Brig | October 2011 Martin & Co denies receiving Stirling sets £27,000 Stirling students’ complaints tuition fee for rest of Aya Kawanishi the UK students News Editor day, Stirling University failed students Zsuzsanna Matyak from disadvantaged backgrounds by etting agency Martin & Co de- News Editor setting its degrees cost at £27,000. We nied that any written formal are fully against tuition fees, and this complaints were received, de- he University of Stirling has decision by Stirling puts degrees there Lspite claims from Stirling stu- become one of the most ex- as expensive as the worst excesses of dents who rented a property from them pensive universities in the the English system.” between 4 August 2010 and 2 August UK after announcing its Professor Gerry McCormac, Prin- 2011. T cipal and Vice-Chancellor of Stirling decision to charge £6,750 per year, Former tenants of 23 Chandlers Court instead of the current £1,800, for stu- University, said they had no choice. Stirling, Dominique Maske and her flat- dents from England, Wales and North- “The University of Stirling has always mate, wrote to the agency on a number ern Ireland from 2012. This makes a believed that access to higher educa- of occasions regarding issues they had four-year degree cost £27,000. tion should be based on ability, not such as the lease document and the con- Hand in hand with the significantly background or the ability to pay. As dition of the flat. increased tuition fee comes a new a result of the new funding arrange- In a statement, Managing Director of range of scholarships and bursaries ments, Scottish universities have no Martin & Co Stirling, Imtiaz Ahmed, for both Scottish and rest of the UK choice but to charge fees for students said that they have “not received a for- (RUK) students, and the encourage- from the rest of the UK. mal written complaint from these ten- ment of “suitably qualified” students “It is worth emphasising that these ants” and urged them to have it put to enter directly into second year – a costs are not incurred up front. Like forward and looked into. Although, Miss move that, the University hopes, can other Scottish universities, Stirling re- Maske said that she and her flatmate ease the financial burden potentially mains free at the point of entry, with were not told about a formal complaint saving £6,750 for the unlucky freshers. students repaying the fees when they procedure of Martin & Co. The University of Stirling’s stand- enter employment and have an income However, Maske, a final year under- point on the tuition fee rise for RUK exceeding £21,000 a year.” graduate student at the University of students was debated at the University Stirling at that time, wrote her first Court private meeting on 12 Septem- complaint to the Stirling office of Mar- ber. The debate revolved around three £4,950 tin & Co on 4 August 2010, the day they main issues: fair access that students moved in, concerning the condition of should get, reputation of the institu- Local letting agency Martin & Co Picture: Rajmund Bakyoni more per annum to the property. tion as some argued that setting a A number of issues were present, ac- broken door handles. They were fixed that the problem was “caused and never lower fee could suggest that teaching is be paid from next cording to the then-postgraduate stu- the next day after being reported along- reported by the old tenant”. The window at lower quality and last but not least, dent, such as broken door handles, the September side other problems. was repaired a week after the move in the development of a good bursary and window that would not close, stains on He also defined the unknown sub- and on the same day it was notified. scholarship system. the couch, marks on the carpets, marks Luke Fenton, President of Stirling stance on the mattress topper as “a The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 Eventually, the £6,750 fee was on the wall, an oven covered in residue University Student Union, said, “It permanent mark” and said “it did not states that it is the landlord’s duty to agreed taking into consideration the and unknown marks on the mattress is unfortunate that the University of require replacing”. ensure that the property meets the re- cost of teaching on different courses. topper. Stirling has had to raise its fee for rest pairing standard at the start of and dur- At the University, teaching on a so- She said, “It just wasn’t clean. It didn’t of the UK students. However, I also ing the tenancy. The repairing standard cial science undergraduate course, look like professional cleaners had come “The main reason why think that Stirling has set a fee that requires that the property must be wind which most of the RUK students take, in.” I’m telling Brig all this is shows that a lower than £9,000 cap is and watertight and the structure and costs around £5,000 per annum. This Asked about the issues raised, Martin needed.” so that other students do exterior of the property, including doors number can be as high as £8,700 per & Co said that there was “a very short He added, “The fee that the Univer- and windows, must be in a reasonable year on natural science courses such turnaround” between the previous ten- not go to them and make sity has set, whilst not the lowest fee, condition. as biology. Additionally, bursaries and ant and Miss Maske and her flatmate. will allow students a fairer deal than the same mistake.” Following the complaint, the 22-year- scholarships also have to be financed However, they assured that professional some other institutions. […] The Stu- Dominique Maske old and her mother, also the guarantor from tuition fees. Therefore, balanc- cleaning and inventory inspection had dents’ Union has worked hard with the of both tenants, Ann Maske, visited the ing the costs out they agreed to charge taken place prior to their occupancy. University regarding this matter, and Furthermore, the agency acknowl- agency on 11 August 2010, a week after RUK students £6,750 annually. A spokesperson of Martin & Co in the I believe without our advice and pres- edged that there was “an issue with one the move in, in order to request an in- Shortly after the University an- Stirling branch said that, he had visited sure the outcome for students would window mechanism” before the start of ventory form and a copy of the lease nounced its new fee, Robin Parker, the property before the Stirling students the lease. In the statement they claimed President of NUS Scotland, said, “To- moved in but he was “not aware” of the continued on page 2 continued on page 3 2 Brig | October 2011 www.brignewspaper.com

Brig News editors: Graham Swann, Ailsa Stokes, Editorial Aya Kawanishi & Zsuzsanna Matyak News Email: [email protected] To get in touch with a sec- tion, email section and @ brignewspaper.com i.e. Stirling students vs Martin&Co [email protected] continued from page 1 Ahmed, of Martin & Co, said that they do not recall “pressurising anyone to Editor in Chief which they had not received at this move in” and “did a very good job to get Iain Blackwood point. the property ready”. Editor@brignewspaper. The agency assured that the lease Looking back on the experience with com document had been given to the tenants Martin & Co, Maske described it as at the meeting, even though the student “stress more than anything else”. Deputy Editors tenant and her mother claimed they She said that she was “very disappoint- never had the copy. Daniel Nunan ed” at the customer service of Martin & Martin & Co said, “We provide docu- Co. Jeremy Watssman ment copies to all tenants and we recall “I had a feeling that there is no one that a photocopy of this documenta- who can help you, there is no one to News Editors tion was given personally to the tenants speak to. If you go to a bank and you Graham Swann when they visited our office early in their got a complaint, then they will sort that Aya Kawanishi tenancy.” out for you because they don’t want to Zsuzsanna Matyak They added, “As we have all such lose you as customer and your loyalty. Ailsa Stokes documents electronically scanned, if But it’s completely different if you go to they had requested any further copies somewhere like Martin & Co who don’t at any time then we would happily have care. Politics Editors emailed them over.” “The main reason why I’m telling Brig Elsa Andre all this is so that other students do not Colm Currie “[We] did a very good make the same mistake. I have been go- job to get the property ing through this for a whole year and it Features Editors was stressful in my final year of univer- Anna Jordon ready.” sity,” she said. Martin & Co Catriona McGale Her mother said, “It has been one of the worst experiences of dealing with a The handle was broken when the tenants moved in It is upheld by law that the tenant must company. I am happy that our associa- Picture: Dominique Maske Music Editors receive a lease signed by both the land- tion with them is finally over. Ross Dunn lord and tenant, according to the Hous- “I felt sorry for Dominique having to Andy McDonald ing (Scotland) Act 2006. deal Martin & Co on her own. The expe- In the email obtained by Brig, Maske’s rience spoiled Dominque’s final under- Film Editors flatmate, Christelle Kitenge wrote, fol- graduate year” she said. Laura Muir lowing the meeting, that the contract On receiving the Stirling students’ Stefanie Pryke should be void and formed anew when experience with the letting agency, the agent “finally fix everything and Student Union President, Luke Fen- have the flat up to the required stand- ton, commented, “Unfortunately some Arts Editors ards”. The Stirling office declined the landlords and letting agencies take full Christopher Smail request. advantage of this lack of understanding, Catriona Keddie The source added that the student and exploit people. tenants “had to negotiate an extra two “We are looking at providing a hand- Opinion Editors days” when agreeing on the moving-in book this year before the rush for homes David Devereux date since they had been given a dead- to make sure that students are best Simon Ewing line to pay the fees and questioned the advised on the what, where, when and agency’s explanation of “a very short how, as well as the do’s and don’ts of turnaround” for the flat’s condition on property letting. We are working hard so Game & Tech Editor day one of the lease. that things like this don’t happen again.” Jamie Wright Key legislation on assured and short-assured tenancy Food Editor 1. The tenant must be given a copy of 5. When the landlord enters the prop- Victoria Pease the lease which sets up the terms of erty during the tenancy, e.g. repairing the tenancy and properly executed reasons, the tenant must be informed Fashion Editor by the tenant and landlord before a at least 24 hours in advance. Nicola Smith witness and should not be charged for 6. The Tenancy Deposit Schemes the documents. (Scotland) Regulations was brought Sports Editors 2. The agency has a legal obligation into force on 7 March 2011 in order to Scott Lorimer to hand over the landlord’s contact end the practice of unfairly withhold- ing deposits and ensure that deposits Graeme Young details within 21 days after a written request is made. are returned fairly and quickly to the Stuart Kenny 3. It is landlord’s duty to repair and tenant by protecting deposits with an maintain the property to the repair- independent third party. For more Online Editor ing standard at the start of and dur- information, visit home.scotland. Daniel Nunan ing the tenancy. gov.uk 4. If there is any damage caused Citizens’ Advice Bureaux and Law during the tenancy, the tenant must Head of Photography Centres can give specific advice on The unknown substance on the matress topper inform the landlord immediately. Rajmund Bakonyi individual situations. Picture: Dominique Maske photos@ Stirling may become the home of new Scottish police force Head of Advertising Nash Riggins on government budgets. Commonwealth Games take place in better able to maintain frontline levels.” Adverts@ Graham Swann However, MacAskill was unable to Glasgow in 2014. In reference to the current eight police guarantee that the existing number of In his address to MSPs at Holyrood, forces and fire services in Scotland, he News Editor police officers, now at 17,340, would be the Justice Secretary claimed that, “A commented further, “At the moment we Heads of Proofing preserved under a single force, which new single Scottish police force will be have eight versions of the same thing tirling could play a key role in Lydia Nowak he wants to see operational before the more accountable to local people and and we can’t afford to do that any long- the future of a nationalised po- Travis Emond er. We also want every area of Scotland lice force, according to Justice to have equal access to the same special- Secretary Kenny MacAskill. Visit our website: S ist services.” Speaking last month, he outlined pos- Kevin Smith, Chief Constable of Cen- www.brignewspaper.com sible plans to reduce the number of po- tral Scotland Police, said, “I’ve been You can also find us on Twitter lice forces and fire services in the coun- Chief Constable for three years and Cen- and on Facebook. try from eight to one, but insisted that tral Scotland Police is one of the highest- its headquarters would not be based in performing forces in the country. The either Edinburgh or Glasgow to avoid Brig, The Robbins Centre, force’s record on tackling issues in the domination by Scotland's two major The University of Stirling, heart of communities, working closely cities. Stirling. with the public, through to complex Instead, it could be that the force’s multi-agency international criminal in- FK9 4LA headquarters may be located next to vestigations, speaks for itself. As a force Tel: 01786 467176 (ask for the Scottish policing college at Tullial- we have much that will influence the Brig) lan near Stirling. transition into a single police service. or 01786 467166 Kenny MacAskill said abolishing the “The officers and staff of Central Scot- existing eight police forces and creat- Fax: 01786 467190 land Police have much to bring to the ing a new national force, and a single new single police service. They demon- national fire and rescue service, would Want to Advertise in Brig? strate their skills on a daily basis serving save £130m a year, or some £1.7bn over [email protected] Stirling is served by Central Scotland Police Force the communities across Forth Valley.” 15 years, at a time of extreme pressure Photo: Rajmund Bakonyi Brig | October 2011 NEWS www.brignewspaper.com 3 The tuition fee for RUK students will more than treble from the 2012/13 academic year

continued from page 1 figure with which Scottish universities have been very poor and we could have would remain cheaper than those in been in an even worse situation than England. This would make up a de- we are in now.” gree costing £25,500 for those starting In a statement to the Scottish Par- their degrees next September. liament over the summer, Scottish Despite his suggestion, all Scot- Education Secretary, Mike Russel, tish universities set their new fee at said that universities were free to set a higher level, except Glasgow Cal- a range of potential fees for rest of the edonian University which will charge UK students from £1,800 to £9,000 £21,000 for a degree from the 2012/13 a year. The range was set “to ensure academic year. Edinburgh and St. An- Scotland remains the best option, not drews set a £36,000 fee for a four-year the cheapest option for higher educa- course which was commented on as tion.” “staggering and ridiculous” by Graeme He said, however, that he expected Kirkpatrick, Deputy President of NUS Scottish universities to show restraint Scotland. Aberdeen, Heriott-Watt and and not to charge the full fee. He add- Dundee set the same £27,000 fee as ed that £6,375 would be a competitive the University of Stirling along with the University of Glasgow. The latter,

A quarter of those who considered dropping out did so due to worry over student loan debt Picture: NUS – Still In The Red report

