more grid con- The idea of investment leading to job cause it is a means to an end, the only could possibly face. After 300 years of Salmond has increased the future re- nections across the land, improving the creation has been endorsed by Scottish way to meet our full potential. The SNP the Union there was some fear that the newable energy targets for the coun- current planning system, and generally Renewables, the organisation which is getting more members every day; break-up of the UK could lead to a dis- try as a whole. He has now stated that supporting more investment in clean represents the renewable energy indus- more and more people are realising that ruption to student and public services, 80% of Scotland’s energy consumption energy. Becoming a low carbon econo- try. Their recent research supports the independence is the way forwards for which an independent Scotland might should come from renewable energy my (one that has a small level of carbon fact that the renewable energy industry Scotland.” not be able to effectively address. by 2020, seeing renewables as a major dioxide emissions) is the ideal goal for currently supports 11,000 jobs in Scot- With the referendum taking place in strength for Scotland’s economy going Scotland, as it looks to establish itself as land, with the number likely to increase James, Second Year: “The Scottish the Autumn of 2014 after the 700th an- forward. Salmond believes that “Scot- a world leader in green energy and in the as the industry continues to expand. people will be ready for independence, niversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, land is blessed with abundant energy fight against climate change. Chief Executive Niall Stuart stated that they will be ready to determine their while the Glasgow Commonwealth sources,” as it has “a quarter of Europe’s With more investment will come more the report “highlights that for every job own future. I think the majority of the Games are taking place, the vote might potential wind and tidal energy capacity jobs, with Salmond also saying, ‘’Re- in renewable energy development, there Stirling Uni students are coming around be decided by either an upsurge of Scot- and a tenth of its wave resource.” This cent work by Scottish Enterprise has are around six more in the direct sup- to the idea of pro-independence; for ex- tish nationalism or whether the UK view has also been endorsed by the En- shown the huge potential for employ- ply chain”, which can only mean good ample, last year there was a landslide economy has recovered by that time. ergy Minister Fergus Ewing, who stated, ment in the renewable industry, with up things for future employment in Scot- victory for the SNP. With a successful Considering these facts and the argu- “Scotland is a genuine world leader in to 28,000 direct jobs being created to land. campaigning and a positive message for ment that 2014 could be too early for an green energy and our targets reflect service the Scottish, UK and worldwide The opportunities for employment can Scotland, we can overcome these diffi- Independence referendum, another stu- the scale of our natural resources, the markets for offshore wind turbines. It already be seen in the latest develop- culties.” dent thought, “2014 is the perfect time, strength of our energy capabilities and has also been estimated that 60,000 ment in the Port of Leith. The Spanish people have 1,000 days to think about the value we place on creating new, sus- new green jobs could be created by 2020 company Gamesa has chosen to build Collin, Second Year: “How much what they really want.” tainable industries.’’ in low carbon industries.’’ a new wind turbine-manufacturing fac- of the UK debt would Scotland have to Based upon the response we got from Alex Salmond’s announcement of the Scottish Enterprise, essentially a tory there, rather than in England or take, how would you work that out, by the students we interviewed, it became new 2020 target for Scotland was made quango that is responsible for promot- anywhere else. This decision could lead head or GDP? Also with Europe and obvious that there is a range of different in the hope of increasing investment in ing enterprise, innovation, and invest- to the creation of up to 800 jobs in Scot- the permanent seat in the UN Security opinions about aspects concerning the Scotland’s emerging low carbon econ- ment in business, recently announced land, with this being an early sign of the council. It brings up multiple problems issue of Independence, from devolution omy as, in order to reach the target of ambitious new plans with the aim of at- benefits that the renewable revolution on multiple levels.” max to economic concerns, to student 80%, investment will be vital. Any in- tracting £350million of investment into has to offer. services. Another student said, “It seems Duncan, Second Year: “We are still that there is a lot of solidarity for pro-in- coming out of a really serious recession. (51% reduction) if combined with bet- dependence, especially here in Stirling I think there is still a strong sentiment ter lighting and increased security per- which is very much the historical home Cameras cut crime, sonnel. However, they only have a very of not trusting the idea of Scottish inde- to Wallace and Bruce.” This issue does pendence, a greater number of people small effect on crime (7%) in city and not stop students from arguing over the will fall on the devolution max propo- town centres. issues which concern them. but at what cost? These findings have also been support- ed by the Home Office in the past, and Big Brother state.” is mentioned in one of its reports from Payam Martin Rad Stirling University professor, Dr. Wil- 2005. “The belief that CCTV alone can New University liam Webster, Chairman of the Living counter complex social problems is un- in Surveillance Societies, an interna- realistic in the extreme. At best, CCTV he citizens of Britain have be- tional multi-disciplinary social science can work alongside other measures to come so accustomed to be- research program, has concerns about generate some changes.” Politics Society ing watched by “Big Brother,” what happens to the data collected by After it was revealed in an internal po- that they do not usually no- these cameras. He said, “My personal is- lice report, in 2009, that CCTV cameras Ttice CCTV cameras anymore. In 2009, sue is as part of the surveyed population, help to solve one crime for every 1,000 established Falkirk Council had 82 security cameras as we go about our daily business, we cameras in the City of London, David installed, the same number as the entire have no idea about the type of surveil- Davis MP, the former shadow home sec- city of Sydney, Australia. lance that takes place.” He also points retary, said, “It should provoke a long ty. The meetings take the form of a short Today, Stirling has 182 cameras in- out, “There are very little controls over overdue rethink on where the crime pre- Elsa Andre presentation, then a discussion in two stalled to keep a watchful eye on its the private use of CCTV.” vention budget is being spent.” separate groups. The topic of the meet- inhabitants, and the Council spent As residents of the UK, we are accus- According to Edinburgh Council, the & Colm Currie ing is decided upon the previous week, £171,662 to maintain them last year. tomed to being surveyed and we are cost related to a single camera instal- Politics Editors and they occasionally have guest speak- This is good news to the council tax fully aware of the fact that we are, since lation is budgeted at £25,000, while a ers in to talk to the society members. we are constantly reminded both by the purpose-built portable unit is a mam- payers of Stirling, especially since their group of Stirling University The Politics Society is keen for new media and the CCTV signs almost every- moth £80,000. Big Brother Watch has fellow council tax payers in Falkirk had students has founded a Poli- members to join, and students are wel- where we go. However, as Dr. Webster calculated the total cost of installing, op- to pay £1,187,880 to run and maintain tics Society, which began this come to go along to observe their meet- explains, “We know we might be sur- erating and maintaining CCTV cameras the CCTV cameras in 2011. Alex Deane, semester. Led by President ings. The next meeting will be held at veyed, but beyond that lense we have between 2007 and 2011 at grand total director of Big Brother Watch, has over MariaA Ristimäki, it is the first political 7.00pm on Wednesday 11 April in Cot- no idea what might be happening to our of £515million. This could have paid for the years voiced his concern about society at the University without any af- trell B3. The following week will see a image.” 4,121 Police Constables or 5,894 PCSOs, “Big Brother’s” ever-watching eye. He filiation to a particular party or ideology. joint meeting with the Free Thinkers’ According to Big Brother Watch, fig- or to put it in perspective, it could have said,“For CCTV cameras to be worth The society currently has 33 members, Society, which will discuss the role of re- ures from car parks are often used to increased the total British police force paying for, they either have to help to and only charges the Union’s minimum ligion in politics. For more information support increase use of CCTV cameras by 3.4%. Clearly CCTV cameras do have prevent or help to detect crime.” He be- fee of £3 to join. on the meetings, and on the Politics So- in public space. Studies, performed by a positive impact when it comes to re- lieves that the money spent on install- The group first began as a study group ciety in general, you can email them on The Campbell Collaboration and Swed- ducing crime, but there are certainly ment, upkeep and monitoring of such last semester, which the founding mem- [email protected], or find their ish National Council for Crime Preven- more effective ways the money could be expensive equipment, could be spent bers were keen to turn into an ongoing page on Facebook. tion, show that CCTV cameras have a spent. on “putting more bobbies on the beat, project and turn it into an official socie- rather than increasing the reach of the significant effect on crime in car parks Brig | April 2012 7 Politics: Comment www.brignewspaper.com Student Union elections: are they taken seriously, or just a popularity contest? far as students elections are concerned, Elsa Andre but when you think about it, it is really quite pathetic. Maybe it is time our Un- Politics Editor ion’s officers got out and talked to stu- dents more, so we can have all the po- sitions filled and students more widely s you may or may not be represented. Informed students would aware, the Union held its an- also spare us the popularity contests nual elections last month. that we were unlucky enough to wit- The elections are always an ness in this year’s elections. The Sports Picture: onlinebusinesspages.co.uk excitingA event for those of us who real- Union has always had a rather dispro- ise they are taking place, because they portionate influence on the results, but determine who will be representing this year, it was just plain ridiculous. It us for the coming year. We have the Golden age or bronze age? is fair to say that some of the candidates campaigns to look forward to and then running just never stood a chance, not election night, when the results are an- because they lacked ideas, or appeared nounced. As the evening progresses, incompetent, but because they weren’t Why outsourcing causes you feel the tension mounting; the particularly popular figures around Uni suspense becomes unbearable as the and weren’t close to the Sports Union. number of votes for each candidate is revealed, and then, whether to celebrate “If students felt more problems than it fixes or commiserate, you know you will be getting very drunk. more engaged That’s how election night is supposed telecommunications contracts to Ger- Outsourcing and privatisation cannot be to be, at least. Unfortunately, we had with the Union, Nash Riggins many, cleaning positions have all been guaranteed to save governments any- none of that this year. The main rea- privatised, and property management thing if they fail to account for the way in son for the lack of excitement on elec- they would have firms are taking over the maintenance which they will be displacing their own tion night was that there were very few ast week in his address to the In- of government-owned facilities. As a re- hard-working citizens. people running for positions. Out of recognised the stitute of Civil Engineering, the sult, it’s fair to say that not all council Furthermore, privatisation is too of- the 20 positions available, only 12 had passion, compe- Prime Minister posed a particu- executives understand the best interests ten accompanied by corporate mishan- candidates running for them, and 7 of larly provocative assertion. “If of their voters. dling and less than reputable business these were uncontested. That only left tence and initia- Lwe wait for the state to fund the infra- practices. For example, it came to light 5 results to look forward to, which was structure challenge, we’ll be waiting for- last year that Mitie, the private com- quite disappointing, like knowing in ad- tive displayed by ever.” Given the recent and aggressive “The concept itself pany that maintains British treasures vance what you’re getting for Christmas inquiries into the potential privatisation is quite simple: de- such as the Tower of London, has been because you arranged it with your par- Beattie and Iron- of virtually every government sector, charging admission even from workers ents. But more than the amount of en- side.” this indeed appears to be the Coalition volve the majority visiting sites for government business. tertainment, or lack thereof, the even- Government’s new take on how to curb Worse yet, the company was within ing provided, the real let down was the Sam Gibbs won Union President by an public spending. of infrastructure their rights, given the preceding private students’ absence of interest in running outrageous margin. With 970 votes to In fact, in what some are calling “a decisions down to service agreement. for positions within their Union. 265 for Andy Badger, 235 for Liam Beat- golden age of outsourcing,” around Debt scares people into doing very Looking back to the start of the se- tie and 190 for Michael Ironside, respec- £80billion will be paid by local authori- local authorities, foolish things, and the local council au- mester, I remember being aware of the tively. Rather than showing that the best ties to foreign conglomerates this year in thorities that you vote into office are, coming elections, mainly because I am man won, the results showed that the order to help tackle jobs that the Gov- so that citizens unfortunately, no different. While police a member of Brig, and this is when other three were fighting a losing bat- ernment used to take upon themselves. forces across the country are attempting our new Editor is elected. But for those tle from the start. If students felt more Predictably, this number is on track to have more say over to pass their paperwork and patrol du- students who aren’t part of one of the engaged with the Union, they would increase to £140billion by around 2015. how their tax mon- ties on to private security firms and the media societies and who don’t have have recognised the passion, compe- Who do we have to thank for this capi- NHS is being forced to create space in friends working for the Union or run- tence and initiative displayed by Beattie tal exodus? The most direct culprit is ey is spent locally. their facilities for the VIP patients who ning for a position, the mere fact that and Ironside. They would have heard without a doubt David Cameron and his can afford to pay for superior health- there were elections happening would the proposals concerning sustainability Localism Act. Yet, in practice, lo- care, it’s a fair assessment that govern- have gone completely over their heads. brought forward by Badger. The can- The concept itself is quite simple: de- ments (both local and national) are not The first reason for that is that the elec- didates would have had equal chances. volve the majority of infrastructure deci- calism has become taking into account the casualties of tions weren’t advertised properly. Were That is not to say that Gibbs was not a sions down to local authorities, so that a far messier beast their budget solutions. there posters, emails sent out, people strong candidate for the role, but he did citizens have more say over how their In David Cameron’s speech last week, walking around campus to let the stu- not appear significantly stronger than tax money is spent locally. Yet, in prac- than many could he stated that the upcoming privatisa- dents know that they could run for po- his opponents. His popularity within tice, localism has become a far messier tion boom in British infrastructure was sitions? I don’t remember seeing any. the Sports Union meant that he had an beast than many could have predicted. have predicted.” important in order to enable “factories, That doesn’t mean that no effort was enormous advantage, and it was never a Not only have councils inherited new offices, warehouses and workshops to made to encourage people to be candi- level playing field. powers, but they’ve also inherited new function, to trade and to grow,” yet it’s dates, but I feel that that whatever effort Let’s hope that next year’s team will debts that they clearly do not know how hard for a factory to grow without work- was made wasn’t enough. The second strive to make the elections a bigger to handle. The immediate result of this ers. Mr Cameron wants to compete with reason for the students’ lack of enthu- event in the students’ lives, so that we bubble in 2011 meant councils closing Let’s explore the long-term, shall we? the rest of the world by showing off his siasm concerning the elections might have fairer elections, and international, down libraries and attempting to tax In an attempt to pinch a few pennies, privately funded and well-manicured very well be that they just don’t really postgraduate, and disabled students children in order to use their playground local councils have laid off hundreds of roads yet, by allowing local councils to understand what they’re all about and among others, have people to represent equipment. Yet these brilliant ideas un- employees; drastic times call for drastic privatise and outsource anything and how it affects them. I myself only had a their interests within the Union. surprisingly rendered little to no finan- measures, and someone has to be the everything just in order to stay afloat, very vague idea of what it was all about cial result, and councils have now been bad guy. Yet the frustratingly predictable the Prime Minister’s idea of a “Big So- until last year’s elections when people forced to make bigger decisions in 2012. result is that many of these unemployed ciety” has completely failed. As a result, I knew decided to run for positions. I Politics online This year, councils are selling off any citizens will then struggle past their sev- Mr Cameron should now ask himself have heard friends say that they had no and every job possible to the highest erance agreements, looking for work in a vital question, “Would I rather that idea the elections were even happening, bidder; that is to say, effectively lay- debt-afflicted areas, before being forced British roads be the envy of Europe, or they knew, but didn’t care. To rem- Liked these articles? You can read ing off employees and then outsourc- to start receiving welfare benefits in or- or would I rather that Britain’s unem- edy this should be one of the Union’s more politics articles on the Brig ing the job to whoever will cost them der to feed their families. In short, these ployment rate become an international top priorities. website: fewer pennies. To top it off, apart from money-saving techniques will effectively laughing stock?” The decision should be On election night, we all clapped and over-paid council executives, it seems cost local authorities even more money a simple one, yet as with all things politi- cheered when the turnout of 19,33% was www.brignewspaper.com evident that virtually no job is safe from than if they would have just kept those cal, nothing can ever be truly simple. announced, because it is fairly good as privatisation. Councils are selling IT and workers’ jobs in-house in the first place. 8 Brig | April 2012 www.brignewspaper.com Politics: Comment

it in for Alex Salmond. After all, even if The reason behind the Labour Party’s he did host the donors at Bute House, so frustration is clear to see; it was once Salmond’s “breach” of what? Were they swayed by the beauty Scotland’s favourite party by a long of the building, or by whichever culinary way, but lost out narrowly in 2007 and delights were on offer? Almost certainly didn’t even come close to government in not. Even if you’ve just won £161 mil- 2011. With Westminster having slipped ministerial code is hardly lion, it’s still not likely that you’d just away recently as well, Labour must be give away £1 million of that to the first seriously worried about its standing in a political party to ask for it. The Weirs are modern day United Kingdom. There are not floating voters who have been per- no especially strong leaders evident in Labour’s biggest concern suaded by a grovelling Salmond to hand either branch of the party, and George over a chunk of their winnings. They Galloway’s recent electoral victory is an- are SNP supporters who have come into other huge blow for a movement in de- some money, and donated it to a cause cline. Labour should be focussing on its at the moment in which they believe. Indeed, a press re- own shortcomings, rather than resort- lease issued on behalf of the First Min- ing to telling the teacher on everything actions, saying, “the longer Alex Sal- watching his every move. ister described Chris and Colin Weir as the big, bad nationalists do. Colm Currie mond desperately tries to keep these According to the ministerial code, “old friends” of his. Politics Editor documents secret, the more people will “Government property should not gen- think he has got something to hide.” erally be used for constituency work or While there is some truth to this, in that party activities.” The use of the word cottish National Party leader it is human nature to suspect the worst “generally” is crucial here, as it fur- Alex Salmond has been accused until it is confirmed otherwise, this reeks ther stipulates that one such exception of breaching the ministerial code of desperation on the part of the Labour is where a government building also by hosting SNP donors at his offi- Party, which has seen its popularity in acts as a residence. The code also says, Scial residence. The First Minister invited Scotland and in the UK plummet over “Where ministers host party or personal Euromillions winners Chris and Colin the last few years. events in the First Minister’s official Weir to tea at Bute House just days be- If it were proved that Salmond had residence, it should be at their own or at fore they donated £1million to his party. broken the code, then he would surely party expense.” A spokesperson makes This occurred in September, shortly af- look rather foolish, having invited in- the highly plausible claim, “Mr Salmond ter the couple had won the £161million dependent advisors to investigate his has his own stock of tea at Bute House prize. The possible breaking of rules behaviour. As the author of the most re- and always has had, because of his lik- concerns Salmond using Government cent version of the code, which was up- ing for Scottish Blend and Chinese tea.” resources or facilities (in this case, the dated in December of last year, Salmond While this is clearly the SNP’s version First Minister’s official residence) to should be familiar with what is expected of the story, and they were never likely help his own party gain a financial ben- of him. However, he could have avoided to admit that any wrong-doing had oc- efit. Salmond has welcomed an investi- the issue entirely by making sure that he curred, it is nevertheless likely to be the gation into the matter, claiming that he did not invite SNP donors, or potential truth. This looks like Labour clutching has “total confidence’ in his position. donors, to his official residence, to en- at straws, or suggests that they have not The potential offence has been point- sure that there was no grey area and no read the rules thoroughly before making ed out by Paul Martin, parliamentary matters to be investigated. This would an official complaint, both of which are business manager for the Labour Party probably have been a more sensible possible. in Scotland. He has called for the First thing to do, but then perhaps the First This is a topic which is unlikely to in- Minister to be more transparent in his Minister had not counted on Labour terest many other than those who have Picture: restauranttycoons.co.cc

Careers in Sport and Business Get your career off to a head start

Monday 23 April, 1:30 – 4:30pm Cottrell 3A1, Career Development Centre Sign up now at: www.careers.stir.ac.uk ‘What’s on’

