Irish Student Newspaper of the Year 2008

BRAIN DRAIN UNFORGETTABLE PISTE Can young Team erases memories OFF entrepreneurs from mice Snow holidays save us? on a shoestring budget

BUSINESS 18 SCIENCE 19 TRAVEL 20

Tuesday 11 November 2008 www.trinitynews.ie Issue 4, Volume 55 Flyers out as €800,000 SU promos slammed

By Naomi O’Leary

Pav plan JUNIOR DEAN Emma Stokes has sent an email warning students not to distribute promotional material within college as it constitutes “littering”. Ms. Stokes noted that many fl yers advertise “cheap alcohol”. This warning has particular resonance following much negative portrayal of Trinity students in revealed the media. An Independent Complaints Panel decision in April upheld that Student Union promotions on campus » Function room available to sports clubs encouraged excessive drinking. The Panel ruled that the Student Union promotions » New toilet facilities to end queues were in breach of the Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol Society (MEAS) Code of » Pav may remain closed next September Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks. By Conor James McKinney the building to allow wheelchair users to Anonymous members of the public access the bar area. The existing concrete had made complaints about promotion staircase at this point will be replaced by for the “ENTS Christmas Party” and THE DUBLIN University Central a more modern metal structure. “Twisted Tuesdays”. The ‘Ents Christmas Athletics Club (DUCAC) plans to begin DUCAC have not been able to provide Party’ was held at the Purty Kitchen work on a major redevelopment of the an estimate of the cost of the development in Temple Bar and was promoted by Pavilion Bar this summer. An application posters advertising ‘mulled wine, Santa’s for planning permission was lodged late Dr. Trevor West, helpers with vodka supersoakers! €2 last year, and granted on February 1st DUCAC Chairman, drinks!’. The Panel concluded that this 2008. Architects Arthur Gibney and said the project was a drinking game, likely to encourage Partners, of Harcourt Street, have drawn would be “pushed excessive drinking. In the case of the SU up the plans, which were approved by the hard” event ‘Twisted Tuesday’ held at Citibar, College Site & Facilities Committee in the Panel considered the use of the term November 2007. as of yet. Trinity News understands from ‘twisted’ and the student market at which The new Pav will be extended out on one source however that the project is it was aimed. It ruled that the phrasing either side, such that the only outdoor expected to cost €800,000. The last encouraged excessive drinking. Citibar seating remaining will be be at the front, major work to be carried out on the said that the event was run by the SU to the immediate left and right of the building in 1989/90 – when women’s and when a complaint was made, every front door. To the right of the existing changing rooms and other facilities were action was taken to pull all promotional building, as viewed from the front steps, added to the ground fl oor – cost around ‘Twisted Tuesday’ material. Alcohol will be new toilets, which should see the £250,000. Part of the Pav’s €116,000 watchdog MEAS has asserted that end of the queues that currently form profi t for the last fi nancial year will be put Licencees Citibar and the Purty Kitchen for the facilities during busy periods. towards the redevelopment. A further are responsible for their promotions, To the left will be a function room, unspecifi ed amount will be returned even when those promotions are run by accessible through sliding doors from the as usual to the main DUCAC budget to a third party. main indoor seating area, which will be support its activities. Former Ents offi cer Ed O’Riordain, available for sports clubs to rent out. Both One matter of concern for students who was in charge of promotion of both new wings will have a glass and timber is that it looks likely that the Pav will be events, said that he found the promotion frame facing the front of the building, closed for part of next year, leaving Trinity of events on campus was already with panelling at the rear. In all, around with no bar on campus for that period. A severely restricted. He stressed that 89 square metres of new fl oor area will DUCAC spokesperson was keen to stress over regulation and bureaucracy of the be added. that there was no desire to close the Pav necessary promotion was an inhibition In another sign of College’s on their part, since the profi ts made from to the creation of a vibrant student commitment to universal access, a lift will social life, of which SU events remain an be installed at the north-east corner of Continued on page 2 Med Day participants were well prepared as the scene outside the Physiology building attested. Photo: Rachel Kennedy essential part.

HOUSE 6 SKETCH Cancer Society get cheeky “Ring the alarum bell!” By Deirdre Robertson Cancer Society. College News Editor Previous events organised by the society have included members running THE RINGING of the alarum bell even as they stood in the downpour, ‘CLOTHES MAKE the man. Naked people the New York Marathon, the ‘Pink didn’t have quite as dramatic an effect the minds of these public-spirited have little or no infl uence on society’ said Party’ run jointly with DUBES, a Buttery on House 6 as in the closing scenes of gentlemen were still bent on casting Mark Twain. Yet Trinity College Cancer table quiz and the annual Daffodil Day MacBeth, when it called the tyrant’s down the Great Evil that menaces the Society would strongly disagree with collections in which 40 volunteers raised armies to battle, but as the fi re the student way of life. As the shrill this statement as they launch their 2009 €10,000 selling daffodils, pins and alarm sent out its urgent peals on a clamour of the alarm ceased, the naked students calendar. keyrings. particularly dismal afternoon last week thoughts of all four ran as one: the bell The society has warned students not to This year, however, the society has it certainly sent the hacks scurrying. tolls for fees. be too surprised ‘if you catch a glimpse of planned more elaborate events. The This unexpected distraction from the Thankfully, the denizens of House 6 college studs in the nip around the Ussher Charity Ball on 25 November will be vital business of the day rendered the didn’t have too long to wait - had they library or other unexpected spots”. the fi rst mixed Charity Ball in Trinity, great and the good of College society gone down with pneumonia out there The calendar is a fundraising initiative a Full Moon Thai Party will include the temporarily powerless as they huddled in the cold, whatever would we have by the society who have raised over essential glow paint and buckets and the together under umbrellas, bemoaning done without them? - as our beloved €80,000 in the past two years for cancer afformentioned naked calendar promises the time spent away from their various College Fire Safety Offi cer was on hand research. ‘Students go starkers – all in the to ‘get your blood boiling on those nippy machinations. to give the all-clear. Commendations name of charity!’ says the society of their The November spread from UCC’s naked calendar. Winter evenings’. Here was Joe O’Gorman, telling were given to all present for the timely new calendar, which will be released on According to the society, the calendar anyone who would listen that the manner of their exit: the evacution 24th November. during their Rag Week. The students of middle-aged Yorkshire women who will ‘celebrate the beauty of the naked offi cial gathering point in such took place in under a minute, This latest fundraising idea will volunteered to strip off in various were trying to raise money for Leukemia body’. Society members described it as emergencies was the Campanile. confounding those who feel that the see the ‘crème de la crème of Trinity locations around college including the research. Since then, naked calendars the ‘fi rst annual Trinity College Cancer There stood Ronan Hodson, who hacks have too little appreciation for hotties’ strip off in various locations science lab, the café, a classroom and the have emerged in every aspect of society Soceity calendar’ suggesting that this is was the best dressed of the bunch their own importance. Eyeing each around campus. Speculations are rife canteen. from Sligo farmers to French rugby an event students can look forward to and knew it. Notable by her absence other with redoubled suspicion, back that the Trinity Rugby Team will be The photographs raised €5,000 from players to the Dublin Firemen Brigade. every year. was Orlaith Foley, evidently having went the stalwarts of offi cialdom to assuming ‘compromising positions’ on the 1,000 calendars bought. This infl ux The Trinity Cancer Society has become Claire Duffy, Marie Claire Collins and decided that her role as Welfare resume their daily grind. the college pitch but nothing has yet been of donations is explained by the Trinity one of the largest societies on campus Suzanne Gaffey pointed out that students Offi cer charged her with remaining in PS: It’s a long way down from the confi rmed. Cancer Society’s opinion that ‘the novelty having signed up over 1,300 members. who pay €6.99 for photographs of their the building lest any student needed second fl oor, but Martin McKenna The Trinity Cancer Society members factor of seeing unsuspected people strip Alumni student Rory McGowan set up the naked peers will not only gain ‘a feast for rescuing from the potential fl ames. seems to possess, among many other are far from the fi rst people to publish is a moneymaker.’ Cancer Society in 2006 in order to raise the eyes but (will) also be supporting an Her fellow SU offi cers, natural leaders thing, the power of levitation, such was a naked calendar in aid of a charity. In UCC’s inspiration, in turn, came from cancer awareness throughout college extremely worthy cause’. ‘Think Calendar to a man, kept their heads in the midst the speed of our editor’s ingloriouzvzs 2007 12 students in University College the 2003 fi lm Calendar Girls which and raise money for research. Trinity is Girls meets the Full Monty but with an of crisis – though it was apparent that fl ight. But hush! Here he comes now... Cork posed naked for a calendar sold documented the true story of a group the only university in Ireland that has a added twist, naked people you know!’ TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 2 NEWS November 11, 2008

“Volunteering is like being a fan at a football game: if “Vivisection is a Lies Money” only one person scream then there is no effect, but “Thou shalt not kill.” - Graffi ti painted on the walls of if everyone does there’s a huge effect. And even - Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Dr. Dermot Clifford, the Arts Block at the Nassau St. though one voice really doesn’t matter, we still THIS FORTNIGHT reminding the Governors of UCC of the Fifth entrance to College over the scream because it’s a collective effort.” Commandment after they voted 16 against 15 to allow weekend of October 25-26. - Nate Morgante, College Democrat at Columbia stem-cell research at the university University in New York City, about the student THEY SAID... “I am still gutted, and in recent campaiging effort in Virginia for the Presidential elections “Some of the shows coming up are years have only stopped the biggest on the tour, so I’d feel taking this disaster out on my like such a quitter if we went own children.” “Most of the time you’re Compiled by Kasia Mychajlowycz home early just because we lost - David Bergin, former UCD rugby on playlists, so you E: [email protected] our pants.” player, on being dropped from end up playing a lot of - Dan Wiese, guitarist of Kill the side a couple of weeks before Colours in 1975 music you don’t actually Hannah, in TN2 interview with like… I mean, I can’t Catriona Gray “Obama has a short life-line and he’s going to stand country, but I “We wanted to create a young Irish brand die young. That’s a prediction going back in our end up playing a lot of that was sexy… I believe at Farrel & “It’s something to do.” archives.” it because that’s what Brown we have succesfully filled the gap.” - DU Triathlon Club captain Luke - Helen Barrett, the White Witch of the Isles, leader of people want to hear.” - Paula Hanley, Design team member at F&B, TN2 Feighery, on completing the triathlon. the nation’s thousands of witches and wizards, to TN2 - Larry Gogan, RTE presenter, in a TN2 interview Fashion Editor Hugh McCafferty at the 8th Annual World Ghost Convention. NUMEROLOGY 89 m2 to be added to Pav Compiled by Kasia Mychajlowycz Continued from page 1

the bar is important to its fi nances. However, the Honorary Chairman of 40 million DUCAC, Dr. Trevor West, speaking at last week’s DUCAC AGM, indicated that » Projected number of young men that will be left without female partners since the work was likely to take around in China if current demographic trends continue, according to the UN four months, barring overruns, and Population Fund. Feature: page 11 modularisation will bring undergraduates back to College in September next year, there was a possibility that the Pav will be closed when term begins. He also said that the project will be “pushed hard” between €800,000 now and Christmas so as to fi nalise all the arrangements for work to begin in June. The approximated cost of the Pavilion Bar redevelopment according to one There has been as yet no indication as to source. whether a contractor has been engaged or when exactly construction will begin.

Above: A rendering of the planned extension, showing “A STRUCTURE OF SUCH MAGNITUDE AND FINISH” the new toilets on the right; below, plans showing the new 13 staircase to the main entrance. THE PAVILION Bar was fi rst built in 1885. It was large dressing-rooms. A series of vaults, » age of Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Feature: page 10 extended to the north in 1919 and again to arched in concrete, extend under the steps in the south in the 1960s, restoring the original front, and seem just the thing for storing the symmetry of the building. multitudinous sundries of athletic requirements; It was originally designed by Sir Thomas their very shape suggests a repository for Drew, a Belfast-born architects with a practice bicycles, to which we daresay they will be at 50% in Clare Street. Some of his best work was times applied. A corridor with glazed doors reserved for ecclesiastical structures, generally communicates at each end with the park, and » Proportion of students surveyed at Cambridge who admitted to for the Church of Ireland, but he also designed through these doors and the staircase they plagiarising the Ulster Bank on College Green and the lead to, is the approach to the pavilion proper Graduates Memorial Building on Library or large assembly room. Square. The stand and its fl anking platforms will “A light-hearted Doric Pavilion”, according accommodate about 350 spectators, and if to Arthur Gibney Architects, the following the long range of doors which separate the 10-20 description of the original Pav appeared in the assembly room from the stand are thrown open, Irish Builder on June 1st, 1885, just after its fully 500 people could with comfort witness the » Trinity News’ prediction of UCD’s winning margin in the upcoming completion: sports from this vantage point. Colours rugby game. “The new pavilion, a handsome structure, The style of architecture is Doric of the and, unlike the majority of buildings for similar Roman type; the entablature is of wood purposes, does not partake of the temporary framing, and illustrates early Roman building, in its construction. The arrangement of the and should be of interest to architectural basement (writes the Irish Times) seems all students, showing, as it does, the motif of that is desirable for the accomodation of the the later stone construction. The cost of the various clubs in the University Athletic Union. It completed building will be under £1,500, and contains two large bath rooms and lavatories, it certainly seems a small sum for a structure of and a fi ne kitchen and drying-room and two such magnitude and fi nish”. CLARIFICATIONS AND CORRECTIONS

The photograph accompanying the article ‘Battered Bertie Gets Hist Med- al’ published on 28th October should have been credited to Graham Kelly.

INFORMATION Freshers’ Co-op gets rear in gear

EDITOR: Martin McKenna DEPUTY EDITOR: Anna Stein WEBSITE: Stuart Martin BUSINESS MANAGER: Lia Prendergast COPY EDITORS: Tom Lowe Nick Beard Kara Furr Kiera Healy Ruth Mahony PHOTOGRAPHS: Rachel Kennedy COLLEGE NEWS: Deirdre Robertson NATIONAL NEWS: Una Geary INTERNATIONAL NEWS: Kasia Mychajlowycz NEWS FEATURES: Deirdre Lennon FEATURES: Emily Monk OPINION: Aoife Crowley WORLD REVIEW: Aaron Mulvihill TRAVEL: Derek Larney BUSINESS: Grace Walsh SCIENCE: Luke Maishman COLLEGE SPORT: Conor James McKinney TN2 EDITOR: Hugh McCafferty FILM: Michael Armstrong MUSIC: Steven Lydon Rehearsals were in full swing over the weekend, with the dulcet tones of the participant’s singing voices eminating from Regent House. Photo: Rachel Kennedy FASHION: Patrice Murphy BOOKS: Jean Morley By Deirdre Robertson the emphaisis has changed slightly as of a James Joyce short story and a new THEATRE: Kathy Clarke College News Editor the Freshers’ Co-Op is just one of many writing piece. FRESHERS’ CO-OP ART: Caroline O’Leary plays in the new ‘Freshers’ Festival’ that The new writing piece this year is the FOOD AND DRINK: Melanie O’Reilly DU PLAYERS are currently putting the encourages students who do not want Freshers’ Co-Op called ‘The Ballad of fi nishing touches to their ‘pantomime to be involved in the hectic Co-Op to get Susan McJilty’. It was written and directed 2008 ‘The Ballad of All Trinity News staff can be contacted on style extravaganza’, the Freshers’ Co-op. involved in Players. by Ross Dungan, Emma Gleeson, Ciaran fi [email protected]. The event is an annual occurrence Hannah Partis-Jennings, one of Clarke and Greg Willmot and includes a Susan McJilton’ which sees a cast of 40-60 students write, the producers of the Co-Op this year cast of 50 students. “Following a murder 2007 ‘Bang!’ Trinity News is funded by a grant from DU Publications Committee. This direct and perform a huge production of epic proportions, a series of nameless 2006 ‘A Fish Called Wil- publication claims no special rights or privileges. Serious complaints should that runs for 6 nights in week 6. “Encompasses and random characters are thrown into be addressed to: The Editor, Trinity News, 6 Trinity College, Dublin 2. Ap- Like many College societies, it is an more insane the time/space continuum to try and save helm’ peals may be directed to the Press Council of Ireland. event advertised during Freshers’ week situations and the world ... as you do”. 2005 ‘An aristocrat aimed particularly at fi rst years who outrageous gags Ms Partis-Jennings said ‘The story named Gustav’ Trinity News is a full participating member of the Press want to become involved in the society. than ever before” involves a search to solve a strange crime Council of Ireland and supports the Offi ce of the Press However this has sometimes been that spans many timezones, involves 2004 ‘Cruddling the Ombudsman. This scheme in addition to defending criticised as a way in which the society described the reasons behind the new every kind of character and encompasses Voice’ the freedom of the press, offers readers a quick, fair becomes a ‘clique’ where participation in system. “Players wanted to expand more insane situations and outrageous and free method of dealing with complaints that they the Co-Op becomes an essential attribute. membership and broaden the appeal gags then ever before.’ The focus, this Previously ‘3 plays for may have in relation to articles that appear on our One ex-director noted that almost all of of the society by offering a range of year will be on the techinical side of the coarse actors’ pages. To contact the Offi ce of the Press Ombudsman the people who act in the Co-Op become different theatre pieces for the Freshers production making it ‘a visual spectacle to go to www.pressombudsman.ie the main leaders in the society within a to get involved in.” remember’. The Co-Op is the culmination few years. The festival comprised of two short of the festival and will run every night this However, he stressed that this year Pinter plays, a Berkof play, an adaption week at 8pm and a matinee on Saturday. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 NEWS 3 Goldsmith residents compensated over works

By Naomi O’Leary & daylight” from the construction works residents. Mr. Dempsey stated that charge an application fee for requesting a single room in the Rubrics; without Conor Sullivan of the new biosciences building which “Rooms in Houses 70 and 71 on fl oors one accommodation on campus or in Trinity compensation. has been commissioned by College. The and two will lose some light because of Hall. The €15 fee is non-refundable to all Record applicant numbers forced development is so close that the site the site offi ces. Rooms on fl oors three and students regardless of whether they get Trinity Hall to allocate rooms in the ACCOMMODATION OFFICER Anthony offi ces will be less than 2 meters from four may experience some disturbance accommodation or not. Despite using an Dartry complex through random Dempsey this week sent an email to all Goldsmith Hall. The compensation due to noise and dust from the site but online application system, in common selection. One service that has been fl ling Goldsmith Hall residents announcing applies to residents on the east facing will not be at a loss of daylight.” with the other Irish Universities, Mr. the gap is Griffi th Hall of Residence, compensation of almost €900 for side of Goldsmith Hall. While residents, who were notifi ed of Dempsey said the fee pays for “the which has taken in some of the Junior disturbance from building works adjacent Residents will also be provided with the works with their offer letters, aren’t considerable workload and systems Freshmen turned away from Trinity Hall. to the Pearse Street apartments. extra lighting, blinds and net curtains formally entitled to be compensated involved in the application process”. A single room costs €7,200 in Griffi th The email to residents announced to provide privacy from the site offi ces, for the building work according to the Subsequently, students who had been Hall for the academic year, utility bills compensation in the form of a rent which will be located 1.8 metres from Conditions of Occupancy, granted accommodation in the Rubrics not included, and residents must also pay reduction to the amount paid for standard windows in Goldsmith Hall. Mr. Dempsey stated that he had building, in Front Square, were asked to a non-refundable €1000 deposit. rooms on campus, such as rooms in New The decision has been welcomed negotiated an “ex-gratia contribution move into temporary accommodation on “It’s a scam. They do everything they Square - a difference of €863. Scholars by Goldsmith Hall residents, who have from the development” for residents on campus as building works on their rooms can to get money out of you.” said one will be refunded energy charges of €600 suffered problems with central heating the East facing side of Goldsmith Hall. had not yet been completed. Trinity student. says Danielle Neale, a they would otherwise have had to pay. and hot water. So far this year, the Accommodation Students were due to move in on Junior Freshman student of Pharmacy It was stated that the decision had been Residents have also reported that Offi ce has been the subject of scrutiny. October 1st but by October 28th they from Tullamore who took a room at taken due to a combination of “heavy companies have distributed fl yers It was revealed before term began that were still living in other areas of campus, Griffi th following her rejection by Trinity noise”, “dust from the site” and “loss of advertising “cheap earplugs” for Goldsmith Hall Trinity is the only college in Ireland to some sharing twin rooms but paying for Hall, “And we had bedbugs, too.” No time for Clinton initative tomfoolery approaches with Stewart By Thomas Raftery THE CLINTON Global Initiative – a By Michael Armstrong the abuse his mother suffered, his father global activists group – may become a instilled in both he and his brothers student society in Trinity this year. a drive to succeed, and a “passion for The Clinton Global Initiative PATRICK STEWART, OBE, captivated justice and fairness.” University, a specifi c division of the a packed audience in the G.M.B. on This passion led him to become main initiative, was set up in 2007. It Halloween night, giving an interview involved in politics throughout his life, aims to develop and expand collective to Newstalk’s Orla Barry as part of an supporting the Labour party from a young responsibility overseas and to address event organised by the DU Historical age and even becoming an unoffi cial major global problems to affect real Society. Before the interview Mr. Stewart liaison between New Labour and those positive change. One CGIU spokesperson offi cially launched the Bram Stoker in his profession for a spell. When asked said the project has targeted students Society of Ireland’s treasure hunt in aid about the current U.S. Presidential with the hope that they can offer ‘practical of MS, and donned a Dracula-style cape election, he replied that the election and innovative solutions’ to issues that in order to make an entrance fi tting with of Barack Obama would represent a will affect our futures. “cultural, if not political revolution,” Danielle Ryan, Trinity’s CGIU campus Newstalk’s Orla giving it the same historical importance rep, is currently in the process of Barry was asked if as the end of apartheid in South Africa, establishing CGIU as an offi cial Trinity she was making a or the fall of the Berlin Wall. society. After applications to the CSC, proposition during Inevitably the conversation strayed signatures, and an approved society the interview towards his most famous role, that of constitution, she hopes that CGIU Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The will grow to become part of student’s the holiday season Next Generation. Stewart spoke humbly everyday lives. Before giving a brief talk and taking of his shock at being offered a huge The inaugural meeting of the questions, Stewart gave special thanks television role, and praised his co-stars CGIU attracted thousands of students, to Hist Correspondence Secretary James for teaching him how to be silly while university offi cials and global activists Walsh for setting up the visit, and was doing serious work. This represented to Tulane University in New Orleans. presented with the society’s prestigious a serious change in work ethic for the The crowd comprised of people from Samuel Beckett award by the society’s Shakespearean theatre actor, who once nearly every state and over 15 countries. Auditor Thomas Kinsella. called an infamous meeting early on in They pledged their support to initiatives Due to work commitments Mr. the show’s production to confront the fi ghting climate change, global health, Stewart was only in Dublin for a one-day cast about their “tomfoolery.” poverty alleviation and human rights. visit, but is no stranger to the city. While Despite claiming that he had more in Some programmes include teaming up fi lming Excalibur he lived in a caravan common with Ebenezer Scrooge than any with Brad Pitt’s ‘Make it right’ project, in the Wicklow Mountains, and would other character he had portrayed, Stewart and preparing sites in New Orleans lower regularly make pilgrimages into the city displayed good humour and a sharp wit ninth ward (devastated by Katrina) for for “the drinking.” throughout the interview, fending off construction and regeneration. In a wide-ranging and entertaining questions about his current personal life. Ryan pictures the initiative starting on interview, the 68-year-old actor began by When asked about a comment he once a small scale, ensuring there are energy- giving a brief account of his early years made about not meeting women his own effi cient light bulbs in all classrooms or growing up in Murphy, a small town near age, he turned to Barry and coyly asked if bike share programs, but hopes that Huddersfi eld in Yorkshire. she was making a proposition herself. once the society has established itself Far from his now famous magisterial For young Trinity students hoping to among students, then larger and more accent, the young Stewart spoke with pursue a career in acting, Mr. Stewart universal ‘commitments’ can start to a distinctive regional dialect that led advised that only those who could be be made. For example, one campus in to some confusion when fi rst hearing truly fearless while performing could America has begun to distribute life- Shakespeare, as he mistook a famous avoid short-changing their audience, and saving water fi ltration kits and medical soliloquy from Hamlet for a passage warned against going into acting unless it backpacks to nomadic doctors in Africa. about coal mining. was a lifelong passion. Since the inaugural meeting, over A “chaotic and sometimes dangerous” When asked for comment, Hist 1000 commitments have been made by home life led him to fi nd safety and Auditor Thomas Kinsella said he was very students worldwide. self-expression on stage, as he found it pleased with how the event had gone, and President Clinton opened CGIU with was the only way to “tell the world who praised Mr. Stewart’s “honest, open and these words, “Today’s generation of Patrick Stewart is.” The violent behaviour enjoyable” approach. young people has more power to change of his father led to his later involvement Patrick Stewart is currently starring the course of our future than any previous in several charities that help victims of in an RSC production of Hamlet with generation”, and it seems that with the domestic violence, including Refuge and David Tennant, and his next project is a hard work of Ryan, and the commitment Amnesty International. Mr. Stewart was production of Waiting For Godot, playing of Trinity students, we too should work to quick to point out though that despite Vladimir to Ian McKellen’s Estragon. Stewart in the stairway of the Graduate Memorial Building during his visit on October 31st. Photo: Michael Armstrong effectively instigate positive change.