however, is offering a £1,000 bursary tling. The average degree, and I repeat Cameron, Education and Engagement for every RUK student starting a four- average, will cost more than the very Officer of the Union, the costs can be year degree. maximum allowed in England. debated but the Government did not In a press release, NUS Scotland “When you look at the fact that leave enough time to review the issue said that “Scotland is now officially the over 40% of students from England, thoroughly. most expensive place for students from Wales and Northern Ireland study at For the same reason, an independ- the rest of the UK to get a degree.” Edinburgh and St Andrews universi- ent report published in August by the An average headline degree at a ties, where degrees will cost £36,000, Higher Education Policy Institute sug- Scottish institution will cost £27,083 the real average degree will cost over gests that the new fees will result in compared to £25,179 at an English £30,000. And this figure doesn’t even the emergence of a “bipolar system” university, where degree programmes take into account the additional year of that exacerbates inequality between generally last one year shorter than in living costs in Scotland.” institutions. Scotland. Of the RUK students studying in Consequently, in a few years time, by Parker said that the real costs are Scotland, 31.1% chose Edinburgh and 2014 according to the report, some of likely to be even higher. “Every univer- 11.3% went for St. Andrews University. the institutions will have to reduce fees A year at the University will cost £6750 for RUK students sity in Scotland has now set the price Stirling attracted 4.2% last year. to stay in the unplayful game. Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi of its degree and the results are star- According to Fenton and Hollie Clubs and Societies will benefit from membership card The principle is a simple one. It is an Although, having yet another thing to crease their employability. There is also nity for additional funding for events, Stephen Wood & opportunity to try a club before you ac- pay for is never welcome news for any- the potential for promotions to be of- which must be outlined in the year plan Claire Heuchan cidentally cough up for something you body living on a budget, there is a reason fered alongside the purchase of the card, that is submitted to the Union, who then have no interest in. It can also help the behind this change in policy. The Stir- which would make the prospect sweeter seek to facilitate the aims of its socie- f you play the word FRESHER existing members of the clubs. ling Students’ Union was approximately to Stirling’s future freshers. ties. Larger clubs, such as the Stirling in Scrabble, you would score 13 Katie Bolton, President of the Stirling £44,000 in debt two years ago. This As it is, all of the money raised by the University Drama Society, do not always points, plus another fifty for us- University Drama Society (SUDS), said, figure is surprising, considering that membership card goes directly into the require funding in contrast to smaller ing all seven letters in your rack. “[Give It A Go week] encouraged our for the first time in a decade, the Union clubs’ and societies’ account. groups. I SUDS committee to create a memorable If Scrabble did not interest you, you made £39,000. However, the Univer- Luke compared the new system to that There is a clear element of subsidy in could always have donned a silver wig, workshop, which is vital in the first few sity was offered a £50,000 loan that, in of the Stirling University Sports Union, the system. However, of the 12,000 stu- white face-paint and red lipstick under weeks of the semester starting.” the short term, brought the Union back of which the fees must cover insurance, dents who joined a club or society last the excuse of being from The Wizard of into the clear. As a result, for the next pointing out the cost of administration. year there were 2,000 cross-overs, as Oz. “The leaflet listing the five years the Union will lose out ona many wished to join multiple associa- Those were just two of the opportuni- £10,000 block grant. “The money raised may tions. This trend demonstrates a degree ties presented during Give It A Go week Give It A Go sessions of According to Luke Fenton, President of fairness in current protocol. Although at the University of Stirling. all the societies encour- of the Students’ Union, the Clubs and well be used to fund it is not without flaws, the Union’s cur- During the week commencing 26 aged spontaneous inter- Societies membership card is likely to be projects that allow the rent system of funding has only recently September, Stirling students were en- kept in operation for future years. This members of clubs to been reworked and, being relatively couraged to go along to meetings of any est in societies that peo- is because of the uncertainty of future new, is likely to improve with time. clubs and societies that took their fan- ple might not have made funding, and also because it is logical to develop skills and abili- cy, be it fencing or word-based board have what he terms a “failsafe mecha- ties that would increase games. the effort to look up” nism” in place. “The leaflet listing the Give It AGo Also, Luke speculated that, in the years their employability” Scrabble Society (email dac00025@ sessions of all the societies encouraged New this year is the students’ union’s to come, once the financial situation of students.stir.ac.uk) meets at 5PM spontaneous interest in societies that latest scheme, the Clubs & Socs mem- the Union has improved, the money There is a £7,000 grant available for on Wednesdays in the Union. SUDS people might not have made the effort bership card. The card, which costs £5, raised may well be used to fund projects every club to apply for, a fixed figure ([email protected]) to look up,” said Danielle Cole, head of is a requirement for joining any clubs or that allow the members of clubs to de- that is not proportional to the number meets in Cottrell 2A13 on Tuesdays the Scrabble Society. societies. velop skills and abilities that would in- of members. There is also the opportu- at 7PM. Brig | October 2011 4 www.brignewspaper.com NEWS Changes to be made to halls signing-in rules In Brief tirling is one of the nine Scottish Suniversities that will face disrup- Aya Kawanishi & tion from 10 October as a result of a “sustained campaign of industrial Graham Swann action” by the members of the Uni- News Editors versity and College Union (UCU) condemning the recent changes to esidential Services and Stu- the pension schemes. The action dents’ Union are in discussion will commence with UCU members regarding the changes to the working only to the terms of their Rhalls’ signing-in rules after two contract. As a next step the move student meetings took place in AK Dav- might escalate to rolling strikes and idson Hall with Luke Fenton, the Presi- a boycott of student assessment. dent of the Students’ Union. New procedures, which were pro- he University of Stirling has ap- posed by Residential Services, initially Tpointed two new Deputy Princi- included conditions such as the resident pals, Professor Edmund Burke who student must hand over their University takes up his post on 1 December registration card to sign in their guest, 2011, and Professor John Gardner, the card is returned when the guest who begins on 1 January 2012. Burke leaves the building and the guest must will be responsible for Research at sign in from 7pm and leave the build- the University, while Gardner will ing by 3am at the latest or otherwise the look after Education and Students. resident must book a guest room for a fee of £15 per night. ive Scottish universities made It triggered outrage reaction amongst Fit to the top 200 of the world’s students and led to the first student higher education institutions. Edin- meeting to be called for on 19 Septem- burgh was listed as 36th, St Andrews ber at AK Davidson Hall, where Fenton got the 85th, Glasgow the 102nd, was summoned by first year students for Aberdeen the 151st and Dundee the feedback on the rules. 176th place. Stirling appeared in the In the following meeting at the same 301 to 350 band being described venue, Fenton announced that Residen- as the “best of the rest”. The world tial Services had withdrawn the handing rankings are annually produced by over rule of a registration card and in- Numerous students would like to have overnight guests without paying the £15 per night the Times Higher Education maga- stead would only ask students for their zine with Thomson Reuters. Picture: Rute Sile Hall ID card. The issue of signing-in procedures was The majority of students present at to hopefully finally resolve this situa- that the University will change its mind ccording to The Royal College of also one of the key topics discussed at the meeting were in favour of scrapping tion. but the General Meeting has asked the APsychiatrics, mental ill-health the recent Union General Meeting on 4 the new rules put in place but no agree- “I have also written a letter to the Prin- Executive Council to plan action if it among students is an increasing October. ment could be reached as a result of this cipal on behalf of the General Meeting doesn’t.” concern. The growing number of Present were Mandi Clark, Acting meeting. to inform him of the fact that we will not Friday 21 October was voted and set as students entering higher education Head of Residential Services, and Di- The Union President commented, stand away from the removal of the 3am a deadline for Residential Services to get from socially and culturally-diverse rector of Estates and Campus Services, “Firstly I would like to say thank you signing out time. back to students with news on whether backgrounds, higher rates of family Karen Plouviez, who discussed the rea- to all the students who turned up to the He continued, “It’s good to see that or not any changes will be made as a re- breakdown and the economic reces- soning behind the current rules in place. General Meeting on Tuesday. the Students’ Union is having an impact sult of the discussions. sion are all named as possible causes Students were also given the opportu- “From this, myself and Jamie, the Vice on what it is students really want to get On behalf of Residential Services, a of the trend. NUS Scotland has called nity to ask questions in order to try and President of Activities & Development, from their institution and we can only University spokesman will give no com- for greater investment in support come to some sort of agreement regard- have a meeting with the Director of Es- do that by students telling us what it is ment until the new rules are concluded. services at colleges and universities, ing the issue of signing in guests. tates & Campus Services next Monday they want.” He added, “We are confident protecting them from funding cuts. NUS welcome £7,000 minimum Students fined amid purple income but claim, ‘Not enough’ bin bag misery pick the purple bags up. We don’t even Daniel Brown know where we can get them from. We use the ones the previous tenant left in for vulnerable students tirling University students living the flat at the moment.” in private accommodation have However, it seems to affect only a cer- found themselves facing fines Luke Fenton, said, “I think this is a fan- Schmidt, said, “I think it’s good because tain number of students as Momo Ya- after failing to adhere to Stirling Ailsa Roworth-Stokes tastic victory for students in Scotland student poverty and the amount of debt S mada says, “It’s not fair either because Council waste management rules. and a very good direction for the Scot- is often overlooked. I just wonder what my friends who also live in town don’t News Editor Stirling Council has not been provid- tish Government to be heading in. For consequences this decision will have seem to have the same obligation and I ing any cardboard recycling facilities for US Scotland has welcomed too long students in Scotland have been for non-Scottish, especially EU and in- don’t understand why we have to do it.” some students living in private accom- the government’s commit- underfunded and had to rely on other ternational students and their required The process of getting new bags has modation despite students produce a ment to a minimum income sources of income alongside their loans funding.” been shown to be complicated as Sam large amount of cardboard waste. of £7,000 for the poorest stu- and grants. The Finance Secretary told the Scot- Agini, a second year Journalism stu- N Instead, the council gives students two dent at the University, called finding out dents. “Too many students are having to tish Parliament that universities could purple bags a week, which is for general The Scottish Government’s Spending work ridiculous hours in a part-time job expect increases in the following two where to get new bags a “very bureau- waste as well as any cardboard, result- Review proposed the minimum income, whilst doing a degree at the same time, years of £39m in 2013/14 and £20m in cratic process”. ing in the bags being filled up quickly and to protect EMA and plans to bridge this is affecting their education and the 2014/15. Some are even refusing to pay £2.50 which means that any extra bags have to the funding gap with English universi- quality of their learning experience, However, it is not all positive news. for extra purple bags as Krisztian Vag- be bought from the Council at a cost of ties without tuition fees. which is not something you need when NUS analysis of UK Government pro- ner, a 3rd year Politics student, said, “I £2.50 for each bag. Robin Parker, President of NUS Scot- you are preparing for graduate-level em- posals show bursary and scholarship refuse to spend that kind of money on a land said, “At the last election the Scot- ployment. spending on university students will fall couple of purple bags.” tish Government committed to increase by £56,690,000 between the 2009/10 The President of Stirling Students’ Un- student support, protect places at col- “I think this is a fantas- and the 2015/16 academic year. ion, Luke Fenton, is running a campaign lege and university, and to rule out tui- tic victory for students The news comes within days of anoth- to help bring attention to the issue of the tion fees. This budget confirms that the in Scotland and a very er NUS analysis revealing that for the purple bags in private accommodation Scottish Government have listened to average student outside London, the gap in Stirling. The campaign will involve students in Scotland. good direction for the between government provided student students after the mid-semester break “Setting a minimum student income Scottish Government to support and the cost of being a student collecting cardboard and then tally- ing it all up to show to Stirling Council at this level would help reduce student be heading in.” has increased to £8,037 for the 2011/12 hardship, lessen the risk of dropout and academic year. This is a rise of 10% from just how much cardboard a student gets improve Scotland’s record for attract- the 2010/11 shortfall of £7,310. through on a weekly basis. ing students from lower income back- “This is a policy which I hope sets an NUS President, Liam Burns said, It appears that the campaign has al- grounds to university.” example to the UK Government that “The government are offering £150m of ready gained the attention of Stirling Students have shown disapproval over Stirling Students’ Union joined stu- student support is important and key scholarships with one hand and taking Council after two students were reim- this scheme as students tend to produce dents across the UK in supporting NUS to the learning experience. I think it is every penny, and more, back with the bursed after having approached the un- more cardboard waste than anyone else Scotland’s Reclaim Your Voice cam- clear that this is not a living income, and other to fund the fee waivers they’ll use ion for being fined £50 by the Council living in Stirling. Momo Yamada, a third paign prior to May’s general election. more work in the future may need to to keep their borrowing down. for placing cardboard waste into bins year Management student at the Uni- Tens of thousands of students worked combat the rise in living costs and ris- “Not enough money is reaching the reserved for other recyclable materials, versity told Brig, “There are two of us across Scotland to sign-up candidates to ing VAT. I think the pressure applied by pockets of vulnerable students when such as plastic and paper. Luke Fenton in the flat in Friars Street but even for the campaign. As a result, 85% of par- the National Union of Students in Scot- they need it and until the government also encourages all students who have two of us it’s not enough. The other day liament signed up to improve students land has been invaluable to this decision admits they’ve got it badly wrong on stu- been having problems with purple bags we ordered a pizza and the box filled the support, protect places and rule out tui- and this is great news for students from dent support vulnerable young people in private accommodation to contact the bag really quickly. tion fees. Scotland.” will struggle to make up the shortfall,” Union so that the campaign can grow in “It’s annoying that you have to go to Stirling Students’ Union President, Stirling University student, Fanny he added. strength. Brig | October 2011 POLITICS www.brignewspaper.com 5

Politics editor: Elsa Andre & Colm Currie Politics Email: [email protected] UK benefits system in Government announces violation of EU regulations, new foreign language plan for young children says European Commission Colm Currie Jenny Wartnaby Politics Editor

ducation secretary Michael he UK and EU entered into an- Gove has unveiled his plans other debate last week regard- to implement a programme ing UK proposals to reform the Ewhich would see UK children benefits system, which could taught foreign languages from the age T of five. He is keen to see this happen save taxpayers billions. The EU said in its official statement within the next few years, and has even that the UK’s “right to reside” test di- suggested lengthening the school day in rectly discriminates against EU nation- order to make it possible. als and contravenes EU laws regarding Gove alluded to the common stere- freedom of movement. The EU Com- otype of Brits on holiday when he said, mission told the UK government that it “we have taken a perverse pride in the was allowed two months to bring legisla- fact that we do not speak foreign lan- tive plans into line with European Law, guages, and we just need to speak loud- before judicial referral to the European er in English.” Court of Justice. In the majority of European coun- The test is used to determine a per- tries, it is not uncommon for people son’s right to benefits such as State to speak fluent English as well as their Michael Gove is behind the new Pension Credit, Income-based Allow- own language, and one or two others initiative Picture: ybf.org.uk ance for Jobseekers, Child Benefit and as well. In the UK, however, it is unu- The EU and the UK find themselves at loggerheads once again effort ourselves.” She speculates that a Tax Credit. A British citizen’s right to sual to find someone who can speak Picture: europeword.com one foreign language, let alone two. A reason for this may be that, “we live on these is based solely on their citizen- an island and are not as aware of other ship whereas other EU nationals have to 2004 survey shows that fewer than 10% with EU officials, there was an unequiv- EU interference is limited, making it a languages as those in countries where fulfil additional conditions to qualify for of British adults can speak a language ocal “difference of opinion”, primarily controversial and sensitive political is- there are many other languages on their benefits. other than English, even to a basic level. regarding the definition of “habitual”, sue, especially during the current finan- borders.” This is an important point, The Commission has asserted it has Furthermore, fewer than 5% can count despite clear EU guidelines. Conven- cial crisis. as the fact that the UK is not attached a strong legal case against the United to 20 in a different tongue, which falls a tionally, “welfare tourists” would not The move by the EU Commission is to the European mainland has almost Kingdom. Laszlo Andor, EU Commis- long way short of the EU average. consistently reside in a country for largely viewed by the government as an certainly had an impact on our reduced sioner for Employment, Social Affairs Clearly, then, the UK has a long- long periods of time, and merely hav- infringement on national sovereignty. requirement for learning languages. and Inclusion, rejected claims that it standing problem when it comes to ing a permanent UK address would be Duncan Smith also asserted, “the EU Nevertheless, it is about time that would result in UK citizens paying for speaking other languages, whatever enough to be eligible for benefits. settlement is supposed to protect the something was done to address this “welfare tourists” who have no links to the reason for that may be. This isn’t A variety of British commentators right of member states to make their problem. Gove’s new proposal is quite the country and have not paid tax. helped, of course, by the fact that so have highlighted fears of “benefit tour- own social security arrangements.” radical, but that is not necessarily a bad For example, the benefits previously many inhabitants of other EU coun- ism”, costing the British taxpayer ap- Conservative backbenchers and UKIP thing. He has suggested adding an extra mentioned should be available to those tries, and indeed the rest of the world, proximately an extra £2billion annually. members have urged for a new refer- hour to the school day, if required, to who habitually reside in the UK; there- speak English. The vastness of the Brit- This is for people who “have no connec- endum on the UK’s European involve- accommodate the new teaching. It will fore, the likelihood that they have paid ish Empire has led to English being, by tion to our country and who have never ment. However, the Liberal Democrats also be necessary to change the training tax to the UK government is high. far and away, the most widely spoken paid in a penny in tax,” according to have stated that they will resist any at- programme for primary school teachers. The example used by the Commis- language across the globe, so it could Secretary of State for Work and Pen- tempts to renegotiate British member- Gove has stated that some UK schools sion is of an Italian who worked in the be argued that we are the victims of our sions, Iain Duncan Smith, who has been ship of the EU. Given their coalition already teach foreign languages to chil- UK between April 2007 and April 2009, own imperialistic success. However, extremely critical of the EU in the past. partners’ opposition to their plans, this dren from the age of five, and that there when she was made redundant. She this is no excuse for not making an ef- Grayling asserts that the UK has been would make it very difficult, if not im- is no reason that all schools cannot do was refused income-based jobseekers’ fort with other languages, and for UK forced to pay disability benefits to a possible, for the Conservatives to win a likewise. He has also made the point that allowance as, according to the UK gov- nationals to be so far behind the rest of British citizen residing in Spain by Eu- majority on such a bill in the Commons. almost all developed countries across ernment, she did not have the right to the world when it comes to language is ropean courts, which possibly highlights It appears that the UK will be forced to the world teach languages from such an reside in the country, despite having not acceptable. discrepancies, although it is difficult to yield to the EU on this matter, although, early age, and that the UK should “set it- been a working, tax-paying citizen for Linda Parker, director of the Asso- interpret without case details. as is often the case with our awkward self the same ambitious, but not impos- two years. ciation for Language Learning, has said Social security benefits have generally European state, we will probably put up sible, target.” According to Employment Minister that, “we rely on other people learning been viewed as a national matter where a bit of a fight over it. Chris Grayling, who discussed the issue our language, rather than making the

starting a hearing. The charges would "What about the rights of people Despite having been an MSP for George Osborne The right only be reversed if applicants win their currently sitting at home with nothing such a short space of time, she has case. to do, desperate to get work, but the announced her intention to stand for announces plans Osborne also announced the exten- business can't afford to employ them direction for Party Leader. Davidson is no novice sion of the qualification period for because they fear they are going to be to politics; before being elected to her to change unfair dismissal claims from one to taken to the tribunal?" Scottish Glasgow constituency, she spent a two years, which is to be implemented Business Secretary, Vince Cable, ex- year as the chief of Annabel Goldie’s employment next April. Workers who have been in pressed his support for the plans, say- Conservatives office, giving her a bird’s-eye-view employment less than two years will ing they could save businesses nearly of the party. Before that, she spent a tribunals therefore not be able to take their em- £6m a year. Claire Heuchan decade working in the field of journal- ployers to tribunal for unfair dismissal The new plans are sure to add more ism and media, which explains the procedures or discrimination charges. strain to the already difficult relation- extent of her positive reception from arlier this year, at the The plans were criticised by the ship between the coalition government the press. Scottish Parliamentary elec- unions, with Unite Union General and the trade unions. The youngest of the four candidates, Elsa Andre tions, the Conservative and Secretary Len McCluskey accusing the at 32 years of age, Davidson promises Unionist Party lost a quarter Politics editor Chancellor of "trying to silence the very E to provide the party with a fresh new people who see through him and his of their seats, dropping from 20 to face, which bolsters her claim that she 15, which, in the face of a Nationalist government, workers and their unions". will “deliver a more modern message hancellor George Osborne majority government, was nothing He said: "He is a chancellor who wants to a wider Scotland.” provoked trade unions' anger short of a disaster. to make it easier to hire and fire at will, There is also the fact that she, the last week when he announced Westminster has only one Con- while making it harder for workers to potential leader of the Scottish branch plans to charge workers for servative constituency north of the C challenge bad bosses. George Os- of the party that brought us Section tribunals at the Conservative Party border, in spite of their being a borne then has the nerve to repeat the 28, is openly gay; Davidson’s success Conference. Conservative-led coalition in power. discredited claim that we are all in this would at least prove to critics of the The move is designed to encourage Evidently, the relationship between together." Scottish Conservatives that the party small businesses to hire new employ- the Scottish Conservatives and the Osborne anticipated the critics by is capable of evolving. ees, by protecting them against possible electorate is a troubled one. In spite defending his proposals, however. He employment tribunal claims. said "We talk a lot about trade union of this resounding defeat, the party Read more of Ruth Osborne plans to change employ- Workers would have to pay between rights - but what about the right of the gained one newly elected member: Davidson’s interview at: ment laws to boost economy £150 and £250 to make any tribunal unemployed person to be given a shot Ruth Davidson. Picture: publicpropertyuk.com www.brignewspaper.com application, and a further £1,000 for at a job and a career? Brig | October 2011 POLITICS 6 www.brignewspaper.com Politics: Comment Is the time right for a Scottish Independence Referendum?