Hear from a range of speakers about careers in the business of sport:

• Glasgow 2014 • EventScotland • Personal trainers • Decathlon • Sport consultancy • Leisure management

Only 40 places – don’t miss out, sign up today! Inside this month: Page 10: Interview with Ginger Wildheart Page 14: SUDS comedy festival review Page 18: What are you wearing to Final Fling 2012 Page 19: Game review: Journey

April 2012 Brig culture

Photography by Rajmund Bakonyi Email: [email protected] Brig | April 2012 10 MUSIC Music Editors: Ross Dunn & Andy McDonald www.brignewspaper.com Bc

Music News Ginger Wildheart Sonisphere 2012 cancelled Knebworth’s Sonisphere Fes- thanks pledging fans tival, which was to play host to Interview “I hit a wall sometime in July when I bands including Kiss, Queen Andy McDonald Music Editor seriously considered giving up the idea and Faith No More, will not go of making a living from music,” he re- ahead this year. While promot- inger Wildheart has complet- vealed earlier this year. “I asked a very ers have not made clear any ed his record-breaking triple successful friend of mine in New York to look for employment for me. He insisted specific reasons, there have album, a project funded by an online pledge-drive in which that whatever I chose to do, it should be been reports of poor ticket fansG donated money to cover the costs something I would happily do for free. sales. of recording. My cynicism refused to believe that such The project was hosted on Pledge- mystic mumbo jumbo would help a fam- ily in the north of England and a musi- Jet call it a day Music.com and the target of 100% was reached within hours, earning it the title cian all but convinced that he had failed. Australian rockers Jet have an- of the fastest to do so in the history of “With the success of the pledge cam- nounced their split. The band, the site. paign, I took back any doubt in the pow- most well remembered for their The pledge-exclusive thirty-track al- er of a strong and loyal fanbase. They have given me hope for the future. They hit Are You Gonna Be My Girl bum is to be called 555%, which is the percentage of donations at which the have improved my life in ways they may say, “It was the fans across the hard copy was made unavailable. Fans never fully comprehend.” Leading the revolution: Ginger Picture: facebook.com/officialginger world that made our amazing can still purchase a digital version of Ginger also took the time to talk to story possible and we wish to the full effort, with an abridged ver- Brig about how the commercial ideol- resenting something as stable as rock in every generic music magazine on the ogy of mainstream media has pushed thank them all. Thank you, and sion called 100% to be released for gen- music. It isn’t a young person’s game, shelf. This presents them with the risk of eral sale. The total percentage currently music underground, a change that he it’s a sport that welcomes the young fan goodnight.” becoming a homogenised mess with no stands at over 570%. suggests could be one for the better. and represents the older fan.” genre-specific representation. “The D.I.Y. approach has appealed to “Musicians now have the opportunity He also considers being largely ig- “You only have to look at the amount Kanye in lawsuit. Again me since I watched the original punks to connect directly with their people nored by such magazines as something of extreme metal publications to see to the point where magazine coverage Kanye West is facing a gatecrash the charts and infuriate the of a personal victory. how the underground is slowly becom- press,” said Ginger. “What I want to do is largely irrelevant on their level, and “I don’t mind magazines refusing to $500,000 lawsuit after being ing acceptable in WHSmith. is keep that spirit thriving. Music made there is no longer a lure to a bigger level give me coverage, but if they honestly “If independent music is providing a accused of sampling Robert for people by the people.” in the industry. No one wants to be U2 think I’m going to quit and get a job more relevant service, then it will be- Poindexter’s music on his While PledgeMusic handles donation anymore. because of their neglect of home-grown come the new mainstream.” “I stand for every musician with a fan- song Girls Girls Girls without totals with discretion, 555% has report- talent, then they don’t know me very edly raised over a quarter of a million base who stare in disbelief at reports of well. permission. West and Jay-Z 555% and 100% are set to be dollars. 15% will be taken by the website another ‘best band in the world’ feature “Kerrang! are a little reluctant to fully released this month. have only recently settled a case to cover costs, while a further 10% will in NME, only to remember that the last get behind me. I presume this is because one already broke up, and the one be- in which they were accused of be donated to the Save The Children they just don’t know if I have a fan base For more music features, fore that. It gets comical. 14-year-olds that is age relevant to their demograph- sampling Syl Johnson on their charity. interviews and reviews, The album saw Ginger reunite with may buy their bullshit but young people ic. I hope they don’t get too distracted please visit: collaboration album Watch The members of his most well-known band grow up. by their young target market, as they Throne. The Wildhearts, who went on hiatus in “Having a specific target audience of have less than a dozen bands that they 2010. This rekindled his ailing passion young people is stupid. You’re chasing a can appeal to a broader age group with. www.brignewspaper.com for music. mercurial market while supposedly rep- They’re the same bands that are featured Sounds of the summer and happy memories

ith summer just around My holiday tracks mainly stem from one. Skream’s Cassius remix of I Love the corner, many of us good memories, and the following are You So meant a lot to me last June at Wwill be looking forward no exceptions. The definitive proof of the Parklife Weekender in Manchester. to long days of sunshine, friends music painting your memories lies in Watching the main stage and Skream and music. Some have already one of my oddest summer tracks. In was one of the best sets of the festival started spending their days on the Flames’ Dawn Of A New Day reminds and the 2012 Weekender will take some banks of Airthrey Loch on the Uni- me of being on a bus in Spain, whizzing beating. Bring on a summer of bass! versity campus. In keeping with past the barren terrain. Imagining those Iain Blackwood this, we asked Brig writers what mad Swedish lads penning an acoustic their favourite summer chill-out number to seduce a senorita is odd but My ultimate summer song has got to tracks are, and which ones hold comforting. Very rarely do songs blow be Thunderstruck by AC/DC. The song fond memories for them. me away and yet still give me shivers to makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. this day but Idiot Pilot’s Losing Colour It reminds me of Download Festival Shuffle by Bombay Bicycle Club en- maps out one glorious summer for me 2010 and electric atmosphere that went compasses everything I love about sum- a number of years ago. Also, the Tiësto across Donington Park when AC/DC mer. It’s a rousing tune that gets people years in the In Search of Sunrise series on their feet and dancing at festivals and are a magnificent summer soundtrack When summer comes around, I always outdoor parties at 2pm, cider in hand. in themselves, if Balearic bliss is your end up playing Blur’s Tender. It’s such Plus the video was shot in Berlin, and thing. a wonderfully mellow and beautiful reminds me of the great times I had Ross Dunn piece of music that always reminds me hopping on the U-Bahn and going on of T in the Park a few years back when adventures with my new-found friends “I love you so, but why I love you I nev- they played. In my opinion they stole the last August. er know”: lyrics and bass line that made show, and are the best live act I’ve ever Victoria Pease my summer of festival antics a special seen. Kris Gunn Global Gathering 2011 Picture: Global Press

THE UK STUDENT FESTIVAL 14-18 June South Wales Brig | April 2012 Bc www.brignewspaper.com MUSIC 11 Black Stone Cherry treat Edinburgh crowd to some Acoustic Death Metal Live review Stefanie Pryke Film Editor

aving opened for Alterbridge down and bring out their acoustic gui- late last year at a sold out tars, after an entirely impressive 10 SECC, Black Stone Cherry minute drum solo it should be men- come back for a full, make tioned, and everyone’s initial reaction is Hthat very full, UK tour, squeezing Ab- that tear-jerker Things My Father Said erdeen and Inverness in between two is next. They are wrong however, before packed shows in Edinburgh and Glas- we get that there is what frontman Chris gow. Robertson calls “Acoustic Death Metal”, The Kentucky rockers were supported which surprising doesn’t sound as ter- by Californian blues rock outfit, Rival rible as it, well, sounds. And a medley Sons, who have opened for the likes of of Oasis’ Champagne Supernova, Nir- AC/DC and Alice Cooper and are no vana’s Rape Me and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s strangers to getting the crowd warmed Tuesday’s Gone is played before we get up. They appear to win over a lot of back down to business. these classic rock fans by the end of their The audience go crazy for riff-tastic 30 minute set and may well be destined but lyrically abysmal Blame it on the for big things. Boom Boom as rhythm guitarist Ben With a 21 song set-list and an even Wells gets back to running around in a balance from all three albums, the next fashion that is almost too exhausting to 90 minutes are a treat. Their interac- watch. A quick encore later and we’re tion with the crowd really sets this band down to our final two songs, the inspira- apart from others, with the usual chat tional Peace is Free and, much like the about the city they’re in, alongside the “I rest of the show, the crowd sings every don’t understand what you’re saying” to word of Lonely Train back to an awe- the drunken Scot who’s trying to convey struck band. a message of appreciation. Black Stone The lads might be a fairly new band on Cherry are one of the few bands who the rock scene, but they play like veter- look genuinely gratuitous to hear their ans and Black Stone Cherry easily con- lyrics sung back at them and the fans vince the crowd that they don’t need Al- know this. terbridge on the bill to make their shows Halfway through the set the lads calm a complete success. Black Stone Cherry performing in Edinburgh Picture: Google Images 5 out of 5 Album reviews Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday ack in late 2009, Sleigh Bells quickly be- selves from their pre- one of the strong- came one of the most exciting new bands to vious work and Mill- Roman Reloaded est tracks on the emerge from their hometown of New York er’s self described he most maligned and hyped female in album. Perhaps City. Formed by guitarist and producer “party music”, this hip-hop returns to cement her place in his- some of the most DerekB Miller and vocalist Alexis Krauss, they had be- album features more tory with her follow-up to her debut album, profound lyrics to come famous for a genre breaking musical style and emotionally heavy Pink Friday Roman Reloaded. leave Minaj’s lips, their intense live performances. songs. Mellow tracks T Roman Reloaded sees Minaj return to form with “Frozen in time, This eventually led to the release of their debut al- like End of the Line, a verse from Lil’ Wayne; producing some comi- always be mine. bum Treats. The album went on to become a critical put more emphasis cal lines, “Pop a molly, smoke a blunt, that mean Baby boy, you’ll be and commercial success, with many critics praising on the vocals than the heavy guitar riffs of other I’m a high roller/my ex wanna work it out, bitch, young forever.” This is a reference to her Barbie the extreme audio volume and the stylish combina- tracks, but does not feel out of place on this record. try yoga”. With Madonna receiving criticism from alter-ego being together with Ken forever because tion of genres, sounds and dynamics, which was sim- The juxtaposition of genres is just simply amaz- Deadmau5 for apparently advocating the use of they never get old. Awch. ply unprecedented. The album broke the top 40 on ing when listening to the album. One of the stand “molly” (ecstasy), surely Wayne can expect the same If you could derive some proclamation of victory the Billboard 200 chart and found its way onto many out tracks, Born to Lose has Krauss singing a pop dressing down. in Champion then we can only assume that Stupid ‘album of the year’ awards. But after two years of melody about a death wish, while Miller plays a Nas, Drake and Young Jeezy all contribute to one Hoe is a childish attempt to kick Kim when she’s constant touring, they have returned with the second pounding guitar riff underneath. The effect is sim- of the album’s better tracks, Champion. Celebrating down. album Reign of Terror. ply stunning and allows for the creation of brand her ethnicity and, undoubtedly, the conclusion to Minaj’s album is significant for hip-hop and Like their previous album, Reign of Terror is new creative sounds out of the contrasting genres. her spat with Lil’ Kim, this song signifies her vic- pop culture. Musically, the album is patchy and proudly loud, but this time does not rely on the vol- tory. doesn’t match Pink Friday’s standard and raw fer- ume trick of last time. Instead, the duo place empha- Kris Gunn 4 out of 5 Wanton relationship councillor, Chris Brown vour Minaj had at that time, but the majority of sis on the elements of their sound which we never lends his spousal expertise to the second single the tracks do hint at the capability she has as an fully noticed, as they were crowded out by the speak- from the record on Right By My Side, an otherwise artist, a sad indictment of her pursuit of musical er melting sound of Treats. excellently produced track marred by Brown’s inane domination perhaps. Reign of Terror is a collection of brash, immense, contribution. hyperactive songs, but in a attempt to distance them- Young Forever was one of the first tracks to sur- Ross Dunn 3 out of 5 face from the recording process, still proving to be Single reviews

Bombay Bicycle Club - Miike Snow - Paddling Sebastian ft. Mayer Haw- How Can You Swallow So Out thorne - Love In Motion Much Sleep Paddling Out is the first single to be This is a superb re-release from North London’s Bombay Bicycle Club taken from the Stockholm-based in- French DJ Sebastian, from his debut return with their latest single, which die trio latest album Happy to You. record, Total. Although this was re- is the perfect introduction to the Continuing with their experimental, leased in May last year the track still brighter months ahead. The fourth yet, somehow mainstream stylings, oozes funk, with a rasping bassline single taken from their latest studio they have been able to create another and distorted vocals making this a album, A Different Kind of Fix, is a excellent track that fans will love. minimalist classic, devoid from the wonderfully chilled track which eases Featuring compelling moody lyrics, Ed Banger traits. Skrillex and Rusite the listener through. The chime-like house-inspired production, looping provide remixes to complete the sin- guitars are just excellent and Jack Steadman’s sweet, chilled vo- drums and hard-hammered piano riffs make this track a Miike gle, if that sort of thing grabs you. cals and lyrics are charming. This is certainly going to become an Snow classic, while still sounding progressive. Ross Dunn 4 out of 5 essential summer track. Kris Gunn 5 out of 5 Kris Gunn 4 out of 5

Jennifer Lopez - Dance Stooshe - Love Me Chris Brown - Sweet Love Again ft. Pitbull Introducing Stooshe. This South The first official single to be released It’s surely time Jenny went back London trio is the latest in a long line from Brown’s forthcoming album, round that block and hopefully she’ll of girl groups, bringing “girl power” Fortune, is so sweet that it’s sicken- take that vile little dog with her. back to the charts, but on a whole new ing. A strong verse about ladies re- Sleazy Pitbull is, without a doubt, the level. Think Spice Girls mixed with moving their clothes so Brown can worst thing to happen to music in Salt N Pepper. They have released make Sweet Love to them is all too recent years. This track is no excep- their first track, Love Me. Charm- endearing. Brown’s lyrical fortitude tion and you’ve really got to question ingly 1960s, this track is a surpris- aside, the music is the typical sappy a man who uses his own laugh as a ingly fun track, with infectious hooks nonsense we’ve come to expect from backing track to retort to his awful and packed with tongue-in-cheek hu- the crooner-come-boxer. lines. mour. However, the song does lack creativity and Travie McCoy’s Ross Dunn 0 out of 5 rap section is lacklustre. Overall, however, it’s still a decent song. Ross Dunn 1 out of 5 Kris Gunn 3 out of 5 Email: [email protected] Brig | April 2012 12 FILM Film Editor: Stefanie Pryke www.brignewspaper.com Bc film news The rise of the all-powerful comic book movie Feature This year’s comic book festival Ka- pow!, held in London over 19-20 Stuart Kenny Sports Editor May, will be attended by both Marvel verybody loves a little bit of ad- and DC. DC will be running a panel aptation. The transformation to chat about their new Watchmen of something already awesome prequel series, Before Watchmen. to give it a whole new look; whetherE it’s the remixing of songs, a 1984 horror Silent Night, Deadly conversion to a video game or the trans- Night is to be rebooted. The origi- ference of a novel onto the big screen. nal told of a young man who wit- Now the trouble with these adapta- nessed his parents’ murder by a man tions is that often the original idea was dressed in a Santa Claus suit, who so great that the new version seems unsurprisingly goes on a Santa suit pretty poor in comparison, much like killing spree. how Alec Baldwin makes his brothers all seem a bit rubbish. However, despite Arnold Schwarzenegger has spoken all the terrible music covers and failed of his excitement to film a rather bel- movie-based games around, the comic taed sequel to ‘80s comedy Twins. book-to-movie adaptation is one medi- Likely to be called Triplets with um that has seen unprecedented success Eddie Murphy joining as the third in recent times. sibling it has every chance of being Whilst superhero movies were once hilarious. a rarity, they have now progressed to the extent that the thought of a couple The cast and characters of Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, due out April 26th 2012 Picture: Tumblr Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels have of months without one seems entirely is the key component. If you choose Joel of the darker genre inside the comic with sunglasses on. both signed up for Dumb and outrageous. They have passed through Schumacher’s Batman & Robin as your book world, and after Nolan had estab- This entire Marvel craze has of course Dumber 2, not to be confused with stages of cheesiness, darkness and up- guidelines however, you’ll need a blue lished realism in the genre Favreau then been building up to The Avengers, which the abysmal Dumb and Dumberer. most awesomeness, and what started as Arnold Schwarzenegger playing “Mr. brought with Iron Man what Fonzie’s is now just around the corner. Judging Shooting is due to begin in Septem- a niche market is now a universal obses- Freeze” and spouting out cheese ball jukebox fixing punch brought to Happy by the build-up to this mass superhero ber after Carrey finally decided it sion. Now with The Avengers on its way, lines like “let’s kick some ice” and “ice Days: he brought the cool. ensemble the film will be quirky, thrill- was the right time to do the sequel. the comic book scene is soaring to un- to see you”. But that’s why we should This element of awesomeness has ing, and overflowing with action. Just predictable heights, wowing audiences always ignore Joel Schumacher when it been brilliantly managed by comic the way we like it. Ashton Kutcher has taken on the worldwide with a dramatically speech- comes to making superhero movies. book giants Marvel in their build-up to To make things better we can be as- rather serious role of the late Steve bubbled Wham! In all seriousness though, the likes The Avengers. Film by film they have sured from the trailers that Robert Jobs in a biopic of his life, titled Of course, there is definitely no guar- of Donner and Favreau’s work helped grabbed their audience and brought Downey Jr’s Tony “Iron Man” Stark will Jobs. The film will follow his young- antee of success when adapting the make the superhero genre what it is to- them along for an epic ride, leaving have his humour out aplenty in the film. er years up to his role as co-founder panels of the comic book world to the day, not to mention Tim Burton’s Bat- crowds around the world in need of One clip sees him telling Bruce “The of Apple. movies; anyone who has watched five man and the work of Christopher Nolan. more from their fictional worlds. What Hulk” Banner, “Dr. Banner, your work minutes of Halle Berry in Catwoman Whilst Donner and Burton brought an started with The Incredible Hulk lead is unparalleled. And I’m a huge fan of As with all horror films, there will know that. So what does it take to introductory foundation to superhero to the brace of Iron Man films as well the way you lose control and turn into comes a time when they “must” be make a good comic book film? movies, Nolan cemented the idea that as the magnificent Thor and Captain an enormous green rage monster.” You remade, Child’s Play is next to re- Well, according to Richard Donner’s they don’t have to be entirely loony. America. These are all flicks that not gotta love it. ceive a makeover. Titled Revenge of Superman you need an action-packed Nolan’s work inspired much of the only make the most of any comic oppor- If the ultimate posse of heroes goes Chucky, it will be similar to Bride of epic romance flick. If you take Jon work of Marvel film directors, and tunity, but also present characters that as well as we all expect, there is every Chucky and Seed of Chucky. Favreau’s Iron Man then a genius play- added further fuel to the comic book are incredibly cool whilst being incred- chance we’ll be anticipating The Aveng- boy comic who kicks ass in a metal suit fire. Batman Begins was the beginning ibly bad-ass. Like a great white shark ers 2 come 2015. After years on the back burner An- chorman 2 has finally been given the go ahead. Ferrell announced on US talk show Conan O’Brien that the Comment film had studio backing as he sat in full Ron Burgundy attire mocking the host. 4D films, the

Emma Watson is to work with Harry Potter director David Yates in Your way forward? Voice in my Head. The film is based Stefanie Pryke Film Editor on the memoirs of a British journal- ist in New York who befriends a ter- et me briefly explain 4D cinema in case you’re minally ill psychiatrist, rumoured to staring in amusement thinking, “Surely you be played by Stanley Tucci. mean 3D”. 4D cinema is based on seating technology. While you’re watching a movie For those who haven’t read the Lthe seat will shake, blow air in your face, spray water comic Mark Millar has given some and blast sound effects in your ears. Sounds strange, insight into the Kick-Ass sequel. right? Instead of focusing on the superhe- The introduction of 4D seats in Glasgow came the roes, it will be focusing on kids who same month as a report which said box office sales take up the role of super villians. The for 3D films were down this year. So why would 4D cast is yet to be confirmed. seem like a good idea to introduce across the UK? I’m not sure either. Producer Michael Bay took to his website to defend the new Turtles movie name change to simply Ninja Turtles. He promised angry fans that the film was in good hands and that everything that is loved about the franchise will still be there.