Abortion Aftercare Freetext aftercare to 50444 or visit www.abortionaftercare.ie for a list of agencies that provide post-abortion medical check-ups and counselling services. Free. Non-judgemental. Supportive. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 4 NEWS November 11, 2008 SHORT CUTS Trinity’s artworks distributed to students By Brian Barry unfortunate that not all paintings were allocated. The remaining paintings TRINITY SURVEY will be put on display in common areas THE COLLEGE Gallery Art Hire Scheme around campus. “It is a great initiative TRINITY SURVEYS has been reintroduced this year after a and a huge task in itself. The scheme is fi ve year hiatus, giving Trinity students new to many people. Hopefully it will COLLEGE LIFE who live on campus the opportunity to grow next year” Ms. Richardson said. become proud owners of Trinity College’s Ms Giltrap explained that the lack DEAN OF Students Dr. Gerry fi nest and most famous artworks, albeit of gallery space and the two day display Whyte has commissioned a temporarily for the academic year. held this year “made it diffi cult to display student satisfaction survey, the Catherine Giltrap, who was appointed the collection long enough for everyone results of which to be released as the fi rst full-time Curator of the College to view them but we might try a new before Christmas. Art Collections in 2007, resurrected the online viewing system next year”. Ms. The decision was taken by scheme for this academic year after a lack Richardson also told Trinity News that it the Trinity Experience Forum, of human resources made it impossible was interesting tmore males than females a student feedback initiative to administer it after 2003. expressed interest in the scheme. established under the college Last month, the valuable collection When asked about trusting the Strategic Plan that has brought was put on display at the Science Gallery. student body with such precious together students such as Paul Students and staff submitted for their material, Catherine Giltrap said “no Gallagher and Eoin O‘Braoin favourite artworks from the display. priceless paintings have gone missing in what is described by the The paintings, prints and posters were surprisingly” and although there were Dean of Students as a “fact then allocated on a lottery based on the a few stories of near-disasters over the fi nding initiative“. The survey submissions. Thankfully, students got one years, “the students probably know willl be conducted by the Geary up on staff members - who had to wait One lucky student left with an original linocut print signed by Picasso. more about them than I do. This is an Institute at UCD. Dr. Whyte has their turn as the fi rst round of allocations active collection, nothing like a museum admitted that negative feedback went entirely to students. himself.” generation of students will be aware of will become involved in the near future, collection, so one has to accept that the was anticipated, but refused Although everyone who attended the The scheme fi rst began in 1959 by major works by Irish artists of their own with the 50th anniversary of the Trinity artworks live and are lived with! I don’t to conjecture about what display ended up with a piece on ‘ballot Professor George Dawson, who also time’” Ms. Giltrap explained. College Modern Art Collection falling think this kind of scheme runs anywhere the criticisms might address, day’, some were undoubtedly luckier than helped establish the Genetics Department Ms. Giltrap also re-established the next year. At the display last month, each else in Irish universities to the same stressing that action would been others, walking back to their rooms with the previous year. “The objective was College Gallery Student Committee Committee member received a pile of extent as at Trinity College.” considered and taken where extremely impressive works under the to enable students, fi rst and foremost, this year who volunteer to help with ballot sheets of submitted preferences, Ms. Giltrap also expressed some appropriate. arm. Ms Giltrap told Trinity News - “If and staff at a later stage, to become administering the scheme, and also to and according to Ms. Giltrap “worked optimism and faith in the artistic tastes you want to know about famous works of familiar with Irish and, subsequently, help assist in choosing new paintings to very hard” in securing the best loot for of the Trinity community - “We purposely art, you can’t get any more famous than international artworks by developing a purchase for the collection. At present their randomly allotted group of students only labelled the pictures with their LIBRARIAN’S INQUEST Picasso. Suffi ce it to say that one student, collection of modern and contemporary the Committee consists of Junior and or staff. collection numbers rather than artist the identity of whom I cannot divulge, art displayed in student rooms, staff Senior Sophister History of Art and Sorcha Richardson, a member of the names and titles, so that people could ‘EXEMPLARY’ is the lucky temporary caretaker of an offi ces and common areas in College. It Architecture students, but it is hoped student committee said that the scheme free their visual eye to just choose what original linocut print signed by Picasso was Professor Dawson’s hope that ‘each that students of different disciplines was a success this year although it was attracted them.” LIBRARIAN A TRINITY College librarian who was found unresponsive at home suffered from anorexia EVENTS GUIDE according to a recent inquest. Trinity News awarded Anne Walsh died in November 2007 of bronchial pneumonia secondary to malnutrition, secondary to grant for India report What’s on this anorexia nervosa. The inquest heard that Ms Walsh had been diagnosed with By Fionn McLaughlin Trinity News joins the ranks of the anorexia nervosa when she was Irish Times, RTÉ, Newstalk, the Irish 18. Examiner, the Sunday Business Post coming fortnight Deputy Librarian Jessica TRINITY NEWS has been awarded a and the Sunday Tribune as previous Curtis described both Ms grant from the Simon Cumbers Media reciepients of grants from the fund. Walsh’s work and her attendance Challenge Fund to send a delegation During the trip, the team will blog record as ‘exemplary’. She had of reporters to New Delhi, India this daily on the Trinity News website at Tuesday November 11 Keplinger of the WIPO. 7:30, GMB. of the most interesting places in attended work the day before December in order to report on education www.trinitynews.ie. Mixed media will be Management Science Society: Free Reception afterwards, followed College. Feedback and assistance her death and had not taken sick and development there. produced, including written articles and Society Poker Night in McTurcaills by Philthy Electro in the Button will be given. Depending on leave since 2005. The Fund is aimed at “assisting audio slideshows of still photographs. on Tara Street, all welcome. Food Factory, Temple Bar. weather conditions. Meet at DUPA The Coroner, Dr Kieran assisting and promoting more and better With the material that will be produced provided along with Drinks promos. noticeboard at front arch, 7:30PM Geraghty, expressed his quality media coverage of development during and as a result of the trip, Trinity 7PM Visual Arts Society: Guided Tour of condolences to the family. issues in the Irish media.” As a result of News will publish a supplement in Hilary the National Gallery’s new exhibition receiving the grant, Trinity News will Term on the topic of education and Law Society: Maidens Debating of Finnish Painting from turn of the Monday November 17 send three journalists abroad. Luke Competition Final. Followed by after 20th Century. Contact visarts@csc. The Phil: John Negroponte, former COMPETITIVE DEBATING Maishman, International Development Simon Cumbers party in Lillies Bordello. 7PM, GMB tcd.ie to attend tour. 6PM, National US Director of National Intelligence, Editor and Science Editor, will lead was killed while Gallery former Ambassador to Iraq and PHIL FRESHERS the delegation. Maishman spent three fi lming for the Genetical: Pub Quiz. €20 per team current Deputy Sectetary of State months last summer living and working BBC in Saudi of fi ve. Downstairs in Kenneddy’s Liteary Society: Dermot Bolger will of the United States will give an WIN NOVICE FINAL in New Delhi. Arabia. on Westland Row (near the Lincoln read from his work, discussing his interview in the GMB chamber. Maishman travelled to India with the Gate entrance), 7PM. career and answering questions from Reception to follow, 7PM A FIRST-YEAR team representing SUAS volunteer group. There, he spent development in Delhi. the audience. 7PM, location TBC. the University Philosophical the summer working as a teacher in The Fund was set up in the memory of Wednesday November 12 Free Legal Advice Centre: Students Society won the novice schools in New Delhi. These schools will Simon Cumbers, who was murdered by Geological Society: DART Crawl. welcome to attend a legal clinic fi nal at the Cork Intervarsity be visited again by the Trinity News team terrorist gunmen while fi lming a report Entrepreneurial Society: Internship Two evenly matched teams will where a qualifi ed solicitor will be Debating Championship last in order to report on the progress that for BBC Television News in Saudi Arabia. Night. A variety of employers will venture along the northern and available to answer your questions weekend. Andrew Linn and has been made. The attackers opened fi re on Simon and be represented in all sectors. Free southern DART lines. Meet at confi dentially. Room 4, the Atrium, Shauna Maguire won the fi nal Editor of Trinity News, Martin his colleague, BBC correspondent Frank reception to follow. 7PM, Emmet Museum Building, 7:30PM. 7PM. successfully defeating three McKenna will travel in his capacity Gardner, in a suburb of Riyadh in June Theatre, Arts Block. other teams from University as photographer. Mr. McKenna has 2004. Simon died at the scene and Frank Gamers Society: Boardgames Night, Thursday November 20 College Dublin. The motion previously studied photography full-time was seriously injured. Photography Society: Introduction everything from old ones like Risk to The Phil: Gay Rights Debate. Debate concerned developing before he became a student in Trinity. In 2005, a little over a year after to composition. Learn how to take new ones like Fluxx. Goldsmith Hall, on Civil Partership and Marriage, countries’ rights to develop The third member of the party will Simon’s tragic death, Minister of State better and more interesting photos. 7PM. and current government proposals. nuclear technologies. be Catriona Gray, an experienced writer at the Department of Foreign Affairs, 7.30PM, Room 5052 Arts Building Guest speakers include Sen. Alex The pair had previously taken with Trinity News and editor of TN2 in Conor Lenihan TD, in close consultation Management Society: Distinct, a White, Dervla Brown SC, and Eoin part in the PhilSpeaks initiative 2007-8. All the members of the team have with Simon’s wife and family, decided Thursday November 13 management consultancy, will be Colley of the Equality Authority. which runs public speaking been nominated in the national Student to establish the Simon Cumbers Media meeting students to discuss careers. workshops and debating Media Awards, though neither Gray nor Challenge Fund in his memory. The Phil: Debate on Music Piracy, Eliz Rooms, House 6, 7PM Friday November 21 competitions for secondary McKenna have visited India before. “Should all music be free?”. Guests The Phil: Tommy Hilfi ger will give school children around the Editor Martin McKenna said, “I’m include Richard Stallman of the Free Friday November 14 an interview in the GMB chamber at country. A workshop for Dublin honoured and proud to be able to send a Page 8: Extracts from Maishman’s Software Foundation, Kevin Marks Photography Society: Photo Walk midday. schools is being held in Trinity team of journalists on such an adventure. experiences during his summer in of Open Rights UK, and Michael around College. Take photos of some on Tuesday November 11th in For a student newspaper to produce Delhi, as well as more on the Simon the GMB. original international content is highly Cumbers Media Challenge Fund unusual.”

YOUR VIEW

WHAT WOULD CAITLIN CRAWFORD AMY WICKHAM DILWYN ROBERTS DAMIAN BRAVO CHIARA POPPLEWELL SS POLITICS SS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING PH. D. CHEMISTRY PH.D. PHILOSOPHY 2005 ALUMNUS, EUROPEAN STUD- YOU LIKE TO SEE IES I’d like to see more social events, I dunno, more places to sit- I I’m not really used to going INCLUDED IN THE Being able to sit in the lawn I know they’re trying to get know that sounds really old! there, but I’d like there to be There should be a student centre more, more loos… and more Sports evenings on Saturdays, so But apart from that, the staff are better food, with more variety- as well, if they’re extending the REMODELLED PAV? sunny days! maybe possibly on Sundays as good, the music is good- it’s a maybe sandwiches. Fast food, Pav. Like the UCD Student Cen- well. good place. yes, but properly made. tre, because people actually use it. There’s only the GMB, which is great if you’re part of the Phil or the Hist, but there should be something for everybody.” TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 NATIONAL NEWS 5

SHORT Southern Area Offi cer resigns from USI CUTS By Oisín Collins I was always open that I hadn’t decided commented, “I’m really disappointed, the exist for resolving this situation. Either a seriously dilute the amount of time they Reporting from NUIG if I would or wouldn’t be going back to Union of Students in Ireland are having by-election could be held for this position, spend dealing with local issues. College.” their strongest year in a long time. It’s a or the remaining members of the USI This resignation is another blow to STUDENTS OF Munster colleges have Mr. McElhinny, last year’s SU great team and I’m disappointed not to Offi cer Board could instead opt to share USI, which was so spectacularly rocked UNESCO been left without representation at a president in UCC, had applied for a be continuing with them.” He added that the duties and responsibilities formerly with scandal last year when a memo national level following the sudden and Master’s in Information Systems. As held by Mr. McElhenny for the remainder outlining plans to call for a vote of no NUIG AWARDED unexpected departure of Kris McElhinny, no-one else put themselves forward for McElhinny of his elected term in offi ce. confi dence in USI President, Richard formerly Southern Area Offi cer for the the elections, he ran for the position attempted to juggle Due to the complexity of organising Morrisroe, allegedly written by the then IRELAND’S FIRST Union of Students in Ireland (USI) from on the premise that he would “do it for his commitments to elections for a full-time sabbatical position Equality Offi cer, Steve Conlon was leaked the Offi cer Board. The Southern Area a few months and see how it went.” His his studies and his mid-term, it is widely believed that the over the internet. Further resignations UNESCO CHAIR Offi cer position is currently a full-time, intention was to focus on the non-policy position latter of these two options is the most followed and the offi cer board was left paid position within USI and as such, any work of the USI. Having been offered a likely to be adopted by USI. This has led decimated by the events. These events NUI GALWAY has been awarded individual taking the position may not be place on the Master’s course in August, to continue in his position as Southern to concerns from students in the southern caused opinion articles in Sin at the Ireland’s fi rst UNESCO (United engaged in full-time education. In this Mr. McElhinny had the option to defer Area Offi cer while in full-time education area colleges, who fear that they may not time to question the competency of USI, Nations Educational, Scientifi c instance, Sin (NUIG student newspaper) up until the fi rst of September. However, ultimately “wouldn’t be fair on the people have the same level of representation as calling them “a bunch of cowboys” and and Cultural Organisation) Chair. understands that Mr. McElhinny ran for he decided to continue with his studies. involved.” would be normal. Concerns have also led to discussions at Class Representative The Chair in Children, Youth election despite his intention to continue Although he initially attempted to juggle At the time of writing, no offi cial been raised by students in other regions Council level whether or not NUIG should and Civic Engagement has in full time education the following both commitments, this quickly proved announcement had been made as to who fear that having their elected disaffi liate from USI, the council voted by been established at the Child academic semester. Mr. McElhinny said unfeasible and after just two months with the next step and USI press offi ce also offi cers dragged away to deal with what a handful of votes not to let the issue be and Family Research Centre in his defence, “When I stood for election the USI, he resigned. Mr. McElhinny declined to comment. Two main options is essentially another constituency may put to a student body referendum. in the University’s School of Political Science and Sociology. Professor Pat Dolan, Director of governors and said they acted properly in the Centre, has been appointed the absence of any affi rmative action by Chairholder. He said, “ It is an the government. honour and a challenge to take He described the landmark vote as a lead role in exploring civic a reproach to legislators who haven’t engagement in young people already acted on the issue. When asked if as a method for mobilising Go-ahead for he hoped to see a similar code of practice children’s rights and addressing approved for research studies at TCD, needs in Ireland and across the he said it would be “useful” for Trinity world.” offi cials to look at UCC’s new policy. The UNITWIN/UNESCO The Irish Council for Bioethics Chairs programme was released a report on the use of embryonic launched in 1992 and is funded UCC stem stem-cells for research in April 2007. under the UNESCO University The ICB is an independent, national Education Twinning and body set up by the Irish Government in Networking Scheme. Currently, 2002 to consider ethical issues raised a total of 617 UNESCO Chairs by biological research and biomedicine, and 60 UNITWIN networks have such as stem cell research. been established in over 740 cell research They surveyed the Irish public institutions across 125 countries. opinion on the issue and published their In NUIG, the programme fi ndings and recommendations in 2007. will focus on the exchange UCC has become the only university in the The report entitled “Ethical, Scientifi c of knowledge in the domain and Legal Issues Concerning Stem Cell of children, youth and civic Republic to offi cially endorse the use of embry- Research: Opinion”, highlighted the engagement between University importance of human stem cell research partners and affi liated child onic stem cells in research. The controversial for rapid advancements in the treatment centres in countries such as of debilitating diseases and injuries. Bulgaria, Lithuania and Zambia. move was passed by a vote of 16 to 15. Stem cell research is often the (Una Geary) only promise of a breakthrough in treatment and cures for diseases such By Kate O’Regan European Union carries guidelines on as Parkinson’s disease and injuries such FEES Deputy National News Editor bio-ethics and the use of embryonic cells as those affecting the spinal cord. The in research. Under this charter, research ICB remarked on the astonishing rate at ATHLONE THE GOVERNORS of UCC last week activities in member states should respect which developments are being made in voted in new legislation regarding the fundamental ethical principles. these areas of research, and insisted that STUDENTS MARCH use of embryonic stem-cells in research Under UCC’s new guidelines every legal and ethical issues associated with at the university. research project involving the use of the research be addressed. AGAINST FEES The motion, which called for guidelines stem-cell lines must be submitted to While stem cells can successfully be on the acquisition of embryonic stem- the University Research Ethics Board extracted from adult donors, it is the issue STUDENTS OF Athone IT were cells required for research purposes, for ethical review before the start of the of embryonic stem cells which causes the latest to take to the streets was passed by one vote. The new code project. A subcommittee will then be the most concern and calls for decisive in protest against proposals to of practice, endorsed by 16 votes to 15, established, including specialists in the legislation. The ICB concluded that reintroduce tuition fees. The effectively facilitates the use of embryonic area concerned, who will advise the board embryos should be granted signifi cant march took place on Wednesday stem-cells in research at University in relation to the scientifi c merit of the moral status as opposed to full moral November 5th. About 1,500 College Cork. This decision comes over a research aims of the proposed project. status. students gathered outside the IT year after the Irish Council for Bioethics According to the newly ratifi ed policy, The moral value that embryos possess at around 1pm and marched to released a report supporting the carefully procedures used in and procurement of This tray contains vials of frozen human embryonic stem cells in long-term stor- is based on the recognition that they can the Civic Centre in Athlone town. regulated use of embryos produced in in embryonic cells will be closely regulated. age in liquid nitrogen in researcher James Thomson’s lab at the University of develop into persons, as well as the value Banners proclaimed, “AIT, we vitro fertilisation. Ethical concerns overseen include Wisconsin-Madison. Photo: Jeff Miller they derive from representing human life won’t pay the fee!” and “Slam The new legislation means that UCC informed consent for recipients and in its earliest stages. the Fees”. is now the only third-level institution in donors, possible exploitation of duress retaliation, Senator Ivana Bacik described among Christians at the position of the The report goes on to state that the Micheal Fogarty, AIT SU the Republic to clarify its endorsement on donors and bio safety issues. Mr Walsh’s comparison as “an appalling European Union on social issues and bio- ICB supports the carefully regulated use president,commented that, of embryonic stem-cell research. The The decision by UCC governors analogy”. ethics. Referring to the recently failed of embryos produced but not used during “We were delighted so many issue has been side-stepped by the Irish was not met with unanimous praise. Further objection to UCC’s innovative Lisbon referendum, he suggested that in vitro fertilisation, that are otherwise students turned out for the government for many years, and UCC’s decision came from Dr. Dermot Clifford, the Irish government should clarify its destined to be destroyed for the purpose protest – we weren’t expecting decision was met by some dismay from Stem cells have Archbishop of Cashel and Emly. Dr position and that of the EU with regard of embryonic stem cell research. In a so many.” He added that members of the clergy and the Seanad. been hailed by some Clifford reasserted the concern of many to issues of bio-ethics and embryonic decisive move, the ICB asserts that is students were disappointed by However, Mr Michael Murphy, current as the way forward Irish people when he reminded those on stem-cell research. does not object to the use of therapies the conspicuous absence of President of UCC last week spoke in for the treatment of the governing board of UCC of the Fifth Since his infl uential speech at the or the importation of stem cells derived local Fianna Fail senator, Mary favour of the landmark code of practice. diseases Commandment; “Thou shalt not kill”. For Humbert Summer School in Co Mayo last from embryos. O’Rourke, who had been invited He referred to a number of high-profi le those that believe that human life begins August, The Archbishop of Armagh has However it prefers that embryos to the event. Students had scientifi c researchers at the university, Certain members of the clergy and the at conception, destruction of embryos is continued to assert the opinion that EU already existing due to in vitro previously laid a wreath at her who claim that stem-cell research is Seanad have staunchly opposed the new akin to extinguishing life. policy undermining Christian values and fertilisation be used as opposed to the door with the message, “With necessary to make advances in the fi eld legislation. A heated debate erupted Embryonic stem-cell research was a failure to clarify issues which may offend creation of embryos specifi cally for sincere and deepest sympathies of understanding and treatment of in the Seanad this week when Senator contentious issue surrounding the Lisbon Christians, including stem-cell research, research purposes. on the death of free fees from degenerative diseases. Jim Walsh of Fianna Fail likened the Referendum debate, because it confl icts was possibly a decisive factor in the Irish Dr Siobhán O’Sullivan, Scientifi c your constituent students in AIT The Irish government has been slow to authorisation of embryonic stem-cell with Christian values. Many attribute the people’s rejection of the Lisbon Treaty. Director of the ICB said, “Ireland has no We remember.” approve legislation regarding the use of research to the fl imsy defence of someone lack of conclusive legislation on the issue Those in favour of the new guidelines specifi c legislation relating to assisted (Una Geary) embryonic stem-cells in research, despite possessing child pornography. as a cause for opposition to the proposed hailed them as a brave and realistic human reproduction or embryo research. endorsement of the practice by the Irish Mr Walsh objected to the sanction treaty. Addressing the Oireachtas this solution to an issue widely ignored by Failure to provide a comprehensive Council for Bioethics. This reluctance of embryonic stem-cell research on the week, Cardinal Sean Brady warned of the other governing bodies. Senator David regulatory system to govern stem cell NEW DEGREE was effectively overcome last week when grounds that the embryo was destroyed lack of Christian vision in both the failed Norris said that the UCC governors had research and its application undermines the board of governors at UCC passed prior to the removal of the stem-cell Nice Constitution and the Lisbon Reform done the honest, decent and courageous the moral value of the human embryo.” DCU’S NEW LAW their own code of practice. strips. The senator compared this Treaty. thing by passing the new code of practice. In the absence of critical legislation in The government’s hesitation on defence to that of somebody found in In his fi rst appearance at the Speaking to Trinity News this week, Mr Ireland, the board of UCC has paved the DEGREE the issue is widely regarded as an possession of child pornography who Oireachtas, Cardinal Brady addressed Norris described objections to it as way for stem cell research at the university opportunity for European legislation claims that they are innocent of abuse the Oireachtas sub-committee on an example of the “typical hypocrisy” and the possibility of advancements in DCU’S SCHOOL of Law to circumvent national policy. The as they only came into possession of it Ireland’s future in the European Union. that surrounds the issue. He praised the treatment of degenerative diseases and Government has just Charter of Fundamental Rights of the after the pornography had occurred. In He highlighted the growing concern the “courageous decision” of the UCC and spinal cord injuries. announced a new three-year BCL undergraduate degree in Law & Society. DCU is marketing the degree to prospective students as “a law degree with a difference”. The level eight Trinity part of national nanoscience consortium degree will distinguish itself from other traditional law degrees through its objective By Aine Pennello nanotechnology is capable of achieving computer chip manufacturing companies. smart materials or further research and to arouse social and communal Southern Correspondent huge feats including the production of Professor John Boland, Director of TINY FACTS development. Experts believe knowledge awareness within the structures faster and lighter computers, increasingly consortium partner CRANN (Center for of nanoscience and nanotechnology will of the law. Lectures will be IN A €31.6 million project funded by effective chemotherapy treatments Research on Adaptive Nanostructures THE FIRST scientifi c paper to become increasingly in demand in these taught from a socio-legal the Higher Education Authority, ten and furthering the future generation of and Nanotechnolgy) at TCD explained include the word “nanotechnology” industries in the next fi ve to ten years. perspective and will focus on third level institutions have teamed microelectronics. In the upcoming years that the participating institutions and in the title was published by Norio This will be encouraging news to budding the interactions between law up to further develop Ireland’s members will be able to come together Taniguchi of the University of science majors! and society; in particular how growing nanotechnology industry. The Dr. Jimmy Devins, in an “all-island integrated approach to Tokyo in 1974. Ireland is currently ranked sixth in the social factors infl uence the participating colleges are TCD, UCD, Minister for research, teaching and learning”. The US National Science world for its research of nanotechnology development, regulation and DCU, NUI Galway, UCC, UL, Queen’s Science, Innovation INSPIRE also aims to improve fourth- Foundation has estimated that with the likes of Switzerland, the application of the law. University Belfast, University of Ulster, and Technology, level education in science through their governments worldwide invested Netherlands, America, Canada and Dr. Olivia Smith, Chair of the DIT and Cork IT. The project is led by launched INSPIRE graduate programme NANOGRAD. $4.1bn in nanotechnology R&D Belgium leading the way. However degree’s Programme Board, the national nanoscience consortium The PhD course is expected to become last year, compared with $432m in with the help of INSPIRE, Ireland is said that applicant places will INSPIRE (Integrated Nanoscience experts predict that new products based internationally respected, attracting 1997 and $1.5bn in 2001. predicted to rise as a world leader in be limited in order to create an Platform for Ireland) and was launched on nanoscience will be part of and shape students from both home and abroad. Industry has been investing the science. Government funding in intimate learning environment last Thursday in Trinity by Minister for our daily lives. Professor Roger Whatmore of UCC states heavily as well. According to nanotechnology was prioritized during which will be directed by Science, Innovation and Technology Dr. The project will grant the ten the programme will provide “the very research, companies spent $3.8bn the Celtic Tiger, with funds reaching €25 professors experienced in socio- Jimmy Devins. participating colleges and over 500 best teaching and learning in nanoscience on nanotechnology in 2004. US million in 2004 and €28 million in 2005, legal research. The course also Nanotechnology is the study of researchers access to state-of-the-art and nanotechnology” in the hopes of companies were the biggest the highest funding per capita in the offers fi nal year students the particles less than 100 nanometers laboratories fi tted with the most up to advancing the Irish economy. Graduates spenders, investing a total of world. At the launch of the project Dr. opportunity to develop their in width. To give you an idea of how date equipment available. The consortium of the course can expect to be in an $1.7bn, followed by companies Devins was hopeful that developments in skills through work placement. small that is, a single nanometer is one has spent the last year purchasing excellent position to enter a wide range from Asia ($1.4bn) and Europe nanotechnology could increase the value (Aine Pennello) million times smaller than a millimetre. this equipment, which previously was of industries including biotechnology, ($650m). of Irish exports to more than €13 billion Considering the small size of its particles, confi ned to usage in world renowned electronics, chemical technology, new and by 2010. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6 NEWS FEATURES November 11, 2008 The real Library Essentials Tour

he massive campus can come atmospheres between each library. venue for history books. There should is a gigantic feature of the Ussher. Lecky Campus libraries across as a giant maze of These mystical havens of wisdom be far more “Old Library” and far Crossing the walking bridge over Lecky has the best location for Art are the real deal, the forgotten corners and noisy should help you to magically absorb less “USSR”. Lighting creates a very the atrium on the 5th fl oor is not for students. Upper fl oor windows Tsitting areas especially for a all the wise words and irregular hollow atmosphere to this library, those suffering of acrophobia and offer an inspiring view overlooking fi rst year student. When it comes to verb declinations they conceal and it’s defi nitely very uninviting you will feel like the winner of Fear the Old Library. On the upper fl oor venue for hours and fi nding a quiet hide-out for studying on their shelves, or the very least for a longer study session, especially Factor just for getting to the reading behind the owl collection there are the giant BLU tri-library area is make you feel like you are learning. on the bigger central reading areas. area. There is a lot of table space and private booths, the seats are bit old hours of study, not generally the best place to start from. Trinity News helps you gain the full However, this is the only library that individual reading lights, and it gets and grubby, but have cushioning, so However, there are great differences experience, not only a sore backside. caters for your delicate derrière with better, power points for your laptops that’s a bonus. Worst reading areas merely there for ca- in the r e a d i n g comfortable cushioned faux-leather and iPods! As a fi rst feeling, it’s quite are on the lower fl oor facing the Berkeley seats. comfortable; however, it’s the only walls and fi tted with bright orange sual browsing. Anna Stepping in the Berkeley library that doesn’t offer soft seating dividers. Who knows what staring at Library is like a time warp Ussher in any of the reading areas. Lot of that would do to your psyche! Laine reveals the to the 1970’s and as a The great atrium between the crowd seem to be in for a fi rst impression a the bookshelves and long one, armed with piles secret of the college total let down for a s t u d y a r e a s of books, stacks and stacks of handouts, laptops and libraries through the iPods. students’ eyes. This is the REAL library ori- entation.