ently fund these public services to which its people have become so accustomed, NO a drastic rise in tax revenues from vot- ers would be the only way to prevent s poll numbers finally economic collapse within the first few begin to surface in his fa- months of an independent Scotland. vour, the time has never That being said, the economic growth been better for Alex Sal- in Scotland has, beyond expectations, mond to bring his refer- outperformed the majority of the UK endum vote for Scottish in recent years. For a country of its size, IndependenceA to the table. Yet, while Scotland has been able to place its name the time may seem right, do Scottish respectfully on the world’s economic voters really know what the outcome leaderboards; Edinburgh even holds the would mean for them financially should position as Europe’s fifth largest finan- the SNP finally get their way? cial centre. The low corporate taxrates Culturally, Scotland has held inde- floating north from Westminster prob- pendence from England since the first ably don’t hurt, either. Meanwhile, Scot- complex organism crawled from its Pri- tish petroleum continues to create copi- mordial ooze; even financially, Scottish ous amounts of profit in the North Sea, lords successfully made ends meet up and nationalists argue that this profit to 1707. Yet at this point in time, critics alone stands to secure a frail Scottish of Salmond’s never-ending call for com- economy in the initial years of financial plete independence justly argue that the independence. United Kingdom’s financial interests are The SNP has never been stronger, far too intertwined for any one region and they’re stronger because they have to claim fiscal independence, and, to be wholesome, realistic policies and ideas fair, a government can hardly serve its for the Scottish people. It would give people with an empty treasury. these hard-working MSPs far too little A number of questions come into play credit to assume they were only voted regarding what would happen should into power because their party’s mani- Scotland be granted its status as an in- festo claims Scotland will one day be dependent state; however, nearly every free, because in truth, most Scottish vot- question ends up retuning to the matter ers really aren’t bothered. of money. An inevitable induction into The SNP has its heart in the right The University’s the European Union for an independent place, in that the party places the wel- Scotland would mean a choice of wheth- fare of its people and their distinctive er to adopt the Euro, which would be culture far above the rest of the United the choice of whether or not the govern- Kingdom. In fact, Salmond should defi- Conservative Society ment would jump onto a sinking ship. nitely utilise his newly-gained influence Yet, as a smaller and less influential na- to actively seek further devolution and tion applying to join the EU, Scotland more powers for Scottish Parliament, would most likely be bullied by larger which would greatly benefit Scottish responds to last month’s Brig member-states, such as France and Ger- citizens, but it seems crystal clear that many, into jumping onto that sinking not a single one of these voters would rest.” Well, I must respectfully disagree. ship in order to gain favour within the benefit financially from a successful in- punishment they deserve rather than Alan Grant With the removal of the overly gener- organisation. dependence referendum. using the cup of tea and a cuddle ap- From an outsider’s point-of-view, the ous, tax-payer (to say state is inaccu- proach which has not worked. To sum it typical Scottish voter already appears n the September edition, Brig rate) provided benefits from those who up, gone are the days of the consequence to be taxed to Hell, but should the Scot- printed a seemingly damning commit acts of aggressive destruction free criminal. tish Parliament be forced to independ- Nash Riggins critique of the action taken by upon the livelihoods and communities Furthermore, the author alleges the government in response to of those around them, the government is that the government wants to “punish the deplorable rioting we saw in sending a clear message that this kind of harshly without proposing long-term certain parts of England during behaviour is, to put it mildly, unaccepta- solutions.” Only half of this is half true. time,” because, amongst other reasons, Ithe month of August. As well written ble. It will also, hopefully, see the end of The government does want to punish, we are “in the midst of a recession”. as this article was, there appear to have the Era of Entitlement when combined but justly and on the side of the victims. YES Whilst I understand that, in an ideal been some unfortunate and mistaken with the government’s admirable plans As for lacking long-term solutions, it is world, we would be more financially conclusions drawn with regard to the for social and welfare reform. difficult to know where to begin. Per- t seems both natural and in- stable before making decisions that will, causes of, and proposed response to, haps free-schools, higher education evitable that the referendum on either for better or worse, impact our these deplorable scenes, which most of “There appear to standards, a working welfare system Scottish independence will take economy, this is unrealistic. How long us witnessed on our television screens (emphasis on working, please), focus on place and, in my opinion, rightly would we have to wait? 10, 20, 50, 100 but a great many witnessed first-hand. have been some un- families and communities, an effective so. years, or more? It seems unlikely that When attempting to make sense of fortunate and mis- police force cured of its bureaucracy and the state of our economy will improve this senseless violence and destruction, a programme to enable young people to The SNP has always stated that, if I dramatically in the immediate future. all the theories and explanations can be achieve their full potential will do for a elected, they would hold this referen- taken conclusions Yes, forecasts have predicted that the reduced to two basic fundamental accu- start? They all sound long-term to me. dum. Therefore, it really should not deficit will be reduced by x amount in sations to be levelled at the government. drawn with regard At the crux of this debate is the ques- come as a shock to anyone, considering x years, and we could wait for that, al- The first is the claim that the riots were tion: what caused the riots? The author the overwhelming majority of votes the though forecasts tell me every year it is caused by poverty. It is appalling that to the causes of and states her case eloquently, but appears party received in May, that it will be go- going to be the hottest summer yet. It’s such a line of thinking is often taken to shy away from the obvious fact that ing ahead. Surely those who voted SNP proposed response not, so why are we waiting for it? And either axiomatically or, even more dis- the recent climate of consequence free supported at least the idea of the refer- I can’t help feeling that many of those tastefully, as a QED. This is because it crime and absurd moral relativism have endum, if not complete independence. to these deplorable who would vote “yes” are doing it for carries with it the unfortunate tone of enabled these opportunistic thugs to do There are two main arguments I have patriotic reasons that would not be af- elitism so often pointed out by the left scenes.” what they did. What should be clear, heard against the referendum; the first fected by bank balances. but never acknowledged from within even to those on the left, is that the gov- is the cost. According to latest estima- Having the referendum would also their ranks. To say that poverty causes The most confusing part of the arti- ernment’s solution will work, and that tions, it will cost the taxpayer £2.5 mil- help Scotland know where we are going people to riot is to slander those whom, cle, to which this is a response, is that simply blaming the Tory bogeyman will lion. I agree that is an enormous amount as a country, without this feeling of un- for whatever reason, have found them- which accuses governments of “tending not suffice anymore. of money, but put into context, it is less certainty about our future hanging over selves in such a situation but live their to want to appear tough”, in times of un- than the referendum on AV cost, and our heads. We need the decision and, lives according to the rules of civilised rest because it provokes a two-stage re- this would have cost the taxpayer an ad- from there,, we can make the changes society, and do not reach for the nearest action. I will happily concede that it has ditional £250 million to introduce had necessary to make Scotland that better bin to turn into an instant patio heater been regrettable and detrimental to our it gone ahead. It could be argued that place. It’s a natural and inevitable step, via the lighter in their pocket. The scenes society that previous governments have it was never going to go ahead, because and there is no sense in prolonging it any we witnessed south of the border were wanted to “appear” tough. However, it the referendum would never pass. So Politics online longer than necessary. It’s important to the result of criminality, some of it or- is only the appearance element which why did we have it? Because we live in realise that what is proposed is not vio- ganised, and the years of social decay we is unfortunate. If previous governments a democracy, which means voting, hav- Like these articles? lent riots or the burning of Union Flags have seen under previous governments. had done as the current one is doing and ing discussions, and looking for ways to Check out Nash Riggins’ thoughts on at the stake; it is our country having a The second proposed cause of the ri- actually being, as the old broken prom- improve how things are run. And, un- Saudi Arabia’s recent decision to give clear and frank discussion about where ots by the anti-Tory brigade is, surprise ise goes, “tough on crime, tough on the fortunately, democracy costs money; women the vote. “Many academics are we go from here. I know not everyone surprise, the Conservative party and, causes of crime,” then the riots may nev- £113 million, to be precise, every time a doubtful as to will agree with me, but at least this way implicitly, the government it leads. It is er have happened. It is pleasing to see general election is held. It’s costly, yes, whether this newfound dream of female everyone gets the option to disagree. clear that the author is accusing the gov- that the Conservative Party is still the but can we really afford not to have it? participation on the 2015 ballot will ernment, in a rather tongue-in-cheek party of law and order and, in conjunc- The second is, as Iain Gray and many actually be realised.” manner, of “making people poorer than tion with our coalition partners, we are others have commented, “it is the wrong Stephanie Hunter www.brignewspaper.com they are…to prevent further civil un- working towards giving criminals the October 2011 Brig culture

Culture front page Brig | October 2011 CULTURE: MUSIC 8 www.brignewspaper.com

Music Editors: Ross Dunn & Andy McDonald culture: music Email: [email protected] music music news “Swearing equals lots of

The River 68’s head to Stirling Glasgow outfit The River 68’s are fans, right?” set to play Cape on Friday 28 Oc- tober, just a few days before all the Scotland’s newest Halloween proceedings. Fresh from the festival circuit, the trio bring electronic wizards, their contemporary brand of rock Discopolis talk to Music ‘n’ roll to Stirling and, as always, Editor Ross Dunn about the show is free. their music storming Learn to fly... again Radio 1, bears killing kids Blink-182’s Travis Barker has re- and most importantly, vealed that he is considering under- what it’ll take to get the going hypnotherapy to overcome Edinburgh trio to play his fear of flying following a plane crash in 2008, which claimed the Stirling in the near future. lives of his two friends. The drum- mer said, “I’m trying to get hypno- ince we last spoke, you guys have Discopolis: I think a trip to Sainsbury’s is in order Picture:Discopolisrecords tised, trying to talk to a doctor who exploded quite a bit. How did retrains your brain. Maybe he’ll that happen? help me fly again one day.” S“Well, we released our first single The title refers more to a previous employer one “Hopefully sometime next year, but we really Lofty Ambitions and the ball started rolling of us had.” don’t want to rush into anything as we’re still from there. Being played on Radio 1 in the week If you guys could cover an entire album recording new material. We figure the more Queen have catchiest song running up to Reading and Leeds was great, by any artist, which album would it be we have, the better. Plans are also in place for Queen’s We Are The Champions it really helped us establish a solid fan base in and why? acoustic arrangements of our current tracks and has been revealed as the catchiest England as well as Scotland. It could also have “Tricky. Without boring you, the quickest way maybe some other cheeky surprises.” song ever according to scientific re- something to do with the fact that Lofty Ambi- to describe our tastes in music would be: from When are you coming to play some search. Goldsmith University scien- tions is a love song; when we start tackling the Modest Mouse to Deadmau5. It’s a toss up be- lovely tunes in beautiful Stirling? tists claim the track topped the list, real issues such as vegetarianism and climate tween DragonForce’s Inhuman Rampage, I’d “Three bottles of Sainsbury’s own brand table change we might be harder pressed for positive kill to be that good at guitar, and whatever hor- wine should do the trick.” with The Village People’s Y.M.C.A attention.” rific music Cher Lloyd burdens us with inthe Worst and best thing that happened to in second and Sum 41’s Fat Lip Lofty Ambitions is all over Radio 1, is that near future, we’d be up for the near impossible each of you over the summer? claiming third place. surreal? challenge of making that sound good.” Dave: “The worst moment was undecidedly “For sure, hearing Fearne Cotton and Nick Why, or rather, how does Discopolis when I decided to go to T in the Park this year I’mma a let you wear them Grimshaw talk about a track that we had writ- sound like “digital fucking”? with no wellies, no coat, no food and no dignity. but… ten was particularly obscure as these are people “I guess it sounded like a suitably “outra- Afterwards, I came home and slept for three Kanye West made his Paris Fash- we spent our early teens watching on TV. On geous” thing to say early on. Swearing equals days straight. The best thing has been hearing the flipside, hearing Pete Tong refer to Bears lots of fans, right?” our music all over Radio 1, very surreal feeling.” ion Week debut last week when he Kill Kids as “tasty” was awesome.” Tracks like Summer Nightmares expose a Fergus: “Sensei actively encourages me to showcased his new line of clothing. You’ve played your fair share of festi- darker and trance-ish side to your music concentrate all the negative chi out of my life, so The maligned rapper’s strong col- vals this summer. Which was the best, in comparison to Lofty Ambitions, is this he’s going to be pretty pissed. The worst thing lection has reportedly been in de- and you can’t say ‘they were all great’. a sign of things to come in terms of your about my summer was watching people enjoy velopment since February and is “We’d have to say Reading. It was the first sound? themselves. That really grinds my gears. The expected to be called DW after his time we’d played in England and the turn out “Not at all, though it would be easier to stick to best part was sitting indoors and wallowing in was unbelievable! Plus it was pretty cool be- deceased mother. West has his own one sound or “style”, right now we are really en- self-pity.” ing able to watch ourselves back on the old in- joying exploring lots of different sounds. Plus, Laurie: “The worst part of my summer was range of Nike Air out at the mo- terwebmachine. Not to sound like total media it’s great hearing people’s opinions on what getting paggered by an intimidating mob of ment, called Yeezy. whores!” tracks are our best, it keeps things interesting.” girls; seriously, that did happen. The best was Is your track Bears Kill Kids based on ac- When can we expect a lovely bundle of a trip to Morocco with my old man, nothing can tual facts? Discopolis tracks released on one mag- beat a bit of travelling.” “Not exactly, however I reckon that a small nificent record? Listen here: soundcloud.com/discopolismusic child would be no match for a hungry grizzly. music The King of pop returns but only to the British scene

albums released since. It’s worth pointing out he long drawn out argument many Oa- that the tracks written by Noel tended to be the sis fans have is about to be answered. most successful and include the likes of Stop Who was better? Liam or Noel. Finally Crying Your Heart Out, Shock of the Lightning, Tnow, following the split of Oasis back The Importance of Being Idle and Little By Lit- in 2008, we’ll find out. Liam and the remaining tle to name but a few. members of Oasis have come out of the start- Other than a few tracks written by Liam Gal- ing blocks first with their new band Beady Eye lagher, Songbird and I’m Outta Time, the rest and their debut album Same Gear, Still Speed- of the band’s tracks have really failed to make ing. While it was an admirable attempt, it did any form of impact on the band’s direction or slightly lack a more dimensional sound. legacy, perhaps suggesting that Noel Gallagher It’s hard to deny that although still one of was always the brains behind the operation. Britain’s biggest bands, the Oasis of 2008 However, 17 of October will mark the real (just before their split), were always dwarfed start of Noel’s solo career with the release of his Liam and Noel: Jay Z is having the last laugh now Picture: NME.com by their early successes of Definitely Maybe album titled Noel Gallagher and the High Fly- and What’s the Story (Morning Glory), both ing Birds. Early indications of the quality have of which were both critically and commercially come in the form of the first two singles from of someone playing a guitar, marks how popular successful and feature highly on most critics but I don’t see many of those kind of stars any- the album The Death of You and Me and AKA… he still is despite the change in the music mar- more.” Is Noel the man to drag guitar driven greatest British albums of all time. Since those What a Life, both of which have been received kets. releases, they struggled to eclipse their success music back into the limelight? Who knows, but well by critics and the public. Gallagher believes the music scene is lack- the early indicators seem to suggest so. critically despite remaining very popular. In fact, as Gallagher himself points out, The ing something. “We won’t call it the ‘x’ factor, However, one indicator into that might be the Death of You and Me, the first release from the but it’s something else. It’s the front men like Andrew Jenkin fact that since 2000, Noel Gallagher was only forthcoming album, was the only track in the Liam or Bobby Gillispie, something that drags writing 50% of the tracks on the four Oasis top 40 by a) someone over the age of 45 and b) you along to a band’s gig. Now I could be wrong, Brig | October 2011 9 CULTURE: MUSIC www.brignewspaper.com Bc live review Wax:On Metropolis “Wax:On has been getting bigger and bigger each year and this year it’s going to be one of the UK’s biggest highlights for electro-dance music.”

fter another fun-filled festival summer, music from Fake Blood’s Deep Red and Style of it’s now time to enjoy some of the in- Eye’s We Are Boys. house gigs through the autumn and win- Dubstep wizard Caspa was one of the highlights Ater periods. Brig Music experienced the down in Refectory as he mixed Fulham to Water- University of Leeds’ freshers finale with Wax:On loo, Roska’s Blame The Speakers and Breakage’s Metropolis at the end of September. Fighting Fire. Following Caspa was The Execution- This year, leading promoters Metropolis and er Andy C who showed why he has been such a big Wax:On have joined forces to present one of the drum and bass icon for 22 years. The mixer played best winter clubbing seasons in the UK, spanning Chase & Status’s No Problem, Loadstar’s Link to across three nights of phenomenal dubstep, drum the Past and Mind Vortex Onslaught. and bass electro, techno, and electronica. Every The grand finale of the night was the massive year Wax:On takes place at Leeds University Un- Nero. The majority of the dancers crammed into ion Complex and draws in many dance fans from Stylus to catch a glimpse of Daniel Stephens and across the UK to see the major names in the ever- Joe Ray, the duo that won the 2009 and 2010 growing music genre of drum and bass. Beatport Awards for Best Dubstep Act and Best The first event of the year got off to a flyer with Dubstep Track. They mixed the likes of Flux Pavil- Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac during Wax:On Part 1 Picture: Iain Blackwood sixteen DJs playing the Union’s biggest dance ion, Knife Party, Skrillex, and DJ Fresh and many floors, Stylist, Refectory and Terrace. As well more, but the crowd favourite was Doctor P’s remix biggest highlights for electro-dance music. It’s freshers week and have a feel of what the music as these three main areas, beats were also being of Tetris which got the dance floor moving. been a pleasure to team up with Metropolis and life in Leeds is all about in their very own student’s dropped in Pulse and Mine, two further nightclubs A member of the Wax:On crew spoke to Brig af- this series of events are something that both stu- union. in the Union Complex. ter part one of the dance trilogy: dents and members of the general public will not Radio 1 DJ, Annie Mac, continued her Presents “Wax:On has been getting bigger and bigger each want to miss. Iain Blackwood 5 out of 5 Tour, featuring some of electro’s newest tunes, year and this year it’s going to be one of the UK’s “It’s a important for the students to enjoy their Bc album reviews My Tongue features Gary Numan - Dead Son The album fea- You Me At Six - Sinners Bring Me The Hori- Rising (Mortal) tures some excel- Never Sleep (Virgin) zon’s Oli Sykes. Set lent rock-out mo- to be the next single, ments with Big it is the best song on inners Never Sleep, the third full-length ary Numan is often heralded as be- Noise Transmis- the album in terms ing one of the pioneers of electronic sion and The Fall from Surrey’s You Me at Six, is said to of their progression be a more mature effort than the previ- music during its popularisation being particular towards heaviness. throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. highlights. How- ous albums and sees them almost aban- In saying that, it G S His work helped pave the way for electronic ever, mixed in are doning their pop-rock sound that shot them to isn’t that diverse, music to evolve into a commercial success. Over far mellower tracks fame back in 2008 with debut album Take Off and it seems Franc- Your Colours. his 30-year career, his sound has transformed in the form of the eschi has simply raised the volume of his voice. from synth-pop to heavier industrial and gothic largely instrumental Not the Love We Dream Frontman, Josh Franceschi, states that the re- Positively speaking, it is clear that the band lease will feature a “heavier sound”, but there but, while the style has drastically changed, the Of and Into Battle. have learned a lot from their tour with Para- quality hasn’t. Dead Son Rising is a prime ex- Dead Son Rising is truly a triumph for Gary are a couple of tracks that sound as if they more, whose influence is present throughout should be on a Coldplay or Snow Patrol album. ample of this. Numan. He is once again on fine form and this more than half of the album. Standout track Produced by Ade Fenton, who previously record matches his best previous work. While The opening track, Loverboy, is upbeat and Time Is Money, featuring Winston McCall really demonstrates the smooth transition worked on 2006’s Jagged, this newest release long-time fans will feel right at home here, new- of Parkway Drive, is a heavy song, but largely is a collection of wonderfully dark and sinister comers will also be hugely satisfied with the to different genres that the album is trying to thanks to McCall’s participation and style. achieve but, whilst catchy, it is not too far from electronic rock. Resurrection is a jamboree of work put into this album. Overall, an attempt at a heavier sound is mini- brooding and atmospheric distortion before their signature sound. Jaws On The Floor is mal and the album less than iconic. a generic offering and has the same basis for bursts of static and techno open the tracks, most of the songs they release as singles, failing the pace quickening with eerie but compelling Kris Gunn 4 out of 5 Ashleigh Dodds to show the maturity that is boasted, while Bite 3 out of 5 synths. Bc singles reviews The Pieces - Kissing You Twin Atlantic - Make A AWOLNATION - Sail Goodbye (Polydor) Beast Of Myself (Red (Red Bull) Alabama-born sisters The Pierces are Bull) Taken from AWOLNATION’s debut back with the third single from their Make A Beast of Myself is the latest album Megalithic Symphony, Sail is fourth studio album You & I. Kissing track from Twin Atlantic’s debut al- a incredibly impassioned track from You Goodbye boasts some captivat- bum Free. Sam McTrusty’s signature Aaron Bruno’s first solo project. Like ing harmonics and is commercially vocals are a great accompaniment to some of his earlier work, Bruno makes spot-on for the right audience, but the crashing guitars. This is a relata- heavy use of electronic sounds rather this single will pick up a wave of criti- ble tune surrounding acceptance and than guitar melodies, but the use of cism for echoing so closely The Ma- moving on. Overall, this is an excel- synthetic bass, pizzicato strings, the mas & Papas’ California Dreamin’. lent track. dark lyrics and tormented vocals, cre- ates a hauntingly brilliant piece of music. Stefanie Pryke 3 out of 5 Ashleigh Dodds 5 out of 5 Kris Gunn 4 out of 5