Sebastian Koch has signed on as a villain in A Good Day to Die Hard. It’s bound to end badly for him then as John McClane (Bruce Willis) teams up with McClane Jr, played by Jai Courntey. New 4D seats at Cineworld in Glasgow The big screen adaptation of Hanna Picture: Guardian Barbera’s much loved Top Cat is set to hit UK cinemas this summer. It For me, gimmicks like 3D and 4D are taking away has been out in South America since from the value of film and the cinema going experi- last year and was developed in 3D. ence. They can make a great film feel terrible and make bad films looks far worse: see Clash of the Ti- tans. When in London recently, I experienced 4D for the Check out www.brignewspaper. first time and I won’t lie, I absolutely loved it. How- com to see the latest dvd and cin- ever, the film was 15 minutes long, an animated Mar- ema reviews. vel cartoon and at the end of a fantastic trip round Madame Tussauds. 4D should really be kept for places like Universal Studios and Legoland as a novelty and not an excuse to jack up the ever increasing price of a cinema ticket. Brig | April 2012 Bc www.brignewspaper.com FILM 13 Cinema Reviews The Pirates! In an Adven- The Hunger Games ture with Scientists Dir: Gary Ross Dir: P. Lord & J. Newitt he Hunger Games is the latest in a series of fantasy teenage novels receiving the treatment of being adapted into a film f the void in your Christmas television sched- franchise. After the success of Harry ule was a certain duo made of plasticine with TPotter and to a lesser extent the Twilight adapta- a penchant for a good Wendsleydale, then tions, The Hunger Games was always the obvious the springtime release of The Pirates! will choice to be next in line. Based on the best-selling Ino doubt have you smacking your lips in anticipa- novels by Suzanne Collins who co-writes the film tion of some seriously tasty claymation adventure. alongside director Gary Ross, the film took over Aardman’s latest film creation comes 6 years after $189million in its opening week, surpassed only their last big screen attempt in the vastly-under- Captain Pirate goes down a treat with kids Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Picture: BBC by The Dark Knight, Harry Potter and The Death- rated Flushed Away, and this film sees a return to and adults alike Picture: Total Film ly Hallows: Part 2 and POTC: Dead Man’s Chest. tournament coordinator Seneca Crane (Wes Bent- the classic stop-motion style that has become syn- and Black Bellamy (Jeremy Niven) provide spec- Not too shabby, considering the material was only ley) with his peculiarly patterned beard. After one onymous with the studio. Punctuated with breath- tacular showiness and extravagance as they all published three years ago. minute you can tell this is going to be something taking CGI scenes of stormy skies and rough tides, compete for the top prize of Pirate of the Year. The film is set in Panem, a post-apocalyptic world different. the band of misfit pirates aboard the Pirate Cap- But the real star is the visual gags, playfully set where North America used to exist, which is now In order to survive, contestants must not only be tain’s (voiced by a Hugh Grant in stellar form) ship up and delivered to perfection. Beard’s are voted ruled by the Capitol, a totalitarian state. Those skilled in combat and survival, but collect spon- is as hilarious as they are presented. The “Surpris- by size ranging all the way up to ‘“Brian Blessed”, who live outside the state live in the 12 districts, sors who send items of aid as the games are also a ingly Curvaceous Pirate”, voiced by Ashley Jenson, the Pirate Captain is confounded in a Victorian pub each district assigned to producing materials for reality television show. This only adds to the sadis- plays out one liners in a gruff Scottish tone that named “Hook, Line and Sinker”, and Charles Dar- the Capitol. Each year, one male and female aged tic nature of events as each contestant is glammed hits the mark perfectly, as does Russell Tovey’s win’s pet monkey, who speaks via prompt cards, between 12 and 18 from each district is selected up to the public who cheer them but crave violence “Albino Pirate”, with his lovably daft input, espe- offers comedic tension whenever the need arises, to participate in the Hunger Games, a gladiatorial and death for entertainment. cially when it comes to the ship’s prized “parrot” without uttering a word. This is Aardman in full event in which only one comes out alive. This is strong stuff for a young adult’s film and Polly, whom he proclaims is “like an Auntie...with flow and the laughs keep coming, and a few view- The film’s main protagonist is Katniss Everdeen it could easily have been made into an 18 with the a beak”. And David Tennant plays a surprisingly ings will be needed to discover all the hidden jokes, played brilliantly by Jennifer Lawrence, a 16-year- savagery and violence, of the child gladiators, but villainous Charles Darwin, whom the audience set-ups and background pieces that will keep the old with a skill for hunting and archery. When Ross cuts around the gore of the violence showing will love to hate, but will coo at his wistful internal audience laughing view after view. Of course, the her younger sister is selected to participate in the the sometimes brutal fights without presenting the monologue as he walks the plank. “Dear Diary, I film is intended for children, but don’t be disheart- games, Katniss volunteers herself along with Peeta killer blow. Visually the film is very pleasing with will die having never gotten to second base with ened by the U certificate. If anything, the jokes Mellark, played by Josh Hutchison. The districts the wonderful natural landscapes and good special a girl”. that fly over the kiddies heads are the funniest and and their inhabitants are impoverished and der- effects that create the colourful city. The support- The plot is fantastic, albeit filled with the usual potentially rude to those of a dirty-minded nature. elict with the main camp to which the children are ing cast of Harrelson, Tucci and a small role from clichés about family and not forgetting who you For those who love animation, this is the film for selected paralleled with Auschwitz. Ross contrasts Lenny Kravitz are brilliant. If Tucci was given are. But the audience really doesn’t mind, as the you this Easter. And if you think kids films aren’t this landscape to that of the Capitol which is an more screen time he would totally steal the show lovable Pirate Captain steals the show and has you for you, surprise yourself and give this one a go. Pi- advanced metropolis that is comparable to ancient from the main characters so it’s a clever move to on side right from the off. His dumbfoundingly idi- rates! will have you giggling in your seat, and leave Rome and Greece. The city is awash with colours not grant him more time. Overall the film is very otic life choices spur the story on and his trusting you wishing for a helium balloon and a happy meal and extremity which Ross sets up with the first entertaining, however, it does have its flaws and a nature is actually a rather adorable concept. To fill afterwards. scene between Jonathan Ross-like Caesar Flick- lot of material is missing from the novels but all- the void left by the Pirate Captain’s uselessness, erman (the ever-brilliant Stanley Tucci) with his in-all, it’s worth viewing. nasty pirates such as Cutlass Liz (Salma Hayek) Victoria Pease Rating: 4 out of 5 sparkling blue suit and eccentric blue hair and Craig Wilson Rating: 3 out of 5

Television DVD & BluRay Reviews Puss in Boots scheming intelligence as well as comedic empathy to the character. Dir: Chris Miller After the first five minutes there is a sense that TV Round Up this will be another failure along the same lines as fter stealing the show in 2004’s Shrek the diabolical Shrek sequels, but thankfully this is 2, a separate film featuring the ginger not the case as the film sets out on its own course, feline was swiftly green-lighted. How- sacrificing the cultural references for new charac- Kiefer Sutherland returns to televi- ever, it was put on hold while work was ter traits that have been previously unexplored. completedA on the disastrous Shrek the Third and There is a touching back story between Puss and sion in Heroes-esque drama Touch Shrek Forever After. But at last Puss in Boots is Humpty that also layers the latter’s character who now available on DVD after reasonable success at is surprisingly complex for a child-orientated film. Review the box office. While not Dreamworks’ finest, this As well as Puss being a funny character the film film is still a lot of fun with many laughs to be had. Greg Barrie also reminds us that he is cat, creating new ways The film continues the theme of the Shrek films of making us laugh. The chemistry between Ban- of basing Puss on Zorro thanks to the brilliant ew American series Touch sees the deras and Hayek is obvious as this is their fifth film voice talents of Antonio Banderas. Without his full-time return to television screens together and is one the film’s strong points. The charisma the film simply would not work. Set in a for star of 24 Kiefer Sutherland, who animation is beautiful and whilst having jokes for fairy tale inhabited Spain, Puss is on the prowl for plays the widowed father of a mys- the kids, there are also a good few for the adults a score that will help him clear an old debt and his Nteriously gifted mute son. Sutherland’s Martin which is always pleasant. Whilst not being puuuu- conscience. He is promised fortune and glory with Bohm is a former high-paid reporter, who has urrrfect the film is a lot of fun with more laugh out villains Jack (Billy Bob Thornton) and Jill (Amy been flying through lowly paid jobs ever since loud moments than expected and leaves you enter- Sedaris) being in possession of magic beans that the 9/11 death of his stockbroker wife, and now tained and in a good mood. You can’t ask for much will lead him to the treasure of some golden eggs. finds himself a baggage handler at the JFK Air- Kiefer Sutherland post-24 Picture: Sky more really. Also looking to get in on the act are Kitty Softpaws, port. However, be prepared to spend most of the voiced by the sultry Salma Hayek, and Humpty time watching him chase after a series of clues (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who provides the voice of Craig Wilson Rating: 4 out of 5 Dumpty, played by Zach Galifianakis, who brings a provided in the form of numbers written down by reason about Jake’s increasingly concerning be- his presumed autistic son Jake (David Mazouz). haviour, with his refusal to talk or be touched What he is chasing after neither he nor the au- by anyone coinciding with his frequent running dience knows most of the time, but in some way away to climb a telephone tower. Her attempts Hugo way to give us an extra reference, breaking up the he is supposed to change the lives of those Jake to bring Jake into care are dampened however, flow of the picture as he does so. This is one of few leads him to. As Jake explains during his narra- as she becomes increasingly drawn into the abil- Dir: Martin Scorsese criticisms towards Hugo however. tion at the start of the pilot (yes, he is the narra- ity he has to predict events through numbers. On the whole, the film is an attempt to wow mod- tor despite the fact he has never spoken a word), The familiar role of the old man with mystical knowledge concerning events comes in the form n the surface of it, Martin Scorsese’s lat- ern day audiences in the way that Melies wowed his job is to, “make the connections for those of a constantly bathrobe-clad Danny Glover, who est piece of work is the tale of a young crowds in his prime, with the director making who need to find each other, the ones whose lives reinforces what viewers have already learnt from orphan who lives in a Paris train station great use of the 3D effects. A prime example of this need to touch.” How does he do this? Well, to put the aforementioned narration. in the 1930s. However, after viewing the is the presentation of The Lumiere Brothers’ early it plainly he writes down numbers and makes his The idea of everything we do having an effect filmO it is apparent that although this may describe movie picture “Arrival of a Train” by Scorsese, who father find out what they mean. on other people is delivered in a believable man- the narrative of Hugo, the real purpose of this pic- later goes on to create a similar sequence to this in The show bears resemblances to creator Tim ner in this show, and the characters are all con- ture is to capture on camera the true passion of a 3D dream clip intended to stun on-looking audi- Kring’s previous series Heroes, with a feeling of vincing in their need to be helped in some way Scorsese: the art of cinema. ences. destiny and higher power generated by the end or another. The durability of a central character Throughout his career Scorsese has established The exploration of cinema history and use of 3D of each episode, as the frantic mess is untangled who never talks has its potential setbacks, but himself as a master of suspense, so it surprised in this film create a tale that is not only delightful, to reach a satisfying conclusion. A mixture of sci- Kiefer Sutherland manages the role of a father many when he chose to make a big budget family but also a fantastic mixture of nostalgia and magic, ence, religion and fate combine in Touch, as the desperately struggling to communicate with his friendly 3D number. The auteur took this oppor- and though. It may be the exact opposite of what lives of seemingly unconnected people around son extremely well. If you are a fan of compli- tunity not to create a money-hungry blockbuster you have come to expect from a Martin Scorsese the world are shown to in fact be bound together cated series that only begin to make sense gradu- however, but to express his love of cinema through film, there’s no doubt that Hugo is one of the au- by the “red thread of fate” (a theory that is ex- ally, then this will prove an enjoyable watch as the tale of Georges Melies, creator of the famed “A teur’s most personal films to date. plained in the pilot). Characters “touched” range the mysterious journey unravels. It does this Trip to the Moon”. Bonus features include the “Shoot the moon: The from Russian gangsters to Japanese prostitutes, whilst making you sit back and think that maybe This unique focus gives an array of charm- making of Hugo” documentary, going behind the and the method in which they are all brought to- everything we do does matter in some sense, no ing sparks to the family film, but it also requires scenes on Scorsese’s set. gether is cleverly thought out. matter how small. some sacrifices. Whilst the cinematic homages are Complications surround the father-son su- filmed to perfection, and mostly fit with the story, Stuart Kenny Rating: 4 out of 5 perhero quest in the form of social worker Clea it does seem Scorsese occasionally goes out of his Email: [email protected] Brig | April 2012 14 ART Film Editors: Catriona Keddie & Anna Jordan www.brignewspaper.com Bc SUDS take to the stage in Macrobert for a night of bliss, comedy and laughter

The Stirling University Drama Society cast as they bring the Playhouse to life with some outstanding sketches Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi Arts Editors Catriona Keddie and Anna Jordan took a night away from the books and relaxed with some surreal humour as the Stirling University Drama Society kicked off their comedy festival in the Playhouse.

ast Tuesday, the MacRobert’s and some cake, it was revealed that this has also been involved with SUDS for “If something goes wrong, people tend he continued. But everyone involved Playhouse theatre hosted an was his last comedy festival, “Comedy his last two semesters. He agrees with to laugh, and obviously that’s the point!” seemed to do just that, and it is very easy event of surreal humour that is probably my favourite genre of thea- Calum, “Everyone’s creative flare comes to see why they do. answered some of life’s most tre,” said Ross. “Drama and other gen- together, especially for a production All the boys agreed that SUDS wormed Lpertinent questions: “What would the res don’t really compare to the instant like the comedy festival.” He said that its way into their lives. “You really get The comedy festival was a joy to watch; implications of Mario Kart be in real reaction of comedy. I mean, you can all bases are covered in a show like this, sucked in,” said Calum. “There’s always packed into the small theatre, it was per- life?”; “What is the best way to woo the look out into the audience when you’re there is no distinct style, and this is defi- something going on, whether it’s re- fectly set up and it was plain to see the girl I like?” and “What would happen if doing a drama and try to gage if they’re nitely true of last Tuesday’s show. hearsals, auditions or the actual perfor- effort and enthusiasm that had gone my legs decided to go on strike?” All of engrossed or not, but with comedy you mance, we always have something to do into the entire production. this, plus an in-show drinking game. can really hear how they feel.” The sketches provided a little some- with the society going on.” thing for everyone; whether you’re into The next show SUDS will be perform- It can only be the bi-annual Stirling Director Calum Swan, 18, has been chess, revenge-driven tables or ukulele “It’s not a chore though,” Ross assured, ing is One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest University Drama Society comedy fes- involved with SUDS for the last two se- parodies. The comedy offered up to the “we rehearse every night in the run up to on Wednesday 9 May, 7:30pm at the tival. mesters. “When I first came to the Uni- audience was a mish-mash of obser- a show, and usually part of the day too. MacRobert. For more information on versity, I was interested in a few differ- vational humour, slap stick, a pinch of The evening rehearsals are usually fol- how to get involved with SUDS, please This year, 33 performers took to the ent societies. But after getting involved satire and a whole variety of characters. lowed by a trip to the pub, so you get re- go to www.stirlingunidramasoc.com stage to act out a number of sketches in with directing MacDuff, I was hooked The David Attenborough style “Stirling ally close to the people around you after (their website is really good!) the two hour long show. with SUDS.” student documentary” was particularly spending so much time together. After a funny, and, if we may be so bold, very while you realise that these are your best Catriona Keddie & Anna Jordan Amongst the actors, was SUDS Vice Although being a director, Calum also accurate! friends. You get into a routine together, President Ross Middleton, 21, a fourth performed in the comedy festival. “Al- in a nice way!” Calum and David agreed year student. Ross has been involved though there is someone in charge for Comedy seems to be a favourite that although there is always something with SUDS ever since he came to the each production,” he said, “it always felt amongst the SUDS crew. “There is more going on, it never feels like too much. University. His first production with like ‘our’ production. Everyone is always room for stuff to go wrong,” said Da- For more art news, SUDS was The Crucible, and he hasn’t considered; it’s definitely a group ef- vid. “But also more room for stuff to go All in all, the SUDS comedy festival interviews and reviews, looked back since he started. fort.” right!” says Calum. All three agreed that was another success this year. “Most please visit: everyone involved with the show relaxes people get involved with SUDS to have In a sketch involving four of the SUDS Writer David Devereux, 20, (who is after the first laugh. “Comedy is easy to a laugh,” said Ross. “You do have to www.brignewspaper.com boys, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody also Brig’s very own Opinions Editor!) bounce back from too,” they continued. be willing to jump in with both feet,”

Macrobert Listings

Wanderlust: Sat 14 April- Wed 18 April

What on Earth?: Wed 18 April, 11am

Triple Bill: Thurs 19, 10:30pm

Singing in the Rain: Fri 20 - Sat 21 April

The Red Shoe Ceilidh: Wed 21 April, 7pm

Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengence: Wed 21 - Thurs 22 April

The Raven: Sun 22 - Wed 25 April

Scottish Community Drama One Act Play Festival: Thurs 26 April, 7pm

The Hunger Games: Fri 27 - Sun 29 April

We Bought a Zoo: Sat 28 - Sun 29 April

Bang on!: Sun 29 April, 3pm

Shake Rattle and Roll: Sat 5 May, 12pm The Comedy Festival’s cracking cast Picture: www.facebook.com Brig | April 2012 www.brignewspaper.com 15

GRADUATION BALL 2012

Gannochy National GannochyTennis National Centre TennisFriday Centre 29th June Friday 7.30pm 29th June - 3.00am 7.30pm - 3.00am

*Drinks Reception*3 Course Meal* *Ceilidh & Full Night Entertainment* Ticket £63 (non refundable) Available from 2B10 Cottrell Building From WEDNESDAY 18TH APRIL Dress Code: Ballgowns, Black Tie or Highland Brig | April 2012 16 ART www.brignewspaper.com Bc Yet Another Dead Shark: Damien Hirst’s waning popularity marks a small victory for Stuckists