Special Users Books Pros Cons Best suited for Atmosphere Type of crowd Soundtrack Overall experience features comments Berkeley Limited Level Time warp to There’s no one “Redemption Song” by Law Very soviet deco power points Attracting a migraine 1 Photocopying the 1970’s here Bob Marley and the Wailers for laptops “ I come here “My head Quiet History Alcoves with because I love Comfy Smell of old hurts” Level Psychology single desks, Halogen Having a nap in the history”– Seymor “Virtual insanity” cushioned books Dusty historians 2 Biography surrounded in old lights Parliamentary debates alcove by Jamirquai faux-leather books Best seats seats Worst light Lecky Lower Business Grubby Economics Photocopying “Introduction” Lot of people seats and Another jump “Raindrops are falling on Education Photocopying chapters of all those non-LEN seem orange, Big skylight reading areas in time to the my head” Geography Close to books you have to review for “ I gotta run, my maybe because of “Does the job” No power 1980´s by B J Thomas Chinese toilets reading at home class is starting in the light? points Japanese 5min, sorry”- Best location Upper Quick 15min homework session Eleanor “Another brick in the wall Worst study Sociology An Owl Collection Lot of before meeting friends for Easy access None Owl enthusiasts? pt.2” Politics thoroughfare coffee during the intended desks Individual booths by Pink Floyd hour of intense study Ussher Level Looking up No nose Lounging at the bottom of “Imagine” Periodicals Atrium Casual All types -1 the atrium picking- zone the atrium by John Lennon Levels English Hard seats 1 -3 German Beautiful Power Panoramic Can I smell a Art History 3 hour session on a 5000 word People armed with “Makes me panoramic points for window offers hint of a “Sounds of Silence” Irish essay about the “European tons of handouts, windows laptops and too many forbidden “I just love to by feel smarter” Music Union regional policies and their books, laptops, overlooking the chargers distractions for banana in the gaze at those Simon and Garfunkel Nursing efficient realization” iPods and even rugby grounds Good lamps chronic air? rugby players - Russian blankets procrastinators sorry books Best study desks Spanish across the atrium” Worst seats Level - Clara 4-5 French Dim room and Photocopying Really high Soaks in Philosophy individual study Quiet area “La vie en Rose” walking bridge A non-rushed hour of study intellect and Ancient lights Good Intellectual by Edith Piaf scary to cross contemporary History lamps for and daydreaming Really far thought Theology Best view reading Lift W is for Writer. Be one. www.trinitynews.ie/index.php/staff TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 NEWS FEATURES 7 Gender equality: is there still room for improvement?

most workplaces. In Trinity at present, Undoubtedly, gender equality has the provision for the number of paid paternity leave stands at three days. been improved in recent times, but Within the last six months, the Equality Authority and the ESRI launched a how have the issues surrounding report calling for paid paternity leave and encouraged the introduction of new laws the inequalities on both sides been to ensure that there are fl exible working arrangements for men. It was intended examined in Ireland? ask Deirdre as a springboard to help increase equality for both sexes on this issue. Lennon & Lorraine Wemyss The media in both Britain and Ireland have been following the issue of pay differentials closely. A recent report in INCE THE very foundations Britain showed that women in full-time of the modern state, gender work were being paid, on average, 17% equality has posed a potent less than their male colleagues. The problem in Irish Society, fi gure for part-time work is even more when the specifi c inclusion shocking, where a 36% gap was cited. It is Sof the word “Irishwomen” caused a 2008, and there remains in Ireland too, a mass furore upon the publication of the signifi cant gap between the genders, pay- Irish Proclamation in 1916. But is the wise. The same CSO report shows that in notion of gender equality still an issue 2002, a mere six years ago, that women’s in contemporary society or in a world income was 82.5% of men’s income. This where calling someone a leprechaun remains the case, despite Equal Pay lands you in court — has the notion of legislation, and EU directives. The recent inequality between man and woman controversy in Britain regarding the become redundant? Equalities Bill has not gone unnoticed in According to the Gender Equality the Irish media. Division: “Gender equality is achieved The Irish government has taken steps when women and men enjoy the same to promote equality too, and incorporated rights and opportunities across all Gender Mainstreaming into the National sectors of society, including economic Development Plan 2007-2013. Gender participation and decision making, mainstreaming includes a requirement and when the different behaviours, that equal opportunities be part of the aspirations and needs of women and criteria for selecting projects which are men are equally valued and favoured.” funded by the NDP, as well as striking But what is Trinity’s policy on the gender debate? Trinity College Dublin openly Within the last six advertises itself as an equal opportunities employer. College’s policy division months, the Equality unequivocally states that it “is committed to the introduction and development Authority and the ESRI of policies, procedures, and practices launched a report calling which do not discriminate on any of the grounds contemplated in equality for paid paternity leave legislation.” Like all employers, Trinity and encouraged the is bound by several legal documents in relation to gender equality. These introduction of new laws include The Employment Equality Act 1998 and 2004, Equal Status Act 2000 a balance between the number of men and 2004 and The Universities Act 1997. and women who sit on Monitoring These serve to combat discrimination Committees. The plan itself is divided into Training, Advice, Statistics and Research. Trinity’s continued It appears from various reputable “At least with sources that the major issue surrounding commitment to the a glass ceiling gender inequality was the lack of it is possible to comprehensive data available until issue of gender equality see through to recently enough. The introduction has ensured that it is the next level”, of several strategies to combat this is as one CEO put interesting to examine in relation to the now “the academically it. Photo: Drew wider sphere of society. strongest Gender and Hadley A further more specifi c initiative is the National Women’s Plan 2007-2016, Women’s Studies Centre” 2004 was a landmark year for From the 1960s, however, female wo of Trinity’s most illustrious which aims to acquire this missing women in Trinity. It was the centenary students were given a new and provocative female alumni are Mary data on a range of issues, including and promote equality of opportunity in of the fi rst admission of females to the sense of empowerment. The decade Robinson and Mary McAleese. the aforementioned topic of gender employment. These certainly emphasise institution and Trinity celebrated the marked the appointment of a woman TBoth of these women have mainstreaming. the point that there are more transparent achievement of its female alumni with a Chancellor, a woman Vice-Provost and succeeded and reached the pinnacle of This plan asks whether it will go requirements in state bodies and number of events. Over the course of the women in a number of high profi le possibly one of the most male-dominated further to achieve one of its main aims - educational institutions like Trinity with year women graduates, former women administrative and academic posts. arenas in Irish Society today: politics. to equalise socio-economic opportunities regards to employment rights/equality staff and colleagues from a number of Trinity has maintained its commitment According to Tony O’Reilly, politics is “a for women. The intention is a worthwhile legislation. They’re also more vulnerable other institutions met to discuss the to equality and the special role of the job for the boys” and it certainly seems one, if the scope and drive for gaining a to legal action as a result. achievements of their predecessors, and female population within the college, that women have categorically being clearer view of which projects work in The Access and Equality Policy of the opportunities and barriers which perhaps suggesting that the so-called consigned to the doldrums of the Irish each sector of society, for both women Trinity College Dublin “sets out a formal female graduates will need to surmount “glass ceiling” does not exist as much as political scene. The fact of the matter is and girls. commitment by the college to treat with in the future. we previously thought. that women do indeed take up some of the However, while this is an admirable equal respect all those who apply to join It is reported that in 1895 the board This is demonstrated not just in terms most important policy making positions aspiration on the national level; when the college, whether it be staff or students, of Trinity College Dublin noted: “If a of policy, but also more acutely and on within Irish Society, but for some reason you break it down locally, it doesn’t quite and all those who are members of college, female had once passed the gate it would a practical level with WiSER – Women the media seems to prefer to run stories attain its stated goals. One such policy is staff and students alike, with regard to be practically impossible to watch what in Science and Engineering Research, in relation to their male counterparts, to “ensure that all women have access to gender, marital status, family status, buildings or what chambers she might as well as the Centre for Gender and designating women to the bench. information on fertility, contraception sexual orientation, religious beliefs, age, enter, or how long she might remain Women’s Studies. Leading female lights of the Irish and sexual health matters”. This national disability, race and membership of the there.” This notion was repudiated in WiSER “seeks to develop sustainable policy scene such as Ms Justice Laffoy, policy is failing at a local level in the traveller community.” 1904 when the fi rst women were granted mechanisms and practices to ensure Patricia McKenna, Geraldine Kennedy, Coolock Well Woman Centre, where they matriculation rights to the college; that women can compete in research Senator Ivana Bacik and Kristina McElroy admit freely that funding has not kept omen are integral to the however, this was certainly not the end of on an equal basis using their scientifi c compare poorly in terms of column inches pace with demand. University both as students, the saga. expertise, knowledge and potential.” It is awarded to their male equivalents. staff and academics. As recently as the sixties, women particularly involved in unearthing and The majority of political parties ven as recently as last WAccording to Trinity’s Staff were forced to leave the university’s publicising the obstacles faced by both certainly have many active female groups. Wednesday, at a conference Offi ce women make up 51% of all Trinity’s grounds by 6pm and readmission to use genders at all stages of their careers. In recent decades, the constitution of organised by the European staff, 36% of all academics and 47% of the library facilities or even to attend an The Centre for Gender and Women’s the main stream political parties has ECommission in Dublin, it was all research staff. But it is not just in the evening event required that they sign Studies was established in 1988 in order been altered to ensure that there is stated that higher levels of gender equality employment arena that women play an themselves in at Front Gate. Women were to refl ect the increasing diversity of the an adequate female candidacy. These in the workplace increase productivity by integral role: females also make up 62% also forbidden membership to the main college community, and in 2005 became changes, however, seem to have effected 15 per cent in some cases. of undergraduate students and 61% of the societies active on campus, and were not a fully fl edged member of the School of little change with young males topping One aim of the conference was to bring overall undergraduate and postgraduate allowed to dine at commons or even to be Arts and Humanities. Trinity’s continued the polls for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael both genders into workplaces dominated student population. elected as a foundation scholar. commitment to the issue of Gender respectively. by the other sex. The European Equality has ensured that it “is now The Women and Men in Ireland 2004 Commission has also been actively the academically strongest Gender and CSO Report revealed that Ireland had the involved in pushing for the advancement IN NUMBERS Women’s Studies Centre in Ireland.” eighth-lowest proportion of women in of its “Roadmap for Equality between The student body is doing its bit to parliament of the twenty-fi ve EU member Women and Men” since 2006. » Statistics from a 2003 CSO report show that signifi cant gaps exist be- maintain gender standards within the states, with the fi gure 13.3% cited. This It certainly seems that in some areas tween average hourly earnings, particularly in areas of employment such college too. A recent addition to the did not get any better in the next general of Irish society gender equality remains as the Irish fi nancial sector, where women are earning two thirds of what many societies in Trinity was the Dublin election, as 2007 witnessed one of the an aspiration rather than an actuality. men are. University Gender Equality Society lowest returns of women to the Dail. The Irish Constitution makes overtures (DUGES), founded in February 2007 Fianna Fail nominated more men to to the fact that a women’s place is in the » Conversely, women outnumber men 3 to 1 in the education sector. by Harriet Johnson. Speaking to Trinity the senate than before, and the Green home and despite tireless effort it seems News, the vice-chair, Alison Treacy, said Party gained only one female senator. that females in a position of power are » Women make up 51% of all Trinity’s staff, 36% of all academics and 47% of that the society was set up to “address Both Patricia McKenna and Joan Burton, the exception rather than the norm. all research staff. a balance from a feminist viewpoint, as of the Green Party and the Labour Massive improvements have certainly well as providing a viewpoint from both Party, respectively, were overlooked been attained, but that does not » Dublin University Gender Equality Society (DUGES) was founded in Trin- sides of the gender divide.” The society for leadership of their parties. Perhaps necessarily equate with egalitarianism. ity in 2007 to promote gender equality from a student perspective, and has a mixed gender committe, something there is a glass ceiling at the top of the According to the National Women’s Plan, focuses on extremely relevant issues relating to both sexes. which offers a range of opinions on the Irish political scene. Apart from Mary such progress needs to be maintained sort of events which should be held. McAleese, Mary Coughlan and Mary and steps taken to erode even more » The ESRI and the Equality Authority are calling for greater equality Treacy mentions that the society looks Harney, where are the other prominent inequalities. regarding maternity and paternity leave, and want to make working ar- to the international scene to investigate female politicians? Perhaps it is important to bear in rangements more fl exible for both genders. gender equality policy in other countries. One of the major recurring gripes in mind a prominent executive in the UK’s DUGES also focuses on issues such as many work places concerns the issues of observation about the “glass ceiling” » The National Women’s Strategy 2007-2016 plans to get a clear view data- domestic violence for men and women, maternity and paternity leave. In relation concept: “At least with a glass ceiling it wise of where Ireland is at in all aspects of gender equality. holds workshops on rape awareness and to Trinity, the provisions for both seem to is possible to see through to the next examines high suicide rates. be bound by the general set of rules for level.” TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 8 NEWS FEATURES November 11, 2008

Clockwise, from top left: A busy street in Delhi; a rubbish fi eld in south Delhi where some children eke out a wage by sorting through the rubbish for items of minute value to sell; a thoroughfare in Paraganj; a market stall in Delhi; a roundabout in Paraganj where traffi c rules are non-exis- tent. Photos: Luke Maishman

New Delhi, India: The city of a hundred thousand smells

of doing them justice in mere text. There maybe manure, then a stench of defi nitely crowded streets with the medley of and a pencil given to them by Prayas International Development Editor Luke are motorbikes everywhere! Possibly the human doings from some roadside stalls, the rubbish everywhere and the and during class a constant stream of most agile road vehicle, they are perfectly makeshift tents, then perhaps the scent of ever-present smell of excrement can children came up to us with pages of the Maishman spent his summer teaching in adapted to the frantic, every man for spices and a waft of frying from some of hardly be described as pleasant working alphabet or numbers written out, or in himself, beeping, lane-less, overtaking, the roadside stalls, then the all pervasive conditions. As for homes, I think that one slightly older girl’s copy book long Delhi. In this extract from his fi rst email home, 20 centimetre gaps between vehicles smell of decomposing rubbish from the the roadside “tents” erected outside the multiplication sums diffi cult enough that madness that is the roads here. On that piles of plastic, food and who knows what Jamia Hamdard campus and along other I had to think long and hard to be able to he describes his fi rst impressions of the city. fi rst trip we saw a motorbike with a male else waste that line almost all the roads major roads are far from being the worst mark them! Whipping out the old phone driver, a child in front of him, his wife and are a constant underfoot feature of of it. calculator just didn’t seem like the right s the Virgin Atlantic fl ight Prayas inviting them to India later behind and another child on her lap. We the markets and smaller streets. In sharp contrast to the poverty that thing to do. touched down in Delhi the exhausted volunteers received their also saw buses so packed that not even There are people everywhere. we see all around us are the lives of After the children had left [we each Airport on Friday morning new simcards and we all left the airport by one more person standing could fi t in, Sleeping at the roadside, passed out on the rich middle and upper classes. The had to shake hands and say “namaste!” I could not possibly have private coach to our new home from home. the doors open and those men closest to western-style restaurants have been a (hello) to each of the 14 children] we had imagined the strange, the door practically leaning out (and it is lifesaver for us when the local food got a quick discussion with the teacher of the Awonderful and disgusting things that generally only men on the buses, a sign a bit much but a closer examination of room next door to ours (also 4m x 4m) I have seen so far in Delhi. The fl ight It is hard to imagine how of India’s highly patriachal society). We I had to think long and the richer lifestyle reveals some harder where two other Suas volunteers, Alex was uneventful - a fi lm, two surprisingly saw a car driving along in traffi c in which hard to be able to grade to swallow realities: There are “clubs” and Jean, are teaching assistants. Their good meals and a glass of red wine (with so many people can both the passenger and the driver were of picturesque middle class houses with teacher has much better English and dinner), several hours of trying to get live so close together in reading books on their laps, and cows, the pupils. Whipping out beautiful and above all clean gardens in she explained a little more about how to sleep and about twenty minutes of cows on all of the central road divides, the old phone calculator estates surrounded by a tall perimeter the classes are organised and answered actual sleep saw me through the seven, anything approaching cows wandering relaxedly out into wall and guards on the gates. Rubbish, our few questions. Another example of or so, hours’ journey. the stream of moving traffi c causing a just didn’t seem like the people, manure, stalls and makeshift a breakdown in communication arose – Shortly after touchdown we had our reasonable conditions. pandemonium of swerving and beeping. tents pile up metres from the wall. it seems that our schools start at eight, fi rst experience of Indian bureaucracy Yes the roads are quite something, and right thing to do. One night in a richer market place we which is when Sangeeta and the other when a few other Suas volunteers tried even more than the mad traffi c, which one were reduced to open-mouthed shock teacher want us to arrive; not at the later to buy local network simcards for their We are staying in guest accommodation gets used to surprisingly quickly, are the a bus stop bench, walking on the roads when a beggar-girl, between eight and time of 9.30 which Suas had been told phones. About 45 minutes and fi ve or in Jamia Hamdard University, a Muslim things we see and smell from the roads (more often than not carrying some twelve I’d guess, with messy, dirty tousled since the beginning and had planned six signatures, 2 passport photos, their university. The campus is large and green on our many short journeys through exhaustingly heavy looking load), begging hair and wearing a brown rag, who had quite extensively around. passports and a copy of the letter from in a wild and unkept kind of way, but it New Delhi. There is rubbish all over in the market-places, sitting around or previously been pestering us, approached Ah well, this is India I guess. is thankfully peaceful compared to the the place, merging almost seamlessly in the market-stalls or shops. Indeed a wealthy looking business man. The man Indian roads, streets and markets. There with the roadside slum-like dwellings overstaffi ng is a feature of the shops here, promptly whacked her across the head, SIMON CUMBERS are tennis courts, small and helpful stall- and the multitude of stalls that line any as if the owners ask themselves “Why sending her reeling across the street, THE GRANT FUND like shops (a far cry from the poverty street outside the rich areas of the city. have only one stall-seller/shopkeeper before continuing along the street, not S I M O N stricken roadside stalls), a couple of The smell of excrement is everywhere, when fi ve can take turns at advising/ seeming in the least concerned. TRINITY NEWS has been awarded C U M B E R S playing fi elds and several large red, not from the doings of the cows, the roadside helping/advertising/haggling?!” It is now Thursday afternoon and we a grant from the Simon Cumbers was 36 when particularly beautiful but nonetheless dwellings (some volunteers have seen On a more serious note, it is hard to met our children this morning. Roisin Media Challenge Fund to travel he died. authentic Indian looking buildings with children hunkered down, going to the imagine how so many people can live so and I will be helping Sangeeta, a very to Delhi in December to report on He was names like “Faculty of Allied Sciences” toilet on the street!). As one rides a close together in anything approaching short, young looking lady (“she looks education and development there. m u r d e r e d and “Faculty of Medicine”. rickshaw the smells come in waves, fi rst reasonable conditions. The frantic, about twelve!” in the words of one This article forms the start of our by terrorist The students that we have met have volunteer) every weekday morning in a reporting which will include a blog g u n m e n been intelligent and have near perfect tiny, approximately 3 metre by 3 metre from our travels and a special while fi lming a report for BBC English. Our accommodation itself is SUAS AND PRAYAS basement room in a street just across supplement to be published after Television News in Saudi Arabia. acceptable. We have several toilets, the 2009 Programme, the closing the main road from Jamia Hamdard the trip. The attackers opened fi re on including two western-style toilets (most date is the 4th December. Visit their University. Sangeeta does not have very Previous recipients of the grant Simon and his colleague, BBC here are of the hole in the ground, crouch fund include RTÉ, the Irish Times, website at www.suas.ie or attend good English and she seems to be really correspondent Frank Gardner, in over it variety) and enough rooms to be quite shy of us. As a result the morning and Newstalk. their presentation in college on a suburb of Riyadh in June 2004. sharing only two or three per room. was fraught with a continuous sense of The Simon Cumbers Media Monday the 18th of November. Simon died at the scene and Frank We also have a living room and kitchen not knowing what we should be doing. Challenge Fund is funded by Irish Luke travelled to India as part of the Prayas are one of Suas’s partner was seriously injured. (no cooking facilities though). The only After arriving and greeting the Aid. It is a grant scheme aimed at Suas Volunteer Programme 2008. organisations in India. They serve downside has been our guests, at least children (mad rush for attention from assisting and promoting more and This Programme runs every year around 50,000 children in seven Simon was an experienced one mouse/rat has made an appearance the children, all smiling and desperate better quality media coverage of journalist and cameraman with several times and the geckos hardly sending enthusiastic volunteers to states of India, providing shelter, to shake our hands with the memorised development issues in the Irish an insatiable curiosity about the bother to hide. education focused partner organi- home, clothing and education to “Hello!” on their lips) we were able to media. world and what happened in Not so worried about the geckos but sations in India and Kenya for ten- underprivileged children. Suas introduce ourselves properly using the places thousands of miles away. because of health concerns and the week placements. The Programme works specifi cally with their Juve- Hindi we had frantically learnt over the He wanted to make a difference screaming when one of the girls sees consists of three face to face prepa- nille Aid Centre in New Delhi and last few days. After a quick round of by telling the stories that needed “Mickey” (we have convinced ourselves ration weekends and the placement Suas volunteers act as teaching as- ring-a-ring-a-rosy to cement our good to be told and his camerawork he is a mouse, despite his size) we have which happens in the summer. They sistants in Prayas Education Centres relationship with the children we sat gave him that opportunity. started putting down poison. are now open for applications to in Delhi. down and observed the way Sangeeta ran The roads are crazy. There is no way the class. Each child has one copy book TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 INTERNATIONAL NEWS 9 Survey: half of students plagiarise Global Campus