Coldplay - Paradise (Par- You Me At Six - Loverboy Evanescence - What You lophone) (Virgin) Want (Wind-Up) Paradise further cements Coldplay’s Being that I’m not 16 anymore, I ap- So, Evanescence have returned and, move towards electro-rock, while still proach You Me At Six with caution. I although I used to be a big fan of capturing the stadium vibe of previ- can tell they’ve tried to veer away from theirs, the new material just isn’t cut- ous work. Opening with an atmos- their older sound, but they haven’t ting it for me. What You Want has pheric instrumental, Chris Martin’s grown as much as they seem to think. a high-energy beat behind its lyrics beautifully-crafted lyrics tell the story Josh Franceschi is pushing his vo- about freedom, but I feel it will ap- of a girl dreaming of a better life for cals more harshly, but I can still see peal more to a younger audience who herself. The wonderful sing-along him parading in far-too-tight jeans in aren’t familiar with their multi-plati- chorus ranks this single with some of front of an audience of schoolgirls. num debut Fallen. the band’s finest work. Nicola Smith 1 out of 5 Victoria McEwan 2 out of 5 Kris Gunn 5 out of 5 Brig | October 2011 CULTURE: FILM 10 www.brignewspaper.com

Film Editors: Stefanie Pryke & Laura Muir culture: film Email: [email protected] interview film news After buying out domain names like Sky- “I’m tired of these big scale event movies” FallMovie.com, skyfallthemovie.com and jamesbondskyfall.com, Sony have hinted Scottish director David Mac- that the new 007 title will be, you got it, kenzie speaks exlusively to Brig Skyfall. But some sources seem to think Film about his new romantic this could be an elaborate plan to keep the title under wraps until closer to the sci-fi film Perfect Sense. October 2012 release date. fter making his US directorial debut with Spread, director, David Mackenzie is Fox could be about to call time on the back in his home town of Glasgow, tak- ing full advantage of the surrounding lo- long running TV comedy The Simpsons. A cations by making two films literally back to back Fox are asking cast members to take a and then releasing them, with less than a months 45% pay cut, which would see them lose gap between them. While the T in the Park set rom- approximately $4 million per season com, You Instead, may have been a solid sign off (yes, that is per actor!) for the summer months, Mackenzie’s seventh film, Perfect Sense, has been described as his darkest Kick-Ass director Matthew Vaughn has film yet. bought the rights to Mark Millar’s graph- Ewan McGregor plays a chef who falls for scien- tist Eva Green, only to find themselves in the midst ic novel Superior. As the main character of an epidemic where people are robbed of their is the first ever superhero to be diagnosed sense of perception. Despite its bleak outlook of a with multiple sclerosis, the MS Society doomed romance, Mackenzie’s romantic sci-fi was want to be involved in the film as well. one of the biggest highlights of the Edinburgh In- ternational Film Festival this year. Sam Worthington has been talking to di- The two contrasting genres of sci-fi and romance rector James Cameron about the sequel are what seems to make the film so interesting. to their 2009 triumph Avatar. Worthing- Mackenzie’s previous works were known to have David Mackenzie, Eva Green & Ewen Bremner at this years Sundance Picture: zimbio.com more of a naturalistic tone towards them. ton seems very excited, stating “it’s mon- In an exclusive interview with Brig Film, David minimal kind of way. This seemed to me to be a Petit, the great British road movie. All three of umental!” in relation to the story. For the Mackenzie states, “It is always a juggle to not let great opportunity to do a film which was a grand these films achieve great things without having to time being though, the film is still a long the tone of one element mess with another. By high concept in a small and local way. I am kind try too hard.’ way off. developing a romance between a chef, whose very of tired of these big scale event movies where the Now that both of Mackenzie’s back-to-back job is about sensuality, and a scientist, who is con- ideas tend to get swamped by the need to create a projects can finally be seen by the public, is this a Blake Lively is the 6th actress to pass up nected to the ongoing events (although impotent spectacle of everything. Here was a chance to take potential work strategy? on big themes without the usual kind of Hollywood “It was great to be able to go from one film to an- the lead role in Pride and Prejudice and to stop them), these elements of the narrative are bombast.” other in such a seamless way; at one point I was Zombies. Natalie Portman, Emma Stone, embedded together quite cleanly. I was concerned that the science would eclipse the intimacy and Successfully taking the city of Glasgow as its doing the sound mix of Perfect Sense and rehears- Scarlett Johansson, Mia Wasikowska was very keen to downplay its shinier elements.” main location, as opposed to the original setting of als for You Instead at the same time. Fortunately and Rooney Mara all decided against the With a script by Danish writer Kim Fupz Aake- Copenhagen, Mackenzie discusses what his influ- in Film City Glasgow, we are able to do something role as well. son, Mackenzie was able to take a genre of a film ences were when turning the city into a fascinat- like that and it was a real thrill to make the build- that an audience would have a huge expectation ingly grim utopia, “I am keen for a film to find its ing work like that for us. But it was quite exhaust- Owen Wilson has revealed more about for and added his own unique fundamental touch, own voice through its story, so tend to avoid film ing and I have been taking it a bit easier recently.” Zoolander 2, which has been written, which Mackenzie feels was a huge advantage for references in general. But I did have three films Perfect Sense is in cinemas now. in mind when I started. Alphaville by Jean Luc John Darley but is currently awaiting studio approval. the film. Godard, La Jetee by Chris Marker, both landmarks Hansel will succumb to a serious disfig- “It was a very powerful story about huge human things but told in a very contained and deliberately in poetic sci-fi minimalism, andRadio On by Chris uring injury which will hamper his mod- elling career. There could be a cameo from Will Ferrell too! Q&A airtv review

Arrested Development will return to our irTV recently hosted its annual Autumn screens in 2013 after it went off the air Lock-In as a part of the Stirling Students’ Silent Bob talks to film fans Union “Give it a Go” week. The basic five years ago. The hit TV show will get idea for the night was that all of the peo- a final season, comprising of 10 episodes going without a distributer is a nightmare, and that A Director Kevin Smith held a Q&A in ple who had attended were split into three separate and a feature length film which will begin being “a lazy stoner” and distributing his own film Glasgow after screening his newest groups, with four AirTV members in each team. shooting next summer. was not the most sensible of plans. But, Smith’s These teams were then to be given free reign with a movie Red State. main point for making Red State was because he camera for three hours and in that time they would got lucky with Clerks when he was 21, that he shot The Human Centipede II will be released or those who have followed Kevin Smith’s have to plan, film, edit and produce their film which straight to the top and was able to revel in making in the UK with an 18 certificate. The BBFC film making career from Clerks, to those would most likely be a few minutes long. There was films at his leisure. By makingRed State independ- website states that no cuts were made to who don’t even know who he is, Red State no restriction about what type of film you could ently he got to go back in time, and struggle with a produce as long as it was done in the time limit. Af- pass the film, however, the film that was is a delight to watch. Well crafted and writ- F film, something that many film makers nowadays ter all of the films had been edited they were shown ten, it is clear that Smith is not a man who can only submitted to the BBFC was 86 minutes deal with and something that he personally felt write comedies. Although hilarious at points with to three impartial judges who would decide which and 50 seconds and the approved film is was what he had to do. cracking one liners, Red State on the whole leaves film they thought was best. The winning team re- Smith tells us of how he wanted an antler head 84 minutes and 19 seconds. What was in you slightly on edge. A horror at heart, Smiths rep- ceived a lovely box of chocolates which made the used at a certain point in the film, but because of those two minutes and 31 seconds? resentation of a cult family, based loosely on the teams even more eager to make a good film. the money they didn’t have, cling film was used Phelps family in the States, creates a very tense After the original briefing each team went their instead. But as Smith explains, it actually makes Rumour has it Justin Lin wants to di- atmosphere. separate ways to plan what they thought would be the ordeal more creepy because cling film is such By the time the credits were rolling, I was excit- the winning film. This was a chance for anyone in rect The Fast and the Furious 6… and 7! a typical household object, and that his aim was to ed, and slightly tense. Turning to my right I see a the team to put forward their idea no matter what Jason Statham has apparently been ap- have you “go into your kitchen, see the cling film bear-of-a-man wearing an oversized hockey shirt it was and then the group would decide on the best proached to appear in one of the above and jump”. and a grin on his face. I immediately jumped up way to make the chosen idea a reality. The focus for films and Lin wants to shoot both films Smith knows his work is no “Tarantino or Hitch- to get a photograph and was overwhelmed by how coming up with ideas and ways of making it possi- cock” but that was not his intention. He clearly back to back. awesome he was. Any fear I had after the film was ble was definitely on the brand new members with draws inspiration from these directors, but the eradicated by the sheer modesty and comedic gen- the existing AirTV members playing a background film is still most definitely a Kevin Smith film. The The Coen brothers are planning a sin- ius of Smith. role which encouraged anyone new to really take champion of the independent movie, Smith again gle-camera comedy show for TV called On to the Q&A and the audience are greeted by an active part in the production of the film and re- makes the independent film industry incredibly the all-American, all-swearing Smith. He immedi- sulted in everyone feeling quite proud about what HarveKarbo. It will follow Harve, a bad- attractive. His aim is to get people to grab a cam- ately asks if there is a man who blogs Liam Neeson they had been able to produce. tempered private detective through his era and get filming if they want to and that people one-liners on his Tumblr, a joke that first began on The final part of the evening was the first full cases and his private life in the El Seg- should not think it is a business open only to the Smith’s podcast. A 20-something man shuffles up, viewing of the films with special guests Callum undo district. rich. only to receive a bear hug similar to mine and a Clarke, Lucy Harvey and Jeremy Watsmann be- And this is what makes Red State stand out from compliment. After minutes of chat with the man ing the judges. The three films that were produced any of his other films. For this film, more than the Javier Bardem is set to play the villain in and several strange questions (one which resulted were very different and the judges were impressed others, will prove that you can do what you wish Despicable Me 2. Steve Carell’s Gru will in Smith climbing over a woman in the front row with them all, but at the end of the day there could out your comfort zone and still do it well. And if face El Macho, who has his own child, to embrace a man behind her) a serious question is only be one winner, with the fantastically named Red State inspires people to write more horror presented to Smith. Plastic Apocalypse being awarded the star prize. Machito. Not much else is known about films, then the movie industry will be thankful to “How was it working independent of any distrib- When interviewed, AirTV station manager Amy the plot, but the film isn’t due out until Smith indeed. uters and what would you suggest to young up and Jopling said, “It’s always hectic but it was fun and October 2013 so there’s plenty time. Red State is in cinemas now. coming film maker’s today?” Kevin grins, and care- we think it’s worth it.” Rona Sannachan fully explains in less than pleasant language that David Pellow CULTURE: FILM Brig | October 2011 11 www.brignewspaper.com

Bc cinema reviews Crazy Stupid Love Warrior Dir: G. Ficarra & J. Requa Dir: Gavin O’Connor

yan Gosling is a man on the rise. Any f you enjoyed The Fighter earlier this year actor with two films coming to cinemas then you will sure as hell enjoy this new on the same date is one in demand, fighting drama which is similarly focused Rand that’s without mentioning him on the relationships of a broken and emo- already having two Golden Globe nominations I tionally disordered family. Unlike The Fighter and one Oscar nod under his belt. But in Crazy, which centres on the unbreakable love between Stupid, Love, he takes more of a backseat role. the two brothers, Warrior tells the story of the Gosling is Jacob, a stereotypical pick-up artist lack of relationship between the two protago- of the bar scene. In one of his nightly prowls, he nists. Tom Hardy is excellent as Tommy Conlon, comes across Cal Weever (Steve Carell) drown- the ex-marine who has returned home to Pitts- ing his sorrows following the end of his twenty- Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone have nu- burgh after 14 years of estrangement. Tommy is Tom Hardy and Joel Edgerton fight out plus year marriage with Emily (Julianne Moore). a mysterious character, an animal (both physi- merous projects lined up Picture: Total Film their sibling rivalry Picture: WarriorFilm Deciding to help Cal move on, Jacob becomes cally and mentally) consumed by an unrelenting his Mr Miyagi for the world of looking good and is complicated further by the babysitter pining rage due to his past with his abusive, alcoholic ry. This is proven as the most touching moment having casual sex: cue a makeover and lessons after someone too old for her. In many ways, the father, played brilliantly by Nick Nolte. In the of the film occurs between Tommy and Paddy in in how to get women to respond well to the line film is an education about love in all its crazy and cage, Tommy is an unrelenting beast, taking his their hotel room when Tommy consoles his fa- “let’s get outta here”. But as Cal starts to mas- stupid glory. Yet, the usual mainstream conven- opponents out quickly and brutally by channel- ther after he has been pushed back onto drink ter the sex-for-sport lifestyle, Jacob realises that tions make sure events fall on the sugar-sweet ling his rage into an explosive combination of because of his sons’ constant rejections and true love may not be the wrong way to go after side of things rather than delivering anything speed and monstrous power. painful put-downs. all. unpredictable. Joel Edgerton is equally as brilliant as Tommy’s Like every sports based drama Warrior runs On the surface, the film seems to offer noth- Where Crazy, Stupid, Love does differ from brother, Brendan Conlon, now married with two a very predictable path, but that however does ing new. Indeed, Crazy, Stupid, Love often flirts most films in the rom-com genre though, is feel- children while working as a physics teacher; but in no way make it any less enjoyable. The script with cliché, sometimes openly taking it back ing confident enough to ease off on the “com” still moonlighting at small fight venues to keep written by director Gavin O’Connor is wonder- home like one of Jacob’s conquests; but the and concentrate on the “rom”, with all the drama his family afloat. He is a sharp contrast to Tom- fully well written, dividing the film’s time be- sharp script helps curtail this, and the cast en- this entails. For each overblown scene aimed at my: a nice guy loved deeply by his wife and ad- tween the stories of the two brothers as they sure that the film has genuine heart. the laughs, there are more which show relatable mired greatly by his pupils. Rather than relying train to compete in a winner takes all mixed The always likeable Steve Carell makes Cal an relationships between characters, whether it be on power to crush his opponents, he is technical- martial arts tournament. His direction too is su- empathetic character, even when he’s drunk in two married people who have drifted apart, or ly very astute and defeats his opponents through perb, bringing out great performances from the the afternoon and insulting cocktail waitresses. two young souls looking for love (intentionally endurance, willpower and submission holds. whole cast and despite the predictability of the Gosling oozes charisma and yet he manages or otherwise). Something the brothers share however, is their outcome of who will compete in the final of the to dodge coming across as a sleazeball. This is Crazy, Stupid, Love is not perfect. Some char- resentment for their father who seeks redemp- tournament, creates enough tension and drama aided in no small part by his scenes with Emma acters don’t get enough scenes, despite a pretty tion and forgiveness from his two sons. It is clear in the brutal fight sequences to keep us on the Stone’s disappointingly underused Hannah, hefty running time, and there are times when it that he was an abusive and unloving father, but edge of our seats. which sparkle with charm, but are too few. Ju- verges too close to cliché. Yet a brilliant cast and we only see the now sober and regretful man The pace slows for about 20 minutes after a lianne Moore also puts in a convincing perform- clever script ensure that Crazy, Stupid, Love is who is constantly rejected by his sons. Nolte’s montage sequence with little happening until the ance as a woman who doesn’t know who she is saved from mediocrity, and in fact becomes that performance brings out our sympathy for him two brothers come face to face for the first time. anymore or what has happened to her marriage. rare breed: a ‘romantic comedy’ which delivers as there are no flashbacks to show how cruel he From then on, the film does not let up with spec- Underpinning all the events between these on both parts of the genre. was to deserve such hate. Paradoxically Tommy tacular fight scenes and a dramatic conclusion to four characters is the hopeless, yet none-the-less chooses his father to train him but a relationship the final between Tommy and Brendan. ardent, love of Cal’s thirteen-year-old son, Rob- does not emerge as they are given no screen time Travis Emond bie, for his seventeen-year-old babysitter. This 3 out of 5 together and this is a loss to the drama of the sto- 4 out of 5 Craig Wilson

television Bc dvd and blu ray reviews Thor His complete lack of understanding for the man- nerisms of this world are the basis of several hu- TV round up Dir: Kenneth Branagh morous scenarios. Thor is faced with the responsibility of saving enneth Branagh’s epic bringing to life both Earth and his homeland from the threat the tale of Norse mythological hero of the Frost Giants (picture Freddy Kruger but Go back in time with our series review Thor, son of Odin, sees the collision of covered in slush puppy) and this task is made his home world Asgard and Earth after more difficult by the agents determined to dis- of Doctor Who. K cover how he arrived on the planet. His ability terodactyls perching in parks, cars at- he is banished to the latter by his father. Cited as arrogant and reckless by Odin, whom Anthony to kick ass is never in doubt though, as both with tached to hot air balloons and Romans Hopkins portrays with a real sense of class, he and without the use of his hammer he displays rocking into town on momentous is sent to Earth accompanied by his magically no lack of ability to handle himself. mammoths. Welcome to the series 32 In terms of the special features on the DVD, P powerful hammer; but the hammer has been finale of Doctor Who. enchanted to enable only the worthy to wield it. there are a couple of deleted scenes that are This finale caps off what has been a mouth- The visual effects employed for the creation well worth a watch, and the Road to the Aveng- watering maze of a series, containing several of Asgard are impressive and provide a sharp ers feature provides a build up to the hotly an- episodes of pure genius. First airing in April, contrast to the bleak landscape of New Mexi- ticipated superhero extravaganza released next the season kicked off with the bombshell that co, where Thor is discovered by scientist Jane year. If you saw the film in the cinema it was the Doctor will die; a plot line then used as a Foster, played by the wonderful Natalie Port- probably in 3D, so watching it again without the centrepiece for the rest of the season. The show man. Cue romantic side plot. Chris Hemsworth sometimes unnecessary extra dimension allows flows skilfully from here to the finale largely stars as Thor in his first lead role, and does so you to appreciate the impressive acting display with help from impressive performances by Matt Smith, the 11th regeneration of brilliantly, combining the aura of strength and more than you may have before. Karen Gillian and Athur Darvill, who play the bravery with a genuinely amusing performance. 4 out of 5 Greg Barrie Doctor’s flawless companions, as well as from the Doctor Picture: fanpop.com the main man himself, Matt Smith. Smith radiates geekish brilliance as the Doc- Pond becoming trapped in a quarantined hos- Tucker and Dale vs Evil The kids think Tucker and Dale are responsible tor, generating sweetly the “mad man with a pital in a different time zone. This unfortunate for the body count of their classmates, whereas box” aura previously established by David Ten- scenario makes for an epic rescue mission with Dir: Eli Craig Tucker and Dale are convinced the kids have nant. An emphatic and catchy Murray Gold more drama and emotion than a therapy ses- some sort of suicide pact going on, proclaiming score teamed with impressive special effects sion with the Skywalker family. also add to the feel, helping it to stay away from hat’s the first thing you think of “We’ve got to hide all the sharp objects” The series finale then progresses to focus on cheese and stick to some creepily dramatic when you see a couple of hillbil- The film is black comedy genius and deserved the Doctor’s predicted death and is set in a viewing, for the majority of the season anyway. lies in a deserted log cabin? The to have its time in the cinema instead of going land where every generation through time has Featuring on the villain front is everything Deliverance, The Texas Chain- straight to DVD. Eli Craig is definitely one to merged, and it is always two minutes past five. W look out for in future. from pirate-eating mermaids to a Minotaur liv- Despite the series receiving some criticism for saw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes, right? ing in an 80’s hotel, as well as the base charac- That’s exactly what a bunch of college kids The characters of Tucker and Dale are brought over-complexity, the finale is relatively straight ter of the series, “the Silence”. This is a suited thought when they bumped into Tucker and to life, perfectly, by Alan Tudyk (Dodgeball) and forward to those who have been paying atten- up alien race which are about as attractive as Dale on their camping trip. They couldn’t have Tyler Labine (Rise of the Planet of the Apes). tion over the series. E.T after being hit by a truck. Unfortunately, been more wrong. They’re as dumb as they come and really are the Nevertheless, it features various trademark humans immediately forget about these ugly Tucker and Dale vs Evil is about two friends core of this irresistible comedy. The moral of the surprises and climaxes with a cheeky conclu- invaders as soon as they lose sight of them, who head to the woods to fix up their newly story being; don’t judge that slack-jawed yokel sion allowing the ingeniously created plot to making for some tricky situations. bought vacation home. Meanwhile, a bunch with the plaid shirt before getting to know him. come full circle and end an adventure which I Dotted in between casually entertaining epi- of students are camping in the same area and The special features are limited to a photo gal- cannot recommend highly enough. sodes, there are some real gems hidden in this through a string of unfortunate coincidences the lery and making of featurette. thirteen part series. The pick of the bunch be- college kids start biting the dust. 5 out of 5 Stefanie Pryke, Film Editor Stuart Kenny, Sports Editor ing “The Girl Who Waited” which features Amy 12 Brig | October 2011 www.brignewspaper.com