Juliet Hounam strongly since and protests against the employs assistants to produce the ma- Turner Prize and media campaigns jority of his work. This came under is latest exhibition at the typify their methods in their strug- further scrutiny when it transpired that Tate Modern showcases gle against the art establishment. Ste- they were poorly paid. He has also been some of the most popular ven Purbeck Howarth, a performance quoted as saying that he used assistants highlights of his career. poet, painter and active member of the “because I couldn’t be fucking arsed HHowever, along with all the contro- Stuckist movement became involved doing it.” However, in 2008 Hirst made versy surrounding Hirst’s celebrity with them in 2001, when he was an art an unexpected foray into painting. His status, his retrospective showpieces are student at Camberwell art school. exhibition The Meek Shall Inherit the leaving a bitter taste with some critics. “At the time I was pissed off with the col- Earth explored further his obsession Many are now stating that his pieces lege because their attitude seemed to be with skulls, but, yet, was not popu- only confirm his lifelong obsession with that it was more important to teach us lar with critics despite many notable death and money. how to talk pretentious bullshit about Stuckists celebrating the move. Inevitable as internet backlashes to- our work than teach us to paint. What wards public figures often are, the they were doing was preparing us to en- “The only paintings of his ter a racket (and it is a racket) where we lambasting is now in full swing. This is I’ve seen in the flesh, are despite years of free reign, huge finan- would be judged on what we said, not cial success within the art world and a what we did, which seemed daft to me,” the spot paintings which collection of wealthy devotees. Howarth says. “When I read the Stuck- I thought were seriously For many of the Stuckist movement, ist manifesto and met members of the over-rated and the splatter this marks a triumphant stage in their group I realised there were other peo- paintings which I thought battle against the establishment. Mem- ple who felt the same way.” were seriously over-priced” Hirst’s latest work has caused controversy Picture: clickandcut.tumblr.com bers have long promoted figurative art “There is also a huge difference be- as opposed to its conceptual counter- tween the kind of art on display in gal- Howarth also views Hirst’s recent part, and publicly condemn the celeb- leries and the kind that people enjoy, paintings as an interesting develop- dependent on galleries as a space to ex- born into or marry into or even buy rity culture that surrounds the industry understand and want to own, “Narrow- ment. He says, “The only paintings of hibit art, and if everybody was less de- your way into, which might explain why and what they deem as a growing fick- ing the gap is important, in order to his I’ve seen in the flesh, are the spot pendent on galleries as a place to see it. some artists of questionable artistry leness amongst collectors. give it back to the people.” paintings which I thought were serious- “A lot of conceptual art needs to be in enjoy the exposure that they do.” Multi-faceted artists Billy Childish Indeed it could be said that Hirst’s form ly over-rated and the splatter paintings a gallery space to even be recognised Whatever the future holds for this and Charles Thompson pioneered the of conceptual art has been exhausted which I thought were seriously over- as art, but paintings are free from this type of conceptual art, it does seem movement in 1999. It gained its name by its inaccessible nature. His diamond priced. But I’ve also seen photos of the silliness and can be exhibited in cafes, that in the recent times of austerity, the “Stuckism” after Tracy Emin famously encrusted skull called For the Love of more recent stuff, and I think it’s re- pubs, community centres, cinema foy- extravagance and audacity surround- proclaimed to Childish, her then boy- God, cost £14 million to produce, and ally positive and an exciting change in ers, homeless shelters, public libraries ing Hirst have ultimately tarnished his friend, that he was “Stuck Stuck Stuck” went on sale for £50 million. Hirst him- direction. Maybe he’s trying to change and squatted buildings of every kind.” career. Perhaps this Tate Modern retro- with his form of art, poetry and music. self maintained that it was purchased sides and join the Stuckists.” He also believes that the arts media in- spective will indeed be his greatest hits In an assertive manifesto, a growing by an anonymous buyer, however, it Paintings are also much easier to dis- creasingly reflects society’s obsession album, and mark the end of his decade number of members spoke out against later emerged that he was part of the play than conceptual pieces, which with celebrity. -ong free reign within the industry. the “superficial novelty, nihilism and consortium that bought it after it failed often rely on darkened rooms and ex- “It seems to me that celebrity is a little irony of conceptual art and postmod- to sell at a discounted price. pensive lighting. As Howarth explains, bit like the aristocracy; it’s an absurdly ernism.” The fight has been going It has also been widely known that he “It would be great if artists became less privileged way of life that you can be Creative Stirling prepare for its big launch at the Old Town Jail Daniel Nunan development opportunities, responding new and established talent together. Deputy Editor to local demand for creative industry fo- “Our capital is our broad skills base cused business support. within the team and we can build a Activities with Creative Stirling are business infrastructure around that, s part of celebrations for Inde- focused around digital technology, de- one that will nurture new talent and pendent Record Store Day UK, signed to promote and facilitate media give more opportunity to local people Creative Stirling CIC (Com- literacy. With print, design, web tech- to engage with us and reap the benefits, munity Interest Company) nology and creative writing graduate whether just buying artwork, attending areA hosting their first event, an open air talent, it aims at outreach projects to a creative workshop, training session or gig within the confines of the City’s His- create new opportunities for cultural an outdoor event, or just enjoying the toric Old Town Jail yard, in conjunction experience, shared creative learning and visible impact of what we do in an arts- with Stirling’s own Europa Music, an social engagement across a broad range based public outreach project. independent record store with a claim of groups in the local community. to having Scotland’s largest vinyl record The project brings together technol- “Courses are about ex- stock. ogy and creative expertise that can offer ploration, with local art- Owner Ewan Duncan is enjoying his support for professional training in a 30th anniversary of trading and 20th particular design software, or a student ists, musicians and writ- year in Stirling this year, with business looking for access to additional facili- ers, people with craft and stronger than ever thanks to the current ties and support, or just help for local design skills in an extended resurgence of vinyl within contempo- groups who want to have fun getting up database of talent who will rary music culture. to speed with their social media. The gig is geared to attract real mu- The business at the Old Town Jail will be drawn upon to hone sic enthusiasts and vinyl fanatics, and be home for the young collective, a dy- their services and keep eve- to promote emerging talent from the namic multi-talented crew that count il- rything constantly evolving City’s local scene, with bands such as lustration, graphic design, printmaking, and fresh. ” Jack Butler, End of Neil and Souey, DJs digital film, and web design among their Avant Radge & Sun Radge [Jelly Roll creative abilities. soul and tribute] and Deep RT [Moksa]. Edinburgh-based band Soul2Deep [live] “Everything we are doing “Starting something new in the cur- complete the line-up for the event. is about helping people rent economic climate was always go- There will also be records and other to help themselves and if ing to be a challenge but the positive music merchandise for sale, an exhibi- response to what we are doing demon- tion of print poster design and informa- people are willing to par- strates we are meeting a need. We just tion about the creative programme and ticipate, it will lead to excit- need more people to know and show other services Creative Stirling CIC will ing new developments for their support, and be involved. be offering. It promises to be a fantastic Stirling’s vibrant diaspora “Everything we are doing is about evening; the driving energy is a mix of helping people to help themselves and if young local talent, and the organisers of young creative talent” people are willing to participate, partic- have been blown away with the enthu- ularly with vital fundraising opportuni- siastic response from everyone in the ties like this during our start-up phase, online community. The courses are about exploration, it will lead to exciting new developments The event is set to raise the profile for with local artists, musicians and writers, for Stirling’s vibrant diaspora of young new CIC, Creative Stirling, who are a tal- people with craft and design skills in an creative talent.” ent collective starting up a new not-for- extended database of talent who will be Independent Record Store Day: profit organisation in the Old Town Jail. drawn upon to hone their services and Breakout is at the Old Town Jail, April With support from Stirling City Council keep everything constantly evolving and 21, from 6pm to 11pm. Ticket entry is and the University of Stirling School fresh. That’s the key: it’s too easy to get £6, available from Europa Music, Friar of Research and Enterprise, the col- in a groove and the arts isn’t like that. Street, which will have live bands lead- lective are being led by an experienced Creativity has to keep moving forward. ing up to the evening event. Check out management team (Directors Joe Hall, Joe Hall explains, “I had an idea in my Record Store Day JAILBREAK on face- Tina Coviello and Alasdair Gammack) head about a platform for truly flexible, book, or drop into Europa Records to to devise a programme of professional useful creative dynamic that brought find out more. Event artwork for Record Store Day Picture: Staci Jo Rowlison Brig | April 2012 Email: [email protected] Bc www.brignewspaper.com Food & Drink: Victoria Pease FOOD & DRINK 17 Sweet potato burgers with Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting homemade salsa and guacamole or those learning to bake, the Preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan/ first few attempts can seem like Gas mark 4, and line an 18cm square tin ow that Scotland has de- torture. Deciding what to bake, with baking paper. cided to bypass spring and searching for the ingredients, Place your grated carrot into a large go straight for summer, all Fgetting the correct kitchen equipment, mixing bowl, then sift your flour, sugar, across campus students are it’s all a bit of a hassle. Then there’s that bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon into haulingN slabs of cider, disposable bar- sinking feeling if the end result isn’t the bowl. Add the zest of the orange, and beques and questionable amounts of what you were hoping for. But making use a wooden spoon to mix everything meat to the grassy slopes overlooking your own cakes can be a rewarding expe- together. Add the 2 eggs and oil into the the loch. Over the past few days, the air rience. When I was just starting to bake, mixture and thoroughly stir the mixture has been charcoal-sweet and the sight of I found this quick and easy carrot cake together. student after student consuming some recipe, and it’s proven to be the perfect questionably pink looking sausages starter cake for those tipping their toes Once mixed, carefully tip it into the tin. has been rife. But what about all you into the world of butter, sugar and eggs. Level off the mixture and pop into the vegetarians out there? What happens oven for about 30-40 minutes. Cooking when you tag along on the barbeque Adapted from BBC Good Food time will vary depending on your oven supermarket shop? Chances are you are and cake tin, but use a skewer to check confined to the delights of frozen Quorn You Will Need the centre is cooked. burgers, or reduced to snacking on the Kettle Chips. But it doesn’t need to be 200g carrots, peeled and finely grated While the cake is cooling, beat your that way. Simply roasting an amber-or- 175g soft light brown sugar softened butter and icing sugar together, ange sweet potato, mashing with some 200g self-raising flour adding the icing sugar gradually to avoid sweet paprika and cayenne pepper and 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda a mess. Next, mix in the soft cheese until tossing in homemade breadcrumbs can 2 teaspoons cinnamon you get a smooth frosting. be the difference between a good bar- Zest of 1 large orange beque and a great one. Throw in some Try this vegetarian twist on the classic BBQ burger Picture: Victoria Pease 2 medium eggs When the cake has cooled completely, simple salsa and an easy-peasy guaca- 150g sunflower oil spread a generous amount of frosting mole and your friends will bypass the across the top and decorate if you wish. burnt sausages and will be lining up for Salt and pepper to season er either side for around 10 minutes un- For the frosting: the vegetarian option. Burger buns to serve til crispy and heated through. Alterna- 50g softened butter tively, cook on a barbeque. Keep warm 75g icing sugar Serves 4 Linzi Clark Preheat an oven to 200C/Gas Mark 5. as you prepare the sides. 200g plain soft cheese Wash the sweet potatoes, score with a You Will Need sharp knife and sprinkle with a little salt. To make the salsa, combine the to- Place in the oven to bake for 1 ½ hours. matoes, onion, oil, vinegar and basil in 2 large sweet potatoes Once roasted, scoop the flesh out of the a bowl. For the guacamole, remove the 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper potato skins into a bowl. Mash together avocado from its shell and remove the 1 teaspoon paprika and add the cayenne pepper and pa- stone. Chop coarsely and squeeze over 1 large handful breadcrumbs prika, then leave to cool. Sprinkle in half the lime. Transfer to a bowl and squeeze 4 large tomatoes, diced the breadcrumbs, then mix together to the avocado to create texture. Mix in ½ red onion, diced form 4-5 patties. Roll the patties in the the chilli and serve alongside the salsa. 1 tablespoon olive oil remaining breadcrumbs and set aside. Toast the burger buns in an oven or over 1 tablespoon rice or white wine vinegar At this point, you can freeze the burgers, the barbeque and serve by piling in a A handful of basil leaves, torn or chill in the fridge for later. burger, smearing over some guacamole 2 ripe avocados Creative Stirling prepare for its big launch at the Old Town Jail and topping with salsa. ½ lime, squeezed Heat a frying pan over a medium heat ½ red chilli, seeds removed and finely and add a little olive oil. Cook each burg- Victoria Pease chopped

Review: The Junk Rooms, Stirling For a delicious springtime treat, this cake will be a welcome accompaniment to a cup of tea Picture: Linzi Clark Friar Street, Stirling

Lunch: £8 for mains, £5 for dessert

or my first restaurant review, Five of the Best... I thought I would make it easy for myself and go somewhere I like, and thought that The Spring Seasonal Produce FJunk Rooms would be an excellent starting point. However, I soon real- s the winter months peel lamb, studded with garlic and sprigs of ised it would not be quite so easy when away, we have been left with fresh rosemary. Ideal for an Easter Sun- the sentence, “This would have been a a bountiful produce that has day lunch, the juicy meat will fall off the recipe for success”, started forming in survived the harsh cold and bone and would be perfectly accompa- my head. willA be making its way onto our plates nied by some fresh mint sauce, crispy Allow me to dwell on the atmos- soon. Brig Food shows you some of roast potatoes and fresh greens. phere, which is one of the reasons its the seasonal highlights and ways in customers keep coming back here. which to put them to good use. Cauliflower Jade, who works front of house, com- The staple of a cheesy tray bake, cau- pares it to restaurants she has worked Rhubarb liflower is in its element when accom- at in London, and a local man com- As we see the end of the forced rhu- panied by a thick béchamel sauce and pares it to the east end of Glasgow. barb, which is purposely grown, we see bubbling cheddar. Or try roasting in This is evident when walking in, al- What The Junk Rooms lacks in its mains, it makes up with this the emergence of the real season of this chunks, then blitzing with stock, on- most like stumbling into someone’s glorious honey-soaked pudding Picture: Ebba Fredriksen pink treat. Rhubarb can be quite tart, so ion, garlic and a swirl of cream for a living room, not a “new concept” res- with a little sugar, it can be transformed tasty springtime soup. Simply top with taurant. It has a relaxed hipster feel. as salmon, herring, pork and pheasant. a main course might not be enough. into a gorgeous crumble. Try macerat- a grating of parmesan for a comforting No need to dress up, unless you want The menu is developed to suit every- For dessert we had an almond and ing julienne rhubarb with orange seg- bowl of creaminess. to. Play a bit on the piano, if you fancy one from meat eaters, pescatarians and pear sponge with clotted cream, which ments for 15 minutes before dressing it. Or converse with the table next to vegetarians, with room for some vegan brought a smile back to my face. The with watercress for an unusual salad. Spinach you, should you wish. Capitalizing on dishes too. base of the cake was draped with honey, It may be the staple of Popeye’s diet, the name, all the items in the restau- However, my lunch of hake with a tar- with similarities to Greek honey sponge Asparagus but spinach is definitely something we rant are for sale; a hodge-podge of ragon crust and potato rosti was a dis- and the sprinkles of dark chocolate giv- One of Britain’s most anticipated should all be eating more of. Full of an- items from the locally hand-crafted ta- appointment. The fish was over cooked, ing the dish several dimensions. All in produces, asparagus has a notoriously tioxidants, it’s a great leaf to add to our bles and old church benches which are the rosti was not crisp, and the sauce all, I ended up walking out of the Junk short season, so make the most of it salads alongside favourites like rocket used as sofas, to paintings and books. lacked some much needed acidity of Rooms happy and full. I would come while you can. Roasted and stirred and watercress, which is also in season. Junk it may be, but it sets the restau- lemon or white wine. Unfortunately, as back because I love the atmosphere, through a creamy risotto is simply di- It is also great wilted down and added rant off beautifully. a result, the overall dish was bland. My but I would be prepared to send back a vine, or try mixing chopped roasted to toasted garlic, crispy bacon lardons The philosophy of the kitchen is companion had the mushroom fritter dish that is not cooked right. For future stalks with roast garlic and fresh peas and wholewheat pasta, with a grating equally inspiring. All food is local, or- with the same sauce on his plate; how- diners, I would certainly recommend into cold pasta for a simple lunchbox of parmesan. Or if you’re brave, blitz ganic and fresh. The pasta, for exam- ever, the earthiness of the mushrooms the pasta or gnocchi dishes, and would treat. Or be decadent and dip into a into a smoothie with half a cucumber, ple, has been sourced within Scotland with the crisp outside of the fritter strongly advise to go for a dessert as runny boiled egg. a tablespoon of natural yoghurt, some by the help of Heston Blumenthal, worked far better with the light sauce. well! honey and a little milk for a drink Pop- and the cakes are home made. On the My companion’s only criticism was that Lamb eye would be proud of. menu the local produce is reflected in he would have enjoyed more food on 4 out of 5 Springtime is the perfect season to roll the dishes, which use ingredients such the plate. If you are a large lunch eater, Ebba Fredriksen out a gorgeous slow-cooked shoulder of Victoria Pease Email: [email protected] FASHION Brig | April 2012 18 Fashion Editor: Nicola Smith www.brignewspaper.com Bc