Cambridge student newspaper the Varsity UNIVERSITY OF MUNSTER, GERMANY asked students if they had plagiarised, and the GERMAN STUDENTS LONG-TIME student body was candid; Wikipedia, copying OBAMA SUPPORTERS “WE SUPPORT Barack Obama because we believe and re-using are material favourite strategies in the change. Because we hold him for a newer and better JFK and Dr King. Because he shows hope for the USA for us.” So reads the introduction to the By Michael Stothard 82% of plagiarists use Wikipedia for group “Barack Obama Supporters Germany” on the Varsity, Cambridge University their essays, compared to only 75% of German online social network for students (www. non-plagiarists. studivz.de), one of more than 300 groups that had HALF OF Cambridge students have Over 1000 students responded to been created to discuss the recent American election. committed plagiarism as defi ned by the the survey, answering whether they Most of them, like “Barack Obama – Yes We Can”, to university, according to a Varsity survey. have ever done any of the following, all support the democrat candidate. In an online vote 49 per cent of students admitted that of which are defi ned as plagiarism by that has been arranged a couple of days before the they have plagiarised work, although this the university: handing in someone’s actual election, 91 percent, more than 1,5 million differed radically between subjects and else’s essay; copying and pasting from members of the StudiVz, voted Obama for President. colleges. Ironically, students of the Law the internet; copying statistics, code or The world reacted with enthusiasm towards faculty plagiarised the most out of any fi eld-work; making up statistics, code the election of Barack Obama as US President: a subject, with 62 per cent of them breaking or fi eld-work; handing in previously Reader’s Digest survey, where 17,000 people from the university rules. The second highest submitted work; using someone else’s 17 countries were questioned whether they would was the Archaeology and Anthropology ideas without acknowledgement; buying vote for Republican John McCain or Democrat Barack department with 59 per cent. an essay, or having an essay edited by Obama, showed that most countries were hoping for “It is a depressing set of statistics,” said Oxbridge Essays. a future with Barack Obama. Robert Foley, a Professor in Biological CUSU Education Offi cer Ant Bagshaw In Germany, where 85 % of the questioned Anthropology at King’s College. said the university was largely to blame decided to give their vote to Obama, the Democrat The college at the bottom of the for the high rate of plagiarism. “If the has been supported for a very long time. The now Tompkins Table, (a ranking which lists university is not going to take teaching President-elect was welcomed as a superstar in Berlin, the colleges of Cambridge in order people about avoiding plagiarism and many spectators were enthralled by his speech. of undergraduate performance,) St seriously, which it manifestly isn’t, then it “It’s his voice,” a Czech journalist said afterwards, “I Edmund’s, had the highest proportion of has to expect headline fi gures like these,” understand now why people think he is charismatic. plagiarising students, with 67% admitting he said. convinced anything would happen,” said in the year above if you can use their work Students of There are not many politicians in Europe that can fi ll to breaking the university rules. Many students were surprised when a Management student at Girton. from the previous year. I’ve done this the Law faculty an audience with so much enthusiasm.” Selwyn, at the top of the Tompkins fi lling out the survey to fi nd out that they Only fi ve per cent of students surveyed three or four times,” said a Law student plagiarised the Apart from Barack Obama’s rhetorical talents table, had the fewest number of were technically plagiarists. They were say that they have ever been caught at King’s. most out of any the Germans were also impressed by his political plagiarising students. plagiarising. There is some doubt over Comments left by Engineering subject, with 62 aims like the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and his “It stands to reason that those students “I Google the title, whether the university can do a great students suggested that plagiarism was per cent of them environmental policies. Many German students who who are performing less well will resort copy it and throw it deal if students are caught, since the common in the department. “Second and breaking the have been fi ghting for those changes for many years to more underhand means to get by,” said into Word and jiggle recent attempts by the university to make third year labs are always the same, so lab university rules. started supporting Mr Obama. a member of the University Council, the the order. They’re their defi nition of plagiarism offi cial have reports are always passed down through Photo by Phil The University of Münster’s English department principal executive and policy making the best essays.” stalled. the years,” said an Engineering student Hilfi cker organised an election party on the night of the body of the university. “They claim that they can punish you at Emmanuel. elections last Tuesday to give the students an It is perhaps not surprising that 80 per unaware what the university defi ned for plagiarism, but how can they punish “Part One Engineering lab reports opportunity to follow the results all night. German cent of students said that the university is as plagiarism. “Of course I use other someone for something they haven’t are largely copied off lab partners and students have high hopes for Obama’s presidency; doing enough to punish plagiarism. “You people’s ideas without acknowledging offi cially defi ned?” asked Bagshaw. older students, but they’re for standard Muhammad Hamawi, 23, English and Social Sciences can see why students, a great number of them, but I didn’t think that this made The university denied that they were credit so it’s not about doing a good job student at the University of Münster, said: “As most whom are frequently breaking the rules me a plagiarist,” said an Oriental Studies impotent to punish students. A statement but just getting it done and getting four Europeans and Germans, I was, of course, more than to their own benefi t, would be keen to student at Girton. by the university said: “the university out of six,” said an Engineering student excited about the outcome of this election. After a uphold the impression that the system is Other students did know the regards deliberate acts of plagiarism as at Jesus. painfully long Bush-era, the American citizens have working,” said a member of the General university’s defi nition of plagiarism, but a serious and potentially disciplinary Four per cent of students have written fi nally succeeded in voting for a candidate who seems Board, the body responsible education disagreed with it. “To say that using any offence which can lead to failure to for Oxbridge Essays, which provides - despite his youth and his alleged inexperience policy at the university. idea which is not entirely your own is obtain, or withdrawal of a degree.” The essays to university students all over – determined and, most importantly, able to lead “Sometimes when I am really fed plagiarism is absurd,” said a historian at university is also introducing ‘Turnitin’ the country. A History of Art student a country like the US. In terms of international up,” said a Land Economy student at Murray Edwards. plagiarism detection software into many from Downing College, who admitted relations I also believe that Barack Obama will Pembroke, “I Google the essay title, copy Some students, well aware they were of the faculties. to writing for them said; “I fi nd it damn revive the friendship between the different nations. and throw everything on to a blank word plagiarising, simply were not afraid To justify their plagiarism, many satisfying writing essays riddled with Nevertheless, one must not forget that he still has a document and jiggle the order a bit. They of the consequences. “I have used the students in the survey commented that errors and having them accepted by long way to go and the upcoming years will show usually end up being the best essays.” same essay three times in two years for it was simply impossible to do as much public school students.” whether or not this President can live up to those high 100 per cent of Land Economy three different supervisors... I wasn’t work as they were expected to do at Some students expressed anger at the expectations. I hope he will.” students admitted to plagiarism, but particularly worried about being caught,” Cambridge, and so cutting corners was high proportion of plagiarising students Monika Urbanski these results should perhaps be taken said an English student at Homerton. the only solution. “I plagiarise when I am found in the survey. “Were I to have my lightly as less than fi ve per cent of the “In one term I handed in twelve late with an essay or fi nding it diffi cult, way, the cheating bastards would be student population replied to the Varsity essays, nine of which were other which is very often for Law as we have a strung up by their genitalia,” said one survey. peoples... Even if I did get caught, I’m not massive amount of work. I ask someone Law student at Jesus. UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS, USA ANOTHER CAMPUS SHOOTING STUNS THE UNITED STATES JUST THREE days after the shooting panic and false Student, Democrat fi ghts for Virginia alarm at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, which led to a lockdown of the whole campus on the 23rd of October 2008, another By Whitney Yax weekend in Virginia campaigning for on Election Day. We remembered campus shooting shocked the American public, as Guest Writer, Barnard College Barack Obama for President; three the feeling of being surrounded by two students were killed and another injured in an days and 364 electoral votes (and 90,000 Virginians chanting “YES incident at the University of Central Arkansas. The OUR OVERSIZED van was total counting) later, I am still smiling ear- WE CAN” in response to Obama’s university, which is about 30 miles north of the state mayhem all the way from the to-ear. strong and steady message of hope capital, Little Rock, is the second largest university Days Inn in Leesburg, Virginia to But if you had asked me over the the night before. We jogged from in Arkansas. The three were shot just after 9pm local Columbia University in New York weekend if the race was in the bag, door-to-door through the rainy fi nal time on Sunday the 26th near a campus dormitory. City—about a fi ve hour trip—as polls I would have told you there was no hours, urging people to vote and Four suspects have been held since Monday the closed few-by-few and states’ results bag. The College Democrats arrived thanking those who told us they 27th of October; Kawin Brockton, 19, Kelsey Perry, rolled in nationwide. We tallied in Virginia’s Loudoun County on the already had. 19, Mario Toney, 20 and Brandon Wade, 20, none electoral votes by hand, with only Friday before Election Day to a virtual My last canvass, in a suburban of whom are students at the university. Two of the National Public Radio coverage and army of McCain-Palin yard signs and neighborhood occupied primarily by victims, however, were: Ryan Henderson, 18, and frantic cell phone calls to guide us, bumper stickers. We ate breakfast immigrant families, brought a young Chavares Block, 19. Block was a sophomore pre- growing increasingly exuberant as early Saturday morning in front of Muslim-American woman and her engineering major and Henderson a freshman who it became decreasingly likely that the television, with pundits showing daughter to the door. “I already had not yet declared a major. A third victim, Martrevis McCain could pull out a win. the race tightening in Virginia and voted, for Obama,” she told me. I Norman, was treated at hospital and released. “Someone grab a piece of paper, commercials questioning Obama’s thanked her enthusiastically and Campus police Lieutenant Rhonda Swindle states: start writing down which states we experience and patriotism. During began my sprint onward. “We don’t believe this to be a random incident like won!” our fi rst day of canvassing, I spoke ‘Thank you so much for doing some of the other shootings on other campuses.” The ‘Ok, we got Pennsylvania!’ with as many folks for McCain as for this,’ she called after me. “You make arrested suspects were charged with two counts of “Pennsylvania, are you sure, who Obama. Many supporters described America a special place.” I paused capital murder and one count of attempted murder, called it?” their neighborhood as decidedly and turned back to her. “You make while police are still trying to fi gure out the motive “CNN!” “mixed” in presidential preferences, Student voter’s tshirt. Photo: Adam Flanagan America special,” I exclaimed. for the shooting. “It is an incredibly heinous case,” “Anyone know how many and expressed deep concern that “Thank you for voting!” Prosecutor Marcus Vaden told reporters at a news electoral votes Pennsylvania has?” Virginia would remain as Republican voted or had no interest in hearing over 6,000 doors in just a few hours, In the end, Virginia was won by a conference. “When you have a situation where it “Someone look it up!” as ever. As campaign veterans, my my spiel. I fell into bed late that and Loudoun County ended up with comparably small margin of about appears some, if not all of the victims were innocent “OHIO! My mom says we got partner-in-canvass, Justine Lai, and I night, wearied from the grueling record voter turnout—certainly no 155,000 votes, a reminder that bystanders, that’s bad.” Ohio!” relished the challenge. ‘This was the weekend and less than optimistic coincidence! We were lucky enough Barack Obama’s very special victory Similar to the procedures at Western Kentucky “No Republican has ever won fi rst time I talked to non-Democrat about the next twenty-four hours. to attend Obama’s last rally that on Election Day depended on both University a couple of weeks ago faculty and students without Ohio!” voters on a campaign,’ says Justine of On Monday, we used our patented evening, in a neighboring county. of us: every voter who waited for received calls and e-mails through an automated “Who called Ohio?” her experience on the trail, ‘so while ‘Seth Flaxman shotgun method’ to Obama was very late arriving, but the defunct machines or in long lines, system shortly after 9:30 p.m. Sunday, warning them “CNN!” that made it a bit uncomfortable conduct a literature drop: one person gigantic crowd—of all ages, colors, and every volunteer who knocked of the shooting and urging them to stay inside behind When the race was called around when canvassing McCain supporters, shouts out house numbers while two and creeds—waited patiently and on doors and made phone calls for locked doors. It was the fi rst use of the university’s 11pm EST – marking the moment I did get the opportunity to talk to others sprint around in response, responded overwhelmingly when change. new emergency system, purchased last year after a that the United States elected its undecided or independent voters hanging doorknockers reminding fi nally he addressed us with inspiring Nate Morgante, a fellow College gunman at Virginia Tech killed 32 people and himself. fi rst African-American president in and at least inform them of my point voters that Tuesday is Election Day! stories and a fi nal reminder to vote. Democrat, said it best: “Volunteering A memorial fund was established and a candlelight a landslide – tears and hugs fl owed of view, which I do feel had some VOTE! Who could really forget Admittedly, the fi nal day of is like being a fan at a football game: memorial, as well as a prayer vigil were arranged. freely and our pride in America infl uence.’ about such an historic election, you campaigning raised everyone’s spirits if only one person screams then “We will move forward,” Wendy Holbrook, associate bubbled over with cheering and If Saturday’s mixed crowd may ask? Beats me, but in reality enormously. We watched volunteers there is no effect, but if everyone dean of students, told those gathered. “We will not chanting: “YES WE CAN! YES WE was challenging, Sunday was a little more than half of all Americans fl ood into the local campaign does there’s a huge effect. And forget.” WILL! YES WE DID!” disappointment: almost every door actually vote in presidential elections, offi ce—dispatched immediately even though one voice really doesn’t Monika Urbanski 132 Columbia University College I knocked on went unanswered, and so every reminder matters. Our and effectively to canvass, lit. drop, matter, we still scream because we Democrats had just spent the those who were home had already group alone dropped literature on drive voters to the polls, and so on know it’s a collective effort.” TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 10 FEATURES November 11, 2008

A NEW LOOK AT THE BARD Love is in the language The fi lms have been well-watched and plays well-studied but Izabella Scott urges us to re- live ‘Romeo and Juliet’ through re-reading the original text; the words alone explain our addic- tion to Shakespeare’s most tragic love story

WHY ARE we so addicted to the Romeo- scene…’ I almost stopped there. ‘Don’t Juliet myth? The tale of tragic love bother,’ Tom joked, ‘I’ll tell you what speaks to us across centuries, emerging happens in the end.’ Who couldn’t? A grief persistently in fi lm, adapted on stage, stricken Romeo drinks poison beside the imitated in literature, mutating beyond body of his beloved Juliet - thinking her the delicate verse in Shakespeare’s dead - unaware she has merely swallowed original play. Why is it such a powerful a potion provided by Friar Lawrence to love story? It has permeated deep into conceal her life beneath seeming-death – Western consciousness, creeping into escaping the wrath of her father, a forced our vocabulary – what a Romeo! – into engagement to Paris – and so Juliet wakes Photo by Jason Specland our entire perception of young, hopeless to fi nd her husband just-dead - stabs love. herself – moments before watchmen While Luhrmann kept much of it’s true; its truth speaks to us, across was played by a man, or young boy – but don’t; rather, they love on fi rst sight, The success of Baz Luhrmann’s fi lm uncover the bitter scene – Familiar? Shakespeare’s original verse, still barriers of language, time, custom. It through her words, her constancy, her Romeo who knows she is a Capulet, but – and its soundtrack – has propagated If you do anything this week, I segments of the play were omitted. isn’t the fact they both commit suicide in bravery and independence. Her helpless, only aware she is the sun, a torch, the Shakespearian verse, meshed with seriously recommend you read this play. Inevitably they lie forgotten. It’s fi ts of passion. Their death is inescapable, hopeless love for Romeo. A Romeo who light. Juliet knows too late that her love is 90’s pop and the effortless, rich soul of It’s incredibly powerful. I don’t say this accessible, ironically, because we know told in the prologue, written in the stars is fl awed, feisty, fatally spontaneous, forbidden – yet she does not falter. Quindon Tarver. the plot; we can focus, rather on the - a fact of the play. Rather the play’s rushing to his death, immature, brimming It’s so heartbreaking. Romeo’s sweet Luhrmann’s reinterpretation of the beauty of the language, as the furze power resides in a love that survives with emotion, lonely, loving. As Juliet and sincere whisperings to a dead wife, as play as commentary on American gang of printed black marks break into the against every odd, blossoming despite teaches Romeo how to love she changes he lies deep in a crypt of rotting Capulet’s, warfare- set in contemporary Verona “The story has confusion of a girl, sweetly high in a mad a social misunderstanding of their love, his crummy poetry into very beautiful the warm body of a just-murdered Paris Beach, a fi ctionalized suburb of Los permeated deep into rush of early love. misinterpreted by family, by friends, by words, which are beautiful because he has somewhere beside them. “O my love! my Angeles- has both popularized the play, Why is this tragedy so compelling? So the law. thought about what he is saying, rather wife! … I will stay with thee, and never yet simultaneously choked any of the Western consciousness, haunting? From a formal perspective, it is Juliet stands at the centre of the play. than reciting typical oaths and odes. from this palace of dim night depart original language which didn’t make the often observed to be an imbalanced play Though she barely leaves her bedroom, it It’s the type of love that you don’t get again.” fi nal cut. creeping into our – with far more Capulet than Montague Read it. It’s addictive. The poetry plucks How many of us have actually read vocabulary, into our scenes – departing from the classic at some deep cord. It feels ancient – like the original text – or can think of the play pattern of a tragic drama. “Of course their love is true; it’s a type of love that reading Aeschylus’ early Greek Tragedy, without Luhrmann’s vision saturating entire perception of Romeo is a diffi cult character, awkward translations of Agamemnon our thoughts? I almost didn’t pick it up. young, hopeless love.” especially in his love for Rosaline, which you don’t get in adults, a love with all abandon, which capture a startling beauty in the I pictured Leonardo de Caprio kissing so quickly melts into a love for Juliet. He bitterness of hate in love, of love in hate, Claire Danes in a swimming pool, merged is inconstant, he is whiny, he is clichéd. without caution, without boundaries.” men reduced to urns and ashes, a royal with a vague memory of an English lesson lightly. Obviously, the ending won’t come They are so young – the play moves so is her courage which is the very buttress in adults, a love with all abandon, without household to a savage battlefi eld. It aged 14, our teacher’s desperate attempt as a surprise, especially if you’ve just fast, set over three days, the couple alone of the play, a courage she discovers in caution, without boundaries. According touches some primitive emotion, some to engage a class of spotty, uninspired read the above – but there are surprises, in only two scenes - and we can’t help but herself as she discovers love. It is this to the society they live in, which pivots on base circumstance – what happens when teenagers. narrative facts you may not be aware of: ask, can they really fall in love so deeply? constancy which teaches Romeo how a long, bloody feud between two old men, two young people fall hopelessly in love, When I began the prologue, I found I Romeo kills Paris as he enters the Capulet Is there enough time? And ultimately, is to love. Like Romeo, we fall in love with who hardly remember why it began, against the will of their families and knew it already ‘… two households, alike crypt; Rosaline, like Juliet, is a Capulet; it true? Juliet. For Shakespeare’s contemporary Romeo and Juliet should hate each other society? And Shakespeare shows their in dignity, in fair Verona where we lay our Juliet is 13 years old. And the answer is - yes. Of course audience, this wouldn’t be visually – Juliet on sight – like Tybalt to Romeo. But they heavy love will not be staunched. “We sit through ‘For ever and a day’ Shakespeare’s plays in Tolstoy and Sophocles told of tragedies and His works transcend time, fashion, generation, culture, people in trouble, Homer told of men at war and adventure, Terence and Mark Twain told order to recognise language, but what makes Shakespeare’s plays so im- cosmic stories, Plutarch told histories, Dickens melodramatic ones and Hans Christian Anderson mortal, asks Emily Monk told fairy tales. But Shakespeare told every kind of story; quotations” HIS POETRY and narratives still speak to knew that our problems are ineradicably rooted comedy, tragedy, history, stories of love, us truthfully, despite the social, cultural and in our nature and he atomised that nature with adventure, melodrama, fantasy, fairy tales; each historical changes of the last four hundred a characteristic style never since equalled. Every of them told so brilliantly they have become years. time we consult his work, we emerge with a immortal. — OSCAR WILDE His lasting and seemingly unabating deeper insight into the heart of our own mystery. And in every great story live great characters, popularity can in part be attributed to his ability He encourages introspection and inspires no more so than in the works of Shakespeare. to illuminate the human experience. Essentially, passion. The truly compelling characters, particularly he understood the nature of human beings and These complex human emotions, inexplicable his tragic heroes, are unrivalled and unequalled THE AVERAGE high-calibre university » “As good luck would have it” the essence of feeling, illustrating emotion in a by science, are summarised in eloquent in literature, dwarfi ng and conquering even the graduate has a vocabulary of about 11,000 Merry Wives of Windsor, Act III Scene 5 way never before seen and never since. but simple verse, touching on every kind of sublime creations of the Greek tragedians. words. Shakespeare’s is estimated at around Shakespeare knew something that we are sentiment. His readers can relate to the passion Their popularity reigns because of their 25,000. Even more impressively he is » “The short and the long of it” increasingly loath to acknowledge; that there is and reaction whilst losing themselves in his complexity. We can see ourselves as gentle credited by the Oxford English Dictionary Merry Wives of Windsor, Act II Scene 2 no technical fi x for the problems of humanity. He remarkable stories. Hamlet, fl awed by procrastination, forced with the introduction of nearly 3,000 against our better nature to seek a murderous words into the English language including » “The world’s mine oyster” revenge; we want Romeo to fall in love with us ‘assasination’ and ‘bump’. Only a hero like Merry Wives of Windsor, Act II Scene 2 for our beauty and articulate words; we dream of that would leave his second best bed to his being as noble and great as the initial Macbeth wife in his will. » “I have not slept one wink” Cymbeline, Act still unmarred by overruling ambition, as kind as Oscar Wilde once said that we “sit III Scene 3 Desdemona, as beautiful as Olivia, as heralded as through Shakespeare’s plays in order to Othello; to be passionate and honourable enough recognise quotations.” We have all been » “For ever and a day” As You Like It, Act IV to love and to fi ght completely against the wills told not to protest too much, that the game Scene 1 of society or the norm, sometimes hindered by a is up, knowing we owe the Bard. We’ve moral conscience, often to tragic end. But most realised that the question often is to be or » “We have seen better days” Timon of of all, we want to understand them. Shakespeare not to be and that usually what’s done is Athens, Act IV Scene 2 offers just enough ambiguity to evoke thought, done but few of us are aware of quite how inspiration and a subjective interpretation and many colloquial phrases derive from one of » “The green-eyed monster” Othello, Act III answer about each of his creations. Shakespeare’s 38 plays, 154 sonnets or fi ve But above all and perhaps most obviously, it other poems. » “T’is neither here nor there” Othello, Act is the words, the language and Shakespeare’s IV Scene 3 ability to turn a phrase that have immortalised » “My salad days, when I was green in judg- his work. ment” » “In the twinkling of an eye” The Merchant His infi nite infl uence on literature and the Antony and Cleopatra, Act I Scene 5 of Venice, Act II Scene 2 English language since can be realised by the number of his phrases now used as common » “He hath eaten me out of house and » “Lend me your ears” Julius Caesar, Act III clichés. home” Scene 2 Authors use his lines as titles; Huxley’s ‘Brave King Henry IV Part II, Act II Scene 1 New World’ is a line from The Tempest, Robert » “Love is blind” The Merchant of Venice, Stone’s ‘Dogs of War’, a phrase read fi rst in » “Exceedingly well read” Act II Scene 6 Julius Caesar and ‘The Undiscovered Country’ King Henry IV Part I, Act III Scene 1 which Arthur Schnitzler took from Hamlet, to » “Nothing will come of nothing” King Lear, name only a few. It seems Ben Jonson was right » “I’ll not budge an inch” Act I Scene 1 when he said that Shakespeare “was not of an Taming of the Shrew, Induction Scene 1 Shakespeare knew that there was no technical fi x for the problems of humanity. age, but for all time”. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 FEATURES 11 China’s changing

minds POPULATION POWERHOUSE » China has a population of over 1.3 billion. Despite the one- There is a common conception of China as child policy, introduced in 1979, it is still a sharp rise from under state-infl uenced and overpopulated. Will 600 million in 1950.

Clowes tests his speculations and meets the de- » Due to the preference for boys, according to the UN Popula- termined people tipped to take over the world. tion Fund, fi gures show that now 119 boys are born for every 100 girls. The long term AS I broach a subject that evokes strong guided by...truthfulness, benevolence result of this could be up to opinions, may I issue a quick disclaimer? and forbearance...with 100 million 40 million young men without I don’t mean to be seen as condoning the practitioners in over 80 countries’. From wives. censorious oppressor of the Dalai Lama this side of the argument come the many and his people. But neither do I want accusations of victimisation at the hands » In a traditionally agricultural to appear as having a case of Western of the Chinese government, including that society, there is now globally sour grapes in light of China’s glorious Falun Gong adherents have been used for unprecedented urban migra- and global summer. Rather I intend to organ harvesting. However, in the words tion in China. There are now irresponsibly sit on my cosy and distant of the offi cial embassy document, it is ‘a over 550 million people living fence and airily point to just a few of cult’ that ‘spreads heretical fallacies... in urban areas and that fi gure is the curious and often incomprehensible says computers have been invented by expected to rise. characteristics that the eager and people from other planets to control judgemental tourist observes in China. mankind... has claimed the lives of 1700 » To put this in perspective the In my case, that I spent only 3 weeks this innocent people...(and) is a common Chinese Academy of Social Sci- summer in the most populous nation vermin to humanity’. ences predicted that by 2010 on the planet most likely diminishes the Stereotypes thus far fulfi lled it was there will be about 125 cities in likelihood that I record anything truly no surprise when I could not access my China with a population of over Myzone email account once we reached one million.The corresponding Beijing. But, up to this point, this all fi gure in the USA is 9. refers to the workings of Chinese policy Photo by Trey Ratcliffe “A prominent aspect of and, due to my preconceptions, provided China in the Western no real alarm. It is in the conversations believe the progress of their nation is a years. not militarily (although a number of with the people themselves where greater cause than the individual. This Inevitably I was always going to judge Mongolians told me they did not think mindset is that the interest was truly aroused. impression was encapsulated best when China to a certain degree by my own this unrealistic), but economically, In China Road by Rob Gifford, the a very bright eighteen year old called cultural preconceptions, especially since, culturally and demographically. This infl uence of state China correspondent for National Public Larry from the Inner Mongolian capital, bar Russia, no other nation provokes problem can also be seen in China itself. machinery is far reaching Radio between 1999 and 2005, he claims Hohhot, asked us why our country hated such ideological and political tension and In a nation of over fi fty ethnic groups, as a general rule that the majority of China. While I spluttered out answers to contrast with the West. Whether it is yet over 90% Han Chinese, you will and all powerful. I still the population will echo the offi cial line the effect that Western governments did attitudes towards the autonomy of ethnic now fi nd Han majorities in Hohhot and hold this view.” that China has too many people and the not hate the Chinese people, but rather minorities (of which there are over 50 in Urumqi (capital of Xinjiang province, a one-child policy (and therefore the nasty their problems lay with the government China) or their support of pariah regimes, traditionally Uighur Muslim area) and implications when this law is broken) of China, the separation of State and such as Myanmar or Zimbabwe, China ever more in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. accurate. is a positive measure. This turned out people seemed to have no resonance seems to evoke strong criticism. Also it Psychologically this may in part be down It is a habit of anyone who fancies to be accurate. On our numerous and with him. This comes as quite a shock is clear that this moralising disapproval, to the Imperial rulers having never themselves as something of a ‘traveller’ very long train and bus journeys, often to people who live in countries where however justifi ed, has a basis in our been of the majority Han ethnic group. (although I would never admit it out without provocation, we were faced with criticism of national politics is the default alarm at their apparently unshakeable Nevertheless it certainly is part of the loud) to extract evidence of a wide held a united front in support of State policy. setting. strength. After all sending a team into unstoppable surge to use every available national psyche from the occasional There were also other opinions we When we think of China, it is space while the rest of the world lurches corner of the country for employment passing comment or specifi c event. But encountered regularly, such as that the unavoidable that Chairman Mao into recession is quite the statement. and profi ts. in China these sorts of matters seem upcoming Olympics were very important immediately enters our minds alongside What makes this all the more real In the neighbouring countries, too, more consistent and signifi cant. This for China to introduce its qualities to the MSG and Jackie Chan, who incidentally is is that China bashing is not a solely some of the fears seem justifi ed. As tendency is inevitably enhanced when world. This was no hollow sentiment in almost every advert. To the uninitiated Western phenomenon. Rather in my Chinese goods fl ood out, resources it comes to China due to the extent to and the veracity of it was manifested by surveyor of China, the national experience due to the more tangible inevitably pour in. For example, in which it represents the cultural ‘other’ in the nationalistic fervour, genuine pride treatment of the man and his reign of effects that proximity inevitably brings, Mongolia, the cashmere industry has the West. and tangible excitement that were on terror is absolutely baffl ing. Evidently it is all the more virulent in the border suffered at the ability of state subsidised A prominent aspect of China in the display as the Olympic torch made its no one would expect to understand the nations. Over the last two summers Chinese businesses to outbid the locals. western mindset is that the infl uence procession through the cities of China. psychological effects of a man who not the racism I have encountered towards Furthermore I was told due to diffi culties of state machinery is far reaching and I own a T-shirt, along with probably only caused the death of over seventy China in its neighbours has been telling. in regulating Chinese operations in the all powerful. I certainly held, and still another billion people, emblazoned with million people in peace time, but also hold, this view and it was dramatically ‘I love China. One China, one family. tried to erase 2000 years of Confucian reinforced while still in Dublin. While 1,300,000,000 Chinese hearts support values and Imperial culture, in a mere “What intimidates the unprepared Western tourist queuing for my visa, I picked up two the Beijing 2008 Sport Games’. Whereas three weeks. The lasting results of a thirty leafl ets. The fi rst was entitled ‘The truth I probably bought mine with an aloof and year period where putting your family is the unashamed vigour with which the young about China’s Tibet’ and the second unattractive cynicism, the remaining sixth before the State or owning land could ‘Have you been harassed by Falun of the world wear theirs with nothing but sign a death sentence is impossible to Chinese go about their task of self-improvement; Gong?’ For those that do not know a very real gusto. assess, especially on a summer holiday. the positive conviction of their assault on the world” about Falun Gong (also known as Falun Whatever one’s opinions are- on the However it is alarming when on your Dafa), according to www.falundafa.net surface, at least- this all points to an fi rst day in Beijing a street salesman it is ‘a high-level cultivation practice almost universal zeal which really does offers you a ‘Mao watch’, alongside fake In Tajikistan, upon seeing a road being Gobi Desert it is diffi cult to know just Nikes and ladies of the night. They do not constructed from the Chinese border how much oil is being transported back sell Hitler clocks in Germany and, maybe towards the capital, Dushanbe, I was told over the border. These tensions are more comparably, Pol Pot hats are not it was being built by Chinese convicts so manifested by the not infrequent on offer in Cambodia. However you can that the country could be fl ooded with border scuffl es between China and its purchase a Stalin mug in Russia. Further cheap products. This view appeared neighbours. turmoil of comprehension is provided more institutionalized in Kyrgyzstan upon As I left China, heading towards upon entering Mao’s vast mausoleum, hearing from a young girl that ‘Chinese’ the incomparably more tranquil and which takes centre stage in Tiananmen is used as an adjective to describe sleepy environs of Mongolia, I still did Square, when tourists, mindful of a shoddy workmanship. In Mongolia, the not have a clue. I was truly unnerved at murderous despot, are confronted by antipathy was best expressed among the totality of offi cialdom (most visible locals taking part in their pilgrimage to other incidences when I was told it was in the overpowering police and military kow tow to their former leader and lay better to buy a Russian motorcycle rather presence everywhere; as we crossed fl owers before his embalmed corpse. than Chinese, even though it would cost the border, the platform was lined with This veneration seems particularly double. soldiers, while the national anthem blared peculiar when you consider the horror Seeing that Mongolia was a Soviet from loud speakers) and the remnants of with which the Chairman would view satellite state until 1990 and suffered Mao’s generation left behind by the social The Communist Party’s vigour in harshly from purges, their goodwill surge. Visible through the number of embracing big business and growing towards Russia provides further evidence over 50s, blank faced, scouring the bins the economy. In short, the only way I of the ingrained dislike of China. of China’s cities, it seemed modern China could begin to understand the attitudes Furthermore on train journeys through is very much a young person’s game. shown towards Mao was to simplistically Siberia I noticed carriages entirely of However overseeing 1.3 billion people put it down to careful management in Chinese, armed with their pots and and improving life for as many of them as the years following his death in 1976. pans, on a mission to fi nd work, usually possible will unavoidably have its victims. His old house in Shanghai is a popular as labourers in Russia’s ever expanding So, with this in mind, what I think really tourist destination both for foreigners construction sites. For those of you who intimidates the unprepared Western and Chinese and is presented as the subscribe to the ‘how dare they come tourist is the unashamed vigour about place where the revolution to remove over ‘ere, steal our jobs, steal our women’ which the young Chinese go about their the Japanese sympathising Kuomintang school of thought, thank your lucky stars task of self improvement. This should fermented. But conversely when we Poland does not have a population of 1.3 never be sneered at. After all what asked Larry what they learnt in history billion. kind of cynical reception would a young lessons, it appears that 1976 followed The point is that, even if the Chinese professional woman get here if she spoke 1949. It must be remembered, though, road builders were not convicts or Chinese of a play she had written about a love that these events occurred within living motorcycles were actually very effi cient, story that blossoms out of the wreckage memory and it is not surprising if it the hostility one fi nds in the nations of the 9/11 terrorist attacks? While I tried should take the detachment of a wholly within spitting distance is founded in a to suppress my sceptical sniggers, I also new generation to bring about an entirely very real and concrete apprehension. felt envious at the positive and unerring Photo By Peter Morgan frank confrontation with these morbid They fear an invasion, most likely conviction of her assault on the world. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 12 WORLD REVIEW November 11, 2008 Why did 46% vote Republican?