Crossword courtesy of crosswordpalace.com. For the full solution, go to: The Brig crossword http://www.crosswordpalace.com/quick/1001/q1026.html Clues

Across Down 1. Tastefully done (8) 1. Make a disguised reference 5. On fire (6) to (6) 9. Generous gifts (8) 2. Customs duty (6) 10. Nymph loved by Apollo (6) 3. Coil of yarn (5) 12. Not offensive (9) 4. Infuse (7) 13. Unit of measure for gold 6. Total absence of light (9) (5) 7. A short pithy instructive 14. Flunk (4) saying (8) 16. Male child of a step-parent 8. Constructing (8) (7) 11. Types of airplanes (4) 19. Wangle (7) 15. Formula (9) 21. Where the sun rises (4) 17. Wrongdoer (8) 24. Mistake (5) 18. Infallible (8) 25. Religious residences (9) 20. Carve in stone (4) 27. Delicate (6) 21. Wearing away (7) 28. Demoralise (8) 22. Nerve (6) 29. Military government (6) 23. Spreads sleeping sickness 30. Spellbind (8) (6) 26. Ultra (5)

Brig Sudoku Student Picture of the Month

Market time in Tuscany Picture: Victoria Pease Each month we shall be featuring what our editors consider to be the best photo taken by a Stirling student over the course of the month. Please submit your photographes to our head of photography, Rajmund Bakonyi. All photos that get sent and are not choosen for print will appear on our website. www.brignewspaper.com Brig | October 2011 13

The Career Development Centre are running a bus to the SECC on the 18th October, tickets cost £7(return). Book now at the Career Development Centre (room 3A1 Cottrell). Brig | October 2011 14 www.brignewspaper.com CULTURE: ART

Arts editors: Christopher Smail & Catriona Keddie culture: art Email: [email protected] Bc theatre Macrobert review: Tick a box with the Kathakbox Arts Editor, Catriona Keddie, took an evening out to these boxes come with. Caucasian, Afri- What inspired you to do the show? dance form. It is akin to ballet in the can, Asian; British. This is the message. Personally, I’m amazed at why we’re sense that you have to put in many watch the well renowned Soni Sabri Dance Compa- Sonia Sabri is the founder of the com- settling into a tick box culture. With hours, every day for years. To learn it, ny at the Macrobert Arts Centre earlier this month. pany, who are now renowned for their the census recently, we are becoming a student usually goes to a trainer for shows. She told me of the show’s recent more grouped. You know, you’re a fe- seven to ten years, almost in the same fficial disclaimer: I don’t re- style with hip-hop moves; customary success, and how this ancient art is so male and you’re 25 and you fit a size 8 way a student goes to a master to learn ally know a whole lot about Indian song with beatbox and rap; the much more than meets the untrained so we’re going to target you. Advertising a martial art. Kathak is so much more interpretive dance. And if you established with the up-and-coming. eye. culture is everywhere now and I feel we technical than it may appear; this show Omentioned to me the ancient Set to a simple backdrop of coloured all are having to succumb to consumer has had two years of research and devel- Indian art of Kathak, I’d probably look lights and the shadows they make, the market. I feel that instead of becoming opment. at you with a blank face, until now. The seven performers use dance, speech and more inclusive, we’re becoming more Sonia Sabri Dance Company are cur- beatbox to create their spectacle. Firstly, congratulations on your and more segregated. It’s a shame that I love your costumes! Who designs rently touring the country with their The lights come up to whispers and recent nomination at the London we are more conditioned and we’re not them? What is the thought process outstanding show, Kathakbox. speech that start to play out the cen- Awards for Art and Performance! allowing ourselves to be ourselves. We behind them? The production is a collision of Indian tral message. Stuck in a box, tick a box; You must be very proud. wanted to keep it quite light and not Thank you! I design them. With the Kathak and urban dance. Kathak is the groups of people differentitated by cat- Yes, I am. It is very rare that a group go too philosophical with it, but there’s costumes, we tried to keep the fusion ancient Indian dance form that revolves egories, why are we bound by these? The from outwith London is nominated for definitely undercurrents and something and balance of old and new. With the around telling a story with movement. comedy element comes in here and the this award so it is amazing to feel like we to think about. tunics and jackets, we gave them a mod- Kathakbox fuses this traditional dance whispers talk about the sterotypes that are being recognised. ern edge but many people forget that the How does your show differ from jackets and waistcoats are traditional everything else out there? Indian dress. We’re a dynamic company because Kathak is an ancient dance form that What does the future hold for you? usually doesn’t use any speech but is all Well, Kathakbox was only supposed to about conveying a message. There is a be touring until November but there has whole technical aspect and although been such a demand for it so we’re ex- there is no narrative as such but you tending the tour until March! A lot of in- are still supposed to convey emotion ternational festivals are now approach- and provoke thought. It is interesting ing us saying they want to showcase it. because when you say “Indian dance” It’s going to be an 18-month tour now. to people they tend to respond with At the same time, I’m also researching “its boring” or “its not for us” or “its into digital dance and I’m looking to out of our culture”. Everything Kathak collaborate on a digital film and incor- has there is in hip hop. For example, porate some really innovative dance beat boxing we think of as very hip hop productions. and urban but it actually originated in So, to go back to my first statement. Kathak. It mimics the percussion in- I don’t know much about interpretive strument, the tabla. The music and the dance. I don’t really know that much movement all kind of join together. about urban dance either. But, in see- When they see it in this context, they ing this production I feel like these areas can relate it to hip hop s it becomes are so much more accessible and I want more accessible. to explore them. Sonia Sabri highlights the message that we shouldn’t shy away How do you prepare for this kind from what we don’t know but rather em- of show? How disciplined must brace it and explore all the walks of life you be? in our little British box. The Kathakbox crew after their performance at Macrobert Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi Kathak is an extremely disciplined Bc Visual Arts Stirling’s Changing Room gallery for contemporary art put on a disappointing show in the form of Stephen Murray he Changing Room contem- say because you don’t have the luxury painting aptly called Two Eyes. Two porary art gallery in Stirling, of excess space to flesh out your thesis. darkened slits sit upon rows of red and located within the Tolbooth Spread across the two old, high ceiling cream stripes that are taken straight Tarts centre, has done plenty of rooms Murray dumps random pieces from a big top during the dustbowl good work within the context of new of paper and bronze in splotches on era. The watery colours and loose lines art in Scotland over the years. They’ve the floor. It is a horrible layout which create an amiable atmosphere and a hosted exhibitions by such lead- is important as the way an exhibition calm look that I quite enjoyed. It could ing lights of Scottish art like Charles is put together is just as crucial as the come straight out of an antique French Avery and Smith & Stewart, and have individual pieces that make it up. movie poster from the 1960s or perhaps made considerable use of their small The first thing you’re greeted with a background design sketch on a Hayao stature and gallery space. Their latest upon entering the show is a clipboard Miyazaki animated fantasy. The stand show, however, does not continue this featuring a mash-up of painting and out piece, it brought a much needed tradition. The Truth Will Make You drawing that looks like it was made up shot of excitement to the proceedings. Miserable is the title for a series of as part of a training exercise at a chimp It almost had the feel of a Piplotti Rist paintings and sculptures by practising research centre. Black and white draw- installation about it, particularly in its artist Stephen Murray. I’ve no idea who ings on flimsy chunks of paper hang exploration of colour and line. Stephen Murray is. It’s a very under- from the wooden frame and make little Upon writing this review I had whelming exhibition full of inconse- to no impact. I don’t know what they trouble recalling much of the work in quential paintings and underwhelming were about or what they meant, and I Stephen Murray’s exhibition, I could bronze sculptures. Murray’s artist state- couldn’t care less either. Always a good remember snatches and images of some ment talks about the influence of signs impression to make. Around the other of the artworks but had trouble bring- and the people’s speech: “I like it when side you’ll find some brass sculptures ing to mind whole works. That pretty I hear people proclaim things with an that resemble over-sized doorknobs much says it all. The Truth Will Make absolute certainty at that moment: with inscriptions written all over them. you Miserable simply doesn’t make a like a total moment of clarity” Hardly They probably had some deep message big enough impression on the viewer, groundbreaking stuff being tackled about the human condition scrolled its individual pieces don’t add up to a here. Speech and signs: the cornerstone upon them but then again so does some satisfying whole. This may be explained Stirling City Centre www.scottish-country-dancing-dictionary.com of any great artwork. graffiti written under an overpass. by the somewhat flimsy central concept If you’re an artist showing new work From certain angles they had a kind at the heart the show. The Truth Will in a small gallery like The Changing of heathen, Bronze Age charm but it Make You Miserable? Misery I can han- The Truth Will Make You Miserable is at The Changing Room, Tolbooth, Stirling, Free Entry until 22 October Room you have to be sure of what your wasn’t enough to save it from obscurity. dle its indifference and blandness that Christopher Smail exhibition is and what you’re trying to The strongest work on display is a Murray’s struggling with. Arts Editor www.brignewspaper.com Brig | October 2011 15

£ SHOT1 S

FRI-SUN Brig | October 2011 CULTURE: FOOD & GAMES 16 www.brignewspaper.com culture: food & games food Food & Drink editor: Victoria Pease Email: [email protected] Recipe: Rosé Risotto with Caramelised Red Onion

know that for some, the idea of 2. Meanwhile, on a baking tray, driz- all of the stock or you may run out. If this cooking with alcohol is deemed zle the red onion slices with the re- happens, add boiling water in place of the sacrilege. But as I love experiment- maining olive oil. Season and put stock until the rice has cooked through. Iing in the kitchen, the opportunity to one side. Preheat the oven to to use rosé in any way other than ice 180oc fan oven/200oc/gas mark 4. 4. Add the parmesan, butter and cold in a glass was too good to miss. Ri- lemon. Taste and season if neces- sotto is a dish can be made any time of 3. Begin adding the stock to the rice a sary. Spoon onto a warmed plate the year and in these colder months it is glug at a time. Once the liquid has been and top with the caramelised red on- a welcome reminiscence of the summer absorbed, add another until all the stock ion and a sprinkling of more parme- that passed. It reminds me of alfresco has been used. Keep tasting the rice as san. Serve with a glass of rosé. dining in the waning heat of the day. it cooks. Once the rice has been cooking for 5 minutes, place the red onion in the Apart from giving the rice a pretty oven for 15 minutes. You may not need Victoria Pease pink hue, it gives it a slight fruity taste Food and Drink Editor Continue the pink to the overall dish. Topped with crisp curls of caramelised red onion, this theme with this peach dish is warming enough to comfort and raspberry cake Picture: Victoria Pease anyone with the looming prospect of long dark nights and chilling morn- Recipe: White Peach and ings. Pair with a chilled glass of rosé and enjoy a last fleeting taste of summer. Raspberry Cake

Serves four he great British raspberry is 1. Preheat the oven to 180oc/160oc 2 tbsp olive oil nearing the end of its season fan oven/ Gas Mark 4. Cream the but- 1 white onion, chopped and what better way to wave ter and sugar together until pale and 1 garlic clove, finely chopped goodbye than pairing it with fluffy. Beat in the eggs and then add 300g risotto rice T sweet white peach and fluffy sponge. the flour and milk. Grease a 20cm cake 100ml rosé wine White peach has a softer, subtler tin or 20x30cm dish. Mix together the 1 pint chicken or vegetable stock flavour than regular peach and paired peaches, raspberries and tablespoon 1 red onion, sliced with sweet raspberries makes for a of sugar and arrange in the bottom of A small handful of finely grated perfect pudding. Try drenching in cus- the tin. parmesan tard or serve with vanilla ice cream. A small knob of butter 2. Smooth over the cake mix and A squeeze of lemon Serves six make a slight dip in the middle so the 100g butter or margarine cake rises evenly. Bake for 45 minutes 1. Heat a large pan on a medium heat. 100g caster sugar until the sponge is golden and the fruit Slowly sweat the white onion in 1 tbsp 100g self-raising flour is hot. of the oil for 10 minutes. Add the garlic 2 eggs and cook for 1 minute. Add the risotto 1 tablespoon milk rice and cook for 2 minutes, until the 2 white peaches, stoned and sliced grains begin to go transulcent. Add Enjoy this summery dish curled up on the sofa, bracing Victoria Pease 100g raspberries Food and Drink Editor the rosé wine and cook until absorbed. yourself for the winter months to come Picture: Victoria Pease 1 tablespoon sugar games and technology Games & Tech Editor: Jamie Wright Email: [email protected]

Review: Gears attlefield 3 will have hit stores by this time next of War 3 month. However, the beta has been and gone, and has n the years since the Xbox 360 B shown some of what to expect from came out there have been few se- this challenger to Call of Duty’s lan- ries which have been as avidly fol- guishing throne. After all, when you Ilowed as that of Gears of War. play the FPS game of thrones, you The 2006 original was a record smash- win or you die. ing hit with pre-orders to match those of Consisting of just one game mode, Halo 2 followed by a popularity on Xbox Rush, and one map, Operation live which surpassed even Bungie’s baby Metro, the beta was quite limited which had been dominating the service in respect to the full scope of the since 2004. With these exciting, not to multiplayer. This was highlighted mention profitable, release figures- de by all ranks and weapons being un- velopers Epic Games cranked out the lockable from the start, while the full updated and graphically superior GOW2 extent of destructible environments only a short two years later. While the and vehicle combat were sadly miss- gameplay and graphics were improved ing. upon in many ways; the sequel suffered The infantry combat has been from an anticlimactic campaign end- tightened up since Bad Company 2, ing. With this obvious series-prolonging Damn it, I told you to bring the marshmallows Picture: Gears3blog.com with the guns having a lot of weight, cliff-hanger left many fans awaiting this especially when it comes to recoil. year’s GOW3 eagerly to find out what friends you meet every two metres on players to earn cash from kills and then culty is increased through the inclusion In Battlefield you don’t have an in- fate has in store for Marcus, The Cog the post-apocalyptic streets of whatever buy upgraded weapons, ammo but not of infuriating obstacles such as: barbed human ability to keep the recoil and Humanity. hellhole you flew in from. unfortunately any small bunkers in wire, laser fences and mounted gun em- down. The combat also still revolves The story begins with a somewhat con- Like the previous title you are not lim- which to hide and cry as the unbalanced placements. Though this may seem like around squad tactics. If you are in- fusing dream tutorial that feels rather ited to Marcus’ perspective alone. The random boss wave throws in a Brumak a negative view on this game mode, it is tending to go lone wolf run and gun, clunky and rushed as though the devel- game allows you to occasionally play as at level 10 instead of level 50. still a whole lot of fun to play. There is don’t expect to be doing too well. opment team suddenly realised that not Augustus Cole, A.K.A. the Cole train, New to Gears 3 is the inclusion of much to say for ticking up between the This brief taster of Battlefield 3’s all their potential audience would actu- which gives the player a chance to rescue Beast mode. This frustrating mode gives legs of the COG and blowing them to multiplayer has shown considerable ally read the manual and should there- Marcus from various seemingly unwin- the player the chance to join the Locust tiny little pieces. promise and looks like a worthy con- fore slap them in the face with a few ba- nable fights. While the previous game in wiping out the COG scum. It also Epic Games has managed to fully tender to Call of Duty’s monopoly on sics. Having plodded through this mulch suffered from a flat ending,Gears 3 can- gifts cash for objectives and kills, like round off its dazzling trilogy campaign multiplayer shooting fun. ,the pace of the game picks up consid- not be accused of the same. The furious horde mode, but uses the cash to buy and have picked up an enjoyable multi- Jamie Wright erably and drops the player back into nature of the battles increase right up new Locusts with which to play. Tick- player along the way. Though the graph- the crazy, testosterone-guzzling world until the final moment which will, I am ers to begin with, moving quickly up to ics of Gears 3 are no real advancement of Marcus Fenix in which, through the sure, satisfy the fans. Boomers or Serapedes and more power- upon the last game it is only because the haze of manly sweat, you will blast your The multiplayer consists of game types ful Locusts are unlocked as the match Unreal engine is being pitted against way through the countless Lambent and such as Team Deathmatch, Wingman progresses (although the price of the the 360’s outdated technology. While Locust enemies in search of answers. and Warzone. All of which have been higher level Locusts far outweighs their exclusive to the Xbox, Gears 3 will not The running mechanic still makes tweaked only a little from Gears 2. usefullness). shine out graphically over other releases even the strongest of sailors vomit Horde mode also has remained largely Some of the characters are clumsy, this year, but perhaps when eventually into the ocean, while the linearity and unchanged with the exception of the the player view constricted, especially released on PC we may see Gears 3 as it chest high walls have not departed but Store, a tower defence-style static de- in split screen, and the COG AI very should have been. This guy thought he didn’t need have become like old friends, albeit old fence upgrade system. This forces the rarely provides a challenge. The diffi- Joshua Thompson 4 out of 5 his squad Picture: Giantbomb.com CULTURE: FASHION Brig | October 2011 17 www.brignewspaper.com