‘Cause I’m cleaning This will stop your jumpers from getting moth eaten and allow you to spread out April’s Best Dressed Students out my closet your summer items. Doing this also gets you reacquainted with what you already n many cultures thirteen is consid- have, meaning you will spend less and Left wear more. ered to be deeply unlucky. Some Simone Brogan airlines never have a seat number Next up is reworking what you already have. Instead of buying a whole new English Studies with History thirteen. Skyscrapers often omit and Education Ithe thirteenth floor from their plans. Su- outfit, use the older items you already have to create something new. You Favourite online fashion store? perstitious folk won’t go out on Friday hippybuddy.com the thirteenth. These thoughts came to don’t need to be a sewing wiz either, as there are loads of easy adjustments that Fashion trend to avoid? my mind when I realised I own thirteen 80s. Anything 80s pairs of jeans. Although a girl can never can be made with nothing much more have enough clothes it did seem to be a than a needle and thread. One option bad omen. So I decided to bite the bullet is to replace the buttons. Using a differ- and do what every fashion lover dreads: ent coloured button all the way down a clearing out her wardrobe(s). Well it cardigan or top will change the styling and leave you looking bang-on trend. Right is the season to do some spring clean- Sam Agini Another easy option is to carefully take ing after all. And you never know, the Journalism and Philosophy the lace from one old, unwanted top and sun may even decide to accessorise this What’s your favourite High Street add it to another. This will feed into the summer by putting its hat on for us and store? broderie anglaise trend that is big this leaving our jumpers, coats and scarves Uniqlo is quite trendy, at present summer. If in doubt about sewing, ask to be packed away. What follows is a What’s your best all-purpose your Nan. They always have the right simple guide for cleaning and clearing accessory? out, so that we may all be left with only answer. our best and most fabulous pieces. Lastly, we must all remember to recy- My vintage Armani glasses After the many tears, tantrums and cle. Never just throw unwanted clothes bouts of remorse that occurred through- away. Charity shops are no longer faux out my clear out, I came up with three pas and they are always looking for good, simple rules that will aid any other quality clothing. Remember, one per- Pictures: Alice Hinds & Amy Dunsmuir fashion lover in doing the same. I give son’s trash is another person’s treasure. you “The Four Rs”. Firstly, be ruthless. Oh, and think how smug you will feel What are you If you haven’t worn something in more after doing all that good. Alternatively Dig out your sunglasses than a year or it doesn’t fit perfectly, get ,you can always have a swap party with rid of it. This also applies to items you friends. All those invited bring along the wearing for have only worn once. In today’s Prima- clothes they no longer need or want to for the summer sunshine swap with others. You’ll get a whole new rk riddled fashion world, we often buy hen you live in a world as long as you are wearing sunglasses Final Fling? things not because we really love them, outfit, while clearing out your own old ones. How’s that for chic-onomics. where global warming whilst looking at said cloud. but because they are cheap. This results is rife, this time of year The Clubmaster, also initially intro- in a cupboard full of clothes that you So, go forth fashion followers and clean out those wardrobes. Embrace my sim- tends to become what is duced by Ray-Ban, has become increas- never really wanted or will never really commonlyW referred to as “summer”. ingly common on the faces of the general wear. Make more room for the pieces ple rules and I assure you it will be easy as pie. If you run into difficulties use this As someone who isn’t a massive fan of public, including myself. If accessories you really love. potential blindness in later life, I often were able to talk, these sunglasses would Rule number two: rotate. It is a smart thought to guide you through: you can always sell the better items on eBay. You reach for a pair of sunglasses in weath- scream “cool!” yet still remain reserved, idea to rotate your wardrobe every cou- er like this to protect my peepers. This and sophisticated. If you don’t feel like ple of months. Now that the summer might even earn yourself enough for a night out on the tiles. Bonne chance! essential accessory for when the sun splashing out on the real deal, grab a months are coming, tidy your heavy decides to make an appearance has pair from ASOS for a tenner or, if you knit jumpers away into storage boxes many variations on the simple concept feel like taking the risk, there is always Alice Hinds and leave behind just a few cardigans. of guarding the eyes whilst still making Primark. The risk is probably worth tak- you look stylish. ing to look like a character from Mad The Wayfarer seems to be the most Men. Possible costume idea? Afternoon Twee comes popular style of sunglasses at the mo- Despite these two styles seeming to Picture: Google images ment after making somewhat of a come- dominate the mugs of everyone you see, back in the late 2000s with many people there are still other types creeping up. o Final Fling is once again just to Stirling University trying to grab onto anything vintage, Aviators, the choice of people who play around the corner and, once including frames. The company Ray- sports or who think a career in piloting again, I’m sure most people have absolutely no idea what to dress he Atrium was filled with vin- “I’m a big hoarder. I’ve noticed a growth Ban saw the demand for the Wayfarer is still on the cards. There’s Teashades, frames and decided to re-issue the origi- the choice of John Lennon, Lara Croft Sup as. tage treasures and handmade and need for vintage. It’s all about the The theme is Olympic countries. There jewellery bits and pieces mid- find and getting something different: a nal design to much success. Sadly, Way- and anyone who wants to be regarded as are 203 countries taking part in this March. Self-made businessmen thrill.” farers are the frame of choice for teen- “arty”. And of course there are oversized year’s Olympics, so take your pick. It’s Tand women packed their cars full of The appeal of vintage doesn’t just stop ager-blood loving Edward Cullen; so if sunglasses, the choice of minor celebri- difficult to work out if it’s actually Olym- their handmade and sought after crea- at clothes and accesories. Many stores you happen to own a pair, do feel free to ties who aim to hide the fact they are all pic-themed or if it’s literally any country tions to treat the students of Stirling to a now dabble in furniture refurbishment destroy them now. However, the specs dead behind the eyes. But whatever the that’s competing. vast array of goodies to sell. Brig Fash- and restore old chairs and dressing ta- were also popularised by Roy Orbison style, sunglasses are vital for the sum- But I’ve asked around and here are ion’s exclusive pictures show the detail bles to their former glory. and Andy Warhol, both dapper, influen- mer, as we all know they are easier than three of the best ideas that have been of these creations and the amazing vin- Afternoon Twee made a second appear- tial men, yet sufferers of eye conditions. putting sunscreen directly on your eye- thrown at me: The Jamaican bobsled tage finds available to students. ance on Tuesday 10 May: I hope you So every cloud does have a silver lining, balls. Ben Lennox team, Muhammad Ali and Michael Vintage has become more popular over found some hidden gems in the Atrium. Phelps. Given the fact that the theme is the last few years as many of us real- Nicola Smith Olympic countries however, there is ob- ised that classic styles and shapes were Fashion Editor Broderie anglaise makes viously a lot more scope. in fact more flattering than new styles Whether this is a good thing or not, ,which are not always made for the blos- I’m not sure. The theme seems far too soming body shape of British women. a come back broad: Olympic countries allows you to We all know the average size in the UK his summer there is a whole basically go as any country you want. is a 16. You may choose to believe or ig- host of different trends which Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, nore this, but it is a fact. The ideal factor we can adopt to keep us getting China, Egypt, France, Germany, Ire- of vintage is its acceptance of curves and those style nods of approval. land, Kenya, Mexico and the USA are all shape which ooze sex appeal. TOver the coming months the shops some of the possible countries you could Vintage style jewellery is also a huge will be laden with exotic skin material, go dressed as. I’m using these countries hit with decade lovers and the vast array paisley pattern, 1920s shifts and ethnic as examples because they are likely to be of items was deemed very impressive. prints, to name a few. But arguably the the easiest to dress up as (without ste- Picking up some vintage style earrings most stylish trend to follow this summer reotyping of course) but there are obvi- or a necklace will not only tie in a clas- is to wear broderie anglaise in a whole ously many more options. sic theme to an outfit but will also save array of colours. If you want to be original you could you some money if you invest in small Broderie anglaise is a form of embroi- pick some of the more abstract coun- pieces. dery, similar to lace, which originated in tries such as Barbados or Kazakhstan, Brig Fashion took a tour of the stalls the 16th century. More sturdy than lace, but saying that, I’m sure most people and came across a student at the Uni- the material was originally hand sewn could think of someone for Kazakhstan versity with her own stall creating hand- and featured patterns of daisies, ovals (get your mankinis out). Or thinking made jewellery as a side hobby from her and other simple designs. The material Not so old fashioned Picture: ASOS even further outside of the box, going as degree in biology and education. She is often quite see-through as the pattern a famous landmark would probably not said, “My mum bought the materials but is made by lots of small holes, linked Fashion house Miu Miu used dark navy be completely out of the question. sadly passed away in December. This together in the cotton. While it was tra- and off-white for their collection but for Because the theme is extremely broad gives me headspace, an escape through ditionally used for nightwear, today it those of you less daring, brilliant white it makes it even more difficult to pick a jewellery.” has had a major come back with fashion is the best way to go. To get the look costume. We also came across an exciting stall houses all over the world featuring it in right think more Audrey Hepburn at the There are so many possibilities and the devoted to the online store Dotty Betty their spring/summer catwalk shows. French Riviera, less Little House on the theme is pretty vague. However, it also and one of the owners is a lover of all The simplest way to wear broderie ang- Prairie. gives you the freedom to be creative. I’m things vintage and second hand. She laise is in the form of a white top or shirt, No matter how you choose to style this sure with 203 countries to choose from, said, “I see it as finding lovely homes teamed with plain skinny jeans. This trend it is the easiest and best way to you can come up with something for lovely things. It makes me happy outfit will create a sophisticated and bring a little glamour to an otherwise Intricate handmade jewellery original. to recycle old things.” She continued, Pictures: Nicola Smith simple look, which is key for this season. dreary Scottish summer. Alice Hinds Eoghan O’Driscoll Brig | April 2012 Email: [email protected] Bc www.brignewspaper.com Games & Tech Editor: Jamie Wright GAMES & TECHNOLOGY 19 BRIG GAMES POWERED BY Journey Review

ourney is the third offering You don’t know who they are, only that from thatgamecompany, and they are going where you’re going. You Jyet again it’s something only communicate via three tones you can they could have made. If Flow gave make of varying intensity. It’s surpris- us amniotic stillness and Flower a ingly expressive. Given you only have reprieve from the hubbub of the a few basic ways to interact, a unique outside world, then Journey is a language is created between you and Zen garden for us to gently rake. It the other player. For example, the deep- is more meditative than its prede- est tone, which resembles the sound of cessors, and you can expect to play a whale, can reach the furthest. In most it multiple times before you reach cases, this has been shown to be the some sort of conclusion. “where are you?” call. Later on in the The land is littered with gravestones, game there is a relatively bleak section subsided ruins, murals and alters. Pray- where company is genuinely appreci- ing at the latter will induce visions of ated, and to hear this barely audible call what happened; the story centres around through the fog of environmental noise a mysterious life-giving force that is striking. This is the true achievement brought prosperity to the desert people, of Journey. Three simple tones and only for them to abuse its power and de- mimicry create a bond between players Even without the music or gameplay, Journey is just stunning. The desolation of the vistas are both haunting stroy themselves. far stronger than the usual fight-or-flight and inviting Picture:Giantbomb.com They are also areas where you level encounters of other games. You commu- up, giving you the strength to continue nicate because you want to, not because that has been created with a humble and lives up to the exceptionally high serious computer game that rewards on your pilgrimage. This strength takes you have to. You wait for the player to 600mb. The sand shimmers in the sun standard set by flow and Flower. What you for treating it as such. It should not the form of a scarf you wear; the longer catch up if they fall behind, huddle close and the wind assails you as you scarper starts as a few plucked strings slowly be used as ammunition in an argument your scarf is, the higher and further you to heal each other, coordinate jumps, over the dunes. When dusk approaches develops into a rousing score as you that, more often than not, is argued for can jump. You play a character with no race each other down hills and make the desert turns into rubies, embers and make your way to the summit. Journey entirely the wrong reasons. It achieves history, and no future beyond the moun- music using the aforementioned tones. flint. You’ll descent into caverns where is quite easily the most beautiful game everything we could hope for in a com- tain on the horizon. You exist to reach, or You synchronise with each other to such only a few motes falling through the I’ve played in recent years, but it’s never puter game, and that is why it is worth re-reach, that peak. It’s unclear how we a degree that when you are separated rafters remind you where you are. It’s distracting. every penny. should think of this journey. Is has Pro- you miss them. When you hear that deep as if the sight of the mountain was what It’s a shame, then, to have a spectre methean and Sisyphean undertones, but tone but you cant see or reach them, the drives you on, and when it disappears hanging over the experience. It was in- Journey gives as much as it gets. It’s up sense of loneliness is palpable. You just you find yourself lost. When you emerge evitable, really. Journey is doomed to to you to decide what exactly is going on. don’t play games like this very often, and back onto the moonlit surface, it’s a be flung around in the “computer games If you are signed into the PSN you will never has it been achieved with so little. landscape of glinting steels, slates and as art” debate. Journey should be ap- 5 out of 5 Matthew Anslow invariably bump into other wanderers. Just as impressive is the sense of scale sapphires. The music is never jarring, preciated for what it is: a unique and Games and Tech headlines Diablo 3 will be in stores on 15 May, with PvP multiplayer missing, 11 years must not be enough time to get the multiplayer finished • Stirling’s GAME store closed with all stock passing to GameStation • GAME finds a buyer at the eleventh hour and exits administration • BBC iPlayer now avaliable on Xbox Live • BioWare to provide Mass Effect 3: Extended Cut DLC for free this summer for all the cry babies The problems This is why we can’t with creating have nice things a movie tie-in he last instalment in the Mass thing for everyone, and part of being a Effect series was released at good artist is knowing that everybody game the beginning of last month to isn’t going to agree with you. This ele- much fanfare, however, 3 to ment of artistry is called risk. You want his summer is set to be an- T4 days following its release there were artists to take risks. Without risk there other big year for comic book some grumblings on the internet about would be no Lord of the Rings, Game of movies. The Avengers will be the ending and how it had left some fans Thrones or Star Wars. The very reason in cinemas by the end of this disappointed. that many people were interested in the Tmonth, The Amazing Spiderman will be These complaints have now morphed Mass Effect series in the first place was arriving early in July, and the last of the into one of the biggest self-entitled cry because of the risks they took in mak- Christopher Nolan Batman adaptations, baby hissy fits the internet has ever ing the first one. When you don’t take The Dark Knight Rises, will arrive later seen, even spawning an online petition risk you end up with the X-Factor, the the same month. All this means that that has raised $77,000 for charity and Transformer movies, or the recent en- there will be a slew of tie-in games that one individual in the U.S. has gone as tries in the Call of Duty franchise, while are intended to get even more money far as to file a law suit with the Federal perfectly fine in their own right do not out of the fans looking to get more out Trade Commission and Better Business add anything to the shared human expe- of the franchise that they love. The sad Bureau. This is why we can’t have nice rience which is the point of art. truth is that all these games will more things. That is not to say that Mass Effect 3 than likely be lacking in quality and sol- Now, there is no problem with an should not be critiqued, to the contrary id game design, but why is that? Hawkeye explains to Black Widow why their tie-in game might not be the organisation raising money for char- it should. The ending was a disappoint- The most important reason for this best Picture: Shadowlocked.com ity, but this shouldn’t be the way to ment by all accounts, and that should lack of quality is because games and do it. The ending to a story should not be discussed by the audience, but going movies are made on very different spend about a year in pre-production to overcome in terms of planning and be changed because some section of so far as to get the developers of Mass schedules. The stages of making a game sort out the art style, gameplay, and nar- time management for these developers the audience didn’t like it and wants it Effect 3 to change their vision for the and a movie can be broadly catego- rative. If the developer is lucky they will and can lead to them being labelled as changed to their specifications. Good game, that is wrong. rised into pre-production, production be given access to these details of the sub-par developers when the games that art does not result from making some- Jamie Wright or shooting, and post-production. For the movie during pre-production but they produce are actually decent con- movies the bulk of the time is spent in that can’t be guaranteed as some studios sidering the time scale they are given to the pre-production, where the screen- can be very secretive about the plot of work on them. play is written and rewritten, sets and their movies, for instance the Avengers This isn’t to say however that all mov- costumes are made and actors are re- movie. The game will then enter pro- ie tie in games are bad. One exception to cruited to play the roles. This stage will duction, and this is when the problems this rule in Spiderman 2 for the Playsta- usually take at least a year. Shooting will begin to appear. Unlike movies, games tion 2, from the movie of the same name begin when all of the elements from pre- will spend 1.5 to 2 years in production of course. So if you hear a friend or fam- production are in place and is largely and 3 to 6 months in post-production, ily member complain about the quality speaking the shortest part of the process, production being all the work that goes of movie game maybe you should inform usually taking 6-8 weeks. Then a movie into pre-alpha and alpha builds of the them as to why this is so that they won’t will enter post-production where CGI is game, and post productions being all the buy them in future, after all the best way added and the movie is edited together. work involved in beta testing and bug to get better games from publishers is to The problem in the system is how these fixing. These differences in production vote with the pounds in your pocket. stages of game making and movie don’t and post-production time scale mean match up which causes problems for the that games based on movie titles have designers who are basing their game off to compress their work from around a 2 Jamie Wright a movie license. year time scale down to just 1 year. In this metaphor, Mass Effect fans are the Reapers and common sense A good game will usually have to This is obviously a huge obstacle to in the Earth Picture: Giantbomb.com Email: [email protected] Brig | April 2012 20 Opinion Editors: David Devereux & Simon Ewing www.brignewspaper.com Opinion The continuing sectarianism in Scottish football