expensive universities leave the concept extreme ‘born-again’ evangelicals. The The U.S. electorate has decisively voted for of third level education as just that, a practices of some American churches concept, for almost all poorer students. are nothing new, but they still manage change. In less than two months an African- Even with acceptable results, third level to amaze those of us who are not swept is something that they will not experience up in their fervour. The churches American president will enter the Oval Offi ce. without accumulating a serious amount are too varied to make one damning of debt. While some will do well and go criticism, but the message of personal Bruff O’Reilly looks into why 57 million Ameri- to university, the majority will either responsibility – a message that runs drop out of high school, or graduate at the core of the Republican Party – is cans cast their ballots for the Grand Old Party without the capacity to perform anything ever present, and plays an insidious role but a low-level job. The Republican party in a Republican’s mindset. While not HAVING LIVED in America for the last bankers, doctors, lawyers, and members speaks simply and does not mix words, inherently unethical, this message is seven years, in a mostly conservative of the governing elite who have benefi ted appealing to the undereducated. And for used to explain that the reason you are area, I feel it may be helpful to explain from the status quo and who do not want this reason the educational system acts, unsuccessful or ill-educated is that this is to people abroad why someone would be it to change. The other group, the vast put crudely, as a conveyor belt for the how you deserve to be. Had you worked The Media depend on a cohesive effort, from all if a Republican. No, they’re not physically majority, are the undereducated, poorly Republican party. harder, or been smarter, you would have Many people have seen it on YouTube, its population, in order to survive and damaged or inherently insane; they just paid, and religiously fervent. And because avoided the diffi culties that face you now. the video of Bill O’Reilly of U.S. Fox News re-establish itself as a leading state in the see things differently. And like so many oft of the issues listed below, they do not The message completely ignores the fact infamy, ranting and raving at a guest that eyes of the rest of the world. Republicans subjugated and poorly educated people dare question the fairness of the system that the largely unregulated capitalistic said something he disagreed with. It’s a will have tough decisions to make with a before them, their vision is blurred by a in which they live. The Republican Party American system is inherently unfair funny sight but it’s also terrifying because liberal Democrat agenda in power, but it machine that they themselves fi nd almost There are many reasons why so many speaks simply and and, when compared to other Western it’s peddled as the truth. To many people, is possible for positive change to occur if impossible to fully comprehend. Americans voted Republican, most of countries, geared against the lower having just graduated from a High School the issues above are addressed and the For all intents and purposes, the which are well publicised, but not always does not mix words, classes. What this message achieves is where their teacher probably watched it systems of thought remodelled. It is not Republican party is comprised of two well understood. I would like to highlight to provide the people who subscribe to it too, Fox News, and other similar “news” impossible for this to happen, and will groups. The first is populated by the just three of the many factors which appealing to the with a fair justifi cation for their sorrow. outlets, are sources they can relate to and rely on those people who are in charge wealthy and secure - the old white men contribute to the Republicans’ process of undereducated It allows them to know that there is an understand. Right-wing news provides a of the systems in place. If they can shift lounging back in their leather chairs, indoctrination. explanation for why they have not fared clear description of the events in such a their agendas positively, and engender smoking cigars. These people exist, well, and that it rests squarely on their way that it goes along with the cultural support from the currently despondent or are powerful, and are resolute about Education shoulders. This is almost always a lie for ethos of its viewers, regardless of the misdirected, America can heal itself and their principles. They are the product It is diffi cult to overemphasise the effect Religion most people, but because it goes along actual events. It is not diffi cult to see lies become a formidable nation once again. of a system which advocates personal that the American public educational Religion plays a large and obvious role with an entrenched American ethos of and bias, but because it not only speaks It is a country that has a precedent of responsibility and private wealth. They system has on the populace. While in the Republican party. Almost all of “hard work will get you anywhere”, it to the inherent thought process of its enacting remarkable change when need are the businessmen, private, expensive schools provide top- the party’s constituents are Christian, sticks. viewers, but also taps into the themes be. notch education to America’s elite, most and another large of life to which they subscribe, it has of America’s youth attend public percentage an overwhelming, and overtly institutions. While these vary are the damaging, infl uence. from state to state, and from m o r e America is a country region to region, there is a with incredibly serious trend: most are not well problems. Growing run, and the standards income disparity, are not high. Poorly inaccessible and written and executed unaffordable health standardised multiple- care, poor educational choice tests, along with systems, a massive underpaid teachers and prison population, a culturally ingrained looming energy crisis, ignorance, perpetuate and a fi nancial system a system that does not now on the brink of encourage students to collapse, represent achieve academically just a few of America’s or question virtually issues. The success anything. Outrageously of the nation will

Bush’s legacy: autocracy in Azerbaijan

By Sinead Walsh displaced persons) problem. cult known to its critics as Heydarism. The occasion of Bush’s foray into the Everywhere one goes in Azerbaijan - sophisticated world of letter-writing was after one’s arrival at the Heydar Aliyev THE US presidential race is run and the Mr. Aliyev’s re-inauguration as president airport - one fi nds Heydar Aliyev streets, question on most people’s lips is whether following elections on October 15. Heydar Aliyev squares, Heydar Aliyev or not George W. Bush intends to go out According to offi cial statistics, 3,232,259 monuments, Heydar Aliyev schools, with a bang; with the recent raid on Syria people – that is to say, over 87% of the 75% libraries and cultural centres. Along having fuelled much speculation on the of the electorate who showed up at polling the roadsides, Heydar smiles down subject. Well, here’s one of his plans, stations - voted for Mr. Aliyev. Not one of revealed in a letter written to Azerbaijani his six rivals received even three percent President Ilham Aliyev which was of the vote. The main opposition parties all published on the Today.az website on boycotted the elections in protest against Bush is left with one October 28: “In the coming few months what the the Organisation for Security priority - draining we will strive for deepening the bilateral and Co-Operation in Europe(OSCE) partnership and friendly relations called a “lack of robust competition and Azerbaijan of all the oil between our countries. In particular, we vibrant political discourse facilitated by hope for further advancement towards the media”. All in all, a pretty poor return he can get and shoring our goals in the sphere of global energy on attempts to democratize the post- up NATO’s infl uence security and attainment of agreements Communist country. But nonetheless, Mr. on basic principles of the resolution of Bush saw fi t to congratulate Mr. Aliyev on Nagorno Karabakh confl ict.” the results and even express his support from enormous billboards, occasionally Given that Russian President Dmitri for efforts at “strengthening democratic accompanied by his son in pictures of Medvedev beat Mr. Bush in the race to host institutions”. the two of them gazing out over building Mr. Aliyev and his Armenian counterpart It’s hard to imagine any of Mr. Bush’s sites in Baku and oil rigs in the Caspian, in talks aimed at preventing the frozen Cold War predecessors sending a similar or enjoying a talk in an impressive Karabakh confl ict from escalating into a letter to Mr. Aliyev’s father, Heydar, a looking offi ce. I was lucky enough to be South Ossetia-style crisis, Bush is left with man who ruled Azerbaijan for over thirty in Baku to celebrate what would have Heydar and Ilham Aliyev. Photograph by Alma Sudi one priority - draining Azerbaijan of all years in both its Soviet and post-Soviet been Heydar’s 85th birthday - had he the oil he can get and shoring up NATO form. In 2003, the dying Mr. Heydar lived. The cult of personality surrounding language newspaper Monitor who was media in our country in a way which will these stations would remain accessible infl uence in the region, while turning transferred power to his son in an election Mr. Heydar - and, by extension, his son assassinated in 2005. Part of the evidence correspond to international standards. by satellite, cable and Internet. Bearing a blind eye to political realities in the which was characterized by violence and - reminded me irresistibly of the traces against Fatullayev was an article posted But we have to do that taking the risk of in mind that in their 2007 report, which Caucasian country sandwiched between other violations of democratic norms. of the cult to Lenin that remain indelibly online in his name, but which he denies death, being beaten half-dead, or arrested classifi ed Azerbaijan as not free, Freedom Russia, Turkey and Iran; and faced with Since then, Mr. Ilham has cashed in marked on Russian towns. The difference having written, accusing Azerbaijani because of the articles we wrote. Why? House estimated that only 10% of the a staggering refugee and IDP (internally on his father’s legacy, sponsoring a being that the Lenin cult is so old it has troops of participating in the 1992 killings Why does the logic of the 17th century population has Internet access, this will become a quaint sort of novelty, whereas of inhabitants of the Nagorno-Karabakh shows up to this degree in the present be another signifi cant strike against the Heydarism is terrifyingly current. town of Khojali. governance of Azerbaijan?” media in Azerbaijan if it comes to pass. JOURNALISTS SILENCED A few stories from the past twelve Through all of this, Elmar Husseynov’s months serve to demonstrate the limited n December 2007 Mr. Aliyev The run-up to October’s election murder has remained unsolved. In March, Azadliq reporter Agil Khalil was reach of efforts to democratize the pardoned five out of the eight was notable for Ilham Aliyev’s - and the Along with the bigger headaches attacked by an assailant with a knife. In July, Azerbaijani media. This time last year, journalists then facing jail (Mr. late Heydar’s - dominance of the media, inherited from the Bush administration, a court in Baku convicted a man called Sergei members of the Azadliq (Freedom) Fatullayev wasn’t one of them). and a general sense of fatigue amongst Mr. Obama will also have to deal with opposition block and independent media However,I the following March, courts the opposition. Following the election, Strekalin of the crime, despite the fact that the problems posed by states such as Khalil, present at the trial, swore that Strekalin representatives were on hunger strike, went on to sentence Ganimat Zahidov, the opposition also cancelled protest the overlooked, oil-rich, illiberal and was not the man who had attacked him, and protesting their lack of a free press. At editor of the Azadliq newspaper, to four rallies after being denied permission to uncompromisingly nationalist Azerbaijan. that the whole trial had been fabricated to the time, journalist Eynulla Fatullayev years in prison for “deliberately causing assemble by authorities in Baku, no doubt It may be that Azerbaijan will remain discredit him by casting aspersions on his had just been sentenced to eight and light injuries” and “hooliganism”. Key remembering the widespread arrests and an overlooked ally of the oil-hungry sexuality. Meanwhile, at a closed trial held a half years in prison on charges of witnesses were prevented from testifying beatings that followed the fraudulent superpower, just as it was in Clinton’s day. in June, Novruzali Mamedov, editor of a threatening terrorism, inciting racial at his trial. In his fi nal speech, he made 2003 election. Then on November 1st it Or it may be that Mr. Obama will push Talysh minority language newspaper, was hatred, and tax evasion. This followed the following statement: “The mind of was announced that the State Council Mr. Aliyev closer to Moscow, sacrifi cing sentenced to ten years in prison on charges of treason. The Writers in Prison an article he had written suggesting that the 21st century calls on the state to be for Television and Radio Broadcasting a strategic foothold in the Caucasus Committee of International PEN, an organization defending his right to Azerbaijan would be at risk in the event of the locomotive of progress and direct the intended to put a stop to local broadcasts to criticize the increasingly repressive freedom of speech and association, has called in vain for details of the trial - U.S. military strikes in Iran, and implying community towards the most progressive by Radio Liberty, Voice of America and Aliyev dynasty. in which he was denied access to his defense lawyer - to be made public. that the authorities were obstructing the ideas. We live in Azerbaijan and we are the BBC. The body’s chairman said It should prove interesting. After all, investigation into the murder of Elmar engaged in media activities. We do that it was now policy to broadcast only they say you should judge a man by how Husseynov, the editor of the Russian our best to establish the traditions of programs of national origin, adding that he treats his servants, not his equals. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 WORLD REVIEW 13 Eastern promise Russia and China have not escaped the fi nan- cial turmoil unscathed. But while investors are wary of committing to emerging economies, Ruth Mannion fi nds the local markets buoyant

OR THE past few months we another test aside from their ‘emerging have heard of little else but market’ stigma. What I mean by this are GROWTH: BRIC BY BRIC that loaded term ‘recession’. the factors that make Western investors So another article about the cautious about doing business in these BRIC is an informal economic recession, you think? Not countries. Political uncertainty, economic alliance make up of four of the quite.F If anything positive can be drawn disparity and corruption are the main world’s largest countries with rap- from the global economic crisis it is that dangers that foreign investors are keen idly growing economies: Brazil, everyone, including the most insular and to dodge. The two BRIC countries I Russia, India and China respec- self-assured have been made aware of have visited this year, Russia and China, tively. their vulnerability to world markets. What both struck me as fi rmly confi dent of stemmed from a subprime mortgage their ability to withstand an economic The four economic giants, made scandal was to make the news in every tempest. up of two energy-rich nations and nation around the world. China is in an especially healthy two manfacturing powerhouses, I fi rst encountered word of an alleged state and with $1.9 trillion in foreign have been forging stronger links fi nancial crisis when I was still on my currency reserves and little connection since the 1990s. Erasmus year in Moscow in May. It came to foreign banks it is in a position where in the shape of a rejected job offer. The it could help out Western companies Goldman Sachs predicts that if explanation was curt and panicked: with sovereign wealth funds. China is their current rate of growth con- “Plans for Celtic Bear have been shelved not of course impervious to the global tinues, the four BRIC countries for the foreseeable future. When you downturn. Wealth is being squeezed as will be the dominating economic spoke to us we had not heard of the asset prices decline and China will suffer forces in the world by 2050. subprime market and the woes that have from a decline in exports to the United followed. Investors are nervous. I suggest States and Europe. The property bubble Russia hosted the fi rst formal you should widen your options.” This is is Beijing may have popped but this does summit of the BRIC nations this when I began to pay closer attention not mean that the growing urban middle May in the Eastern Urals city of Photo by Alexandra Moss to the workings of Wall Street and the class is going to stop spending. The Skyscrapers under construction in Beijing, China. Ekaterinburg. increasing withdrawal of investors from opening of the fi rst Marks and Spencer Russia. The situation, as we all now know, stores in Shanghai and Beijing signalled rate of 9% is more than healthy and as the governments respond aggressively to do hopefully sooner rather than later, the All four BRIC members also meet is going to get worse before it recovers. long queues, not seen in Ireland since Zhou Xiaochuan, head of China’s Central foreign companies who enter ‘strategic multinationals will once again begin to as part of the group of 20 indus- Ireland has gone from being known as Bank, said China has a vast domestic areas’. Both countries have enormous target the BRIC countries. trialised nations (G20), another the Celtic tiger, to being Europe’s leading Russian President market, abundant liquidity and a good wealth inequalities between urban Perhaps in the wake of this crisis semi-formal group made up of trendsetters in equally positive and Dmitry Medvedev: source of labour. In short, he considers and provincial areas. Neither state has people will pay closer attention to the part the world’s 19 largest countries pejorative ways. Saying ‘No’ to Lisbon “The economic the foundations of the economy strong democracy or free media. HIV, and multinationals have to play. Some things, and a representative from the and being the fi rst EU member to fully crisis, let us face it, enough to withstand the fall-out from a human and political rights issues are it seems, are not meant for scrutiny at guarantee bank deposits has placed us is far from over.” Western economic crisis. more than problematic in both cases. Yet home. The reluctance and even refusal European Union. The G20 nations in a rather uncomfortable spotlight. It Russia and China differ enormously in both countries have been, and will be, of the US government to allow Chinese, collectively represent 90% of the is however far more interesting to ask Kate Moss came to Topshop. Middle- their approach to foreign trading. Russia, considered for foreign investment. When Indian and Russian companies to purchase global GNP as well as two thirds questions about what we do not know class Russians are similarly spending while still attracting comparatively low I met Western ex-pats who worked in US stock has shown how Westerners of the world’s population. than what is pretty obvious. as vigorously as ever. The market for levels of foreign investment, has ironically multinational companies in Moscow I are uneasy when it comes to allowing A military misadventure in Georgia luxury brands in Russia and China is availed of foreign lending. Russia will no often wondered how much the company these nascent economic superpowers to The G20 will convene in Washing- and a shareholder dispute with TNK-BP still expanding. The rise in the standard longer be able to lend and in turn borrow ton on November 14 for talks on have shattered investor confidence in of living in both countries has been dollars from Western banks as the credit the economic crisis. Russia. While having a secure surplus on accompanied by a desire to splash out on crunch hardens. The dollar-dominated Russia and China respond aggressively to foreign its current account, the overseas liabilities everything from new houses to cars to RTS index and the rouble-dominated improve transparency and respect for of Russian fi rms now exceed their foreign designer labels. MICEX index have both seen huge falls. companies who enter their ‘strategic areas’ the law everywhere. Companies should assets by $103.5 billion. The partial sell American consumers, demoralised by The Kremlin’s attempts at suspending not compromise their standards to out of Renaissance Capital, Russia’s the economic crisis, are now in an entirely trading and introducing technical secure a quick deal. The days of making leading Western investment firm, is different frame of mind. It is worth procedures have managed to damage the bent their rules in Russia. Company policy encroach on world markets. Any forward- a quick buck and pulling out rapidly once testament to the tough times ahead for asking whether the $150,000 sum spent credibility of Russian markets further. often clashes with local procedure in the looking economist can tell you that things get cold will become outdated Russian companies. Business in Russia on Sarah Palin’s new election wardrobe The Chinese Yuan is in nowhere near BRIC countries. The French retailer integration is necessary for globalisation. as foreign markets become stronger. has always held an element of risk, but would have caused such an outcry if it had the same amount of trouble. China has Carrefour experienced unprecedented What my travels have taught me is that BRIC countries will begin to demand now more than ever it looks like Western happened a year before. Media censorship succeeded, unlike Russia, in securing protests this year, after pro-Tibet it is important to know your intended a greater understanding of business investors will defi nitely veer away from a and modest govenement forecasts a record amount of foreign investment campaigners interrupted the Olympic market. Most foreign businesses fail in practices before deals are sealed. This politically complicated country and stick have helped comfort the Russian and and in turn has invested billions abroad. torch in Paris. This is an example of the Russia because they cannot come to terms might happen sooner than anticipated, to the safest options available. Now is Chinese consumers. Which does make It goes to show that WTO membership diffi culties that can be encountered with with the local mentalitet (mentality). now that some BRIC countries have an interesting time to stop and consider one wonder whether the Western media pays off. the BRIC countries. However politicised Equally guanxi (relationship) is essential sovereign wealth reserves. The future’s where the key emerging markets stand needed to stress the bleak fi nancial state However these current account capitalism and fear of the unknown cannot to doing successful business in China. uncertain but as markets continue to fall in the world economy. The four main of our economies. Even if China’s growth balances should not stop us from seeing stop multinationals from investing in Having government officials on your the world economy needs some survivors. countries making up the ‘BRIC’ group rate continues to slow below its double what each country has in common. Both these expanding markets. Once investor side will also pay dividends. Demanding Let’s hope understanding will prevent (Brazil, Russia, India, China) now face digit rate of recent years, its present states are enormous countries, where confi dence picks up, as it ultimately will coherent trading arrangements will bankruptcy. African National Congress facing split

best mayor award for her work in Cape protest, although he agreed to return to situation is more complex, with some a wane in their party’s power. Yet if the The oldest party on the African continent, the Town and head of the current opposition the position shortly afterwards. Furious alleging that tribal differences are at split is peaceful, as is largely expected, party the ‘Democratic Alliance’, said the at losing infl uence, Mr Mbeki’s allies have least in part responsible for the divisions. a credible opposition will provide the African National Congress is facing its biggest convention could be a “turning point” for since turned on their former comrades. Xhosas, used to holding infl uence under current government with the impetus to democracy in South Africa. “The ANC Among their accusations were that Mr Mbeki, are said to be angry at being attack the problems facing the country, crisis in 50 years should be very afraid,” she warned. Mr the pro-Zuma faction would lead South sidelined under Mr Zuma, who is a especially the still huge number of people Shilowa announced that the launch of Africa into an economic shift to the left Zulu. However these are infl ammatory in poverty and shockingly high crime By Andrew McKenzie rule. the party will take place on December by affording the ANC’s allies in the South statements, more often spoken behind Deputy World Review Editor Mr Lekota said the “dominant political 16th and it is expected that it will be called African Communist party (SACP) and the closed doors than openly aired. Former Defence forces” in the country - the leaders of the the South African Democratic Congress unions too much power. Mr Lekota wrote In the wake of their breakaway and in Minister Mosiuoa THE BEGINNING of November marked ANC - were “determined to abuse their (SADC) that it was unprecedented for the SACP preparation for the party’s launch, rallies Lekota and his a decisive moment in the history of power to advance their personal interests” A key moment in the development of to hold the most senior offi ces within the have taken place around the country, at supporters may post-apartheid South Africa, with the as white minority government had done this breakaway party came during last ANC. which supporters of the new party have split from the ANC governing African National Congress during apartheid. “The threat the nation year’s ANC conference in Polokwane, “The ANC is NOT the SACP,” Mr torn up or burnt their ANC membership (ANC) on the verge of a split. Dissidents led faces is that we will see the reaffi rmation when then President Thabo Mbeki lost Lekota wrote, “and the SACP is NOT the cards. rate. by the former Defence Minister Mosiuoa of important elements of that terrible his fi ght with Mr Zuma to remain party ANC.” The dissidents maintained that Mr Lekota has spoken at these meetings, The rebels have a very promising Lekota, and former premier of the legacy under our new masters”, he added. president. Mr. Zuma’s supporters went on they are true to the ideals of the ANC as where his supporters wore yellow and constituency in the black middle and region around Johannesburg Mbhazima “Shall we keep quiet and do nothing as to force Mbeki loyalists out of key positions they have been in the past. white T-shirts carrying his image. But upper class that expanded under Mr Shilowa, broke away from the ANC and we see the open betrayal of everything of power, and Mr Mbeki was forced to Mr Zuma said he was not surprised by the rallies have been countered by Mbeki. They do not appear to be short called a national convention of all like- people saw as their hope for their future?” step down as president in September. the resignation of his former comrades, demonstrations by ANC loyalists, some of of cash but they are short of time if they minded South Africans in Johannesburg. he asked to cries of “No!”. Trevor Manuel, South Africa’s hugely saying it had been in the air for quite a whom chanted “Kill Shilowa, kill Lekota”. want to mount a credible challenge to They intend to set up an opposition party Helen Zille, winner of the world’s respected fi nance minister, resigned in while. “It is just disappointing that people Some meetings have been attacked, and the ANC at next year’s poll. The ruling to challenge the hegemony of the ruling who have been in the leadership, who only police intervention has prevented party could even opt for an early ballot ANC in elections early next year. have been leading people within the ANC, Lekota supporters from being injured. to complicate such plans. Even if all goes In the 18 years since Nelson Mandela AFRICA’S OLDEST POLITICAL PARTY are not able to show leadership when they well, the new party will struggle to secure was released from jail the ANC has moved come across diffi culties,” he said. Others he organisers of the new party a mass defection of ordinary voters, who from one of the most successful and » The African National Congress (ANC) was went further, accusing the defectors of complain that venues they still view the ANC as the party that best respected liberation movements in the formed in 1912 to oppose white minority rule preparing to ditch the ANC because it is wanted to book have been denied represents their interests, and would not world to a deeply divided organisation, and promote democracy in South Africa. Its questioning the conservative economic them. The ANC has condemned expect to win. theT violence and called for calm. But the led by Jacob Zuma, a man who is facing members were drawn from a broad spectrum policies adopted under Mr Mbeki. However, the rebels could potentially charges of corruption and racketeering, of society, including tribal leaders and church The trade union movement, Cosatu, party has also accused the dissidents of dent the ANC vote, taking the ruling party and has previously been charged with bodies. called Mr Shilowa a “whisky-drinking intolerance for burning ANC emblems. below the critical two-thirds threshold in rape, although he has since been acquitted » It was a major force in the struggle against egotist”, and a black sheep who had “The ANC has noted with utter disgust parliament; and if the gains were more of the crime. apartheid. Throughout the 20th century the betrayed the movement. “He changed the rising levels of political intolerance in signifi cant, they could potentially become Addressing more than 6,000 delegates, party grew to encompass a mass civic move- from being a darling of workers to a the country by supporters of the group,” a signifi cant player in the medium term. including all of the current opposition ment for racial equality. member of expensive, elitist, whisky- it said. The political schism does however parties, Mr Lekota accused the ANC of » Nelson Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 drinking and cigar-smoking clubs,” said The violence that has greeted some mark a dramatic shake-up in a country abusing its power. He asserted that it had years for his anti-apartheid activism, led the Cosatu. of the rebels meetings has lead to fears where the ANC has dominated political lost the values it had cherished under party before and after his imprisonment. He From this perspective the division particularly in white communities that life since the end of white-minority rule Nelson Mandela, and he proclaimed that became the country’s fi rst black president in the in the ANC is a left-right split, with the split in the party may lead to serious in 1994, and after 14 years of ANC rule a new party was needed to prevent the fi rst fully democratic elections in 1994. Zuma supporters on the left and Lekota violence similar to that of Zimbabwe there is now a palpable wind of change country from returning to apartheid-style supporters on the right. In reality, the from ANC supporters unwilling to see in the air. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 14 OPINION November 11, 2008 Breaking up is hard, but breaking up in public is worse

I suffered a Facebook break-up intentions; “being friends” afterwards can get back together. No one with a busy leap into the air and start back into life. many Romeo and Juliet couples lounging a month ago. I can assure you that and so on. I have since realised the college life to juggle should allow himself Disliking crying and clichés, I did about campus, and if you really want to neither now nor then did I harbour impossibility of that aim. It seems that or herself to turn into a Carrie Bradshaw, not fi nd the break-up process at all to you could probably join their queasy murderous sentiments. However, to say even the most amicable break-ups are indefi nitely soul-searching and fi ghting my liking. The only fun part was the ranks again. Try something new, indulge that my physical response to this public fraught. off thoughts of an ex. post break-up party. This involves an yourself, and move on. The future looks declaration of destitution was painless The opening drama was easy to If you cannot save the relationship, impromptu gathering of close single an awful lot brighter once the tears stop PAMELA HUGHES would be a lie. Lying about break-ups handle, but afterwards, when the genuine then you must move on. In this case, friends, ample alcohol and unsupervised and you hang out with your other best can be tempting, especially as everyone reality struck, my situation worsened. dignity and poise seem to come with action. There is no course in “how to friends. Begin to notice those interested seems to be interested in who did what The temptation to bottle it up is ever- speed and steadiness. While the new maximise your break-up recovery”, and glances in your direction. Feel inspired. CLICK. “PAMELA Hughes is now single.” to whom. Prying questions used to always present. Of course you can be civil, go singleton should receive plentiful there is no society that offers the recently Most importantly stop thinking about There are few reasons to hate Facebook, irritate me. The beginning and ending of for coffee, speak normally, but there is a sympathy and understanding from the singled tissues, sweet tea and hot rebound the ex, take some space. If they are that but it making you cry is certainly reason relationships are subjects that people constant worry that this, post break-up, most unexpected of places (mainly from dates. This is a task you must set yourself. wonderful, then you can become friends enough. Status updates are not supposed of all ages find innately interesting. will have a negative effect, one that you those with previous break-up mileage, How to move yourself on. Realistically in time, if not, it’s their loss. Now you pity to be painful. They can however prove to Ironically, both are times when staying are unaware of. Brief periods of civility they remember the pain), there is no speaking, the recently made singleton is those Michaelmas couples. Come Trinity be fatal, one woman’s husband murdered silent is often the wisest option. might prove disastrous if they prompt good in dawdling in Planet Misery. After unlikely to be someone with no prospects. term they will be in your position, and it her for changing her status to “single”. My break-up began with the best of you to reminisce or worse, hope that you recovery, patients should leave hospital, Once upon a time, you too were one of the will be approaching exam time. Ouch!