Fashion editor: Nicola Smith culture: fashion Email: [email protected] Chi-NO more Barbour love s I sit here in my chino and October’s best dressed students he quintessentially British denim shirt combination, I Barbour jacket has been a na- reminisce of times when this tional favorite since J Barbour Left Alook was once considered & Sons was opened in 1894. Name: Chloe Minto (Flowery unique (or uncool). Nowadays, you’ll T Its legacy has been forged by history; top, denim shirt) struggle to leave your front door with- its endurance through two world wars out having this look forced upon your led to many iconic creations. The Ur- Year and Course: 2nd year eyes. sula suit was developed in 1939, which studying Law The chino section of the duo comes became standard issue for members of What’s your favourite high in various colours of the rainbow the Submarine Service, and from 1936 street store?: Topshop which gives the whole attire arrange- to 1977 they created motorcycle suits ment a slight element of individuality that were worn by virtually every Brit- Vintage/New: Vintage yet still looks totally common. Chinos ish International team. were first developed for the armed During the 1960s, the beloved jacket forces in America but now the only soon moved from being a dependable time you ever see them in war-torn practicality for farmers and motorcy- sites is every Tuesday night in Dusk. clists to a fashion commodity for mods Right Denim shirts have gone in and out and rockers, and with the 60’s swing- Name: Joey Cunningham-Lenox of fashion over the last few decades ing it’s way back into fashion again it’s with them being quite popular during presence on both the festival circuit as Year and Course: 2nd year the 80s. In the last year, no male can well as the fashion show runway is un- studying Religious Studies have any less than three denim shirts surprising. Favourite item in your of various shades within his wardrobe, Since the conception of Barbour, wardrobe: generally the more the better. the brand has produced many ver- So what can be done? Maybe you sions of the original. It has continu- I don’t really have one but I love a could match your chinos with a nice ally been a favorite among the Royals, stripy t-shirt pair of shoes. It’s coming closer to the Queen especially being a firm fan Vintage/New: Vintage winter so you could possibly stick on and her support was reflected in 1992 Pictures: Ruta Sile a pair of boots; at the moment desert when Barbour won a Queens Award boots seem to be the in thing, so for Export Achievement. But with a RANK Boutique’s fresh at- frankme.co.uk, which is also proving ordinary” everyday dress, Frank will grab a pair of them while they’re hot. new generation of Royal comes a new titude to fashion is proving very popular, even appearing on the give you the space and time to find ex- Also, with chinos a number of people generation of Barbour as the brand has a major hit since its opening ASOS marketplace. actly what you are looking for. choose to roll them up to give the ef- collaborated with the much hyped up in November 2009. Frank’s Their website states, “Frank online The store stocks between four to fect of a teenage girl of the 90s going Alice Temperley, Kate Middleton’s fa- F friendly assistants and a la mode lines have a selection of on-trend styles and five brands at a time, including Love, to a school disco in her favourite pair vourite designer. draw in countless customers, many of brands to give customers individual- Mink Pink and Nana. Frank select and of pedal pushers. As for the denim This new line provides the perfect which are Stirling University students. ity and change from the high-street change their brands depending on shirt part of the outfit, there is not that mix between the androgyny trend Owner, Julia Graham, grew up in collections. The boutique and online season and current trends, they also much you can do by way of accessoris- this season and the structured jacket. Stirling and has a strong passion for store source their brands from all over offer an all-year-round 10% student ing. Maybe cover it up with a jumper The hard waxed exterior contrasts anything fashion related. The bou- the UK and Europe and always aim discount. to show you’re less of a conformist?. uniquely with the feminine silhouette tique, situated on King’s Street, is to stay on top of all the latest fashion You can get on-trend in the next is- Or you could even borrow your mum’s and patterned inner lining to create a named after her husband, whose rug- trends while looking also for quality sue of Brig, when we will bring you sewing kit and change a few of those more casual and female twist on the by nickname at Stirling County Rugby and style.” the hottest items from Frank’s au- buttons for a bit of originality. timeless jacket, yet still practical and Club is “Frank the Tank”. Whether you are looking for a dress tumn/winter collection and a report All in all, fashions that you feel to durable in terms of the water and tear After a successful first year, Frank for a night out, something for a wed- from their fashion show at The MED. be unique to you will at some point proof fabric. now offers their clothes online at ding reception or just an “out of the Kirsty Whitmore become mainstream. I really cannot And if Kate loves it, Brig loves it, and wait until sandals with socks become who would argue with a royal? the norm. Ben Lennox Katy-Rose Cummings Online in October Up and coming this month on Brig’s online favourites this brignewspaper.com month.

Brig’s Politics Editor, Colm Currie, Each month we shall be bringing you a will be interviewing Edinburgh surprise selection of the most-talked- Fringe Festival comedian Tony Law. about websites around the Brig office. Exclusive Brig offer: Quote Brig Just scan the QR codes below into your at Tolbooth and get two Tony Law Android phone, Smartphone or iPhone tickets for the price of one. QR code app and sit back while the technology does the rest of the work. Brig Sport will be hard at work, Don’t worry, there’ll be no funny busi- providing you match reports from ness. the women’s second team basket- ball match against Glasgow Caledo- nian University. Also read about the men’s first team taking on Aberdeen University in the Rugby Union.

Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest album and single reviews in our online Music section, too.

News Editor, Zsuzsanna Matyak will be looking into the internation- al development charity VSO, as it’s announcing its national campaign to recruit 250 young people for a three-month global volunteering programme.

The most viewed article over the last month has been, Deputy Editor, Daniel Nunan, with his recipe for Welsh Rarebit.

If you are interested in getting involved with Brig, then come along to one of our meetings, every Monday evening at 7pm in A3, and get involved with the exciting world of student media! Brig | October 2011 OPINION 18 www.brignewspaper.com

Opinion editors: David Devereux & Simon Ewing Opinion Email: [email protected] Troy Davis’s Execution: A Travesty of Justice

While Davis’ innocence is far from victims’ families are given no say, with Ehssan Shamoradi certain, a judiciary system should many feeling it only adds to their suffer- never contemplate, let alone carry out, ing. The risk of wrongful conviction is state murder without irrefutable proof. all the more poignant since Davis’s trial, roy Davis’s execution began It seems the mitigating factor behind with the death penalty giving no oppor- at 22:53 on 21 September this injustice was the belief that with a tunity for forgiveness and reconcilia- 2011; by 23:08, his suffering policeman dead, someone had to pay. tion, basically eradicating any good that Twas at an end. The execution Whichever side of the capital punish- could possibly be derived from crime. may have lasted a mere 15 minutes, but ment debate you’re on, justice should the tragic tale spans over twenty years of never be driven by revenge, no matter protracted rulings and desperate pleas who’s being forcibly strapped onto the “Whichever side of for clemency. Such is the controversy gurney. that surrounds the case, an entire news- Unfortunately, the problems sur- the capital punish- paper could be devoted to it, never mind rounding capital punishment do not a solitary article. end with the danger of convicting an ment debate you’re Some twenty-two years earlier, on innocent. Advocates that hide behind an August morning in 1989, Georgia, the misguided and ambiguous notion on, justice should officer Mark MacPhail was murdered. of providing “closure” for the victim’s Troy Davis and Daryl Collins were the family are caught in a dangerous mor- never be driven by prime suspects, with Davis eventually al crossfire. Take the case of Lawrence convicted in August 1991 through eye- Russell Brewer, who was executed on revenge, no matter witness testimony alone. In the years the same day as Davis without any doubt that followed, no reliable DNA or ballis- of his guilt. Rather than skipping out of who’s being forci- tic evidence has ever been found. What’s the execution chamber in delight, the The save Troy Davis protest Picture: koram.wordpress.com more, many of the witnesses used to victim’s family issued a statement to the bly strapped onto condemn Davis to death have retracted press reiterating that they never asked their testimony, claiming intimidation the gurney” for execution, nor would they ever. be an attractive proposition with cred- that the very same elected officials have by investigators and gang leaders deter- “Our sincere condolences to the fam- ibility at stake. mined to cover their tracks. to answer to an electorate who are most- ily of Lawrence Brewer,” Clara Taylor, Typically in the USA the appeal proc- ly in favour of the death penalty while For me, perhaps the most alarming the victim’s sister, said in closing after ess concerns itself more with due proc- detail to stomach is the knowledge that considering appeals. Hardly an incen- the execution. Why would they want to There’s also a more sinister implica- ess than new evidence. The bureaucrat- tive to backtrack on previous verdicts once Davis was convicted, even though inflict the pain of losing a loved one on tion about democracy muddled in with ic check-list of whether the defendant new evidence put the prosecution case made with the usual righteous media another family? Tragedy in this context a judiciary that believes it is fit to be was adequately represented, whether furore accompaniment. in doubt, there was no realistic chance is not a book you can simply close. No entrusted with who lives and who dies. or not prejudice was shown, and of ever being able to overturn the ver- Ultimately, with regards to the death single act of compassion or retaliation All judges, state prosecutors and local whether or not courtroom procedures penalty, a functioning democratic dict. Petitions, protests and celebrity has that power. law enforcement chiefs have to run for were followed correctly, can cloud per- campaigning were all met with stubborn country gets the kind of democracy This begs the question: just who ben- election or re-election. A stain on their spectives on what really matters. This it deserves, and if a self-proclaimed apathy. This turned callous when the ju- efits from the death penalty? The money records is a primary concern. Thus the creates an envirsonment where, on oc- diciary, given power over life and death, Christian nation whose purported sav- wasted on cases lasting decades negates inevitable pressure to close ranks and casion, the fact that old evidence can iour was unjustly executed continue started blocking emails to silence the any financial saving. It has no tangible uphold an insecure conviction, obtained be discredited by new evidence is not outcry from Amnesty International and the senseless pattern 2000 years later, effect on lowering crime rates across the by a panic arrest with limited evidence a chief concern of the prosecution and that’s their prerogative. the millions backing them. board, and as we’ve already established, available at the time, is always going to appeals court judges. Let’s not forget Technology: Two steps forward, one step back

has a job teaching daft middle-aged peo- of habit. It’s just generally what we do player and watched some films that I Craig Wilson ple how to assign a colour to a contact now and to be honest that is a pretty sad hadn’t seen in years. I felt like I was when receiving a text and other appar- and pathetic idea. We have become so taken back into my childhood, recur- echnology changes every day. ently essential tools. used to technology and so dependent on ring memories of a more innocent, hap- Only a few years ago having a When I was a child growing up in the it that if they could see us previous gen- pier time. I remember when we used to touch phone was something 90’s, we had five channels and when erations would probably laugh at how only have one TV in our house and we Tof a luxury, while now almost I went to my gran’s for the weekend, I simple we have become. would all eat dinner together and watch everyone is burdened with a phone that could watch Cartoon Network on her ca- I’ve heard people say things like, “If films at the weekends together as a fam- causes more spelling mistakes than a ble box. There was no internet, no Face- my phone broke I would die,” or “I ily. Now my younger brother sulks off copy of Brig. The advances in the tech- book, no YouTube. It was a simpler, and don’t know how I would live without my up to his room to sit in darkness away nology of mobile phones have been to be honest, a happier time. When I had phone, laptop, etc.” Sometimes we rely from people and plays the Xbox. Don’t amazing. A phone can now perform finished watching cartoons I would do on equipment such as our laptops for get me wrong, I love to play the Xbox, the same functions as a phone while something productive such as going out work, essay writing and ranting about but it has been claimed that video games also performing those of a laptop and and playing with something and using the modern world, but the people who can shorten your attention span. This is an MP3 player, but I ask: is this all too my imagination, reading or writing or come out with ridiculous statements like something I can relate to, as I now find much? As technology moves forward, is drawing, anything other than watching these are doing so because they will be it hard to watch a 90-minute football society taking steps back? TV. Now I find my time devoted mostly unable to check their Facebook every match without getting bored, or going I remember my first phone: a Nokia to my laptop, wasting hour upon hour other second. Over the summer I have on my laptop at some point while watch- 3310. A revelation at the time, but it’s watching YouTube clips, constantly severely cut down my time on Facebook, ing a film or programme. I do have a very now completely obsolete. It had eve- checking Facebook and just generally for a number of reasons. Not only is it short attention span that I never used to rything you wanted from a phone: you wasting my time, being as useless and boring, it has evolved so much that now have. I am in no way against modernisa- could phone people, text and best of all, lazy as possible. What sense of accom- avid users are beginning to hate it be- tion; it is natural for us to evolve and we play Snake. It was all you needed. Now plishment do you feel at the end of the cause of such new features as the useless Picture: manhattan2ibiza.com have done so for thousands of years, but my phone is equipped with an array of day when instead of reading 200 pages chat system and the irritating news feed as long as technology keeps progressing functions that I don’t even use, either of a book for an English degree, you that decides the best posts of the day for them, “Oh I saw your status, blah blah the way it is, then future generations will through choice or because I just have have sat on a laptop all day contribut- you. In the past if you wanted to find out blah.” This is not how human beings are be handicapped and unprepared to deal no idea how. A couple years ago my dad ing nothing to society except increasing how a friend was getting on or what they supposed to interact with one another. with the real world when we inevitably had to go to a tutorial to learn how to use the views on someone’s Youtube video? were up to you would give them a call As I said earlier, I think that a simpler run out of fuel and once again live in the more of his Blackberry as he was told he I suppose that as I’m aware this is the and arrange a time to meet up, chat face time was a better time. During the sum- dark ages. was only using two per cent of its total case, I could change, but this is easier to face or maybe go do something fun. mer I went into my attic and brought capacity. That means someone actually said than done. Mostly it’s down to force Now we just look at Facebook and say to down an old TV combined with a VHS