at Parkhead. Since moving to Stirling, Andrew Davis I have found that I enjoy supporting local team Stirling Albion much more he most recent Old Firm Derby than Celtic, purely because there are no between the two largest teams such assumptions made about a person in Scottish football, Celtic and if they support a “smaller” team than if Rangers, was by all accounts they support an Old Firm team. I find Tan exciting game which showed exactly the supporters to be much more wel- how good Scottish football can be. For coming and there is no hatred of other decades, the Old Firm Derby has been teams’ supporters. the one fixture in the Scottish football I watched the last Old Firm game in season which has attracted internation- our own Students’ Union bar, as I have al attention, and is often believed to be usually found it to be a safe and welcom- one of the biggest football derby games ing environment. Not this time. I wit- in the world. nessed what I can only describe as the Something which most international disgusting behaviour and language from observers do not understand or witness a group of “supporters”. I will not say is the crippling problem of sectarian- which team these fans were cheering on, ism in Scottish football. Sectarianism as I am certain that language directed at has ruined the image of football in Scot- both teams and fans will have been ring- land, and tarnished the on-field perfor- ing out throughout Scotland. mances of Celtic and Rangers for over a Cries of “break his legs!” whenever The classic Celtic and Rangers Old Firm derby Picture:Iainduff.files.wordpress.com century. Both clubs have attempted to a player tackled for the ball rang out, from the premises for behaviour which of fans, they make up the most vocal sec- We may not be the best at actually play- “deal” with the problem, but have not followed by a round of laughter. Some could get someone arrested in most oth- tion of Old Firm supporters. ing the sport, but we are the best at sup- done nearly enough to combat the root “supporters” in the bar made deeply er situations. I wish I could have been These people are ruining our national porting the teams. Football “fans” who of the issue: religion. Sadly, this sectar- personal and unnecessary comments brave enough and confident enough to game, and it cannot be allowed to con- persist in maintaining the hatred from ian divide continues to exist in Scotland, about a manager’s appearance; some inform these ‘supporters’ of my abhor- tinue. I wholeheartedly support the re- centuries-old religious divisions, which with a significant and vocal minority of “supporters” referred to the opposing rence at their behaviour, but I am pre- cent anti-sectarian legislation being put are ridiculously convoluted anyway, Catholics and Protestants spouting dis- team using blatantly sectarian language pared to admit that I was so intimidated forward by the Scottish Government. I seeing as Protestants and Catholics be- gusting abuse at one another, purely be- and proceeded to jump up and scream at that I did not do anything. understand that many are opposed to lieve in the same basic religion and God, cause they are on the other side of the the television when decisions or the tide I honestly believe that in a modern it over matters of “confusion” over what should not be allowed to drag the rest Christian divide, whilst the existence of of the game did not go their team’s way. society, the use of football clubs as a ve- constitutes “sectarian language”, al- of us down. A handful of “supporters” the two football clubs has merely exacer- Studio, normally a welcoming place to hicle for sectarianism and the entrench- though it should be apparent to all, and from a very small number of clubs are bated this issue. go for a pint rang out with choruses of ment of religious divisions is astonish- I believe opponents of the legislation tarnishing the overall name of Scottish I feel I should have some disclosure hatred, abuse, vile language, vitriol and ing. Previous to that Sunday, I believed are merely attempting to scaremonger football fans and clubs. here. I was raised as a Celtic supporter exemplified the entrenched problems that sectarianism only existed amongst against a law which would further pun- We must stamp it out forever, or we in the West of Scotland, but never con- which Scottish society face. Frankly, I a very small minority of Old Firm fans, ish the beliefs and bigotry which they will continue to drown in effects of sec- sidered myself a rabid fan, seeing as I was surprised that the staff in the Union but I now see that, although sectarian seek to continue. tarianism, and the shadow it casts upon have never gone to watch a Celtic match did not act and evict these “supporters” abuse is only propagated by a minority Scottish football, as a whole, is great. our society. Falling out of love with the beautiful game Small talk costs time The recent commentary surrounding objection to it. From the depths of our ing to speak as slowly as possible to fill Samuel Agini Fabrice Muamba, who suffered a cardiac luridly latrine-like minds, we have con- Simon Ewing up the time. arrest while playing for Bolton against structed the most vituperative chants we I feel just as bad for the other per- Spurs, has only served to reinforce my can conjure. We’re ready, armed with Opinion Editor son as I do for myself, because my chat recently confessed to something shame of admitting to liking the game. our creative callousness, to make some these days doesn’t go much further than that, over the years, has been a It’s not the game. It’s the people in- noise at our next home match against f all the things that made me saying, “Oh, you know, just dissertation source of great anguish to me. It volved in football, and every stupid com- Bolton. Yes, that’s right, the fans of Apa- anxious about starting uni- work and stuff,” and then as if to fool happened in the media office. In a ment exuding from their putrid, odious thetic Athletic are preparing their very versity, one of the few that’s them I put on my “I just impressed you” Imoment of weakness, I divulged highly collective mouth. best chants with which to mock Muam- actually become a problem face usually reserved for when I re- personal information; something I usu- Take Spurs’ defender Kyle Walker, ba. We can’t possibly relate to his cardi- Ois the number of new people I have member the name of someone’s sister- ally keep under lock and key, patrolled who, after the match, tweeted his opin- ac arrest and ensuing hospitalisation. In to make small talk with whenever we in-law. Even more frequent are the en- by the most ardent of protectors. In a ion on the matter. I wish he had kept it fact, we’re sorry he’s alive. We perceive bump into each other in Tesco. counters with people I only half-know swift expression of opinion, I had aban- to himself: that his occupation as a football player At its worst, small talk is tedious; at on the bridge between the residences doned my laconic facade. I had admitted “Doesn’t matter who you support. supersedes his humanity. best it’s something you have to power and the atrium, where I demonstrate to liking the sport of football. Doesn’t matter if you aren’t a football Then there’s the more ubiquitous on through before you get to your my Larry David-style ignorance of My father would object to my appor- fan. Doesn’t matter if you aren’t reli- assumption that prayer works. Even “proper” conversations. It’s as though whether or not to stop and chat, or else tioning of blame to him, but it is his gious. Pray for Fabrice Muamba” Wayne Rooney was at it. Praying, that small talk has a sign above it saying, throw myself off the side, which at least fault. Like so many others, I was intro- It is hard to imagine a professional is to say. A theist can believe in a god “If you think you’re communicating gives me something to talk about while duced to football by my father. He used in any other walk of life who would, or without being religious. Someone like now, wait until you get to the real stuff. waiting for the ambulance. to be an excellent player and was even could, express an opinion quite like it. that can pray, of course. But a non-theist You want to talk about poetry? Global Recently I thought it would be a good scouted as a teenager. He would main- What on earth did Walker mean by it? cannot, and should not, pray. But that warming? Scottish Independence? idea to write a best man speech for all tain that he remains an excellent play- Only someone in football could find does not imply that non-theists cannot Feelings and whatever? Then just you my male friends, just in case any of er, but that is the subject of a different any sense in actually reminding peo- hope. They, like everybody else at the wait because you’ve not see anything them got married soon and asked me opinion piece. I loved the game as a boy, ple that caring for the fate of a man’s time of Muamba’s cardiac arrest, were yet!” Meanwhile you’re stuck next to to talk at the wedding. When I sat down associating it with the succulent scent of life supersedes one’s club affiliations. at one with humanity. They don’t need the salad leaves going, “How are you, to do it I realised that although I have freshly cut grass; a real treat in Cyprus. Of course, it’s perfectly reasonable to a football club or a god to feel it. Nor no, really, how are you or did I already a few friends I know well enough to I played nearly every day. I would play someone like Walker. Football support- should a football fan. ask or did you ask me?” while trying to tell you their favourite colour and how at school break-times, after school, and, ers are not known for their sensitive I don’t like football, but I like what it work out where to put your hands and many squares of toilet paper they use if my daydreams were anything to go reactions to tragedy and death. Every used to mean: my dad, my brother and I what to do with the muscles in your when they wipe, my connection with by, class-time was equally productive. I year, Manchester City fans taunt Man- with a ball in a park, the succulent scent face. Then the other person wonders most people is only a very superficial wasn’t at all ashamed to admit my love chester United fans about the Munich of freshly cut grass permeating our nos- why you’re talking to salad leaves and one. Our exchanges are a tone-deaf mix for the game. But something changed. Air Disaster of 1958, in which 23 peo- trils. After all, that’s exactly what the suddenly remembers they have an ur- of eerie politeness, asking questions I As I grew older, I began to realise that ple died. Of course, Manchester United game of football is. Everything else is gent appointment on the other side of already know the answers to, and, if I’m football in Cyprus was, and is, strongly fans find that to be abhorrent. They find expendable. the shop. lucky, squeezing the last drops from an tied to political leanings. Unable to it so very abhorrent that they take great This is fine, or would be fine if the po- off-the-cuff one-liner I’m vaguely aware choose a team based on my politics, my pride in taunting Liverpool fans about etry conversations weren’t so few and a friend of the other person might have disillusionment with the game began to their club’s tragedy, “wishing it could be far between. But if most of your talk is made at a party one of us might have fester. Hillsborough every day”. 96 people died small, surely this kind of conversation been invited to last semester. There’s “Only someone in football in the Hillsborough tragedy. is a big deal. A lot of this is just filler nothing necessarily wrong with this, I won’t absolve Walker of the criticism talk, to fill the time it takes between you though. As Byron would have said if could find any sense in ac- he deserves. Instead of limiting his ap- putting your shopping on the conveyor he’d said it, we’re all on the same pas- tually reminding people peal to the world of football, he trans- belt and carrying it off in bags, or from sage through the world, and just throw- lated it to the rest of the human race. We you entering the dentists’ room to the ing words around with each other can that caring for the fate of a know that being a football fan is not a dentist sticking his or her hand in your be good fun. You can even start think- man’s life supersedes one’s pre-requisite for concern and sorrow. mouth. ing of it like an art or something if you We’re all very aware that sympathy for But there are also the longer-term want, Byron, you big girl. club affiliations. Of course, Muamba can be harboured without also small-talk episodes, though they’re The ideal isn’t to eliminate small talk, it’s perfectly reasonable being a devoted supporter of Bolton never long enough to become medium then, but to perfect it, and this might Wanderers. By the formulation of his talk. For example, it seems that every just be a simple case of slightly tweak- to someone like Walker. tweet, one would be forgiven for think- time I go down to the bus stop I find I’ve ing your priorities so you end up asking Football supporters are ing Walker thinks that people who don’t been beaten to it by someone I know people how they’re doing out of genu- like football belong to yet another club, too well to ignore without it being awk- ine interest rather than not wanting to not known for their sensi- with perhaps the nastiest fans of all. Be- ward, but not well enough to dive into a come across like a boob. (I say you; I tive reactions to tragedy cause we are so disconnected from foot- conversation about Byron or tampons. mean me.) But I don’t want to sound ball, we’re all rather vociferous in our Anfield Picture: Google.com So then I’m stuck with them (and them like I’m all that upset about it. I’m fine and death.” with me) for the whole bus journey try- with it. I’m fine. How are you? Brig | April 2012 Opinion www.brignewspaper.com 21 Toilets, germs and dirty hands The stigma surrounding women’s sport

with faecal bacteria that can live on your future members from joining women’s is currently the second largest team Iain Blackwood handset and survive for hours. This is Emma Thomson rugby saying that, “the diverse mix of in the Sports Union with our numbers Editor-in-Chief just from your mobile phone; just imag- people within our team is incredible and growing since the start of the semester, ine how many computers and books in tirling University is a strong ad- it is the sport that brings us all together most of which, who like me, have never the library have bacteria on them after vocate of sport, both in and out with one common interest.” done cheerleading in their life before ver the last few months I have someone visited the toilet. Not really of class. Its vast range of sports but looked to it as a new, refreshing noticed something that has worth thinking about, or is it? clubs offers literally something challenge: regardless of the stigma. continued to get on my nerves. We live in a very strange society where Sfor everyone, whether you’re a boy or Yet it is not just Stirling University, Guys, why are you not wash- people think so much about their hy- girl and like football or gymnastics. society in general views women’s sports Oing your hands after going to the toilet? giene, cleanliness and appearance; we Yet despite the glories that Stirling has as basically a waste of time. Look at It’s slightly unhygienic and something even have a massive fear of disease like to offer us sports crazy students, many the amount of airtime the men’s Foot- that takes roughly one minute after put- bird and swine flu. As a society we also avoid joining certain sports because of ball World Cup gets, it engulfs every ting your man-hood away. depend on antibiotics to help us, but the the stigma attached. We’ve all said it, T.V. channel and makes its way onto I think it’s pretty frustrating when you majority of us don’t even bother to wash or at least heard it. Footballers are total the front page of every newspaper. The walk into a bathroom, do your thing our hands after using the restroom de- sluts, golf is boring, women’s football is Women’s World Cup is lucky if it gets with a fellow student and then watch spite that being a simple way of causing for lesbians, cheerleaders are still stuck BBC red button coverage. It is a well him leave without washing his hands af- illness. in high school; oh, and gymnasts, they known fact that sporting participation ter touching his thing. Not suggesting all The winter weather has hopefully must be good in bed. The list goes on Picture: womentalksports.com increases dramatically after it is shown you guys don’t have clean penises, but I passed, but everyone should be aware and on, but these stigmas are actually on the television. One of the main fac- don’t find it hygienic opening the door of the norovirus (winter vomiting virus) having a detrimental effect on partici- On the other side of the stigma fence tors in getting the Olympics to London to leave, and knowing that he hasn’t that can lead to a nasty bout of vomit- pation in sports, particularly in female are sports like cheerleading and gym- this year is the sporting legacy that it washed his hands and used the door ing and diarrhoea (sounds beautiful). sport. nastics, which are branded as more the will bring to the country. handle to leave. I might as well have not Winter is a period when flus and colds Women that compete in sports such as “slutty” sports. On asking a male friend There is a lack of airtime for women’s washed my hands because I’d just catch are high so washing your hands regu- football and rugby are generally brand- what sports he would believe to be more sports putting girls, and Britain, at a what germs he had from the door han- larly with soap is one way to help protect ed as less feminine and considered les- slutty, he said “gymnasts, they’re bendy, disadvantage. The sad fact is, I don’t dle. I’ve even witnessed someone grab yourself from this unpleasant illness, bians by society. President of Women’s yeah a gymnast.” I myself am a member think this stigma will ever change unless a piece of tissue and wrap it around the especially when you’ve used a public Rugby Heather Rafferty confirmed this of the cheerleading team and say that people start taking women’s sports seri- door handle so they could leave without toilet. It only takes one infected person view. “A reaction most of us have had I have felt personally victimised by the ously. It is true that men dominate the touching it. I think this justifies my rea- in a workplace, e.g. the library, to infect at one point when we tell them we play existing stigma surrounding the sport. sporting world, yet it is men that take soning for this rant as maybe people are someone around you by using a toilet, rugby is shock because they think we Standing outside Tesco waiting on my the most interest in it. Nothing is stop- aware of this unhygienic trait in toilets. not washing their hands and then touch- are too feminine and not butch enough friend to go to a cheerleading night out, ping us women switching onto the Arse- I recently noticed and read a study ing objects in a shared environment. to play or they think we must all be les- the comments I received were unbeliev- nal Ladies vs Bolton Wanderers Ladies from London School of Hygiene and We live in a world of germs and we bians. The girls on the team are all very able of people telling me how they’d game or watching that bit of gymnastics, Tropical Medicine, University of Lon- can’t escape them: fact, but what we aware of this stereotype, and most of us love me to privately cheer for them and instead we flock in our droves to watch don, they discovered that 95% of people can do is help prevent them and avoid actually find it very funny and ridiculous other untypeable atrocities. I am not the the men. I am by no means a raging fem- claimed to wash their hands after going from others becoming ill. This is maybe to think that because we play a certain only one on the squad to have endured inist and actually really enjoy watching to the toilet but it turned out only 10%- a very minor issue to be picking into but sport that we should behave in a certain the same event. Cheerleading itself is male sports, but maybe now we should 12% of those spoke the truth. As well lads, or ladies for that matter, next time way and that it could affect our sexual- a sport and professional cheerleaders all change to watch that wee bit more as that, for all you soap dodgers, in the you’re in a public toilet observe for your- ity.” Rafferty hopes that the stereotype work at peak fitness levels on par with sports involving women if we have any UK, one in six mobiles are contaminated self and see if you think I’m being picky. of womens rugby does not distract any sports such as football and hockey. CSU hope of changing the stigma. Email: [email protected] Brig | April 2012 22 Features Editors: Viktoria Carlson & Catriona McGale www.brignewspaper.com Features

your landlord may find a new group of Ideally it is best to avoid a joint lease tenants they can be sure will be able to altogether and rent a room on an indi- Share and share alike: pay and serve you with a notice to quit. vidual basis, however this kind of prop- While this may seem unreasonable, erty can be difficult to find in student Shelter Scotland has advised that, so populated towns such as Stirling. If you long as you are given appropriate notice must take on a joint lease be sure your- The risk of a joint tenancy and the new tenants’ lease does not be- self and your flatmates fully understand gin before your lease has ended, it is un- the terms of what you are agreeing to, Catriona McGale generally keeping to the agreements of notice to quit within two months of the your tenancy. Meaning that if your flat- end date. This would be a simple prac- fortunately legal and is a consideration can rely on each other to adhere to the Editor-in-Chief Elect mate was unable to cover their share of tice in an individual lease, so long as which must be taken into account when tenancy agreement and intend to reside the rent the remaining balance would be your landlord doesn’t have any reason agreeing to a joint lease. in the property for the same period of time. t Stirling University the ma- left to you. to end the tenancy. However, on a joint “be sure yourself jority of students move away Of course it seems highly unfair that lease, as you are all regarded as one ten- For more advice on renting contact: from home during their stud- you could be left paying double your ant, if one flatmate gives notice to quit and your flatmates -Shelter Scotland (http://scotland. ies. Although accommodation rent. However, with a joint lease, you it will consequently end the tenancy for fully understand providedA by the University continues have agreed to pay the rent for a whole everyone. shelter.org.uk) to be the most popular option for our property, not rent for your individual Therefore it is crucial in a joint ten- the terms of what -Citizens Advice Bureau (http://www. students, renting privately is also a com- room. How you choose to split this rent ancy to discuss your plans on whether you are agreeing mon choice for many, with over 2,000 is a matter between you and your flat- you wish to renew your lease well in cas.org.uk) students currently living in private rent- mates and legally none of your land- advance of the end date and ensure you to.” ed accommodation. lord’s concern. have gained all tenants’ permission to -Stirling Students’ Union (http:// Morality, of course, is another issue end the tenancy before serving a notice Landlords will often offer students a www.stirlingdigs.co.uk/Home) “If your flatmate and you may be lucky to have a landlord to quit. Ideally your landlord should joint lease as it guarantees their whole were unable to cov- who will only take action against the in- confirm with each tenant before taking property and passes a great deal of re- -NUS (http://www.nus.org.uk) dividual failing to contribute, however action to end the lease. However, they sponsibility onto each individual tenant, er their share of the as has been found by Shelter Scotland, have no legal obligation to do so and so which they know students who are look- -Stirling Council (http://www.stirling. rent, the remain- you’re more likely to come across a land- long as a written notice to quit has been ing to rent in groups anyway will often gov.uk) lord who will chase up the individual served by either themselves or one ten- not be aware of until there is a problem. ing balance would who is easiest to find, has the most mon- ant in due course the tenancy will end be left to you.” ey and is most likely to pay, which could on the agreed date with or without your very well be you. Missing payments of permission. Some of the reasons which students rent or bills, as well as damage to the So what should you do if your flat- choose to rent outwith University ac- property, can also result in the landlord mate wants to move out and you want commodation include proximity to withholding your deposit even if you are to renew the lease? So long as you are town, larger flats and an increased sense not personally responsible. given enough notice by your flatmate it of independence. Yet, while renting pri- should be possible for you to find a new vately can provide us with many short- “If one flatmate flatmate to renew the lease with you or term benefits and life-long skills, our gives notice to quit take on the whole lease yourself. Let living arrangements and lack of prior your landlord know that your existing experience of the renting world can of- it will consequently flatmate will be moving out at the end ten leave students signing up for more end the tenancy for of the lease but you will be renewing it than they bargained for. either yourself or with a new tenant. If Students will often take out a joint everyone.” your landlord is given plenty of notice lease for a whole property without a sec- A joint lease can also cause problems and is confident you are in a position ond thought but this kind of contract can when it comes to ending the tenancy. to continue meeting your rent payment lead to problems further down the line. The majority of leases with private land- they should be happy to allow you to re- In a joint lease you and your flatmates lords or letting agencies work on a roll- new the lease. as a group are regarded as one single ing basis meaning the tenancy will auto- However, if you have not yet found a tenant and therefore you are jointly and matically renew itself unless either the new tenant and cannot afford to make severally responsible for rent, bills and tenant or the landlord serves a written the full rent payment on your own, Don’t sign anything you don’t agree with Picture:Rajmund Bakonyi crowd, and encourage people to spread are wary of donating to charities when the word with their merchandise and they don’t know how the money is being Students and Charity:Are we doing enough? by sharing their video online. These are spent, with over a third of the students minimum effort tasks that are likely to surveyed citing this as the reason they appeal to young people. Perhaps if Wa- don’t donate. Students may actually Leah Pears ter Aid and other charities were to spend find it more realistic to give their time as much money on film production as instead. e’ve all seen the post- Invisible Children do they would be able I spoke to Ruth Henderson, a Univer- ers, the people collecting to market themselves better to students. sity of Stirling student, who is involved change, and the adverts in the Active Stirling Coaching Devel- on TV asking for our help, “Sometimes people opment Program, which Ruth says “in- butW how much do we actually end up giv- troduces kids to sport and allows them ing to society? Students on a whole are think 10p won’t make to develop their skills as well as be part known for being passionate about the a difference, but if of a community”. As well as learning to issues that matter to them, but when it coach different age groups, Ruth has comes down to it, are we actually help- everyone gives 10p it met new people who share similar en- ing? does.” thusiasms, which in Ruth’s case is all We’re told time and time again that things sport. The Volunteer Scotland volunteering is great for our CVs and After all, it seems to work: at the time website lists different events and chari- that most people actually care, but in a of writing, the “Kony 2012 Stirling” Fa- ties that need people to help out, so it’s survey of Stirling University students, cebook event had 136 attendees. Uni- easy to have a look through for some- 56% said they don’t take part in any versity societies like Save the Children thing that takes your fancy. volunteer work, and only 35% of those and RAG (Raise and Give) also do a A male student who wished to remain surveyed said they donate money to good job of encouraging people to give. anonymous told me why he gives neither charity occasionally or often. What is it RAG committee member Katja Alexan- his time nor money to charity, “because that inspires that 35% to get involved, der said, “Sometimes people think 10p they should make the effort to come to and how can we do more? Tools such as won’t make a difference, but if everyone me”, he said. As lazy as that sounds, it good marketing can, for example, make gives 10p it does. seems to be a popular opinion. “If it’s students more likely to get involved in As little as they can give actually does pushed to me then I’ll definitely give, certain causes rather than others. help.” RAG raises money for a differ- but I probably wouldn’t be the one pro- Students are probably less likely to ent charity every month, ranging from moting it,” said Ruth. get involved with Water Aid than Invis- football lessons for children in Zambia When I asked Kerri how she decides ible Children’s Kony 2012, which is a to Scottish Autism and organise events on the charities she gives to, she said it great example of successful marketing. such as the vintage silent disco that took was because they came up to her in the Their video has stirred up a lot of con- place in March. street and asked her to donate. Most of troversy and it’s hard to argue against Although donating money to charity us don’t make the long-term commit- the fact that it has made people more is an easy way to help the causes that ment to a charity, but when someone is aware of its cause. matter to you, a steady income is neces- waving a collection bucket in your face, But is re-posting a video enough? sary if you’re going for a direct debit. I’m it’s easy enough to reach into your pock- Maybe it is. If all you can afford and sure plenty of us have experienced the et for some change. have time for is to help spread a voice, embarrassment of having “insufficient While many students don’t do much then that is still a way of contributing. funds” for something under £5. In fact for those in need, the intent is definitely Those of us who had a TV growing up over 50% of those surveyed consider a there with lots of us wanting to get in- have, without a doubt, seen plenty of ad- lack of money the main reason for not volved. Volunteering might not suit you, verts concerning abused animals, ema- donating their cash. and money might be tight, but consider ciated children, and other provocative Kerri Robertson, a politics and so- doing smaller things more often, like images; but it seems many of us have ciology student who is also working dropping change in a charity tin. There become desensitised to them. part-time donates money to The Aspi- are plenty of opportunities out there, Sure, we feel bad for them, but not nall Foundation and UNICEF UK every even for the laziest of us. Even Mr. bad enough to do something. Invisible month. She said, “I don’t have time to Anonymous told me he’s looked into Children, however, presents their plea volunteer, but this way I’m still helping when the blood donation van is stop- to us in a very different way. They show out”. But Kerri seems to be the excep- ping by next. Every penny can make a difference Picture:Rajmund Bakonyi their supporters as being of a younger tion rather than the rule. A lot of people Brig | April 2012 Features www.brignewspaper.com 23 45 years and still going strong, Jim Struthers