IN PROFILE A modern crusader Although the focus has remained squarely on American presidents of late, our very own Mary Robinson is a key fi gure in the international crusade for human rights, writes Áine Ní Choisdealbha.

NO ONE imagines that the Irish located all over the world. presidential elections would rouse as Her vocation for matters of much excitement as those in the US, international signifi cance is highlighted especially given the huge disparity in by the fact that she resigned from power given to each fi gurehead, both office early to become the UN High within their own state and as an effect of Commissioner for Human Rights in 1997, their nation’s prowess on the global level. a post she held until 2002. Declaring Nonetheless, one of our former heads of herself “not somebody just to walk away”, state is as respected on the international she attributed the end of her tenure to US stage as either of the main candidates pressure following outspoken remarks in this month’s election. Mary Robinson relating to violation of human rights as a has recently been given yet another high- result of the US-fronted “War on Terror”. standing humanitarian position, having In late 2002, she founded a humanitarian become the chairperson of the Global organisation called “Realising Rights”, Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation. an organisation which emphasises Launched in 2000, the GAVI is a body of the responsibility of international organisations which purchase vaccines politicians, businesses and policy-makers for disadvantaged children and aid poor to uphold human rights. She has also governments in co-ordinating their been the recipient of a number of prizes distribution and administration, and acknowledging her humanitarian work, includes the World Health Organisation, including the North-South Prize, the UNICEF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Otto Hahn Gold Peace Medal and the Foundation as well as various NGOs. very first Outspoken award from the Robinson has consistently allied International Gay and Lesbian Human herself to issues of human rights and of Rights Commission. international importance. She was elected Her current position comes at a to Seanad Éireann in 1969 as one of time of great economic unrest which Dublin University’s representatives, and could affect the aid available for vaccines used her position to campaign for issues and other immunisation treatments, pertaining to women’s and gay rights, and hinder the investment of poorer including the lifting of the marriage bar countries in health services. Robinson on women in the civil service, the right for acknowledged this problem when she women to sit on juries and for homosexual stated that “it will be [the Alliance’s] law reform. She introduced the fi rst bill challenge to stay focused on reaching that tried to achieve a slackening of Irish the Millennium Development Goals,” The GAVI recently claimed that up to a Robinson will have to tackle this BIOGRAPHY contraception laws, although it did not which include an aspiration to reduce quarter of child deaths could be prevented ideological issue, as well as the practical pass as no other senator would second child mortality, “through increasing simply by administering current vaccines issues of ensuring continued support » Mary Robinson studied law at Trinity College, King’s Inns it. As president, she worked on such the positive impact that immunisation to more children, and introducing new from donor governments despite their and Harvard. She later became Reid Professor of Law. issues as Anglo-Irish relations and on the provides on people’s lives,” in spite of vaccines currently being perfected. It internal fi nancial issues, assigning aid position and rights of the Diaspora – Irish the global recession into which the world will be Robinson’s responsibility to help to healthcare training programmes, » Robinson was the fi rst Irish president to visit Queen emigrants and descendants of emigrants economy seems to be descending. ensure that Alliance members and donors the purchase of medical equipment and Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. work towards fulfi lling this claim and thus other distribution and administration improving the quality, and length, of the necessities, and utilising the organisation’s » She was the fi rst head of state to visit Somalia after its “It will be Robinson’s responsibility to help improve lives of millions of the world’s children. potentially reduced resources effi ciently civil war and famine in 1992, and to visit Rwanda after the Robinson also becomes GAVI and effectively. genocide committed there, in 1994. the quality of millions of children’s lives” chairperson at a time when the Robinson may not be the fi gurehead organisation is being accused of acting of a large and powerful nation, but her » She is a member of the Club of Madrid, an organisa- as a platform for pharmaceutical current position grants her infl uence over tion that promotes democracy and is made up of global companies to market their vaccines to the actions of important international fi gures of merit, and of the Elders, a group of political underdeveloped countries and profit players in the realms of both politics and fi gures and activists who convene to work on solutions from their exploitation. business. for problems such as climate change and confl ict. So, what exactly are you going to do with your degree?

foundation in research and analysis, which Many of these attributes are also learnt fi rst choice courses at their fi rst choice Trinity College History Graduates Secondary school teaching is not the only makes them very attractive employees for by other arts students. I am a staunch universities. in 2007 went on to do a wide variety Law and Business companies. Naturally, defender of Classics, a subject that of things such as Trainee Investment option available to liberal arts graduates, writes a career in academia can also be pursued, has faced far too much criticism. Sure, Manager, Parliamentary Assistant, but much as I admire History teachers, nobody speaks Ancient Greek or Latin Wealth Management and Deputy Editor Rory Purcell academics and museum curators, I just any more but Classics gives students “Classics gives students for institutions such as AIB, Ashville discipline, as well as a strong sensitivity a strong sensitivity Media and the Dáil Éireann, and of WHENEVER I attend any sort of get- the antiquated belief that it is nigh and understanding of language. The course, somebody became a History together at home or college, I am on impossible to be rewarded with a course itself also demands rigorous and understanding of teacher at a secondary school. “An overwhelming invariably asked the same tedious livelihood at the end of it. Irish parents thinking and intellectual versatility language.” It is vital to stress that an overwhelming question once people have ascertained push their children into vocational number of graduates from its participants. Anyone who can number of graduates are employed in jobs that I am studying history: “What are subjects such as Pharmacy, Nursing and read Ancient Greek or Latin is a highly that are completely unrelated to their fi eld you going to do with your history degree? Law without even contemplating a more are employed in jobs cultured individual and should take great A student should be truly passionate of study at University, which is why fl exible Become a teacher?” I am always startled fl exible and (dare I say it), interesting pride in their achievement. about the subject to embark on such a degrees such as History and English are by how many people, notably those from degree. unrelated to their fi eld of The problems arise when people course as the job market will narrow the so adaptable. Large proportions of both older generations, view any liberal arts So what can you do with a History study.” take extremely specialised, but by no more specialised the subject material is. of these courses advance to further study degree, including History, English and degree? Pretty much anything. Employers means meaningless, degrees from This is why History is such a wonderful and are employed right across the career Philosophy, as being futile. see History graduates as having a valuable do not think it is for me. poor institutions. Examples of this are and valuable degree to do. spectrum. It is worth noting that most There is a sharp contrast in Ireland combination of skills. History students History graduates have the ability to Chinese Architectural Archaeology, John F. Kennedy, Sacha Baron Cohen, of the world leaders today have done compared to the U.K., where History develop high levels of literacy and so are meet deadlines, can excellently marshal Mythology, Egyptology and Fashion Lord Sainsbury and Anita Roddick some sort of arts degree; you never see is the second most subscribed course, well suited to any type of communication an argument and are ingrained with Design. The study of these subjects could all studied History and have become a politician having studied Theoretical only preceded by English. The points employment, such as journalism, a self-motivation that is born from be fascinating for the right person at extremely successful because of it. Even Physics or Pharmacy. So from now on, requirement for History in this country advertising, marketing and Public spending Sunday nights drinking coffee an excellent institution, but too often Tony Blair was once supposed to have when I am asked “What are you going to is significantly inferior to that of Relations. Through intensive reading and trying desperately to fi nish an essay by people commit to these courses because said, “I wish I had studied History at be able to do with your History degree?” I other courses and this derives from intimate tutorials, students build a solid Monday afternoon. they have not been accepted for their University.” will reply “Just about anything.” TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 OPINION 15 Fees would ROUND UP AOIFE CROWLEY

ENTERTAINMENT OFFENSIVE COMEDIANS NOT guarantee GETTING THE LAST LAUGH THE JONATHAN Ross and Russell Brand debacle has grown to epic proportions. In Kent, an effi gy of Ross holding a dog with Brand’s equality head under his arm was burnt at the stake as part of the town’s fi rework display. Closer to home, Fintan O’Toole The return of college fees is inevitable, writes was disgusted by their prank calls to Andrew Sachs, in which Brand boasted that he had slept Iain Mac Eochagáin. The student unions’ with Sachs’ granddaughter, writing, “When did alternative comedy become an alternative, not anti-fees stance is fl awed and misrepresents just to comedy, but to basic human decency?” However, Andrew Sachs’ granddaughter, students. Georgina Ballie, feels that the whole thing is “out of proportion”. She said, “I don’t hate either of WE ARE told that it was the week when upper classes, the groups most likely to who participate in the free-fees scheme Scenes at the The USI would be a shred more them, I don’t at all. I think they’re really talented an enraged public assembled and took to avail of third-level, large sums of money. are simply not paid enough per student fees protest on credible on this topic if it could put comedians and I think a world without Jonathan the streets; when young and old seized This was to calm their irritation at wealthy to pay staff and keep offering all the October 22, the same people-massing muscle into Ross and Russell Brand would be a very sad, democracy by its roots and marched on farmers claiming free-fees (which were academic programmes they would like. 2008. Photo: Cian campaigning on grants. The current dull place. You know I think Russell needs to the seat of power with one, unequivocal available through means testing) with Any more of the one-size-fi ts-all free-fees Clarke county council grant system is slow, has learn a few lessons about respecting women, message: you have made us very angry. It creative accounting. What better way to regime will mean fewer courses on offer, very high income thresholds, and gives definitely, and maybe Jonathan Ross could was, of course, the week when pensioners win votes? less teaching time, and fewer places. The out grants that at the top rate cover only maybe think before he speaks in the future. and students alike protested in response It was a timely move – the country race for smaller courses will, of course, half of an average student’s living costs. But I don’t have any harder feelings than that.” to Minister Brian Lenihan’s budget for could afford to take on every student’s be won by the better-off, who have been But, for some reason, this issue, which 2009. tuition fees. Unemployment and using the money saved on fees since 1995 also affects everyone on low incomes Aside from the bombast about the emigration were down, and the boom to put their kids through grind schools, to who would like a college education, isn’t POLITICS people uniting in spite of age and clawing years were just around the corner. The give them the best chance at the golden as important for the USI. back democracy, the harking back to result was, naturally, a huge increase in 600 points. How fair is that? Both TCDSU’s and the USI’s approach THE AMERICAN DREAM A 1968, and the Beloved Leader-style third-level entrants. Thirteen years later, We should be considering all options to the fees issue has presumed that all address from Mr Shane Kelly, President and the effects are fully felt by academia, – deferred payment for those on low students are against fees in any form, REALITY? of the USI, in this paper, there are two government and society. Universities incomes, graduate tax, low-interest without all of us being consulted. A important questions that remain to be are starved of capital (this year, Trinity’s student loans – instead of clinging to our referendum would be the correct way “OBAMA IS proof that the answered. Is the current system of free deficit is €7 million), government is to ascertain student opinion and form much vaunted American third-level tuition for all sustainable? beholden to paying for a system that policy, even if that meant deviating from dream really does exist”, And how representative is the stance of cannot be sustained in the long term, and the usual practise of referenda solely for according to the Belfast the USI? the very degrees we earn are devalued by “Universities are starved constitutional questions. They presume Telegraph. But though Firstly, let us place the fees themselves the sheer number of them. of capital and very that all of the students who marched on the dream may exist, it in context. Our current system regarding Our current economic woes do mean Leinster House were fully committed to has been broken for some tuition fees must be understood in both that education should be supported and degrees we earn are the cause. In fairness, we and students in time, writes Paul Sweeney the political context of 1995, and the funded to ensure society can be as equal other Dublin colleges didn’t have far to in the Irish Times. “There economic and academic context of possible, but our current system is far devalued by the sheer go, but I would like to know how many is a growing recognition today. from just. The present system demands number of them.” came from around the country just to that US society is deeply In 1995, Minister for Education Niamh no fi nancial commitments, in exchange have the day off classes? It’s simply not divided. Twenty years Bhreathnach announced the end of for teaching and qualifi cations that lead credible that TCDSU and the USI can ago, most Americans (71 tuition fees in most third-level institutions to appreciable material rewards after own model, a product of pure politics. assume the support of each of us for its percent) believed that over the next two years. Why was this graduation. What can this say about the What doesn’t help is how the USI, policy, when we did not directly decide America was not divided level of most students’ commitment? with their constituent member, TCDSU, that policy line. into “haves” and “have Because, let’s be honest, not everyone in couldn’t see this logic and went for the The boom is over, and the government nots”. Today that is down to 50 percent, with third-level education entered it for purely crowd-pleasing stance that “Fees Are Bad can no longer afford to blindly subsidise growing numbers seeing themselves on the wrong “Rather than fostering academic reasons. Because.” everyone’s third-level education, side. Social mobility in America is now less that in the brightest minds, Instead of making our universities The current system is beyond irrespective of their income. The question Europe.” The dream of social mobility has become spaces for the brightest minds to expand questioning. Any attempt to touch the now is how we fund our universities in the more and more inaccessible for most US citizens. free-fees have made and interact, “free-fees” have made them system, which charges all taxpayers, fairest possible way. Fairness means entry Obama’s election may represent a “reconstruction sites of an obligatory rite of passage for benefi ts a minority, and short-changes criteria that measure real intellectual of the shattered American dream.” According to going to university the young undecided. Yes, many of them the universities, is “short-sighted”. To ability, fees for those who can afford them, the Irish Independent, the election of the son of an obligatory rite of have been educated, but what, fi nancially, consider reversing a political decision and a manageable way for the less well- a single mother and an African father reaffi rms have they contributed, and how much designed to refund the rich in exchange off to pay them. In the current debate, we to all Americans that anything is possible, and passage for the young could many of them have? I don’t wish to for votes is “cynical”. should be clear about the student unions’ that the unquenchable optimistic dream lives on. sound haughty – of course not everyone The line that the hike in the student role and how they represent all of us. I, undecided.” can be sure of their ambitions at eighteen services charge is the back door to for one, will not trust an organisation years old – but nothing in life is free. tuition fees also casts doubt on the USI’s whose website oddly omits its anti-free- MEDIA done? Because it was politically both If we continue to allow our universities mathematics. Can €1,500 per year, fees stance in 1995, as USI’s website does. expedient and timely. By making third- to rely on the State’s funding, we are which barely covers buildings, exams, The question is too complex to generate EQUALITY AUTHORITY level education free, the Government of not doing them, or indeed ourselves, library services, etc., really cover tuition a unanimous, enraged response from all the day in effect handed back the urban any favours. Colleges and universities as well? individuals. Don’t count me in. STEREOTYPES THE IRISH Times’ Newton Emerson has had enough of the Equality Authority’s guidelines on the dangers of stereotyping groups within society. He points to their biannual newsletter, Equality News, as being guilty of the very crimes it condemns. The fencer’s art: elitism or excellence? In one example, he writes that the newsletter stereotypes the media as being ageist and youth- obsessed, when it asks rhetorically, “How often This is not an uncommon problem for roots are not something that they should have and the person sitting next to you, both have a are older people portrayed on television or in the fencing clubs in Ireland. In response to to justify or apologise for. sword in your hand. The sword is roughly four print media as participating in physical activities?” perceived slights, some fencers will trot out Nevertheless, one quite valid aspect of the feet long. Your task is to stand opposite each All the time, replies Emerson. “No commercial for facts such as that fencing is one of only four “elitist” charge focuses on the fi nancial cost other and make the tip of your weapon land health insurance, multivitamins or denture cream sports to have been present in every Olympic of fencing. In my fi rst year fencing, I paid on his/her chest. That’s all fencing is. But oh! is complete without a jogging granny or a tennis- games since their inception, or that the tip a sum total of €5. This covered coaching, Your opponent steps back, he’s not making it playing granddad. Any pensioner who picks up of a foil is the second-fastest object in sport, competition fees and use of equipment for easy for you. You’re crouched, tensed, waiting a bat or a ball is practically guaranteed a feature the fastest being a speeding bullet from a the year. Leaving aside for a moment the for him to betray where his next attack will in their local newspaper and an appearance DÓNAL MULLIGAN rifl e. Or even – clutching at straws here – that argument that having access to a university come from, as well as the multiple areas it on The Afternoon Show. If anything, sporting the lead singer of Iron Maiden fences sabre. sports club presupposes a certain level of could land on your body. Your opponent geriatrics are over-represented by the media.” But these responses are satisfactory only on material welfare, I nonetheless spent quite a steps back, he’s not making it easy for you. FENCERS THE world over will all, at some one level. Instead of reaching immediately You increase your speed, he mirrors you. You stage, experience “the look”. This is usually for stock phrases that in no way convey extend your arm, a blur, he skips back; you RESEARCH given by a bemused gym-goer pausing on what it means to fence, fencers need to ask “Bemused gym-goers cannot reach him. You become frustrated. the way to the water fountain to look at us themselves whether the perceived disdain is Your legs are hurting from being crouched EMBRYONIC STEM CELL prancing around in white, waving what look directed against their sport, or against those pause to look at us prancing so low. Your hand aches from the constant like car aerials at each other. It is usually who practice it. Both are separate issues and manipulation of the blade; you think “how RESEARCH CONTROVERSY accompanied by a shake of the head, and a deserve different responses. around in white, waving hard can it be to touch him?” If it takes years return to an altogether more rewarding and Unfortunately, as one journalist from a what look like car aerials at of mastery to achieve a proper poker face, THERE HAS been fulfi lling session lifting heavy things and then weekly Irish broadsheet claims, fencing still imagine then the discipline needed to control outcry at the putting them down again. But just as this struggles with its reputation of elitism. In an each other.” your every movement, to avoid, in full fl ight, announcement that generalisation cannot capture the intense and article written late last year, he concludes giving this information until the last possible UCC has begun incommunicable satisfaction of a good session with the words “if my interaction with the moment. A fencer does not fence with only a stem cell research. in the gym, so the few seconds of attention fencing clique is anything to go by, then sword, he fences with his whole body. In the Irish Examiner, paid to fencing can in no way explain why insular, upper-crust exclusivity is still an This description cannot do justice to Michael O’Driscoll members of the college fencing squad make issue in the Irish branch of this fascinating bit more kitting myself out the year after. A the intensity of a fencing match. There are writes that “since the the sacrifi ces they do to train fi ve days a week. fi ght form.” Ouch. Although one can’t full fencing kit costs several hundred euro, yet fencing videos online and there are numerous passing of the British I make no claims of superiority in this regard imagine him making the same accusation if most people by their third or fourth year of fi lms that include a duelling scene. None of Human Fertilisation on behalf of fencers – hockey players, rowers, a boxing club neglected to return his call, his fencing will have invested in at least a sizable them will in any way compare to the fi rst and Embryology runners and many others all juggle timetables criticisms deserve to be addressed rather than chunk of this. I have to emphasise that this is time you lower that mask over your face and Act in 1990, more to compete in college colours playing the immediately dismissed out of hand. strictly voluntary. Trinity fencing club opens with confi dence raise your weapon and wait than three million sport that drives them. On the technical The accusation of elitism is one issue that its armoury to all its members, regardless of for the referee to tell you that you can begin human embryos have side, fencing shares several characteristics fencing in many western European countries how long they have been fencing. Why then to fi ght. To be confi dent going into a match been destroyed in with other sports, such as boxing. Both place has always had to struggle with. It is true spend so much money? The answer is simple: is to believe in the speed of your arm, the the course of research - without a single cure an emphasis on speed, accuracy, mental that modern Olympic fencing has its origins we are passionate about our sport. If it still subtleness of your fi ngers, the stamina in your resulting. In contrast, research on placenta and discipline and a sense of improvisation built in the duelling of the wealthy and privileged seems excessive, then ask a football fan why legs and the fi ght in your belly that will enable bone marrow stem cells, have resulted in more on long hours of repetitive drills long before upper classes in France and Britain. This he or she spends a similar amount travelling you to stand and fi ght long after your muscles than eighty fully documented breakthrough the pugilist dances under the lights. But cannot be denied. However, to call those who abroad to see their team play or snaps up the have called halt. To fence furiously, yet with a treatments and cures.” when asked to write an article “in defence of fence today “elitist” makes about as much latest replica kit at the start of each season. precision that undoes your opponent’s traps, In the same paper, Dr. Stephan Sullivan fencing”, I realised that very few sports in this sense as labelling all Trinity students as such. Madness? For those who have never and will to know that this is not a paradox, to move defends the decision. He writes that since it is college, including the ones mentioned above, Our college has a long and distinguished never feel their adrenaline pumping as a like a cat but grip your weapon like a bird, not possible to predict where breakthroughs will would be called upon to justify themselves history and those lucky enough to represent fencer does, perhaps so. to claw for those– this is fencing. This is the be found, it is unfeasible to abandon one type of in such a manner. The “no” we heard from it – whether in sport, debating or at academic But isn’t this a contradiction? “Pumping sport I love. stem cell research. “Limitation of research would prospective recruits during Freshers’ week conferences – are quite conscious of this. But adrenaline” can hardly refer to what was But don’t take my word for it. Talk to the essentially tie one hand behind researchers’ was different from the “no” heard by other each chooses the signifi cance he or she will described above as “prancing around” waving fencers, ask them why they do the sport they backs and limit the discoveries that could result.” clubs. Our “no” was tinged with a certain attach to the roots of the college. Fencers too “car aerials” at each other, can it? Fair do. And, if any of what they say makes sense, measure of disdain. are aware of the roots of their sport, but these enough. But imagine for a second that you, come and train with us. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 16 OPINION November 11, 2008 The weird, worrying and wild world of online dating

Everything is instantly attainable catching up on re-runs of Gossip Girl gratifi cation can be always satisfi ed and socialise in the real world, because of and instantly digestible. We want our than spend two hot, sweaty hours playing FACTS rectifi ed to suit the moment. an insatiable need to satisfy ourselves information packaged colourfully with as football. When exercise does come into This instantaneous availability minute-by-minute, represents a blow many pop-ups as possible. Videos, music, the complicated equation of modern life, » According to the dating site appears to espouse a mating culture to social and cultural development. The media clips and headlines all dominate it is often undertaken in a gym, where plentyoffi sh.com, the number as much as a dating one. To be fair, we internet is a wonderful resource, but it the processing of information online. it can be neatly compartmentalised like of women looking for sex on- have all heard of romances that have should be used to complement our daily SAM MEALY This rapidity of change that the internet the other components of one’s life. Ten line has doubled since 2004. blossomed from innocuous beginnings lives, not replace them. I fi rmly believe has brought us has unquestionably had minutes bench press, fi ve minutes on » It’s estimated that 30% cent to full-blown, consummated and even that the net does not provide ideal tremor effects on culture. We crave deltoids, twenty minutes on the rowing of people who subscribe to marital relationships. However, such conditions for romantic relationships to AS I was perusing the online edition of instant gratifi cation, and although this machine, followed by “cardio.” As a self- online dating sites are actually relationships seem to be a rarity rather develop. Everyone should be able to ask The Irish Times recently, I noticed that can partly be explained by natural human confessed athletic junkie, this ideal of already in relationships. than the norm. Online dating agencies a member of the opposite sex on a date among the numerous other features curiosity and impatience, it still does not body-sculpting as opposed to good old- profess to offer a safe, comfortable over a cup of coffee, not a keyboard. provided, such as the regular print allow for the massive reduction in our fashioned sport makes bile rise in my environment in which true love can easily Online dating sites merely promote and edition, cheap travel deals, and ancestry individual and collective attention spans. throat. But I digress. lack of self-confi dence are reasons for form. Contrary to such ideals, a majority perpetuate the disposable nature of fi nding, there is a dating service. Now I What has the above got to do with This idea of wanting everything now, turning to the online world. As my recent of dating sites are fl ooded by an impatient society today. The Irish Times should apologise profusely for my lack of speed online dating, I hear you ask? Everything, from elevated social status to toned abs, stumble upon The Irish Times dating generation seeking an instant fi x. They stick to its primary strength - quality on the uptake, but I wasn’t aware that is the apt reply. Many recent trends, also applies to the dating world. The agency demonstrates, online dating has are entertained by the allure of a quick journalism - and exorcise the demons of even national newspapers now offered such as the gargantuan consumption of causation of the rocketing popularity of permeated all aspects of social life. It long and painless introduction, where sex is online dating. Although hugely tempting cyberspace locations to fi nd love. pornography, the seemingly unstoppable online dating could probably fi ll some ago ceased to be looked down upon as a natural extension. If hopes are swiftly through its instant accessibility and Along with the proliferation of rise of networking and dating sites and the sociology tome (outlining the other method of fi nding a partner. If you want dashed by the harsh reality of the online claims of instant gratifi cation, we should networking sites, the rapid growth of worrying decrease in sports participation, important social issues such as low self- to, you can now fi nd a date within fi ve world, the prospective dater can simply attempt to immunise ourselves from the online dating agencies has been one are all intrinsically linked. The connection esteem and internet dependence) but minutes of starting your computer. If your move on to a fresh hunting ground. perils of potential cyberspace romance of the most interesting phenomenons is this idea of instant gratifi cation, whether I’m more interested in the instantaneous attention span wanes, as it so often does The world of cyber-dating supposedly and continue to live in the real world. of the past fi ve years. The internet has it is our eating, sexual or social habits. aspect of it all. with other aspects of modern culture, you offers many opportunities, but it actually It is, in my opinion, far more enriching irrevocably changed the way society People would prefer to simultaneously Online daters admit that boredom can exchange your current partner/date/ harms our already depreciating social and indescribably more exciting than the disseminates and interprets information. update their Facebook profile while with the “normal” dating scene and whatever for a newer model. Thus, one’s skills. Our loss of the simple ability to glossifi ed falseness of the net.