Brig Writers On... Editorial & Opinion ‘It may be the lowest form of wit, but you “I think sarcasm is good because it lets “While it may be the kind of wit you can Each month, we ask Brig gotta start somewhere, or in your case, you say what you want to say without buy off Amazon for a penny, it can be Online Articles writers their opinions on a hopefully not at all.” actually having to say it.” quite fun.” Check out brignewspaper.com given topic, in precisely 21 Ehssan Shamoradi Stanley Crooks David Devereux to read: • Simon Leigh on the cost of words. This month: sarcasm. student living. “Sarcasm is an excellent and underrated “Brig asked me to write about sarcasm, “Sarcasm is what happens when cyni- way to communicate. It is good for mak- but I decided I’d instead prefer to watch • Hannah Wong on alcohol’s “Sarcasm is overused nowadays. It’s not role in social situations. hard to do, rarely funny, and allows you cism and mockery go over to apathy’s ing people look stupid, which I enjoy paint dry. They still printed this any- • Simon Ewing complaining to bypass genuine emotional engage- house to make jokes over cups of nega- doing.” way.” ment with others.” tivity tea.” Colm Currie Daniel Nunan about people complaining Jeremy Watssman Simon Ewing about the weather. Brig | October 2011 OPINION www.brignewspaper.com 19 Why you don’t play computer games, and why you should that playing a game involves sitting in some things which get in the way. three other people, though, has the po- play games on “Hard” and think they’re Jeremy Watssman a darkened room by yourself, but play- To be fair, the stereotype of the dark- tential to be pretty special. Once you’re too easy. But that change took place over Deputy Editor ing games socially is an excellent way to room gamer has some truth to it. Single- involved in the game, it’s like having about fifteen years, which is as long as have fun with people you already know, player games, which are played by one fantastical superhuman abilities in a it takes to become a jazz pianist. I re- laying computer games, or “vid- and connect with people you don’t. I’m person at a time, are usually not so fun strange and wonderful new universe, member the day I suddenly managed to eogames” if you prefer, or just the President of the University’s Com- for groups of people. Added to which, but accompanied by your friends. The move a character with one thumbstick “games” in casual conversa- puter Games Society, and I’m a person scary games (like scary movies) are best experiences you have together can pro- and look around with the other (crucial tion, is a divisive issue. People who enjoys games; I wouldn’t say “gam- played in the dark. So yes, there are vide hours of conversation, provided to playing first-person games like Halo), P er” because I think it’s an unnecessary quite a few solitary gamers out there sat you don’t really have much else to talk which seemed impossible beforehand who play them regularly have difficulty understanding how others perceive label. You wouldn’t call yourself a “film huddled round a TV with the lights off. about. Yes, as long as you know the and trivial afterward, a bit like riding a games, and people who never play them buff” because you occasionally watch I’m not denying that, though I would controls and understand the rules, and bike. I would say it’s not as difficult as have difficulty imagining the benefits films or a “bookworm” because you read add that there isn’t anything necessar- have a clear view of the screen, and your learning French or Spanish, more diffi- of them. Some have the mistaken idea in bed. I like games, and I’d love more ily wrong with it either. But multiplayer controller works, and you’re playing cult than learning how to upload photos people to get into them, but there are games are a different experience. with others of a similar skill level, and to Facebook, and probably about as ben- Multiplayer games are, by definition, you’re playing a game which you enjoy, eficial as learning to play football. games which are played by more than and you aren’t too tired, too hungry or Those who don’t play games are un- one person at once. Unfortunately now- too full after a meal, then you can really likely to make learning to play them a adays this usually means one person involve yourself in the future of home New Year’s resolution, but if your flat- sits at a computer or TV playing over entertainment. mate plays them or, as I said before, if the internet with strangers. In the past The previous paragraph did highlight there’s a decent games society around though, multiplayer gaming was about one obvious problem with videogames; (like the one that meets this Thursday four people sitting around a single CRT they aren’t for everyone. They demand at 7pm in the Clubs and Societies Room screen, with 90’s hair styles, yelling and a level of skill in the operation of a con- of the Union, first door on the right), I’d waving retro game controllers around. troller (or joypad), and commitment to say it’s worth spending a bit of free time It’s a shame that this has gone out of learn each game’s unique rules, which getting into them, because they can be fashion, but one or two games continue films and books don’t. But I don’t think extremely rewarding. I’ve been paint- to support splitscreen gaming; the ever these things are too difficult to learn. It’s balling, and playing Halo with 15 other popular Halo and Call of Duty series cer- hard for me to say exactly how hard it people was more fun, had better banter, tainly do and that’s one of the reasons is really, since I’ve been learning to play and involved less time afterwards pull- people rarely shut up about them. games for most of my life. I used to play ing ticks out of bellybuttons. Picture: notactualgamefootage.com The experience of playing a game with games on “Easy” and still lose, and now I Where is home for Colm? A Birds Eye View of Amateur Student Cooking bread could ever be sold already sliced. of these two seemingly unremarkable ing really wild, and enjoy. It’s a captivat- Colm Currie En route, I pass through Edinburgh, the David Devereux edibles coming together to create some- ing combination that would have won first place I ever called home. And, truth Opinion Editor thing that would make even the great awards if any existed for sheer brilliance Politics Editor be told, it’s hard to determine which in amateur cooking. one of the three I consider my ultimate “A wise man once said If you want a bit of variety, you could add ome is where the heart is, or ince coming back to University, some vegetables or baked beans (which so I’m told. It’s not easy to de- home, my home above the others. When I’m in Stirling, the notion may I’ve had to re-adjust myself to that all that is needed are also wonderful in their own special fine what “home” is, though, the student lifestyle: the broken way). It’s very difficult to find something or at least not for me. I was strike me (as notions are wont to do) to for peace to flourish is H watch a film or television programme body clock, the almost constant that doesn’t compliment the overall en- born in Edinburgh, and spent most of S semble. I have it on good authority (that feeling of being tired, and having to so- my early years there. I haven’t lived in which is included in my vast DVD col- fish fingers and chips.” lection. However, almost without fail, cialise on a daily basis. I wouldn’t nor- authority being Doctor Who) that fish the capital now for almost a decade, yet mally have to deal with these things at Socrates go, “Blimey!” fingers are quite nice even with custard, when I step off the train at Waverley or I have not anticipated having such a strong desire to watch that particular home in Aberdeen, the city of all things Fish fingers and chips is also possibly and, while I’m yet to try this interesting Haymarket, I feel that I’m home. Admit- grey. There’s also the task of cooking for one of the easiest meals to make. You little novelty, I would most certainly give tedly, I don’t have a house, flat or even a film or television programme when I was making the cut in September, and myself every day. Normally, a servant just fling the fish fingers onto a tray, it a go if the opportunity ever arose. room to call my own in Edinburgh, but would do it for me, but I couldn’t fit it in followed closely by the chips, shot-put So if, like me, you are a student lucky the city is full of my friends and family, it has been excluded from the small se- lection I have brought. This is incredibly my suitcase without ruining the caviar. it into the oven, then you’re free to do enough to have a freezer, consider and places I know well. It’s my home- Perhaps the key difference between first whatever you want for a bit while it putting some fish fingers and a bag of town, and whenever anyone asks me frustrating, and I have even considered renting a second room so that I might and second year is that we now have a cooks, like write an article about the chips in it. Even if it’s just for emergen- where I’m from, I say Edinburgh. freezer, so I have the option of having dinner you’re very much looking for- cies, have them there. It may not be the When I was 11, I moved to a tiny village have all of my DVDs in one place, but I can barely afford to keep myself stocked the ultimate meal: fish fingers and chips. ward to. When it’s done, you just take key to world peace, but it does taste called St Boswells in the Borders. You A wise man once said that all that is it out of the oven, flick everything onto rather nice. Now if you’ll excuse me, I may have been there, but I doubt it. I up on Monster Munch and Irn Bru as it is. Some sacrifices must be made, and needed for peace to flourish is fish fin- a plate, add some ketchup if you’re feel- think my dinner’s ready. didn’t want to go there in the first place, gers and chips. The said wise man was and I don’t exactly relish the thought so often Gremlins 2: The New Batch or Clerks: The Animated Series have been then promptly arrested and taken back of going back now, but it’s where my to hospital. While his philosophical house is. And my house is where most left behind. When I don’t have all my belongings with me, it’s difficult to feel views were not completely sound, suf- of my stuff is, as well as my mum, who fering from the kind of logic normally provides free food and laundry service, properly at home. Similarly, if I’m at my house in St seen in the comment sections of vari- even if she does grumble about it. So, for ous Youtube videos, I can see where the those reasons, I’ll return now and then, Boswells for a week or two, or even for the whole summer, I feel like I’m just poor man was coming from. and I may call said house “home” occa- I’ve only ever met one person in my life sionally. But it’s where I live, not where killing time before I go back to Stirling. I have loved my time at university so far, so far who didn’t like fish fingers (they I’m from. were socialist, and too busy stamp- Since coming to Stirling a little over but, in a sense, it feels like a four-year period of transit. I enjoy living in the ing on a mouldy pea to really listen to three years ago, I have lived in no what I was saying), and I’m yet to meet fewer than five flats, on campus and in city, even one as small as Stirling, and as fine a house as I have waiting for me anybody who doesn’t like chips. When town, and I’ve been known to call each placed next to each other on a plate, of them “home” at different times. But between semesters, St Boswells is not my home. I am happy to say that I live these two glorious foodstuffs create the even when in my current flat, which closest thing to perfection that the uni- I will happily call home, I will refer to in Stirling, and to call it home, but a year from now I will have no strong ties to verse has ever seen. Scientists the world “going home”, meaning the dreaded, over are repeatedly baffled by the won- three hour long, train and bus journey the city, and the lure of my first home, Edinburgh, will likely prove too great to derful marvelousness (a word invented back to the borders, where the locals still purely to describe fish fingers and chips) point at cars, and scoff at the notion that keep me here. Picture: belfasttaxi.blogspot.com will always lead us towards spoilt brats which says a lot about just how obsessed The Z-List Celebrity Bandwagon like her, who have achieved very lit- we are with fame. Presumably there isn’t cording to Channel 5, yes it is. It doesn’t help that we are all guilty of tle in their lives apart from being born a rigorous audition process to get on a Chris Watson Then there are those (arguably even fawning over these Z-list celebrities. A into a famous family. But we still want programme like The Only Way Is Essex worse) people who actually make their good example of this is Peaches Geldof’s to see them and take pictures of them. either. We could pretty much all be ce- lthough it’s pretty hard for fame on reality TV. People who are fa- recent shambolic DJ set in Envy. It’s dif- Wouldn’t we all rather see a talented but lebrities now if we wanted to. most of us to imagine living mous for being followed about with a ficult for me to believe that Miss Geldof undiscovered local band play than an We need to take a step backwards and like a celebrity, it seems to camera rather than from any so-called would ever have reached the public’s overrated celebrity scowling at us and get out of this infatuation with celebri- me that it’s not at all difficult talent or “X factor”. Unfortunately for attention if she wasn’t the daughter of spinning a disc? Would as many stu- ties. It’s an unhealthy culture to live in, A her father, yet during her performance dents have turned up if she hadn’t been especially for teens, and often doesn’t to become one. You only need to look at me, I did once catch an episode of The this year’s Celebrity Big Brother to see Only Way Is Essex and was astonished it seemed as if she thought herself to be there? Probably not. do the celebrities themselves much that people enjoy watching the dregs of by the sheer morbid pointlessness of it. some kind of goddess. TV is the biggest culprit of encourag- good. We only have to look at the death TV and music, people who are famous But people watch it. They follow the ca- I’d like to think we weren’t that both- ing our nonsensical celebrity culture. of Amy Winehouse during the summer just for being famous; a good example is reers of people like Amy Childs, who in ered about the presence of such a no- The number of shows dedicated solely to see what the pressure of living in the Jedward. Sure, they were on The X Fac- my opinion could not be any more bor- body at our University, but the turnout to making the average Joe famous says tabloids can do to people. If we could tor a couple of years ago, they’ve done ing. There are probably more talented was good. If nobody had turned up it all: The X Factor, Britain’s Got Tal- stop caring about minor celebrities and some adverts and have failed at the people living and working around you Peaches might have realised that she’s ent, and the BBC’s constant searches for reality TV stars and take a minute to ap- Eurovision Song Contest, but is that all every day than some of the reality “stars” not so much better than the rest of us, West End musical leads are some of the preciate our own lives, maybe we’d all be it takes to achieve celebrity status? Ac- that we are force-fed by the media. but our fascination for all things famous most watched programmes in the UK, a little bit happier. Brig | October 2011 Features 20 www.brignewspaper.com

Features editors: Anna Jordan & Catriona McGale Features Email:[email protected] Please make your way to the gate Features Editor Anna Jordan investigates the development of airport security worldwide.

ost people wouldn’t con- So the question remains: Why are board the aircraft. sider a pot of vegemite to things the way that they are? When looking at the possibilities of be particularly dangerous. Here’s a recap of the some significant airport security, it is interesting to note MHowever, it can be suspi- developments of international airport how other countries approach it. cious when taken as cabin baggage on security over the past fifty years: For example, Ben Gurion Interna- an aeroplane. tional Airport in Israel has been voted Australian Prime Minister Kevin • 6th October 1976: The the best in the Middle East and the Rudd learned this the hard way on world’s first terrorist attack second-best worldwide. Despite being a recent flight from Mexico to New on Cubana flight 455 from a target for several terrorist attacks, no York. According to his Twitter feed, Barbados to Jamaica. 73 attempt to hijack a plane from the air- the Prime Minister had to enlist in people were killed. port has ever succeeded. “foreign ministerial intervention” to • 1980s: War on Drugs- What’s their secret? get the ominous black paste through Sniffer dogs and new pat Israeli airports adopt a controversial customs. down procedures intro- method known as racial profiling. Air- Coupling this with last month’s TSA duced to mitigate transpor- line travellers need not pass through reforms on “frisking” children of 12 tation of narcotic drugs metal detectors or remove belts and years and under, it calls the necessity • 11th September 2001: Ter- shoes. of today’s thorough airport security in rorist attacks on Twin Tow- Neither will young children or elder- The importance of airport security Picture: Rajmond Bakonyi to question. ers, New York ly women be subjected to a pat-down It seems that a number of modern • 19th November 2001: TSA to meet government guidelines. The things that caused most dissat- that must be applied to passengers air travellers silently begrudge taking created In Israel, airport security personnel isfaction were queuing (9%), removal boarding aircraft flying into their air- off their shoes and belts before walk- • September 2004: Visitors work both overtly and undercover and of shoes (8%) and restriction of liquid space and their airports.” ing through a metal detector; with the banned from passing secu- are trained to look out for Muslims. (5%). Pleased about the news for pilots, added possibility of being patted down rity Thus, the process begins before the If you find yourself in this camp, BALPA General Secretary Jim McAus- on the other side. • October 2009: Naked full air traveller has even stepped in to the you’re in luck. lan added: Generally, it can take up to 11.76 body scanners trialled at airport. Earlier this year, Whitehall an- “Pilots are part of the solution to air- minutes to get through security in Heathrow and Manchester If security see a Muslim in the air- nounced plans to cut back on airport line security, not part of the problem,” America, according to the Transporta- airport port, they can be taken aside for ques- security in the UK, saving money and he said. “It is frankly bizarre that the tion Security Administration (TSA). tioning. reducing passenger waiting times in professionals responsible for safely The New York Times website has a Although modern measures are However, racial profiling has come the process. flying hundreds of passengers every blog devoted to the unhappiness of air time-consuming, expensive, frustrat- under fire in recent years for being The proposal was put forward by day are currently treated with the travel entitled Jet Lagged. ing and sometimes degrading, they extremely discriminatory and degrad- Travel Secretary Philip Hammond MP same degree of suspicion as high-risk Website contributor Mr Smith ex- seem to have become established as ing. and was praised by parliamentary col- passengers.” pressed his dissatisfaction with the the norm in the Western world. Closer to home, things are set to get leagues and members of airline pilots It remains unclear when these meas- arduous task of getting through de- In a study by the OFC, many passen- quicker and easier for us when we union, BALPA. ures are to be implemented. partures back in 2007, hailing it as “a gers flying from London airports were want to travel by air. When comparing UK security to Whatever happens in the future of theatre of the absurd”. aware of security measures. 89% of A 2010 survey carried out by the Civil harsher measures in the USA, Ham- airport security,just make sure you His article was met with mutual dis- those surveyed knew the restrictions Aviation Authority (CAA) indicated mond said: leave your vegemite at home. gust by his fellow Americans, blessing on hand baggage, 97% knew of the re- that 90% of those surveyed were ‘very’ “Every country in the world reserves Mr Smith for being “a voice of reason strictions of carry-on liquids and 94% or ‘fairly’ satisfied with their experi- the right to set down the procedures and intelligence.” knew what items were permitted on ences at security screening. Fly your kites for women’s rights

lieve that 70% of schoolteachers, 50% a night letter but instead received a Takara Park of government workers and 40% of series of similar threats by phone at doctors in the capital of Kabul were fe- her office (an American development hen you hear the word male. How many western cities could company). She continued to work and “kite”, what’s the first boast the same? Islam teaches the in April 2010 was gunned down as she thing to jump into your protection of women’s rights; includ- left her office. The gunman is still uni- Wmind? A memory of a ing marriage, divorce and the right to dentified. happy childhood, freedom or a basic hu- own property. The Taliban, however, Soon after, another woman received man right? But, how would you feel if a enforce an extreme interpretation a night letter saying she would be next western government was willing to trade of Sharia Law, which has stolen and “In the same way that yesterday we in your basic human right? On 5 Decem- stripped women of their rights, indi- have killed Hossai, whose name was ber 2011, the UK Government will enter “There cannot be on our list, your name and other wom- into peace negotiations with the Taliban en’s names are also on our list.” at the Bonn Conference, in which they national security Girls’ education is regularly targeted are willing to compromise on women’s without women’s se- by the Taliban. They see it as mislead- rights for peace. curity” ing for pure and innocent girls. The For those who have seen The Kite Taliban do this by threats and attacks Runner this may tug at your memory. viduality and independence. After the on female students and teachers. In In the book there is a scene when Amir fall of Kabul into the hands of the Tali- the Northern Province in February, (the lead character) is told of the dev- ban, women found themselves con- a girls’ school head teacher received astation left by the Taliban. Part of this tinually invaded: subjected to threats, a night letter saying that her and her devastation is shown in the ‘Gudiparan fines and beatings for not complying family would be eliminated. Bazi’ kite flying in Dari, which along with Sharia rule. An example is that of This is just a fragment of what the UK with many recreational activities under a government employee who quit her Government is willing to compromise Kites symbolise women’s freedom Picture: www.thecrossweb.com the dictatorial rule of the Taliban, were job after receiving a “night letter”, a to gain peace for them. But what sort banned. common Taliban threat: “We Taliban of peace is this bringing the women in dent Team, Amnesty International nesty International website, www. The book follows the turbulent life warn you to stop working for the gov- Afghanistan? Is it within the UK Gov- UK, Human Rights Action Centre, 17- amnesty.org.uk. Mary Akrami, the of two young boys, but it does little ernment otherwise we will take your ernment’s right to take away or com- 25 New Inn Yard,London EC2A 3EA. director of the Afghan Women Skills to show the effect on women. Prior to life away.” This was made in February promise the rights of woman of anoth- These will be used in a visual protest Development Centre, was quoted in the rise of the Taliban in 1996, women 2010. However, some women do stay, er country? Amnesty International is to William Hague, who is one of the January 2010 as saying “there cannot flourished in a life similar to that of do fight, do stand their ground and encouraging individuals to make their UK representatives at the Bonn con- be national security without women’s their western peers, with the right to carry on working. own kites, either out of cardboard or ference held in Germany, urging them security.” vote, equality laid out in the constitu- These women end up being target- paper. Send them to Hannah Shaw, not to compromise women’s rights. tion and employment. It’s hard to be- ed. 22 year old Hossai didn’t receive Student Manager, Education and Stu- For more information visit the Am- Features Brig | October 2011 www.brignewspaper.com 21 Sex, lies and keeping count: What’s your number?

Following the release of the film ‘What’s Your Number?’, Features Editor Catriona McGale looks at whether the number of people you’ve slept with remains a taboo.

fter hearing of the new film about what they were like before they “What’s Your Number?”, met you…if they were a bit of a player.” where Anna Faris finds her- Based on this rationale, it is no sur- Aself in a flap upon reaching a prise that the question of how many total of 20 sex partners, I got to think- sexual partners you’ve had remains a ing about that infamous old “magic difficult one to answer when it’s your number”. new partner asking. Too many and you In today’s society, where people are worry you’ll come across as a “player” or far more sexually liberated than gen- a “slut”, too little and you worry you’ll erations before, does the stigma of sleep- seem inexperienced or frigid. ing with too many people still exist? Or It is a sentiment that rings true for is the opposite true: is it now shameful many of those Brig questioned about to admit that you’ve only added a cou- the issue, including one 22-year-old ple of notches to your bedpost? Should respondent, Paul*, who said he would feel “embarrassed and insecure” if he “In today’s had slept with considerably fewer peo- ple than his partner. However, as well as society, where worrying about being critiqued himself, he admitted that he too may be guilty of people are far judging, saying, “I would perhaps think that a girl who’s had a high number of more sexually sexual partners is a little bit slutty, which would make me question how serious a liberated than relationship I could have with her.” Yet, Stirling student Lisa*, 21, knows generations it is possible to have a relationship with someone who’s seen their fair share before, does of bedrooms, amongst other things, though it is something that can play on the stigma of her mind. She admitted, “It makes me feel insecure; when he talks to women sleeping with I find myself thinking, ‘Oh has he slept One, Ten, One Hundred- What does it all add up to? Picture: www.trevorlever.co.uk with her?’” too many peo- Although Lisa doesn’t let this affect finding that 50% of men have lied about is argued that it is a woman’s right to ex- her relationship, worries such as this “50% of men have the amount of people they've slept with plore her sexuality and to sleep with as ple still exist?” may be why the majority of those sur- and research by Cosmopolitan finding many men as she sees fit, or as many fit veyed by Brig claimed that they would lied about the that 36% of women have fibbed about men as she sees. it matter at all? not be concerned if a partner had only their number. On the other hand it is argued that if When it comes to relationships it slept with one or two people, as this amount of peo- According to findings by Psychology women respect themselves, and want to would seem that yes, the talk of tallies would in fact be their preference. Today, men are more likely to play up gain respect from men, and other wom- does matter, with that awkward dis- However, it is not only in our rela- ple they’ve slept their experiences while females tend to en, they should be more selective with cussion of previous dalliances usually tionships that the question of “your round down their number. This is most their sexual favours. creeping up at some point in the early number” has been known to appear. It is with and 36% likely because men can often feel under It was a contrast which was apparent stages of a new partnership. Therefore, a topic of conversation that is often rife of women have pressure to portray a certain macho im- with those I spoke to. Several respond- it was of no surprise that in a Brig sur- amongst friends and even not-so-close age, which many believe a high number ents claimed they saw no problem with vey of 18-25 year olds regarding the is- acquaintances, and in these social group fibbed about their of hook-ups will help them achieve, yet women experimenting with a number of sue, every respondent stated that they situations you can often feel even more many women continue to fear that look- different partners, such as Alison*, 21, would wish to know how many people pressure to have a similar answer to the number” ing frivolous will have a negative impact who said, “I don’t see what is wrong with their partner had slept with. rest of group. After all, you don’t want to on their reputation. a single girl having fun with sex. Guys do ing that men average two to four times Nikki*, a 4th year student at Stirling tell all about your 200 conquests while As, while for men, the worst label they it, so why can’t girls do the same?”, and higher a number of sexual partners than University, said she would “definitely” the remainder of the room average on have thrust upon them after one too Nikki who exclaimed, “Good on them!” women, either a couple of girls have want to know, so she would “know what five. (Ok, some do) nor do you want to many thrusts of their own, is that of “a However, it was not a view shared by been very busy or someone is lying. [she] was getting into.” Similar thoughts be at a grand total of two while everyone player”, a compliment as often as it is many of the respondents, with 60% of Most likely it is the latter, with a survey were expressed by 3rd year student, else is well into the double figures. an insult, for women it is an issue which those surveyed, expressing critical atti- by Askmen.com in August of this year Lauren*, who said, “It can often tell you And with research continually show- raises more of a debate. On one hand it tudes towards girls who had slept with a considerably high number of part- ners, viewing them as “slutty” with low self-esteem. Showing that, for women at least, there does seem to be a con- tinued stigma attached to having a high number of sex partners. But with all this talk about high num- bers, low numbers and making up num- bers, what exactly constitutes a normal number? Well according to a survey by the Scottish Sun in September of this year, a possibly surprising, two or three is the average. However, with only a 21% majority it is clear that the number of sexual partners most people have really is a diverse and widespread figure, so while research and statistics may be able to deliver an aver- age number it does not necessarily make it a normal number. For it seems that the question of how many people we have, and should have, slept with is a numbers problem for which there really is no right answer. At the end of the day as long as your own sex sums add up to you being happy that’s the only thing that’s really worth counting. *Names have been changed. One of those awkward scenarios where you would rather not tell your magic number Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi Brig | October 2011 SPORT 22 www.brignewspaper.com