Viktoria Carlson Although hosing down victimized ve- now lies, and when the red squirrels But enjoying your job does not mean campuses on earth. It’s beauty is after hicles is not part of his job description, had yet to be bullied away by the grey. it is an easy job. It takes him no time all one of the main reasons many people Features Editor there are far more daunting tasks that “What I do miss is seeing the young deer to respond when asked what has been give for having chosen this school, and are. On January 3 this year he and his coming down” says Jim, who hasn’t seen most challenging during his time here. maintaining it includes a lot of work, t is never a good idea to be late for team were called to campus to begin them on campus in over a year now. “Biggest challenge is the winter every including grass cutting, weed killing, interviews, and this is especially the removal of fallen trees. “It was gale Prior to coming to the University he year’. Snow, ice and storms obviously fertilizing, golf course and greenhouse true for journalism students with- force when I got out there…trees were was head gardener at Scottish Amicable cause problems, but not even milder work, the organizing of machinery and out much credit to their name. I’m coming down”, says Jim. Worst area (now Prudential), and four years before weather is free from complication. ‘I the decorating of functions and gradu- Istill at that stage where I count myself affected was Pendreich Way, where the that he worked at the Kippen Vinery, would say you are better with a winter plain lucky when people agree to give roads had become blocked by numer- home to the world’s largest vine at the that’s got a small bit of snow and frost, “Snow, ice and storms up part of their day to speak to me, and ous pines. Over 100 trees were lost on time, which was a famous tourist at- because it kills all the bugs and it holds obviously cause prob- know that arriving on time is the least I campus that day and 100 more were left traction. He is originally from the area stuff back. You get a warm winter and can do to show appreciation. needing surgery work, which will not be in between the two villages Kippen and trees and shrubs start to shoot at the lems, but not even Unfortunately, my knowing this did completed until “well into the summer”. Gargunnock and has known for a long wrong time of year”. milder weather is free not make much difference when I was Replanting is a priority, with beech, time that his path would be of the gar- Another hardship of having worked at going to interview Jim Struthers, su- birch, sycamore, and oak being placed den variety. the same place for a long time is losing from complication. ‘I perintendent of the University’s gar- in the ground. “I’ve been wanting to the friends made there. Jim talks about would say you are bet- dens and grounds. Instead, the part of Also included in the loss were trees the seats and trees that have been given me that tends to go “Hey, don’t rush, not so easily replaced, if not due to rar- be a gardener since I in memory of some of those who have ter with a winter that’s chill-out and take five” whenever I have ity, due to sentiment. Jim’s tree from was seven or eight. My worked for the gardens and grounds got a small bit of snow something important to do kicked in. So York was one of these: “It was a pine, team, that can be spotted all over cam- I relaxed and relied on the stars to align a Corsican pine that I saw down there, uncle was a gardener, pus. A Memorial Garden in the memory and frost, because it in my favor. and I brought it back up”. and I followed in his of gardeners also exists near the green- kills all the bugs and it Located by the boathouse, it had been house, which is open to the public. “I was happy to find standing for over 30 years along with footsteps. ” It is clear that it is not just the fall- holds stuff back. You that what I’d heard three destroyed conifers he planted 42 “I’ve been wanting to be a gardener ing of trees that causes sadness in this get a warm winter and years ago. “I’ll get another one”, he says since I was seven or eight. My uncle job. When Jim speaks about his team about Jim’s niceness with a good-natured chuckle, but you was a gardener, and I followed in his it is obvious that he thinks very highly trees and shrubs start was true: not only was can tell that losing special trees like this footsteps. My father was a Rolls Royce of them, past and present, something a to shoot at the wrong one is hard. It is difficult cutting up a mechanic and he wanted me in the ga- large wall in his office covered in pic- he letting me interview tree when you know that you’ve planted rage along with my twin, but you got tures, postcards and other memories is time of year’. ” him, something he it, he explains. your hands dirty”. This reasoning might testament to. It’s hard to fathom that he has been make it seem a little odd that he opted Jim is dedicated to the campus and ations, just to name a few of the tasks. does not enjoy, but he at the University long enough to remem- for gardening instead, but it is obvious even when he is on holiday he hasn’t On top of all this his team will always was going to wash my ber the last storm of this magnitude. he loves his job. He passed retirement really forgotten his work, bringing back be happy to assist you, for example That was in 1968, but less damage oc- two years ago and cannot think of a sin- plants from his yearly trips to Cornwall. with Biology students. “We don’t turn mode of transporta- curred because there was a lot less, well, gle thing he dislikes about coming to The University and its students are lucky anybody away, we try and help” he says tion as well. ” to damage. “We lost a few trees but the work. The same goes for the campus; to have someone who likes their job so kindly. He’s referring to university work campus was only just getting built then. “every bit is different…I have no favorite much for the upkeep of what is some- of course, but as I cycle home on a clean But, as I discovered, it’s when you rely It was all fields, so it was mostly along spot” he says. times called one of the most beautiful bike, I couldn’t vouch for that more. on the stars that you saunter on over to at the principal’s house”. He was only 22 your bike just to find that someone has when he arrived here and a picture of a vomited all over the handlebars (thanks, different time is painted as he describes buddy). It’s when you realize you’ve just how Pathfoot was just getting built and missed the bus you could have taken in- how a grounds team of 28 people was stead. And that you actually don’t have needed, rather than the current 16, be- time to wait for a taxi. Relying on the cause modern machinery had yet to stars = creating a physical and mental come into play. barrier with a pair of gloves and biking He can also remember the time when really, really fast. badgers resided where Geddes Court So that is how I arrived at Jim’s office, asking directions to the nearest sink to “Also included in the wash-up and blot brow. I was happy to find that what I’d heard about Jim’s loss were trees not so niceness was true: not only was he let- easily replaced, if not ting me interview him, something he does not enjoy, but he was going to wash due to rarity, due to my mode of transportation as well. sentiment.”

Jim Struthers:Superintendent of the University’s gardens and grounds

Picture:Rajmund Bakonyi 24 www.brignewspaper.com Brig | April 2012 Brig | April 2012 Email: [email protected] Sport www.brignewspaper.com Sports Editors: Graeme Young & Stuart Kenny 25 Election joy: Purdie aims to fullfil legacy in second term

looking to build strong links with Active Graeme Young sion projects takes off in 2012-2013 Sports Editor Stirling, which is something we have rarely done in the past. We are looking in the form of a varsity project. Chris knows the benefit of varsity games and hris Purdie, who was re-elected at ways to get our Sports Union mem- the University of Stirling sports teams as Sports Union President at bers involved and we are also working know first-hand how frustrating it can the University of Stirling last with the local council to try and get our be when the games games are taking month, talks to Graeme Young students in the local schools to gain place at other universities. Chris stated, Cabout how he is feeling about taking some valuable experience.” “The one thing I really want to take off charge of the sports union department this season is the varsity game. Other for a second successive year. Chris tells universities thrive on the event. Glas- Brig about what he hopes to improve “I think that having a varsity gow take on Strathclyde, Abertay take and certain initiatives that he aimed to game which is well on Dundee, and Robert Gordon go up make a main stay in the Stirling sporting publicised would be a real against Aberdeen in the Granite City calendar for a long time to come. boost for the university and Challenge. We are hoping to get some- Chris is over the moon to be re-elect- would allow the students to thing organised with St Andrews uni- ed and hopes that he can maintain the get behind their teams and versity in the near future. I think that high standards he sets himself and im- having a varsity game which is well prove and implement new ideas for the get bit of pride going.” publicised would be a real boost for the next academic year. “I am delighted to university and would allow the students be re-elected. I took a lot of encour- to get behind their teams and gets bit of agement from the fact I was re-elected Chris is hopeful that there will be op- pride going.” and it made me feel great that people portunities soon for students to get out thought we have done a good job in the there and gain first-hand experience in Purd is still the word for 2012/13 Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi Sports Union. It was really comforting coaching ahead of possible jobs when “I am delighted to be re- that they were happy with the service students graduate. Chris is pleased that all new students who were coming in to ful next year. Chris added, “ I am very we were providing. I took it as a compli- an agreement is already in place with elected. I took a lot of en- the university. We offer over 45 sports at hopeful that I can have another great ment that people felt we have been do- the Beaconhurst School in Bridge of Al- couragement from the fact the university and it is important to get year. The feedback I have received has ing a good job”. lan. Chris believes that this link up will I was re-elected and it made as many students as possible involved in been overwhelmingly supportive, so I “I think the foundations are impor- be important for future opportunities,. me feel great that people sports on campus. We are also looking hope to do as well as I possibly can next year. I feel I have a lot left to prove and a tant. My biggest concern when I was He added, “We are very hopeful that the thought we have done a good to bring back the Olympics week next looking for jobs before I became sports partnership with the Beaconhurst school lot of things that I have planned, which job in the sports union.” year. I think the event was a success this president last year was the amount of will be the first of many. That seems be year and we are hoping to bring it back I want to see through. I am very excited employers who were looking for hands going really and we are very hopeful that in for next year”. about the challenges which are coming on experience. I think this is a great time he can get involved in more schools in Chris believes that with a year under his up.” Chris also hopes to build on the success to put schemes in place and it is a really the local area as soon as possible. If we belt, he will be able to have another suc- from campaigns such as Give It A Go. He exciting time for members of the Sports co-ordinate with local governing bodies cessful campaign as Sports Union Presi- believes that events such as that can be Sport online Union to get that hands-on experience it will allow students not to travel too far dent. bigger next semester, Chris said, “I think Liked these articles? You can read in coaching young people. People have and we are very confident that we will be Chris knows that the challenge will be Give It A Go was a big success this year. more sports articles on the Brig paid their membership and are looking in a good position to get the projects off diffiicult, but he believes that a year’s I think the freshers version had more of website: to play sport but I’m hoping to give them the ground”. experience in the job will help in the an impact than the re-freshers, but that a bit more involvement in sport. We are Chris hopes that one of his other pas- upcoming year to be even more success- www.brignewspaper.com had more to do with the fact that it was Fact or fiction: Dumyat king predicts his record could fall Do you think Tiger Woods can round off his Graeme Young comeback with a win at the Masters? Sports Editor

t is not long to go until the 39th annual Dumyat Hill Race and a former winner of the race says he wouldn’t be surprised if his record Ibreaking time went in the near future. Iain Donnan, who stormed to victory in 2007 with a course best time of 32 min- utes and 52 seconds believes that his five year old record time has to be broken sometime and wouldn’t be surprised if this was the year it happened. The course, which takes participants on a testing 390 metre climb takes place on 9 May with a starting time of 7pm. The race is well known for attracting a mixture of top hill runners and enthusi- astic amateurs. The race is also part of Iain Donnan, won the Dumyat race in 2007 Picture::TriathlonScotland The Tiger of golf Picture: Google Images the Scottish Universities Championship. Former University of Stirling student Stuart Kenny Graeme Young Donnan, 26, who is originally from Liv- ingston but is now based in Stockholm, FACT: Tiger Woods was world number FICTION: Even if Tiger is victorious Sweden, won the race in 2007 and even one for a long time, as we all know, but over the weekend I still don’t believe though Donnan had climbed the hill on being world number one isn’t what set that he has the hunger to go and domi- many occasions his victory came in his him apart from the crowd. What made nate like he once did. Woods was one first and only official attempt. Heex- him special was his ability to produce of the world’s all-time great sportsmen. plained: “I’ve only actually competed major wins time and time again whilst Like Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan in the Dumyat race once, but I must carrying the weight of pressure and ex- or even the modern day world all-star, have gone up there about 50 times that pectations heaved on him by the media Lionel Messi, he was the ultimate in his one year just for fun. Some of my pro- and the public. sport. fessors were talking about the race and convinced me to do it. There was a bit of Tiger now goes into every major compe- Woods has always been a ferocious pressure as they knew I was a mountain tition with a heap of pressure on him competitor and you would be foolish runner, but I put most of the pressure on despite the fact that he is not the man to ever write him off completely, but I myself to do well.” he once was. If he is able to claim his believe the trials and tribulations of his Donnan will not be competing this fifteenth major title under this heat, ever so public personal life will linger year but he believes that his record is I think there is a good chance the old for a long time. He is no longer the likely to be broken sooner rather than Tiger is near, although it’s unlikely we’ll fans’ favourite and his aura has been later. He said, “Unfortunately I won’t ever see him fully back to his best. eradicated with sub-par performances make it this year, but I’m sure I will make in recent times. it back for another go and I’m confident With the rest of the golf field improv- I could go even faster. I’m surprised the Dumyat Hill Race in 2010 Picture: Media Relations ing so rapidly however, I think we may As much as Rory McIlroy looks like the record has lasted this long, to be hon- have to wait a while for a major win for heir to the throne, I believe that it will est. It would be nice to see it continue, which is a shame. Even if folk don’t want year. Also looking to defend her title Woods, and even if this happens there be some time before we say the a player but there are a few experienced Dumyat to run it, it’s definitely worth walking up, will be former World Mountain Run- is no chance he’ll be as dominant as he dominate the world of golf the way runners who know how to tackle the and watching the race is a great way to ning Champion Angela Mudge, who was once was. Tiger Woods has over the last decade. course, so I expect it will go.” do it. Stirling is a great city and if you crowned the Women’s champion with a I think Woods may have some more Donnan, who studied sports coaching want to see it at its best then you have to time of 36 minutes and 36 seconds. Unfortunately for him this means it big tournaments in him but I believe at the University, believes that everyone go up the Dumyat.” The race will be as competitive as is pretty unlikely that Tiger will reach the magic is gone from what still is an should get involved in the event, even if The victor in the last two years, Mur- ever, so make sure to keep up to date Jack Nicklaus’ eighteen majors, but he excellent sportsman. they are just a spectator. He added, “I ray Hodge knows he has been tantalis- with Brig Sport’s extensive coverage will always be seen as one of the greats have spoken to some people at Stirling ingly close to Donnan’s record and came which will be featured on our website at in the game never the less. who have never been up the Dumyat, within 15 seconds of breaking it last brig newspaper.com. Brig | April 2012 26 www.brignewspaper.com Sport Five star Stirling stroll to King Cup semi-final The University first team got off to a Stuart Kenny good start in the quarter-final, and when Sports Editor Sludden’s low shot was flicked on by Liam Corr ten yards out it took a great stop from Strollers’ keeper Stuart Burn- ollowing a 5-0 demolition of side to keep the scores level. Civil Service Strollers, the Uni- versity of Stirling first team footballing side claimed their “The team started really, Fplace in the King Cup semi-finals. really well and within fif- The students came out of the blocks teen minutes or so we had quickly, and found themselves four goals to the good at half-time after a managed to put the game strike from Paul Sludden and a Chris to bed, which is great. Geddes hat-trick. McWhirter then added the fifth goal in the fifty-second Burnside’s effort only took his side so minute, leaving the University side to far however, and the scoring was opened see out the remaining thirty-eight min- after thirteen minutes when goal ma- utes with ease. chine Chris Geddes opened his account Head Coach Alan Taylor spoke to for the day. Geddes’ strike came after Brig Sport after the game. he received a pass inside the box from “We did well today,” said Taylor. “The Liam Corr before turning to leave the team started really, really well and with- outrushing Burnside in no man’s land in fifteen minutes or so we had managed as he slammed the ball off the bar and in to put the game to bed, which is great. from close range. We kept the ball really well today which Six minutes later Liam Corr and Ged- is something that we’ve really worked on des linked up again, and once more the and asked the players to do; retain pos- prolific striker’s touch proved lethal. The University First XI line up against Edinburgh City Picture: Stuart Kenny session and play when a purpose when This time, Corr intercepted a pass in we’ve got it, and they did that today so The East of Scotland’s top goal scorer had already begun celebrations before Strollers’ looked to hit back quickly, centre midfield before slotting the ball we’re really pleased. then had a chance to seal his hat-trick on realising the goal would be ruled out for and came close after a flick on from a through a high line of defence to leave “[Due to the busy fixture list] we’ve twenty-two minutes after a deep cross offside. corner rattled the post, but with no fur- Geddes one on one with Stuart Burn- tried to rotate the squad again and try to the back post found him unmarked, ther scoring the half came to an end with side. Remaining calm and composed, and give players a bit of a rest as you’ve but Strollers’ man between the sticks the home side 4-0 up. Geddes let the ball run through before seen today. The guys are working really did well to save the latest attempt from “The guys are work- The University picked up where hitting a one touch controlled strike into hard in terms of taking care of their bod- Geddes. ing really hard in terms they left off after the break, and almost the bottom right corner to double his ies when they’re not here as well though, Nevertheless, it didn’t take long for grabbed a fifth goal through a Chris Mc- goal tally. of taking care of their and that’s very important.” Stirling to further their lead, and a qual- bodies when they’re not Kee long shot and soon after a Creag ity attack in the thirty-first minute saw Robertson header. However, McKee’s them extend their lead to three. Paul here as well though and drilled effort was tipped just wide whilst Sludden was the goalscorer this time, that’s very important.” Robertson’s close range strike flew nar- and his strike came after Chris Geddes rowly over the bar. chested down a lofted ball on the edge of The Stirling support didn’t have to the area before sending one of his own The University then ruled out any wait long however, as after fifty-two into the centre of the box. Sludden was chance of a comeback with a well worked minutes they added the finishing touch- waiting in the danger zone and after suc- fourth goal before half-time. After Cap- es to an already top class performance. cessfully beating his marker to the ball tain Rob Pearson picked up the ball in This final goal came from defender Blair the midfielder neatly volleyed into the centre midfield, he kicked off a stylish, McWhirter, who drove into the box and top left corner before wheeling off in fast paced passing move which resulted past several defenders before hitting a celebration. in Liam Corr again splitting the defence shot with the outside of his foot to make Civil Service Strollers had their first with a through ball to Geddes. Stirling’s the score 5-0 in style. With few chances chance of the day after 37 minutes, when front man couldn’t convert the one-on- for the remainder of the match, the Uni- Stirling number one Kevin Walker could one with his first effort, but when the versity side saw out the game comfort- only parry a powerful volley from Craig keeper parried the ball Geddes quickly ably to claim their place in the King Cup Anderson. When Strollers’ Ross Millain reacted to guide the rebound home and semi-final which is to be played on the blasted in the rebound, the away side claim yet another Stirling hat-trick. 28th April. Students start Scotland U19 campaign Joy for Triathlete Sheldon might be seen as the underdogs, but we that has also provided five players to David Chalmers ishes last year, all of which culminated don’t feel like that, we feel reaching the the Scotland Ladies Senior National Chris Bradley finals is achievable. It is my last year at squad as they take part in the 2013 in him qualifying for the European Jun- he University of Stirling is this level so hopefully I can pass on my UEFA Women’s European Champion- ior Championships for the first time. proud to have three of their experience, set a good example to the ship qualifying. Frankie Brown, Lisa niversity of Stirling Triath- “The performance gives me great con- students called up to the younger players and prove I should get Evans, Christie Murray and Jane Ross, lete, Grant Sheldon, has fidence heading into the European Jun- Scotland Ladies squad as a chance with the senior squad.” four of the five Winning Students, have qualified for the European ior Championships in just three weeks’ Tthey attempt to qualify for this sum- The campaign kicked off in Sochi, all graduated from the University of Junior Triathlon Champion- time and hopefully I can turn in a simi- mer’s 2012 UEFA European Wom- Russia, where Scotland stunned the Stirling. Uships for the second year in succession. larly strong display,” said Sheldon. en’s Under-19 Championship. Emily hosts on Monday 2, with Heather Gibson In the last qualifying match, Scot- Sheldon booked his place on the GE With dreams of being a member of Thompson, Emma Brownlie and Eil- scoring a 21st minute winner, sealing an land unfortunately bowed out of the Great Britain Triathlon Team as a result Team Scotland at the Commonwealth ish McSorley have all made the cut impresive 1-0 victory in heavy rain, pro- tournament due to a 2-3 defeat from of his second placed finish at 2012 Quar- games, Sheldon is aiming to put in a for Scotland, who used the training viding the perfect kick-start to the cam- group winners Spain. All three Stirling teira ETU Triathlon Junior European strong performance when the Eilat ETU facilities provided on the University paign. Eilish McSorely captained the students played out the full 90 min- Cup on the 1st of April. Triathlon European Championships Campus with the Scottish FA National side, playing the full 90 minutes, along- utes, with Eilish McSorely once again Grant Sheldon is currently in his first take place in Israel on 20 April. Performance Centre for women’s foot- side Emily Thompson. Emma Brownlie on the scoresheet. Alexia Putellas, Pal- year at Stirling University studying a Sheldon, who trains with Triathlon- ball being based in Stirling, so it was was an unused substitute. oma Lázaro and Marina García sealed BSc in Mathematics. In Sheldon’s 2011 Scotland’s national squads, will now home comforts for the trio before the The second match of the campaign the win for Spain. García opened the debut at the European Junior Triathlon continue race training at a warm weath- squad travelled to Russia. 18-year-old was postponed as a result of the heavy scoring in the first half before Putel- Championships he was hampered after er camp in the south of Spain before go- vice-captain Emily Thompson, a ver- rain, and was played on Wednesday 4 las doubled the lead with a free-kick suffering injury in a bike crash. How- ing on to compete in Israel. satile midfielder and striker with Celtic April instead of Tuesday 3, with Scot- five minutes into the second half. Mc- ever, this year he is looking to turn in a Sheldon is on a crest of a wave at pre- Ladies, felt positive about the team’s land going down to a dissapointing de- Sorely pulled one back before Lázaro performance similar to the 2nd placed sent and will be looking to add to his chances. feat at the hands of Italy. A 4-2 loss was replied a mere two minutes later. Lana finish that clinched his place in this recent success. “Competing at the finals was such inflicted by the Italians, with two goals Clelland provided a late consolation year’s Great Britain Team. Sheldon, who one day dreams of com- a great experience and I will be doing each from Lisa Alborghetti and Katia for Scotland but Italy’s 1-0 win over Sheldon, of Hamilton, South Lanark- peting in a World Triathlon Champison everything to encourage the squad to Coppola being unmatched. Alborghetti Russia secured their runner-up spot at shire, said of his 2nd placed finish “I’m is one of the real success stories from make it there again,” said Thomson, gave her side the lead inside 18 min- the expense of Scotland, who finished really pleased with how it went, particu- the Traiathlon Scotland team which is who moved back to Scotland following utes before Scotland captain McSorely qualifying Group 5 in third place. larly as it was the first race of the season. based on the campus at the University two seasons with the Arsenal Ladies equalised on the half-hour mark. Katia It builds on all our winter training and of Stirling. Academy. “The individual training at Coppola then scored twice to leave Shel- shows it was worthwhile putting in the With the Olympics coming up in a the Performance Centre is great and ley Kerr’s side trailing 3-1 at the break. hard work.” matter of months, Sheldon will surely my fitness levels have really improved. Claire Emslie pulled one back with 20 Sheldon was the first of 24 Brits to know that his chance will come in 2016 You are living, studying and training in minutes left, giving hope of a comeback cross the line at the 2012 Quarteira ETU if he keeps up at the fercocious pace a football environment so the Centre but Alborghetti pounced in the dying Triathlon Junior European Cup in Por- which he has set. has given us the best possible opportu- minutes to finish the game off. tugal. The performance adds to what is Sheldon has also stated in the past nity to succeed. University of Stirling students already a highly promising collection that the Olympics are another one of his “We had a good run of results during Thompson, Brownlie and McSorely are of sporting achievements for Sheldon goals for the future and on form like this a training camp in La Manga so we’ll all supported by Winning Students, a which includes being crowned British it would be hard to bet against him. be going to Russia with confidence. We national sports-scholarship campaign Triathlon Junior Super Series Cham- Picture: www.winningstudents-scotland.ac.uk pion in 2011 as well as three podium fin- Brig | April 2012 Sport www.brignewspaper.com 27 Hockey side soaring after back to back promotions