HEAD TO HEAD: THE STUDENTS’ UNION “STUDENTS’ UNION IS NO “UNIONS DEFEND THE LONGER RELEVANT” RIGHTS OF INDIVIDUALS”

that nobody cares that it didn’t happen. heads above the parapet. It was necessary to Barry Devlin, writing in this newspaper last make submissions to the Societies Committee, year, made the point that the SU does its job and these submissions had to have a named “simply by existing”. Since doing nothing other committee for the new society. “ CONOR JAMES than exist doesn’t require skilled and qualifi ed The entire Students’ Union joined the fi rst individuals, one could argue that the SU clique Gay Soc and appeared as the committee. They MCKINNEY fi t the criteria perfectly, so well suited are they DAVID NORRIS were almost all heterosexual and I thought that for sitting in House 6 and admiring their CVs. was an act of political altruism which was quite Which, not incidentally, is at the very core memorable in its time. In the sixties and seventies, IN MUCH the same way as our appendix used of why people run for a position in the SU. It WHEN I was asked initially to contribute to an there were a number of signifi cant political to serve a useful purpose, student politics used looks good out there in the real world. There is opinion section on the relevance of the Students’ issues, both domestic and international, in which to be relevant, once upon a time. In the sixties nothing inherently wrong with people seeking to Union, I saw an easy way to slide out of this the Student’s Union exerted themselves. and seventies – times of great upheaval and make themselves more employable – that’s why sudden additional weekend task. The invitation However it wasn’t all heavy political stuff. change in Irish society – students indeed played most of us are here. It’s just that it is somewhat was to write against the Union. I couldn’t in The Students’ Union had a bright and breezy a leading role. Many former student leaders incongruous to be told that this clutter of self- conscience do that. I thought this was my little shop. They also ran the Trinity Ball, which are now prominent in national politics – most important careerists are the leaders of our little getaway card. But no, they were happy enough was then and I think probably still is now, the notably Eamon Gilmore, the leader of the community, and that they care deeply about to let me change sides. principal social event of the undergraduate Labour Party. each one of us. Although my familiarity with that body is not calendar. But times they have a-changed, as Dylan One way of measuring the veracity of as close as it was when I was teaching in the place, Look at the galaxy of names that have been might now warble. Looking back on the SU student politicians’ claims to be driven by I couldn’t very well undermine the Students’ associated with the Student’s Union over the elections of recent years, there is a notable lack concern for your best interests is to have a look Union in Trinity. Apart from anything else, I years. Anne Connolly was an active member of of manifestoes containing pledges to do with at what happens if they are not elected. My am strongly in favour of unions. They defend Trinity Students’ Union, and is now a successful anything of substance. National issues, party own memory, happily, is well enough trained the rights of the individual, and this may be business woman tremendously committed to political affi liations, ideological leanings – these that it hasn’t retained any of the names of the more than ever necessary in these straightened radical and feminist issues. She was centrally are all out the window. There is a simple reason defeated candidates at last May’s polls, but it is economic times for students. involved in the establishment of the Well for this: students do not need to campaign 100 percent certain that you will never see any I am in fact a member of no less than three Woman Centre in Dublin. Aine Lawlor was as a stand-alone group. We’re all consenting of them again. No defeated education offi cers trade unions -- the Irish Federation of University another active member of the SU, and her dulcet adults here, so if we think that the world needs continue to scrutinise the ARAM system; no Teachers, Irish Actors Equity and the National tones are now heard every morning on the RTE changing, we’re more than capable of doing it former Welfare candidates pretend to give a Union of Journalists. Indeed, I remember when news. Ian Wilson also spanned the gap between without the aid of the House 6 clique. damn about your problems on their own time; the Trinity branch of IFUT was being formed political commitment and the RTE light music So, with student politics no longer a hotbed and no former Presidential candidates do a John many years ago. There were some voices who section as a major voice for the musical taste of of radicalism, the SU has turned to “bread and McCain, and go straight back to working hard said they wouldn’t join if it was a trade union. the young. butter issues” to justify their continued existence. for the voters behind the scenes. I thought this was an unnecessarily snobbish And more recently? Well, I need only mention Take a moment to refl ect on the last time that The elephant in the room, of course, is the fees and impractical attitude, so I piped up and said I Ivana Bacik, doughty campaigner on issues anything the SU did, or didn’t do, mattered to issue. One might be tempted to conceed that if wouldn’t join it if it wasn’t a trade union. of sexual liberation and other matters who you even the slightest bit. Perhaps you consider the SU didn’t exist, it would have to be invented To my great entertainment Kader Asmal, courageously took on the Pro-Life Movement that Green Week, SHAG Week or RAG Week to deal with this issue. That is only so, of course, who taught in the Law Faculty, and subsequently in a potentially very serious legal action. She is have some relevance to your life in college? I if you accept the premise that the SU should became a South African Cabinet Minister, now Reid Professor of Criminal Law at Trinity thought not. Yet this is the type of thing that the be automatically against fees. Many students came over to me and said that although he was and a very good colleague in Seanad Eireann. SU habitually concerns itself with. may feel that, for example, the education of an delighted at my attitude, he was rather surprised. Add to this the production over the years of the This is not to take away from the grand overwhelmingly middle-class, privileged section “Why is that?” I enquired. “Well Norris,I thought Students’ Union Handbook, which sometimes achievements of the SU over the past few of society shouldn’t be subsidised by Joe PAYE. you were a Conservative.” I asked him what got into trouble with the authorities but always years. There was the Coke Crusade, which Your average SU offi cer opposes fees because made him think that that was the case, and he provided a useful guide for new entrants into the means anyone wanting a can of Coke must they feel they should. There has been no more told me it was because I wore a three piece suit. university system. now buy it from a vending machine, in a blow reasoned consideration of the issue than that, Many years later he jokingly described Michael Enough said? I rest my case and send to corporate tyranny everywhere. There was no contribution to the debate on how to reform D. and myself at a Foreign Affairs meeting as a my best wishes to the students and their the Storming of the Arts Building, when the third-level funding while preserving universal pair of left-wing loonies. It was one of the best representatives. forces of Discomfort were cast down and the access than a rousing, Ian Paisley-style “NO”. accolades I have ever had. New Couches of Progress installed. There was You could bet your Trinity Ball ticket that next I also have reasons to be grateful to the David Norris is a political and human the Irish Flag Affair, in which the students voted year’s candidates will unanimously oppose fees, Students’ Union from many years back. In rights campaigner, former university lecturer, to have our national fl ag on display above the one will be selected, and it will be another year the seventies when there were moves afoot to and member of Seanad Éireann. He is the front entrance. It didn’t happen, of course, but of promising much, delivering little, and nobody establish a Gay Soc in Trinity, the vast majority founder of the Campaign for Homosexual the most important thing to note about that is outside their little clique really giving a damn. of those involved were nervous of putting their Law Reform.

First year science students guinea-pigs for semesterisation” year options in various patterns. We hope option in the middle, so that modules hold onto the May or June examinations, we have lost experienced and seasoned Science modularisation has been a positive de- a survey of this year’s Junior Freshmen can be taught in tidy blocks. However, followed by Supplementals in September. staff. Without these people, the offi ce’s will refl ect a positive response. I have to say that in my experience of However, I feel that there is a need to ability to deal with student issues without velopment, according to Prof. Peter Coxon In producing modules we had focused teaching Geography, cramming courses debate this among the student body. As undue stress and very late working hours on academic processes and on logical into half semesters has been far from this is an important issue, students would has been compromised. THE ‘COMMON-ENTRY’ Science and the need to regularise courses progression. Effectively, by the start satisfactory. do well to consider the alternatives. We need investment in the basic cogs of programme is one of the most successful and to produce modules of fi ve and/or of this year, we were offering students Having said that, the advantage from One alternative would be to hold two running courses. This is absolutely critical courses that Trinity provides, and is ten ECTS, seemed like an opportunity the option to take sixty ECTS in two the students’ point of view may be that examination periods to allow modules to the student experience. Students know the most popular science course in the to revitalise Science. It would make sections of the College teaching year, there is more chance of a student being from semester one to be examined that an effi cient and well-run offi ce can country by some margin. During my many more options available to Junior known as semesters, with thirty ECTS able to take up more diverse modules in separately, although personally, I doubt help them through a tangle of course period as Dean of Science, I served on Freshman students. To do this, the in each section. The traditional three- Sophister years, as courses spread over a this latter move would be popular with options, timetables and regulations. I College Council and saw many changes to Course Management Committee set term structure (with nice names –which whole semester often timetable against staff or students. am hopeful, indeed sure, that the new Trinity’s structures. I also briefl y served about the task of getting agreement on we should try and keep in some form if each other. Another advantage is that as My concerns for a student’s “Trinity Faculty structures will recognise the on the Working Group on Modularisation ten ECTS modules for Junior Freshmen we can) required splitting in two. Quite the Annual Examinations are over earlier, experience” are less about changing term value of the interface between students and Semesterisation, which seemed a good that could be taken in patterns to give simply, First Year Science runs Semester there is more time to collate, mark and structures, but more about the increase and the course administration, and that forum for discussion. I did note that the students a broad base in science and lead one for twelve weeks for all nine weeks appeal the results. Modularising into in student numbers. This increase has students will continue to get a good College–wide information sessions were to academically viable options in their of Michaelmas term and three weeks of intensive blocks of teaching frees up staff lead to problems as to where and when service from the Science Course Offi ce. so poorly attended that the ones I went subsequent years. This process took two Hilary Term. Semester two starts in week time for research during the semester, lectures and practicals can be held. If they do not, then the student’s path to showed the organisers outnumbering years, and was assisted by the incredibly four of Hilary Term and runs through rather than having continuous teaching Complex time-tabling, a lack of large will be a tricky one as College courses the audience. One wonders if the College knowledgeable administrative staff in until the end of Trinity Term. commitments. venues, quotas in Sophister year options in and options become more complex with staff had really engaged with the debate the Science Course Offi ce, and by some The proposed College wide semester With the current system not science and currently inadequate staffi ng semesterisation. about change as closely as it might. particularly useful intervention by the system is far better, incorporating an threatening examinations before at core areas are currently posing some However, the need to modularise our Senior Lecturer. The modularisation we earlier start but holding all twelve weeks Christmas, I can see no objection to it. major problems for our department. In Professor Peter Coxon MRIA, courses to fi t with European universities, started has culminated in a range of fi rst before Christmas, with a reading week Personally, I believe that students should the Science Course Offi ce, for example, FTCD, Science Course Director TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 EDITORIAL 17

LETTERS TO THE Editor should be sent to [email protected] or to Trinity News, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 6 Trinity College, Dublin 2. The Editor [email protected] reserves the right to edit submissions for TRINITY NEWS style and length. Opinions expressed are Issue 4, Volume 55 not necessarily those of Trinity News, its Tuesday, 11 November 2008 staff or its Editor. 6 Trinity College, Dublin 2 www.trinitynews.ie Change is not necessary Eight-page Trinity News I was deeply saddened to read in Trinity News Junior Dean in my day. All was well with the It’s great to see how successful Trinity News is now online of the projected alteration to the paving world! compared to 40-odd years ago. The only times in Front Square. But now, I read, the cobbles are under threat, then that it got to be more than eight pages, was NO SUBJECT SHOULD I know I have to accept the changes that and for what? Health and Safety or political when we had careers supplements, but then we evolving mores dictate. However, it is a good correctness gone daft! Does the number of had less than a third of the staff, not all of whom axiom that where change is not necessary: it is pushchairs that must cross the square really were editorial, and were largely self-supporting, necessary not to change. warrant such a drastic measure? And cannot relying on advertising and sales to pay our bills. BE OFF LIMITS When I visited Trinity for the quarcentenary, the mild rattling be put up with for such a short One term in the mid-60s I was deputy chairman, after a decades-long absence, I was shocked spell? Why, it would do the liver a world of good, features editor, treasurer and advertising to see the new buildings - they seemed gross and hardly threatens to spill the patient. manager at the same time, but I never aspired to Among George Orwell’s most insightful remarks - and he is and insensitive cheek by jowl with the graceful Surely some consideration should be given chairman/editor. We got some small grants from credited with many - was that “the Catholic and the Communist Georgian. Nevertheless, I could understand to us old codgers who derive a warm feeling the Board in the last couple of years I worked on that the space was needed, and that there is no from the knowledge that something of our Alma it, but the rest of the time was self-funded, and are alike in assuming that an opponent cannot be both honest accounting for taste. Mater is still there even though we’re not, and the size of each week's issue depended on what and intelligent”. The forces on either side of the current Two things gladdened my heart on that visit. that we could one day revisit the scene of our advertising there was (though at one time I had controversy over embryonic stem cell research would do well The fi rst was the cobbles. What a relief to se youth. I don't doubt that my plea to leave the to guarantee the paper's overdraft with the bank that they were still there, a veritable icon. The cobbles alone would be echoed by graduates who after a fi nancially disastrous, but editorially very to bear this dictum in mind as the debate goes forward. second and the more surprising was the fi gure lived the golden era of Trinity College. successful chairman). And of course, there were In the Ireland of today we seem to have little need for that fl itted over them like a ghost from the past. less than 3,000 students in the College then. It was the revered RB McDowell who had been Jose Xuereb (AKA JX Brennan) Looking at your 24 page issues, with a lot of either Catholicism or Communism, but some decision on the international news — something we could never regulation of such research is urgently required. Last month in I was sorry to hear that disability rights fanatics have demanded that Front Square be partly de- think of including — makes me tremendously the UK, the House of Commons recently passed a liberalising cobbled (the Cobble Reduction Programme sounds distinctly Stalinist). The expression "prize conscious of what a professional job the staff are cobblers" comes to mind. doing. And that's before looking at tn2! measure that will allow a broad range of research to be carried out using human embryos. Whether or not one believes that Quentin Letts (TCD 1982-86) Colin Smythe such procedures should be allowed in this jurisdiction, a position should be adopted one way or the other. In the public discourse over what stance Irish law ought to take on an issue with such profound moral implications, a dogmatic approach Postcards a unique window on past by opponents or proponents of this research is in nobody’s interest. THE SIMPLE postcard has served its purpose The card titled “A ‘Junior Freshman’s’ Some may argue that the deliberate creation and subsequent well since its invention in the 1860s. Postcards Entrance Examination” shows a man, with his destruction of a viable embryo in the laboratory is unnecessary remain, even in this age of digital communication, son, enquiring about admission to the college. It and unethical. They may be right, but this is no reason to act OLD TRINITY extremely popular. But apart from their primary would be generous to simply say that the joke is function, they have also served to create a in the contrast between the local father-son pair as though the scientists who advocate such actions as being by PETER HENRY pictorial history, often depicting scenes found and the educated don. Rather, it seems that this guided on their part by anything but the best of motives. nowhere else. card is positively anti-Irish. It dates from the fi rst Postcards of the main facade of Trinity College decade of the last century. Similarly, proponents of stem cell research should not dismiss are in abundance, from those printed early last The oldest card shown here, “The Quadrangle, concerns over its consequences as being merely ignorant, or century and before to those available in shops Trinity College”, shows a familiar view of immune to the suffering of those with diseases that may one around Dublin today. But other interesting and Parliament Square, taken from Regent House. more obscure images of our college have been But there is one curious difference: the GMB has day be curable on the foot of such experimentation. printed and, message appended, sent around the not yet been built (it was completed in 1904), and The lack of clarity on this issue in Ireland is but a symptom of world. the old “Rotten Row” can still be seen to the left a wider malaise: politicians are singularly unwilling to address King George V spent six days in Dublin in of the Campanile. The card’s author is forced to July of 1911, and he was welcomed to Trinity write his message on the side of the card with the the issue of whether the right to life attaches to human embryos. by the Chancellor of the University, the Earl of picture in accordance with early postal rules. This is most apparent in the context of abortion - remarkably, Iveagh. The postcard shown records the king The selection of postcards of our college there has been no action taken to resolve the lacuna left by on the steps of the Dining Hall, in a photograph available these days are not always particularly which must have been taken from the roof of the diverse or special, but the recent postcard of the Supreme Court’s decision in the X case in 1992 - but this chapel. Interestingly, the photo is by Lafayette, Lorraine Lawlor’s drawing of a worse-for- triumph of the unwilling has more far-reaching consequences, the same company which now takes photographs wear Trinity Ball couple outside Front Gate is at commencements. an example of the potential for postcards to as we now see. The king wished the then newly-formed DU continue to depict Trinity in interesting ways. If government will not attempt to lead, then academia has Offi cers’ Training Corps success and said that a duty to fi ll the void. The fi rst step is for Trinity to clarify its Trinity College “will, I am sure, always continue THE COMMUNICATIONS Offi ce’s website tells to hold its high place in the estimation of both us that the bachelor in theology degree is to be policy on stem cell research, as UCC has recently done. As we Ireland and the world.” replaced with the master in theology degree. report in this issue, taking a stand generates controversy. Such The postcard of the University Philosophical The old BTh, which was introduced in 1988, will is the way with any issue of importance; the key is to conduct Society’s conversation room is postmarked 1906. be abolished in favour of the new “MTheol” (do It is not the same room today’s students repair to they mean MTh?). But no mention is made of the debate in a constructive manner. after debates in the chamber of the Graduates’ the hood. Will the BTh hood – black, lined with Our own Dean of Students, Prof. Gerry Whyte, has spoken Memorial Building; it is the current billiards black, edged with purple – be used, now with the room. One has to wonder what became of the masters’ gown? Or is there a new design? out against tampering with human embryos in the laboratory; furniture, books, bookcases and framed pictures no doubt there are many members of the Science faculty that which are seen in this picture. [email protected] would wholeheartedly endorse it. Once it is recognised that this is a subject about which reasonable men may disagree, an informed decision may be taken. For what is it worth, this newspaper would support a programme of stem cell research with these walls. Happily, it is not up to us to make such a diffi cult decision. Nonetheless, the topic needs be discussed in an appropriate forum - and if a university does not facilitate free and frank discussion, what use is it to wider society? Trinity’s academics should consider their position, and contribute to the national debate.

THE STUDENT BODY IS OUR GREATEST ASSET

Student endeavours of all kinds often need to shake off the impression that they are somehow not terribly serious. Certain people seem to fi nd it very diffi cult to grasp that the activites that students devote their time, energy and talent to are every bit as good — if not better than — those activites carried out by the “professionals”. Indeed, the talent on display within the student body in this College is perhaps the single thing that we should be most proud of. With a breadth and depth of talent such as that which we are lucky enough to draw on, we can be certain that Trinity’s future will be in good hands come better or worse times. For no matter what kind of travails the College is faced with, a student body that is nimble, quick to adapt and ultimately talented will fi nd success in almost any conditions. Indeed, we can take comfort in the fact that student activites will endure through thick and thin. With an undoubtedly thin period on the economic horizon, with uncertainty the watchword, one thing is clear: students won’t be put down. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 18 BUSINESS & CAREERS November 11, 2008 Escaping 2008’s great

Future Future Calling brain drain POSTGRADUATE STUDY Graduates are plotting their getaway as the FOR MANY Senior Sophister students indecision and confusion are rife. There is an overwhelming amount eighties are coming back and hopes are fading. of information being forced upon them at every turn. If it is not coursework, it is application forms or Is misery and emigration our fate or can young leafl ets on postgraduate study. Future Calling has decided to explain the myths of postgraduate study. entrepreneurs save the day? asks Grace Walsh Almost one third of Trinity students decide to undertake some form of further study after UNEMPLOYMENT IS rising, the Patrick Collison is one such successful graduating. For some it is a necessary qualifi cation recession is worsening and even the student entrepreneur. At the age of for specifi c types of work such as teaching or law bastion of profi t that is Ryanair is feeling sixteen Patrick was named BT Young whilst for others it provides them with the necessary the pinch. Scientist of the Year. He had designed a skills set they require in another fi eld. The reduction in spending on new computer programming language, First off there are two forms of academic education, the possible reintroduction of Croma, which allowed web applications postgraduate study: taught programmes and college fees and decline in multinational to be written easily and quickly. Since research programmes. Taught programmes such companies locating here make Ireland’s then, Patrick has attended the famed as Masters of Business Administration, Masters of economic rebound all the more diffi cult. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Science and Masters of Arts generally run for one We need new ideas, new innovations, and and founded a company with his younger to two years. A taught Masters usually involves a determined young people to make them brother John. After having difficulty research dissertation and involves a detailed study of work. Student entrepreneurs are a vital securing funding from Enterprise a particular aspect of your academic discipline. element of entrepreneurship. Ireland, they relocated to Silicon Research programmes involve the in-depth Education is vital for the success of Valley, and obtained investment from study of your specifi c fi eld, normally over a period any entrepreneurial venture. It inspires, Y Combinator, a boot camp-style fi rm of two to three years. A report is then completed opens up opportunities to new markets that specializes in funding early stage on your research and drawn up in the form of a and provides a dedicated knowledgeable startups. On their advice, the brothers thesis or dissertation. For many students this means workforce to enact the often genius ideas merged with a similar UK based start up, enhancing their research skills and gaining deep of the entrepreneur. In recent times a boso.com, founded by Oxford graduates knowledge of their specifi c topic. Many research number of student entrepreneurs have Harjeet and Kulveer Taggar. Together programmes, such as the MPhil, can convert to a made headlines for successful inventions they built a product, Auctomatic, for Doctorate. and inspired many a resourceful classmate managing eBay businesses which can A Doctorate or PhD programme is the most well- to follow in their footsteps. be used to track inventories, pictures, known research qualifi cation. The length can vary Brendan Flood, Head of auction templates, and monitor the from three to fi ve years. A PhD constitutes an original Entrepreneurship and Regional traffi c on auctions so that companies can contribution to knowledge which entails a lot of Development, Enterprise Ireland, said: optimize their listing strategy. On a deal Student entre- into Harvard’s system, downloaded and is available free of charge in bars, hard work and enables you to become the expert on “To have a vibrant, successful knowledge fi nalized on Good Friday earlier this year, preneurs are a photographs of his classmates and cafes and colleges around the country, your chosen highly specialized topic. PhD students economy, Ireland needs to increase Canadian company Live Current Media vital element of posted them online next to photos of McGuirk, the magazine’s editor and must write a thorough and complete thesis outlining the number and quality of indigenous paid over €3 million for the company. entrepreneur- farm animals to rate who was more publisher, feels there is a nationwide all aspects of their research and fi ndings. Some companies and create graduates who Patrick is now Director of Engineering at ship; we need attractive. The website was an instant demand for such a dedicated music title. students may also be subject to an oral examination. Live Current Media. new ideas, new success but pulled from the internet “The main reason we decided to bring For those aiming to enter academia, obtaining a The act of entrepreneurship is often innovations, by Harvard authorities within hours. it nationwide is because of the reaction PhD or at least a Masters is necessary. “We just went for it. associated with uncertainty, particularly and determined Zuckerberg, undeterred, began work we got for the first three issues,” he Amongst the most signifi cant issues to consider when it involves bringing something young people on his next task, with help from his explains. when applying for postgraduate qualifi cations are Neither of us knew really novel to the world whose market to make it work. college roommate, Eduardo Saverin, “People were really excited to see motivation, location, your academic record and much about business. never previously existed. Before the Illustration: Brett Facebook.com was fi nally launched on the bands we were covering and how funding. Many students are prepared to labour at Internet, nobody knew the market for Lamb February 4th 2004. Facebook was an we were covering them. As writers, their chosen subject - however if examining Petri We never wrote a Internet-related businesses such as instant success, over 4000 people signed we approach interviews and features dishes in minute detail for weeks and months on end Amazon, Google and YouTube would be up in the fi rst two weeks. Realizing the from an audience’s point of view, and I isn’t for you then perhaps you should rethink your business plan. We had so successful. Only after the emergence potential of Facebook, Zuckerberg and think bands really open up to us when options. Many students will apply for postgraduate no idea how investing of the Internet did people begin to see some friends including Dustin Moskovitz they realize we’re fans. They say things study though places and funding, in general, go to the opportunities and marketplace that rolled Facebook out to other Ivy League to us they wouldn’t say to the NME or those with the best academic record. or corporate structures existed online. colleges. Pitchfork.” Where to complete your postgraduate study is a worked. We just sat One such student to capitalize on Now four years on, Facebook is one of The excellence of Analogue has very important question and there are many issues the phenomena of the Internet and the internet’s most traffi cked sites and has recently been recognized in the National that need to be taken into account. The reputation down and started writing social networking is the infamous Mark over 110 million registered users. Mark Student Media Awards 2008 where of the department and university you plan to study Zuckerberg. Zuckerberg is now a multi-billionaire it won the People’s Choice Award. at, possible tuition fees, research funding and living code.” Zuckerberg founded Facebook whilst and arguably the most successful student Analogue now has over 30,000 readers expenses can often make your decision for you. attending Harvard University, however entrepreneur of recent times. worldwide. Here at Trinity there are a number of awards and are Entrepreneurial Thinkers and it was not his fi rst foray into the social Another media forum where student But where does the pursuit of bursaries made to postgraduate students such as Entrepreneurial Doers.” networking scene. His fi rst networking endeavors have proved triumphant is in entrepreneurship lie in the wake of The Ussher International Studentship. Some state The art of entrepreneurship owes project took was Coursematch.com, print media. In October 2007 Brendan recent fi nancial turmoil? agencies such as the Irish Research Council for the much to the work of economist and which enabled students to register for McGuirk, a recent Trinity graduate, Patrick Collison explains: “I don’t Humanities and Social Sciences also give awards to political thinker Joseph Schumpeter who courses online and to see who else was founded Analogue. Realizing the demand think the downturn matters. A successful students pursuing postgraduate research. defi ned an entrepreneur as a person who signing up for the same classes. The for a magazine that was fresh, original company will be successful either way.” The best resources on campus for further is willing and able to convert invention into project came to an abrupt end when and dedicated to independent music acts Entrepreneurship can help ease investing postgraduate study are your tutor and successful innovation. Entrepreneurship Zuckerberg’s laptop crashed from the Analogue became an instant success. the burden of recession. It provides the Careers Advisory Service. The Careers Advisory forces “creative destruction” across huge volumes of students registering for Feature pieces such as “Mental Illness employment, creates new markets and Service offers excellent advice and can help you markets and industries, simultaneously the site. and Rock”, interviews, complimentary inspires confi dence. chart your way through a mine fi eld of decisions. The creating new products and business Zuckerberg had just realized the CDs and album reviews contributed Entrepreneurs are not a definitive Trinity Careers Service Guide 2009 covers all aspects models. This creative destruction is potential success that voyeurism as to the niche market. Many well known solution to Ireland’s economic woes of the decision making process fourth year students largely responsible for the dynamism an online industry could be. His next bands such as Radiohead, CSS and The but their bright eyed confidence and face and should be the fi rst port of call for any and creation of industries and long-run endeavor began when, jilted by a girl, he Arcade Fire have featured in Analogue. determination might just spark a return queries on what to do with the rest of your life. economic growth. created Facemash.com where he hacked The magazine has since gone nationwide to the good old days. ✃ Hopes, dreams and postgrad studies

sizeable proportion of people have build on the base you’ve gained a good starting wage and valuable Trinity News correspondent Maeve Glavey no problem informing you that during your time at Trinity; for those training, while others decide to take it doesn’t really matter what you who weren’t as enthralled as they’d it upon themselves to search out the investigates the struggle fourth years face picked anyway because these days hoped by their undergrad, it can other employment opportunities

Four Years One Academic Year Varies from one to two years Varies from two to three years ve Varies from three to fi years- sometimes longer you need a Masters to get anywhere. give them a chance to try something best suited to their interests, both at between reality and further education. They harp on about higher earning completely different. The bottom home and abroad. Whatever way you potential and how the recent line is that once you have proven look at it, working full-time is going EVERYBODY remembers the horror So there I was for the past three economic downturn has spurred yourself capable of critical thinking to give you great experience, and and confusion of the CAO form. For years, congratulating myself on many to advocate a return to study and hard work, you can really apply after living on a tiny budget for years, some students, like myself, it seems picking something so “useful” to because, simply put, there just aren’t to do anything you want. And while the prospect of a real income is likely an eternity ago that we were asked study, joining every society I could enough jobs for all the graduates it will require commitment and, alas, a big part of what entices graduates to do something so horrendously fi nd and meandering along with fairly anyway, and by next June there will a fair bit of money, it can open up directly into the workplace. unthinkable as to decide what to do decent results without a thought for probably be even less. But it’s not all doors for you in the future and give So with further education and Teaching ModeTaught using prob- Duration lem based learning Taught; called a conversion course Taught courses with a research dissertation Research based always programme, in volves a thesis Research based major thesis- originlal contribu- tion to knowledge with the next four years of our lives. what it is that happens when you so disheartening – my brief forays into you a more specifi c idea of what it is the workplace both appearing quite After careful deliberation and fi nish up your undergraduate and you really want to do. inviting it’s no wonder the general considerable anxiety amidst frantic Trinity’s cobblestones no longer If the thought of even one more atmosphere among fourth years efforts to study for the then all- beckon. year spent in a library fills you I know is one of puzzlement and important Leaving Certifi cate. The Surprise! Being in fourth year “Deciding not to do a with dread, however, there is the indecision. You want to do what’s fact that we eventually ended up in is very much like being in sixth postgraduate degree alternative that you decided to best for you long-term but you also Trinity suggests that somewhere year of school. Once again you fi nd temporarily forgo when you fi lled want to enjoy yourself right now. along the way we managed to make yourself in the uncertain position was an easy decision. out the CAO in the fi rst place – entry Deadlines for graduate programs Known As MSc, MPhil, MA, MBA MLitt, MSc, MA PhD a decision. If not about where we of both having to work harder than into the grown-up world of work. and overseas masters are already wanted to be in ten years, then at you’ve ever worked before and I felt ready and Although there may be less job looming and requests for transcripts least that we would rather delay the simultaneously deciding where to go excited to enter the prospects on the horizon for Irish and references are flying. At the strains of the workplace and avail of from here. On the plus side, now that graduates these days, they are hardly same time you discover reading cheap alcohol and free, at least for you (almost) have a degree, options workforce for the fi rst few and far between. One thing lists that are surely unreasonably now, “higher education” for the next are even more abundant than they time” us soon-to-be BESS graduates are long and spend a good portion of four years. were when you left school; on the swamped by are application forms your time fi elding questions from A good plan, or so it seemed at the other hand you’ve got less time than for graduate programmes. Giant relatives, potential employers and time. Whatever you chose to study, you think to trawl through them. research on postgraduate life have companies like Ernst and Young, your peers about what it is you want there is and always has been a lot One of the first choices that actually got me thinking that it could PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Google to ‘do’ with your life. Against this to enjoy in college. My own degree, springs to mind is just like the one be a pretty interesting path to tread. and Accenture can’t wait to dip into background, it’s no wonder options BESS, really has offered a lot of you made aged roughly 17 or 18 – If you enjoyed your undergraduate the talent pool being churned out by like disappearing off to Australia or benefi ts, both in terms of academia work or more schooling? then postgraduate study can allow Irish universities. And this is true for New Zealand for a year and delaying Course Graduate Entry Programme Bachelors Degree Postgraduate DiplomaMasters-Taught PG Dip Masters- Research Doctorate

POCKET GUIDE TO POSTGRADUATE STUDY CUT OUT and keep this handy guide to the different types of postgraduate study and in offering a great mix of people When you’re on the verge of you to gain even more specialized companies of all disciplines. A lot of those decisions just a little longer to learn from and socialize with. fi nishing up your undergraduate, a knowledge in a particular area and people are swayed by promises of grow ever more attractive. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 SCIENCE 19 Where’s your head at? IN BRIEF LUKE MAISHMAN

TECHNOLOGY UNEXPECTED ERROR: THE OPERATING SYSTEM HAS QUIT

ON 1 November Microsoft stopped issuing licences for Windows 3.x, the fi rst of Microsoft’s graphical user interfaces to win worldwide success. Microsoft maintained support for Windows 3.x until the end of 2001. It has lived on as an embedded operating system until 1 November 2008, used to power such things as cash tills in large stores and the in-fl ight entertainment systems on Virgin and Qantas jets.