Sports editors: Scott Lorimer, Graeme Young & Stuart Kenny Sport Email:[email protected] Ladies hockey side continue promising start to season

Stuart Kenny way to the right wing before passing to Sports Editor Suzanna Ruthven who controlled well before rifling in a low cross and Leanne Orr was waiting to smash the ball into he Ladies First XI hockey team the bottom corner and cap off a great extended their successful start passage of play. to the season with a 3-2 win at Glasgow did not let their heads fall home to the Glasgow 2nds. however, and within five minutes they T had brought the deficit back to just The victory means the Stirling side has taken maximum points from their open- a singular goal. The away side’s goal ing two BUCS games after beating the came after a left wing run resulted in a Edinburgh third team by the same score threatening pass that was flicked on by a line on the opening day of the season. Glasgow forward. The flick was enough As the sun struggled to come out the to direct the ball just past the Stirling University of Stirling made a good start goalkeeper and put Glasgow right back to the match, playing at pace and con- in the game trolling much of the possession. The Stirling looked to bounce back quickly first real chance came from a Stirling however, and in no time had created a passing move that started when Hannah chance of their own when Orr played in Gaunt switched play across field to the Mhairi Gordon. However, after some right wing. From here April Wardlaw good control Gordon was unable to drove down the wing and played the ball strike goal wards and the ball trickled to Leanne Orr, but Orr’s shot went nar- just past the far post and to see the half- rowly wide. time score read 2-1. The opening goal came shortly after Glasgow came out fighting after the this, when a break in play allowed the break, playing with intent and looking University of Stirling to attack. Mhairi dangerous in attack. This spell of play Gordon picked up the ball twenty yards resulted in a hard worked equaliser for out and after beating one player and the away side coming after 44 minutes. The Stirling hockey ladies hope to build upon their successful start to the season Picture: Tom Main playing a slick one-two she passed to After an impressive through ball fell to teammate Gaunt who rolled the ball a forward of the Glasgow team, the at- her back to the goal before striking the Murphy. The speedy number six then league title we won last season. It’s been past the Glasgow goalkeeper to take a tacker wasted no time in thrashing an ball through her legs and passed the op- struck the ball low at the goal, sparking a a great start all round in fact, just now deserved lead. unstoppable effort into the goal to bring position defence to claim the third goal tense scramble when the ball nestled in all the women’s hockey teams are sitting Stirling continued to pressurise and the scores back to level. of the day for Stirling. the goalkeeper’s feet. Despite the threat top of their BUCS pools.” the next opportunity came when Biggart Following this, the Stirling side upped With the result still in question, the being eventually cleared, the Stirling took a run down the centre of the pitch their game and began to show some Glasgow athletes pushed hard, with the contingent held out for the remaining University of Stirling Ladies squad: before passing to Orr who forced a good force of their own, and when the ball fell majority of play taking place in the terri- five minutes to claim a tough victory and Kenny, Spedding (c), Mackenzie, Ruth- save. Four minutes later, however, the to Gordon in the 54th minute, the Stir- tory of the Stirling goal. However, solid the three points that come with it. ven, Orr, Gaunt, Wardlaw, Stephen- ball fell to Orr again, and this time the ling ladies were a goal to the good once tackling and blocking meant the oppo- After the game, several players spoke, son, Lanwehr, Gordon, Murphy, Evans, attacking player made no mistakes in more. The decider came when Allanah sition found it hard to break down the commenting, “We played well and it was Moore, Tait, Biggart, Sarnson doubling the lead for the girls in green. Stephenson passed to Katie Moore who green defence and the final attack of the a good result. We train almost every day The goal came from an outstanding quickly moved the ball to teammate game fell to Stirling. doing either endurance or skill work and passing move which started in the Stir- Caitlin Mackenzie around twenty yards After solid passing between Gordon it’s paying off.” ling half and drove out through Rach- from goal. From here Mackenzie passed and Captain Sophie Spedding, a sharp “We’ve made a great start to the season ael Murphy. Murphy then worked her to Gordon who controlled the ball with pass was played to the feet of Rachael and we’ll be looking to reclaim the 3A Purdie does... American Football Footballers finish second best were top notch. Not only did they assure me that I wasn’t going to get broken but David Chalmers Both sides made changes at half-time Scott Wilson was found unmarked just they were on hand to give advice and and Stirling continued their momentum inside the box and produced a volley pointers. with Riteesh Mishra going close with but the midfielder’s attempt went well One thing that took me back was the University of Stirling 2nd XI 0 an effort from a tight angle just drifting wide of the goal. Heriot-Watt contin- sense of community which the team Heriot-Watt University 1st XI 2 past the post. Mishra was in the mood ued to attack on the counter and it was had. They work for each other and their to score and took on free-kick duties not from one of these counter-attacks that discipline was second to none! long after the previous effort; his at- produced their second goal. Stirling After our warm up, the guys proceed he University of Stirling’s 2nd tempt flew a few yards over the bar but gave away a free-kick on the edge of the to their standard training drills. First XI went down 0-2 to Heriot- the home side looked like they fancied it. box and the outcome was a low-drilled up was Oklahoma. If you were me and Watt University’s 1st XI at Heriot-Watt regained control of the tie shot in the bottom corner that made it had no idea what was going on, the drill Thome on Wednesday afternoon and went close to doubling their lead af- 0-2 with just minutes to go. It should looks a bit like individuals running into as the travelling side dominated. ter a turn and shot produced the best out have been more as in the last minute the each other, however the game was more The Edinburgh side started off well, of the Stirling goalkeeper as he pushed it away side somehow missed an open net, tactical than that. It was miniature ver- having the majority of possession before wide. From the resulting corner Heriot- but they had done enough to earn their sion of offence versus defence which Stirling got some time on the ball and Watt’s No.5 rose higher than everyone victory and walked away with the vital Chris Purdie highlighted trying to retain the ball. attempted a counter-attack. Goalkeeper else and should have headed home but three points as the start of the BUCS Sports Union President After this, the team branched off into Harkness had to save a free-kick early his effort just clipped the post. league ended in defeat for Stirling. different segments of the team, I par- on before Stirling got a foothold in the ver wanted to play a sport, ticularly enjoyed the receiving exercise, game, gaining a corner, with Curtis Wil- but thought that you weren’t this was a standard manoeuvre of run- son impressing with some good delivery experienced, big, fit or good ning and catching. I think I liked this from the left. Eenough? one as there was no initial contact in- Heriot-Watt could have went ahead in In the upcoming issues of Brig, as volved and I was also starting to get the the 18th minute as they shot from just Sports Union president, I will be try- hang of it. inside the box, but the keeper saved im- ing out various sporting activities, from Despite knowing literally nothing pressively and an incredible defensive athletics to waterpolo, in order to high- about the sport I had a great time and block stopped the home side from going light the diverse range of sports avail- felt immediately included in the drills as behind. It was to be in vain, as merely able to students at the University. well as the team. The Clansmen caters two minutes later Harkness undone his Little did I know my first venture for all and are very welcoming to new good work by giving away a penalty. was going to be American Football in players or individuals who want to get The penalty-taker sent the keeper the the Sports Union’s ‘Try a Sport’ pro- involved. wrong way and gave his side a 0-1 lead. gramme. If you fancy having a go, look at our Not long after the goal, Wilson slammed It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go and website or notice board to find informa- into the bench and had to be taken off meet the guys; I just didn’t fancy lads tion on how to join. For me, I think this as a precaution. This seemed to pile running at me to knock me out cold. As was fate as on a dare in my first year in on the bad news for Stirling as the left- I arrived, my fears were then height- Geddes Court, my flatmates encouraged back was probably their best player until ened with the American Football coach, me to attend an American football ses- then. However, this seemed to spur the Robert Orr, reiterating to the “rookies” sion, which I did. However, I was unfor- rest of the side on as for the first time that the sport was indeed violent! tunately not able to commit as I went in the game they had the majority of the However, I proceeded in putting on back home at weekends, so I was glad I possession for a while before a piece of my battle gear and headed to the rubber could go back before my time at Stirling perceived simulation saw a booking for crumb where I was greeted by the team. is over, and who knows, my American Heriot-Watt, but they went in to the I had nothing to worry about: the lads Football career may not be over! break with a 0-1 lead. Improvements needed for the second team Picture: Rajmund Bakonyi Brig | October 2011 SPORT www.brignewspaper.com 23

Find more online at www.brignewspaper.com Sport Tennis Coverage: Stirling Girls get off to perfect start Frisbee club looks to take off with freshers tournament

“Obviously the weather put a big Brig sports editor, Graeme Young, Do you think a tournament like downer on the tournament, and ulti- catches up with Ultimate Frisbee Pres- this will help the exposure of Ul- mately meant we had to cancel play on ident Alan Reid to talk about how the timate Frisbee? the Sunday. However, looking around sport is looking to grow at university on Saturday morning and seeing stu- level. “The tournament in Stirling really dents from all around Scotland con- helps with the exposure of Ultimate gregating to play the sport they love Frisbee here, particularly because it in the driving rain was really pleasing. hen you arrive at uni- is the first tournament of the year. It In few other sports you will find that versity, sometimes the meant we could sell it to freshers at the sense of community and shared inter- problem is not getting Sports Fayre and when the weather est and love for their sport. It’s really Winvolved in sport but is nice, those who pass by the pitches great to see people passionate about a what sport to get involved in. Ultimate often stop to take in a bit of action. Be- sport which a few of them have played Frisbee may not be the first sport on sides the playing aspect of the tourna- for a matter of weeks.” your mind when you come to Stirling ment we also held an event in Envy on but it is on the rise at university level Saturday night. This allowed Stirling around the country. Brig catches up students to mix with Ultimate players “For a club that wasn’t with Stirling’s Ultimate Frisbee Presi- from all over Scotland which exposes The tournament was not spoiled by the adverse weather conditions dent, Alan Reid, to find out why now our sport to the further student body”. even recognised by the Picture: Ruta Sile is the time to get involved in the sport Sports Union until just a the University setup compared to ion president, which is fantastic. For a after a successful tournament hosted What pleased you most about the few years ago to now be at the University. tournament? the more publicised sports? club that wasn’t even recognised by the one of the fastest grow- “It is a lot harder for us to recruit sports union until just a few years ago ing and most consistent new players compared to the more to now be one of the fastest growing publicised sports. We have the disad- and most consistent clubs, it’s a really clubs” vantage that not a lot of people have great time to be part of Ultimate Fris- played the sport at school or in clubs bee at Stirling”. How much does a tournament previously, as most people have played like the one at the weekend help hockey, rugby and football before com- new recruits get involved in the ing to university so they are unlikely to Sport in brief sport? look for our stand at the Sports Fayre. “The tournaments really help new re- However, Ultimate Frisbee is a very Three Stirling University students cruits to get involved in the sport and easy sport to pick up and players de- have been selected for the women’s the team. As the first few tournaments velop very quickly given practice and Scotland national football team to face are geared towards those who have we are always happy to take on people Israel on 12 October (tomorrow). just started playing, it allows them who haven’t even picked up a frisbee The ladies, who have all been involved to get heavily involved in a game and before”. in the Winning Students programme, means they don’t feel too intimidated will look to help Scotland get their playing with more experienced play- Do you feel that Ultimate Frisbee Euro qualifiers of to a flying start. ers. It also gives the players who have at Stirling is growing each year? First time capped Christie Murray been here the chance to pass on advice. “Yes, I do feel that the sport is grow- joins Frankie Brown and Jane Ross in This allows beginners, who are getting ing at Stirling every year. The number Anna Signeul’s squad. a lot of playing time, an easier transi- of new members we bring in usually The Scots will take on an Israel side tion to the sport”. outnumbers the amount of people who who currently prop up the table after leave. We are always gaining reputa- a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of France. The event was very enjoyable for all involved Picture: Ruta Sile How much harder is it for Ulti- tion in the university and have gained mate Frisbee to recruit talent in more support from the new Sports Un- Future looks bright for Scottish lacrosse Five star Nelson shines in demolition Golf success twelve, Fleming believes that there is job for Stirling ladies <

Page 23 - Ultimate Frisbee Tournament Sport Page 22 - Women’s Hockey Success www.brignewspaper.com www.brignewspaper.com Sky divers land Scottish championship

Iain Blackwood both male and female, of the BCPA students trained and in the air by Christ- Editor-in-Chief jumping from 14,000ft from the Perris mas.” Valley Skyvan. Eastlake spoke about how competitive t’s been a very eventful year for Every year there are a number of dif- the sport can be at student level and sug- the university’s Sky Diving Club ferent tours organised by both the gov- gests that there should be more aware- as earlier this year they claimed a erning bodies of sky diving and inde- ness to get people interested. IScottish sky diving title and broke pendent drop zones or clubs. “It is often assumed that sky diving is a a new record in the air whilst on tour. This summer saw 150 members of the non-competative sport, as many people The Sky Diving Club was officially an- BCPA, including sky diving club Presi- are not aware of the number of differ- nounced as Scottish champions back dent Phil Eastlake, and former members ent disciplines that the sport involves. in the summer and they topped other of Stirling Sky Diving Club during the However, even at a student level, we do universities such as Strathclyde, Edin- trip. compete in a national league through burgh, Dundee and Glasgow. Former Sky diving Club President, Ben the British Collegiate Parachuting Asso- The club became Scottish champions Barber, took part in the 22 person for- ciation (BCPA). by earning points throughout the entire mation sky dive and it set a new record “We receive points for both competi- year via the students’ progression train- for the BCPA as it was the largest for- tions (such as accuracy landings, for- ing, qualifications and with many com- mation sky dive its member’s had ever mation jumping competitions, freestyle petition performances by Ben Barber at completed. etc) and for students who are new to various BCPA (British Collegiate Para- The sky diving club President, Phil the sport. It’s great to see newcomers chuting Association) social meets. Eastlake, spoke to Brig and was de- completing certain milestones in their The meets are held throughout the lighted about the club’s achievements sky diving training and improving with year at various drop zones in Scotland. this year and went on to talk about sky every lesson. These include their first The primary events in which the club diving as a sport. training course and earning other quali- could gain points was at BCPA Freshers, “Becoming Scottish champions is a fications throughout their career,” said regional meets, BCPA Northern, South- fantastic achievement for the club con- Eastlake. ern and Scottish Championships. The sidering that it is still a relatively young Like many of the sports clubs at the University of Stirling came top with 144 sports club. University of Stirling, each club is look- points and second place went to Strath- However, I would love to get the cham- ing to recruit plenty of new members Members of the sky diving club jumping out in California Picture: BCPA clyde University with 87 points. pionship again this year and the com- and Phil gave a little bit of advise for and get the information. There are so “It is often said in sky diving that ‘the After becoming crowned Scottish petitive aspect of the sport adds an extra people interested in sky diving or think- many people out there who would love only stupid question is the one you Champions was the record-breaking aim to work towards. The primary goal ing about joing a sky diving club. to sky dive but never even look into it didn’t ask’ and many people are pleas- jump that was completed in Perris Val- for us this year is to introduce as many He said, “The best advice I could pos- because they think that it is far too dan- antly surprised when they eventually get ley, California. The record-breaking new people into the sport as possible. sibly give to anyone who is remotely in- gerous and that they would have to sell the information”, said Eastlake. jump took place during BCPA Tour of We’re currently in the middle of a huge terested in sky diving is to get in touch everything they own to do it. California and it involved 22 members, recruitment drive, aiming to get more Golf scholars claim European crown

Stuart Kenny Marketing and Sports studies student, dominance, as after hitting respective Sports Editor Graeme Robertson, was the pick of the totals of one over, Battle Trophy winner Stirling men, chalking up an impressive Alex Culverwell and Jack McDonald fin- he University of Stirling has fourteen under par score over the sev- ished in tied third place to complete the furthered its already highly ac- enty-two holes to claim the Individual University of Stirling invasion at the top claimed reputation after claiming Men’s gross title. end of the leaderboard. T Robertson attacked the course with In the Individual female category the a clean sweep of the prizes at the 2nd European Universities Golf Champion- accuracy and confidence, shooting three Stirling elite continued to dominate, as ship. Played over four days in Otocec, four under par rounds before finish- Harriet Beasley took the individual ti- Slovenia last month, the men and wom- ing off with a two under par round to tle by one shot ahead of Stirling fresher en took gold in both the single and team take the title. The man, originally from Hannah McCook in the heats of Slovenia categories. Larbert, came into the tournament on that reached up to twenty-nine degrees. The tournament was played on the strong form, after claiming victory in Beasley earned her medal with a score Otocec golf course, a prestigious club in the Scottish Golf Union’s South East of twenty-seven over par after the sev- Slovenia based near the river Krka, and District Championship in late August enty-two holes, with fellow University nominated the nation’s best eighteen- and second-place at the Northern Open student Jordana Graham also grabbing hole course in both 2007 and 2008. earlier this season. an admirable honour as she finished in In 2009, the par 72 course underwent Fellow scholar David Booth, who led fourth place. some changes to increase the challenge, after day one with a seven under par The men also blew away the opposi- extending the course to its current round, hit a highly commendable nine tion in the team competition which saw length of 6189m, with the longest hole under for the tournament to take sec- each University’s best gross score per taking the form of a 568m beast at the ond place in the Individual leaderboard. day combined. The Stirling golfers were on top form in sunny Slovenia Picture: EUSA twelfth. The Stirling men then rounded off their continued on page 23>>