title win over Edinburgh, and was voted Stuart Kenny player of the match for her efforts in Sports Editor the game. Brig Sport caught up with Spedding recently to chat about prepa- fter winning the BUCS Scot- ration, progress and success in the La- tish 3A title in late March, the dies’ Hockey club, and the team captain University of Stirling Ladies’ quickly outlined her ambitions for the First XI Hockey side are cur- future. rentlyA on a high, and with this year’s ti- “Winning last year was tle in the bag, Captain Sophie Spedding such a good feeling, but has stated that there is no reason why her Hockey side cannot get a further captaining the team to a BUCS promotion next year. second promotion is even The Ladies claimed the BUCS title af- better.” ter a 2-1 victory away to Edinburgh 4th, and this win saw the side claim their second successive BUCS title after only “For the First team, going into the gaining promotion into the 3A League BUCS 2A league next year will obviously last year. The game was especially tense, mean the games get tougher and anoth- as had the Edinburgh side claimed a win er promotion would be a huge achieve- on their home ground then they would ment for the team,” said Spedding. “I have earned the promotion, but goals don’t think it is out of reach either, as from Leanne Orr and Caitlin MacKenzie long as the team carries on developing sealed the win for Stirling. as it has for the past two years. Sophie Spedding played in the BUCS “The girls would certainly be keen, as a lot of them don’t know the end of a BUCS season without a promotion and I definitely think it would be a realistic target for next year’s captain to set.” The Ladies first team after their promotion win Picture: Ladies Hockey Club Spedding then went on to talk of her delight at the second successive promo- The Captain then talked to us about the club. Our coach, Alex Hayes, has is still ongoing,” continued Spedding. tion, and speak of her pre-season expec- the club’s training and hard work which had a huge impact over the teams and “It doesn’t end until the 22nd of April. tations. saw them get to the point they are at to- I think his input has had a lot to do It’s a tough league, as we play a mix- “This just proved how well the team day. with our success. His training sessions ture of club and Uni teams throughout has developed over the past two years. “Wednesday’s game aside, I think the and presence at the games provide us Scotland, and we are aiming to finish Winning last year was such a good feel- start of the season is always the most with the extra skills and knowledge we around mid-table on the conclusion of ing, but captaining the team to a second important within the hockey club. Re- need to improve our game even further. the league. Our season has had its ups promotion is even better. However, cruiting new members and identifying Therefore, I think our success could be and downs, as most do, but winning the choosing the squad involved some of the them within the team is a huge factor. put down to both the team and coach- BUCS league has made it all worth it. hardest decisions I’ve had to make all Alongside increasing fitness levels and ing staff.” The second team finished third in their year. I wanted to take all the girls, not to getting back into the game after the The First XI must now focus as they league this year as well; however, the have to pick and choose.” summer break. This is crucial for the re- close out their season in the national top three teams were very close. Next “At the weekends we are playing turning girls.” league, with several matches still to be year I’m sure they will be pushing for against teams in the Scottish 1A BUCS “We currently train twice a week. played. All in all though, the future looks promotion.” League, so [promotion] was outlined as However, at the beginning of the year bright for the Ladies’ Hockey club at the “To all of the girls who have played one of the targets for this season. We all we have a fitness session too. I think University of Stirling. for the First Team this season, thank thought it was an achievable goal and training is a key factor to our success, “Our BUCS season has obviously you for the commitment shown to both thankfully we’ve shown we were right.” and commitment is highly valued within ended well, but the National League the training and matches. Captain’s Corner: Water Polo MacDonald reserve for 2012 Curtis Cup n our second Captain’s Corner What seperates Water Polo from Lisa’s being left out came as a surprise with the 1998 trophy at The Minikahda Stuart Kenny segment, we speak to Ewan John- other sports? to many. Club, Minnestoa. Sports Editor ston about his time as President Further controversy in the selection of the Water Polo Club, and what Our training sessions would generally came as the LGU overturned Charley The full squad for the Curtis Cup is: Ihis club is really all about. begin with some swimming to niversity of Stirling golf Hull’s ban and picked her in the final Amy Boulden (Conwy GC), Holley Cly- Johnston is an Economic student warm-up followed by some polo spe- scholar Kelsey MacDonald team to face the States in the summer. burn (Woodhall Spa GC ), Charley Hull at the University of Stirling, and has cific drills such as changing has been told she will be the Hull received a ban from the LGU for (Woburn GC), Bronte Law (Bramhall now entered his fourth year of study direction quickly and switching fourth reserve for the 2012 the Curtis Cup after missing last week’s GC ), Leona Maguire (Slieve Russell in Stirling. speeds. Next is leg work which is UGB & I Curtis Cup squad to face the trials in Nairn, opting instead to play in GC), Pamela Pretswell (Bothwell Castle Brig Sport caught up with him to really important in the sport to get the United States in June. the Kraft Nabisco Championship which GC), Kelly Tidy (Royal Birkdale GC), ask him about his time playing Water better of your opponent. We Brig Sport reported earlier in the is the first major on the LPGA calendar. Stephanie Meadow (Royal Portrush Polo. will then get the balls in and do some year that the talented student had been However, after much criticism from the GC). ball drills, passing and picked for the provisional squad for the likes of professionals Catriona Matthew Reserves: 1: Lisa Maguire (Slieve Rus- Brig Sport: How long have you shooting practice. For the last 30 prestigious tournament. However, after and Karen Stupples, the decision was sell GC), 2: Georgia Hall (Remedy Oak been playing Water Polo? minutes or so of every training joining up with the rest of the team to overturned and Hull invited to repre- GC), 3: Becky Harries(Haverfordwest session we will play a full length game play in front of the Ladies’ Golf Union sent her nation this June. GC), 4: Kelsey MacDonald (Nairn Dun- Swimming commitments made me to get actual match practice selection panel and team captain from The ladies will be hoping to claim a bar GC). choose between the two sports and at March 23rd to 25th, MacDonald was long overdue win in the Curtis Cup this the time I was having a very successful Why is Water Polo special to you chosen as a reserve rather than in the full year, with the Americans on a hot win- time swimming. I always knew I and what advice would you give team. With the competition to be played ning streak that has seen them win the would restart water polo when I fin- to someone who was thinking of in her home town of Nairn, the scholar previous seven tournaments starting ished my swimming career. When the taking up the sport? will no doubt be a little disappointed time came there was no choice I re- with the news, although selection in the started the following semester It is a fantastic team sport that keeps squad at all is still a high honour. you really fit and everything from Liz Fraser, lady captain at Kelsey Mac- What has been your best moment games to training to socials are great Donald’s Nairn Dunbar home club, gave playing Water Polo? fun and not to be missed. Come along her thoughts on the selection choice. and try it out. This year we have had Fraser commented, “It is obviously dis- Playing against RGU at Scottish Uni- over 20 completely new members who appointing for Kelsey and we were all versities. I had an incredible just decided to try it one day and then rooting for her.” match where My fitness outperformed stuck with it Fraser believes that despite Kelsey’s my own expectations. I disrupted a absence from the line-up, a good crowd lot of opponents attacks with key What advice would you give from Nairn will still turn out for the defending decisions as well as someone who was thinking event, which takes place from June 8-10 scoring the most goals for the team. about taking up the sport? this year, noting, “It would be better if We won the match convincingly in Kelsey had been in the team, but we’ll all the end. My proudest moment as captain was be there supporting GB and I.” when we played an away BUCS After team captain Tegwen Matthews’ What qualities to you believe are match against Durham 2nds and beat decision not to call Kelsey up to the first needed to make a good captain? them 21-2 with 2 of our new players of team, the only Scottish representation in that year getting their first ever goals this year’s GB & I side will be Bothwell My favourite part is the team element. for the team. Castle’s Pamela Prestwell. Elsewhere in In the matches you rely on the team line-up, identical twins Lisa others while they rely on you. It brings Anyone wishing to get involved with and Leona Maguire will have mixed everybody closer together and the Water Polo club can contact Ewan emotions after Leona was picked for the we enjoy every match whether it’s a Jonston about coming along for a ses- Curtis Cup side and Lisa left in the re- victory or defeat. sion with the team. serves. The 17 year old sisters were sep- arated only by 15 minutes at birth and Golf scholar Kelsey MacDonald Picture: Mark Ferguson April 2012 FREE

page 26 - Ladies Hockey success Page 27 - Chris Purdie re-elected Sport as Sports Union President www.brignewspaper.com www.brignewspaper.com BUCS final beckons for University footballers

pens in their careers. Stuart Kenny “It’s nice to be able to put ourselves in Sports Editor the position to play at a big ground but going and playing in a nice big stadium he University of Stirling’s first is only part of it and if we don’t go and team footballers have quali- play the game properly and don’t suc- fied for the final of the BUCS ceed then there’s a shallow feeling at the Championship knock-out tour- end of it. So it’s important that we go Tnament after defeating rival sporting and enjoy the occasion, but we’ll enjoy it University Loughborough 1-0 in the more if we do our job properly and we’re semi-final. successful.” The team are now eagerly awaiting the final against the University of Bath, “It’s important that we can’t just which is to be played at Crystal Palace’s rely on one or two players to score Selhurt Park come May 2nd. Qualifica- our goals, and we’ve got players who tion for the final only furthers the suc- can contribute from all over the cess enjoyed by Alan Taylor and Gordon park and they’ve got that ability to Dick who took over management of the make our lives easier. team in January of this year. Taylor and Dick have definitely hit the ground running since joining up “[Our morale] is great. The boys are with the First XI team, with the dynamic really, really happy and we’re working duo managing their team to ten wins in really hard just now. This is the business their first twelve matches. This also in- end of the season. We’ve won one trophy cludes two thumping 8-0 victories and so far, but getting to finals is only part of the chalking up of an exciting forty-five the job and we need to make sure now goals. that we turn these chances of silverware This impressive run has seen the First from a nice day out into some success The University First XI in action against Gretna Picture: Rajmund Bakyoni XI pick up the Alex Jack cup and left the and a victory, and this is so important. students in contention for the league There’s still a lot of work to be done but mendable achievement this year, as they “We’re in the process of doing some not the incentive. The incentive is to go title, in the South Challenge Cup final, the mood in the camp is great, the guys battled past the likes of Heriot-Watt, homework on them though, and it’s to London and become British champi- the semi-finals of the King Cup, and of are working hard for each other and Brighton and Loughborough Universi- something that we certainly will pay at- ons for the first time and anything that course the BUCS Championship final. that’s what is important. ties in order to earn the right to compete tention too and we will try to get some comes after that is nice, so it’s there but Brig Sport spoke to Alan Taylor “It’s important that we can’t just rely for the trophy at Selhurt Park. The tro- ideas on them. We did see their semi- it’s a distant thought at the moment. about his delight over this BUCS suc- on one or two players to score our goals, phy also brings with it a potential week final, though, which was played ahead “It’s the old cliché; take one game at a cess as the anticipation of the big final and we’ve got players who can contrib- in Spain to compete in the European of ours down at Warwick, so we’ve had time. We’re deep in the season now and begins. ute from all over the park and they’ve Universities tournament, so there will a wee watch of them and we think we it’s really just about making sure that we “We’re really looking forward to our got that ability to make our lives easier. be a lot at stake when Taylor and Dick’s know what’s to come, but we’ve still got can be successful in every single match, trip down to London. The opportunity That gives us a great opportunity to win men take on the University of Bath next a bit of work to do on that front. and if we do that in the upcoming games to go away to places like this and play these one-off games.” month. “There’s the opportunity to then go to then we give ourselves a great chance of in big grounds doesn’t come along too Reaching the BUCS Championship “We don’t know too much about the the European Universities Champion- picking up trophies.” often and for some players it never hap- climax is arguably the team’s most com- University of Bath,” continued Taylor. ship if we win, but to be honest that’s The University cricket team prepares for new season

squad could be important as the new weather, as well as team members play- only lost one key player. He believes Graeme Young and that their out of seasons schedule season kicks off. ing other sports, dictates when the team there is no reason why the side should Sports Editor doesn’t help in attracting players. He Despite the relegation last year, added, “Within university cricket we can play. He explained, “Cricket being not be looking for promotion in the The University of Stirling cricket Rainford thinks that if the team have a have struggled for numbers in the time a summer sport struggles to fit into the upcoming campaign. He said, ”Having team remains hopeful, says its President full selection to choose from, they are I have been here, although I feel this university semesters and therefore the only lost one player from last season’s James Rainford, despite a poor cam- a match for anyone in the country. He could be down to cricket being out of main part of season is missed due to stu- team we have had several promising paign last year which saw the side rel- said, “Having been relegated last year, season during university term time, dents going home. This limits the time new additions for the coming season, so egated, and is hopeful that 2012 will be I hope that we will be able to bounce and winter sports might be performing available for games. This being the case at full strength we hope to have a strong a better year for the side. straight back. Selection has always been stronger.” we felt we didn’t give a full representa- season and gain promotion.” Rainford, 21, who plays as an all- an issue with limited numbers; however, James knows the challenges that are tion of our ability last season. With the Stirling will come up against Scottish rounder, believes that the team can at full strength we believe we are more faced by starting the season so late but season quickly approaching we hope to rivals Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edin- compete well ahead of the start of the than capable of competing with the best he believes that the side can perform hit ground running to make use of the burgh in Scottish Division 2A this sea- new season. The team hopes to gain in Scotland.” much better this year, irrespective of short season.” son. promotion back to Division 1 at the James thinks that it is hard for cricket when the season starts. He believes that Rainford believes that the side has James and the team hope to see as first attempt and he believes their abil- to compete with some of the more es- it would probably help the team if they added some quality, but he is most many people as possible cheering them ity to keep together the majority of their tablished sports which run over Winter competed during a regular schedule, but pleased about the fact that they have during the course of the campaign. Frappuccino’s Now on sale! from £2.75