RESEARCH HEFTY CONGESTION CHARGES? ANTS KNOW A BETTER WAY DIRK HELBING of Dresden University of Technology in Germany and his team have collected some interesting results from experiments on ant behaviour. When ant-congestion built up on a narrow route to some syrup, returning ants directed their untravelled onto a less congested route. If their By Ronan Lyne to normal by administering a drug. The in neuroscience research, but the authors Joe Tsien and his shortly after the traumatic event, to journey had been congestion-free then returning Deputy Science editor scientists began their experiments by of this study stress that memory in team of neuro- reduce its impact and the potential onset insects did not redirect newcomer ants. administering electrical shocks and loud humans is far more complex than in mice. scientists at the of PTSD. MDMA is thought to reduce ONCE THE subject of kooky Jim Carrey/ sounds to the mice while they were in a However, the therapeutic implications of Medical Col- activity in the left amygdala [the area Kate Winslet movies, the selective erasure training chamber. Upon returning to such research are interesting and varied. lege of Georgia, of the brain responsible for fear and DISCOVERY of specifi c memories from our brains has the chamber an hour later, the mice in Consider post-traumatic stress Augusta, and anxiety], allowing sufferers to explore the become altogether more feasible. But how the control group froze up with fear, but collaborators in traumatic event in a new light, free from PALEONTOLOGIST TODDLER exactly does it work? And, if this indeed the mice with boosted levels of CaMKII Shanghai have the associated anxiety. But could it be becomes a reality, should we engage it, remained calm. The genetically altered Is this approach even succeeded in possible to even eliminate the memories FINDS ICE AGE WOOLLY RHINO and who exactly will benefi t? mice showed the same lack of fear even ethical? If experience erasing specifi c themselves? a month later. memories from This approach has already been AN ICE Age rhinoceros has The selective erasure of A similar observation was made shapes our personality, the minds of considered by the US military to minimise been unearthed by Emelia in experiments involving the mice’s and memory is the mice. Illustration: aftercare costs of soldiers returning from Fawbert, a fi ve-year-old girl, specifi c memories from recognition of specifi c objects. In those emberdesign the Iraq war. Up to 12% will suffer from at Cotswold Water Park in cases, over expression of CaMKII facilitator of this the condition, and psychiatric treatment Gloucestershire. On 26 October our brains has become appeared to eliminate all memory of toys is expensive, especially to a government Emelia found the fossilised altogether more with which the mice had previously been personal growth, then body which consistently runs over carcass during a fossil hunt. exposed. is it wise to erase budget. She and her father dug up the feasible. But how exactly Alteration of memory formation and This, of course, raises some thorny vertebra of the rhino which lived does it work? consolidation is not a new development memories that are questions. Is this approach even ethical? 50,000 years ago. This puts her in neuroscience - studies on rats have If experience shapes our personality, and well on the road to her dream Joe Tsien and his team of already demonstrated that this is possible. unpleasant? memory is the facilitator of this personal job as a paleontologist! neuroscientists at the Medical College However, this study went one step disorder [PTSD] – whereby traumatic growth, then is it wise to erase memories of Georgia, Augusta, and collaborators further and demonstrated the possiblity events can be relived again and again, that are unpleasant? Or, more pertinently, in Shanghai have succeeded in erasing of erasing a traumatic memory after it resulted in an anxiety disorder. Currently, memories which we deem unpleasant? SURPRISING SPECIES specific memories from the minds of had been formed. In a later phase of the PTSD is treated with antidepressants Will it result in our histories endlessly mice. study, by prodding the mice to retrieve and anxiolytics, as well as cognitive repeating themselves [as in Eternal CRYSTAL JELLY First, the mice were genetically traumatic memories, and simultaneously therapy, but all of these have a limited Sunshine], or, if the technology falls engineered to produce much higher levels overexpressing CaMKII, the scientists success rate, and PTSD is still regarded into the wrong hands, being completely AEQUOREA VICTORIA of a protein called alpha-calmodulin kinase seemed to erase the memory completely, as debilitating. rewritten? jellyfi sh, also called crystal II [CaMKII], an enzyme which is expressed whilst leaving other memories intact. It can also increase risk for heart Tsien himself is cautious. “All jellies, are found along the in the brain and involved in long-term Scientists are cautious about the disease and high blood pressure. Some memories, even very painful emotional west coast of the Pacifi c potentiation [LTP], the physiological potential of this new information to be experimental approaches involve memories, have their purposes. We learn Ocean. This jellyfi sh is able basis of learning and memory formation. used in human studies. Mice are a useful treatment with MDMA [ecstasy] and from those experiences to avoid making to produce bright fl ashes of The levels of expression could be returned experimental model of humans, especially propanolol. Propanolol can be used the same kind of mistake.” green light. Blue light made by a photoprotein is converted to green by green fl uorescent protein, GFP, which is a very useful tool in biological research.

Writing wrongs for rats UL Membrane EGGHEAD OF THE ISSUE NIELS BOHR By Luke Maishman Science Editor A DANISH physicist who Prof visits Trinity lived through two world A LIVELY debate on the use of animals wars Bohr’s model of the for research has done the rounds over the atom is still how most last few weeks after John Banville’s letter By Luke Maishman the behaviour of a liquid and a solid. people picture the atom to the Irish Times on the third of October Science Editor Caffrey’s group studies different lipids today. He received the this year. It seems that the animal rights at different pressures and compositions Nobel Prize in 1922. side of the discussion recently found a LAST TUESDAY, the 4th of October, Many scientists fl ed to his mansion (donated by new outlet for their message. Professor Martin Caffrey of the Carlsberg brewers) in Copenhagen, Denmark The following graffi ti was painted on University of Limerick visited Trinity to Conventional methods to escape Nazi Germany in the 1930’s. the walls surrounding the Nassau Street give a seminar on biological membanes, Arts-Block entrance to college during his recent work on membrane lipid for fi nding protein the weekend 25-26 October: “False behaviour and the crystallisation of structures run into ON THIS DAY (11 NOVEMBER) … Pretense Money €€€” and on the other membrane proteins. side “Murderers” and “Vivisection is a lies His lab uses a variety of imaginatively diffi culties with » IN 1851, the fi rst U.S. patent for a telescope money”. From this we can deduce that the re-designed equipment to extract and design was issued to Alvin Clark of Cambridge. activists were aiming to convey the notion This animal rights mix the membrane components that membrane proteins The Alvin Clark Company became one of the that vivisection makes researchers as graffi ti adorned they analyse. They also have a specially to build a database of information that foremost producers of some of the largest bad as murderers, that somehow Trinity, the Nassau built robot that dispenses exactly the will be used to better understand these lenses for telescopes in the 1800’s. or possibly the researchers, are leading Street enterance right quantity of lipid (fat) and protein critical biological molecules. » IN 1935, Lt. Col. Albert Stevens and Capt. the public astray in this matter and that to the Arts Block into each of the 96 wells on a sample One of the best ways to get an idea Orvil Anderson reached 72,395 feet in a sealed money is the real issue. In the search for Photos: Ailbhe plate in less than ten minutes! Two aims of the function of a protein is to fi nd its gondola lifted by a helium balloon, Explorer II. the perpetrators we can hopefully rule Goodbody of his research that he spoke about are to structure. But conventional methods run This set a record that stood for 21 years. They out all students of English. compile a database of information about into diffi culties with membrane proteins. spent 8 hours in the air taking photos. It is worth noting here that EU and membrane lipids and to gather data about The new crystallisation method that college rules for the use of animals membrane protein structures. Caffrey’s group is using allows them to in research are strict, expensive and Lipids behave extremely strangely in document structures of proteins that difficult to comply with, but that no the biological membranes that surround were not known before. This research COMPETITION Trinity researchers operate outside of and compartmentalise our cells. They exist goes towards a research initiative on the these boundaries. in a ‘liquid crystal’ state that is between organism that causes tuberculosis. WIN A YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION TO NEW SCIENTIST MAGAZINE DR JUNE As well as being a valued academic, compassion, respect and justice for Bradlaw spent SCIENCE WITH holding a professorship at George animals.” TO WIN this great prize, submit around 300 words of the later part Washington University for several She was a member of an advisory your own writing for the Science with a Conscience of her scientifi c years and a 34-year career at the committee on alternative testing methods panel. Articles should describe a person or group in career helping A CONSCIENCE American Government’s Food and Drug for the National Institute of Environmental the scientifi c community who displays an inspiring animal rights Administration (FDA), Dr Bradlaw found Health Sciences and was co-chairman consideration for ethics or moral concerns. lobbyists time to work with many organisations to and co-author of a study on eye irritation Rules: Email entries as an attachment to present credible fi nd useful scientifi c alternatives to live testing that sparked the fi rst international [email protected]. Entries will be arguments for Compiled by Luke Maishman animal testing. She chaired the Scientifi c studies comparing in vitro testing with judged both on content the advancement of alternatives to animal Advisory Board of the International testing on animals. and journalistic quality. testing. In May 2008 she died suddenly Foundation for Ethical Research (IFER), She also found time to write a Applicants must be and tragically of a stroke at William otherwise have to have? been done on live which on its website describes itself as children’s book, “Tree Bear’s Adventures registered students of Backus Hospital in Norwich, Connecticut. animal test subjects. “a non-profi t organization dedicated in Learning”, about a bear promoting Trinity and must not be part She championed the use of in In 2001 Bradlaw was awarded the to fi nding non-animal alternatives for forest conservation. of Trinity News’ editorial vitro tests instead of testing on living Lifetime Achievement Award by the scientifi c research”. She traveled to Atlanta to judge the staff. Entries from students animals. These tests, done on cells Society for In Vitro Biology, the “highest She was also a Science Advisor to the 2008 Intel International Science and who have not written for grown (or cultured) in the lab provided honour given by the Society to scientists National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS), Engineering Fair for high school students Trinity News before will be an alternative for many tests that would who are considered pioneers.” an organisation that “promotes greater two weeks before her death. viewed favourably. Closing date: 12 December, 2008. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 20 TRAVEL November 11, 2008 Kiteboarding Powder days in the windy Snow holidays are rarely cheap so why not read on over 300kms to fi fty and are sure to fi ll wild west of runs, some of up fast, just like the pre- which are perched Christmas trip they to learn how to save a few shekels and enjoy a winter high on a glacier. Normally are taking to Les skiing in the French Alps can Arcs in France. This weeks competition sees us holiday on a student budget, writes Derek Larney cost an arm and a leg but there More details of are bargains to be had. Chalet this trip and and LSDKiteboarding.com team IT IS coming to that time of year again when the ultimate budget skiing destination- a small Charadons in the satellite town of how to book powder hounds take their boards and skis but well-known company called Propaganda Tignes le Brevieres offers accommodation it will be up to offer an excellent prize of out of the attic for a wax and tune and minds Snowboards has been offering snow holidays for those on a budget for €40 per night on their get concentrated on which mountains offer for a number of years now. Packages are from which includes breakfast and a three kiteboarding lessons for two the best alpine experiences. A skiing or €390 and include transfers to the mountain course evening meal with wine. snowboarding holiday is rarely cheap and can every day, transfers from Poprad airport as The chalet is a 2-minute walk By Sheila Armstrong typically cost nearly twice the price of a beach well as bed, breakfast and a 6-day lift pass. to the nearest lift and gives resort getaway so with this in mind we decided Jasna offers excellent après-ski- the €1 pints access to the whole of the to take a look at some snow holidays that won’t make sure of it and other activities such as go- Espace Killy ski area. Après- I’M SURE that almost all of my fellow children of the 1990’s break the bank. karting and a hot thermal spa can be had for ski is most prevalent in the have woken up on Christmas morning and after a few hours less than a fi ver. Beginners lessons are also a nearby village of Tignes Le and a lot of help from Daddy eventually transformed a box of Boarderweek bargain as is eating on the mountain. Lac which keeps pumping sticks and paper into that marvel that was, and is, the kite. After Now in its twelfth year Boarderweek offers www.propagandasnowboards.com well into the small hours. a week of compulsive kite fl ying, we would fi nd ourselves the an exciting combination of the world’s largest www.chaletchardons.com proud owners of two sticks and a piece of canvas that would ski area coupled with a week long concert Snowbombing be left in a cupboard to moulder along with the roller skates, and party. The event is held in Val Thorens This snow festival is now in its tenth year and Freshers Ski Weeks w e b s i t e Tamagochis and all the other short-lived fads of the 90’s. in the interconnected Three Valleys Ski Area is still going strong. Held at the end of the This is a new initative that in the New However, there are a growing number of people of all ages which gives access to over 600kms of piste and season in Mayrhofen, Austria, Snowbombing is designed to get snow Year. who never quite got around to putting that kite away. Our endless off-piste and tree runs. Val Thorens is offers an eclectic mix of sunny spring skiing virgins on the powder. www.dusnow generation’s need for speed has led to the combination of the one of the highest resorts in Europe and has and dozens of concerts and gigs to liven up the Snow holidays can be sports.com relatively mild pastime of kite-fl ying and the not-so-mild sport a base camp of 2300m and peaks at 3230m, already furious après-ski. Mayrhofen is one expensive but of surfing to create the making it one of the fi rst French resorts to of Austria’s premier resorts and boasts large even more Borovets, Bulgaria completely insane pseudo- open every season. Boarderweek involves over tree-fringed runs suitable for both beginners so if you With easy access from the capital Sofi a sport of kiteboarding. 10,000 skiers and boarders coming to shred and intermediates. Snowbombing has seen have Borovets is another good choice for the At first glance the mountain by day and party hard by night; some excellent acts over the last decade- t o beginner. Lift passes start from €110 for a week kiteboarding looks less top DJ’s are fl own into the Alps and the week Madness and Lightspeed Champion were the b u y and lessons are also good value for money. like a sport and more like a fi nishes off with a large concert on the snow. highlights last year and this year they hope to lessons and rent Although Bulgaria is not quite as well known as prolonged form of suicide, Night-skiing, equipment tests and moto-cross go one better with none other than the King equipment. With the Austria or France for its raucous après-ski it still with kiters burning through are all part of the Boarderweek line-up this of Brighton Beach, Fat Boy Slim, headlining Freshers Ski weeks you just book your has plenty of bars and cafes to hang out in after the waves and pulling off year and it takes place from December 13 the closing night. The festival takes place next holiday as normal with one of their seven a long day on the slopes. There is a good mix of jumps, fl ips and spins that to 20. Because it is at the start of the season year from March 29 until April 4. It is hard to approved travel agents and total beginners get runs for both beginners and intermediates and appear to circumvent gravity. Boarderweek offers excellent value for money; place Snowbombing in the budget category as their lift pass, equipment hire and lessons for the ski school puts on a night time display of Forget diamonds - gale force a week sharing a self-catering apartment with the basic €340 package will only get you a bed free. This offer is quite a bargain for beginners precision skiing during the week. Lift queues wind is a kiter’s best friend, entry to all concerts and a 6-day ski pass costs and entrance to all concerts. Lift passes cost an as it allows you to try the sport for a week can get big here, try to avoid going during the and the search for the perfect from €229. Flights and transfers are extra. extra €180 and fl ights and transfers will add without a huge fi nancial commitment. Freshers school holidays. conditions means that kiters www.boarderweek.com to that again. However Snowbombing offers weeks are available in over fi fty resorts in www.bulgariaski.com can show up on almost every an excellent chance to fi t in a few days at the France, Austria, Norway, Switzerland and even beach in Ireland. Jasna, Slovakia end of the season whilst enjoying some superb Canada. They depart on Janurary 17 or 24. Go last minute One of the best areas in the country for wind and waves is With the advent of budget flights eastern entertainment. www,.freshersskiweek.com For those who aren’t fussy on which mountain the northwest of Ireland. Unsurprisingly, the many beaches Europe has opened up to snowsports www.snowbombing.com they end up on then booking at the last minute of Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal regularly sport a fleet of enthusiasts. This resort in the Tatra Mountains D.U.Snowsports can often throw up some bargains. Don’t multicoloured power kites blasting along the shores. Realising near the Polish border offers over 40kms of Tignes, France The Trinity Snowsports Society is running always expect to get cheaper prices than those this, three kiteboarders from the Sligo area have decided piste and two huge freeride zones at the top Part of the Espace Killy ski area, Tignes has a trip to Val Thorens in the Three Valleys on quoted for the holidays mentioned but simple to make living out of doing what they love best and have set of the hill. The resort is served by the nearby been mesmerizing both boarders and skiers for March 21. The price for one week is €629 which things like a free lift pass or evening meals up a company offering lessons and equipment to new and town of Liptovsky Mikulas which has train a long time now. Interconnected with its more includes a lift pass, flights, transfers, bed, with wine can help you save heaps of money. experienced kiters - LSD Kiteboarding. links to Slovakia’s capital Bratislava. Jasna is expensive cousin Val d’Isere, Tignes offers breakfast and evening meals. Places are limited As long as you are fl exible on where you go The school is the brainchild of Peter, Eamon and Paul there are always bargains about, especially at Armstrong. The boys started kiting nearly ten years ago with the start and the end of the season. Avoid the homemade kite buggies and boards and learned how to do peak weeks of Christmas and February and everything the hard and painful way. Now fully qualifi ed kiting you’ll come up with something. Ski websites instructors, the team’s goal is to introduce others safely and such as DirectSki, Inghams, Panaroma and quickly to their highly addictive hobby of kiteboarding. Whether Budget tend to have last minute offers for offering a beginners package or advanced one-on-one lessons unsold beds throughout much of the season. with Eamon – the current Irish champion - the instructors draw Because the snow conditions on the mountain on their years of experience to create lessons to suit any student. you are traveling to can make or break your With kiteboarding, the sky really is the limit. holiday, booking last minute offers an excellent advantage- you can check snow reports and www.lsdkiteboarding.com forecasts of the area you wish to travel to before paying any money. Don’t leave it too late though as plenty of people use this tactic and WIN KITEBOARDING LESSONS bargain holidays can get snapped up fast! This week we are giving away 6 hours of kiteboarding Finally for anyone contemplating a snow tuition with LSD Kiteboarding for two people. Whether holiday this winter remember that injuries are you are an advanced rider or total beginner this is an common and hospital costs prohibitive.The excellent prize to help you get on the water and into fi rst port of call should be travel insurance. Be the wind. To enter just answer this simple question: certain it covers snowsports as a lot of policies Which member of the LSD Kiteboarding team is the exclude it. Also apply for a European Health current Irish champion? Send your answer to travel@ Insurance Card at www.ehic.ie -it’s free for all trinitynews.ie before November 17. The winner of last EU citizens and covers basic treatments in EU hospitals. editions prize of a surfi ng weekend was Kate O’Keefe On the piste at Prarion aux Houches en Haute Savoie. Photo: Alain Bachellier of JS Natural Sciences Paris: City of lights, luminaries and lovers where artists and alternatives gather to Paris is one of the world’s greatest cities and discuss life. Montmartre even has the red-light district Pigalle as a neighbour one that should be on every travelers list. Take where the Moulin Rouge and the equally charming Sexodrome can be found. a peek inside this mesmerising metropolis Paris is a city steeped in historical

By Paul McDonnell Metro crowds and enduring the colossal Louvre queues an escape from the frenzy TRANSPORT can be found in the 20th arrondisement. » Book of 10 Metro tickets – DUBBED LA ville lumiére (“City of Light”) Situated on the extreme Right Bank the €11.40 Paris is forever thriving and maintains premier attraction is the renowned Père » Flights: Aer Lingus Dublin its position as the most popular tourist -Lachaise Cemetery. Established in 1804 – Charles De Gaule €149.60 destination in the world. The abundance the cemetery now has a legendary status, Return of iconic masterpieces and buildings thanks to its celebrity ‘residents’. Getting » Ryanair Dublin – Paris Beauvais coupled with a history of romantic off the Metro at the side entrance on Line €76.27 Return. Ryanair sale is inspiration sets the French capital in a 3 allows visitors to enter facing Oscar currently selling €10 one way league of its own. Unlike numerous other Wilde’s art deco memorial and then fl ights to Beauvais, however European destinations, the allure of proceed down the rest of the cemetery. Beauvais is akin to fl ying to Paris is not confi ned to a central frantic Other residents include Edith Piaf, August Belfast to get to Dublin tourist playground but rather over spills Compte and Jim Morrison; the latter » Price of a Pint – Averages €5.60 over into the streets of all the twenty having a cult following that has caused » Price of a Crépe – Beginning arrondissements, or districts. Away from tensions amongst families of nearby at €2 the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and graves. The vast array of tales and myths » Accommodation – Average 2 the Eiffel Tower one encounters equally associated with Père-Lachaise make it * €83 impressive yet majorly overlooked sights. a thoroughly intriguing attraction; for It is here where travelers encounter the example the memorial of Victor Noir, a fl ipside of the ville lumiére – away from journalist killed by Napoleon Bonaparte, the bright lights of the city, intellectuals depicts a partially aroused Noir and has The Seine River from Eiffel tower. Photo: Jeff Houston revolution, while at the same time have sought enlightenment for centuries. since become a shrine of fertility! remaining fahionably à la minute,and Breathtaking views of the most beautiful Another institution bearing Parisian Within walking distance of the world, it is essential to experiment with can be found in the 6th arrondisement and continues to wear the scars and trophies city in the world, ancient masterpieces signifi cance is the Sorbonne University. Sorbonne is the Pantheon. An awe- the local cuisine. Even the local eateries epitomises French elegance and luxury. of its luminaries. That so many of these and buildings created by renaissance Equally famous for its prestigious inspiring, crucifix shaped church, the have their tales of famous clientele. Found Ideal on a sunny day, the gardens, though somewhat lesser known attractions virtuosos that remain eternally intriguing reputation of excellence and the May Pantheon has become synonymous with at the St-Germain-de-Prés Metro stop, often thronged with tourists, are idyllic remain untouched is perhaps a testament await the eager explorer. 1968 student uprising depicted in The the fi nal resting place of France’s heroes; Les Deux Magots was frequented by the surroundings for wasting an afternoon to the oft-stereotyped tendency of To gather your bearings upon arrival Beatles ‘Revolution’, the Sorbonne Voltaire, Victor Hugo (author of Les likes of Hemingway, Picasso and Sartre and observing the Palais du Luxembourg Parisians to be uninviting to the throngs in Paris there are countless dynamic and stands as a symbol of French intellectual Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre and oozes the quintessential French and Fontaine de Medicis. Montmartre of tourists, keeping them fi rmly on the even idiosyncratic tours on offer. One revolutionaries. The relaxed college Dame), Louis Braille and most recently lifestyle. In a similar vein are the two is conversely located south of the Ile-de beaten track. The fi lm Paris, Je t’aime, company that stands out is Fattire Bike atmosphere leaks out into the Latin Alexandre Dumas, the author of The restaurants Polidor, a home away from -Paris. Despite the central Place de Tertre however is a testament to the charm Tours who offer a night bike ride of the Quarter of the city with bistros blazed Three Musketeers. Dumas’ memorial is home for Joyce and Jack Kerouac, and being somewhat tainted by commercial to be found even in the locals. With 21 city. The tour is €28 per person and covers with lights lining the narrow cobbled draped in a blue cloth inscribed with the Chartier, which claims to have “satisfi ed infl uences the backstreets of Montmartre directors, 18 arrondissements and a cast all the main attractions in the dramatic in streets. One jazz bar in particular, Aux immortal cheer ‘Un pour tous, tous pour 50 billion bellies”. and Sacré-Coeur Basicalla are sights to of real people, it is a cinematic tribute to twilight hours. Trois Mailletz, captures the campus un’ (“All for one, and one for all”). Two fi nal offerings lie on opposite sides behold. This is where the best view of the City of Lights that highlights the true After battling through the mêlée of the atmosphere perfectly. Paris being the culinary capital of the of the Seine. The Jardin du Luxembourg the Parisian skyline can be obtained and romanticism of Paris. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 SPORTORT 2121

Trinity graduate and Olympic rower Gearoid Towey talks Rowing for gold Conor James McKinney to Paul Fitzpatrick in Trinity and they were very supportive Trinity graduate and Olympic rower Gearoid of me, they helped me out whenever they about tough training could, shifting exam times for me and Towey talks to Paul Fitzpatrick about tough that kind of thing. They were very good to regimes, his life at me in that regard. As well as that, when I training regimes, his life at Trinity and the was heading off across the Atlantic, I did Trinity and the Olym- that in the middle of the academic year THE Olympic games and they were totally cool with that as well.” COMMENTARY NAPSHOTS FROM a life spent Rowing is a discipline which has always What Towey refers to as “heading off in a boat: Rousing yourself been at the forefront of sporting life in across the Atlantic”, in the same sort of from bed to disappear down Trinity. The college has been one of the throwaway manner in which one might BOX another random river into the top clubs in the country for generations, “head out for a pint”, was, in fact, the dawn mist. Skipping breakfast and Towey attributes much of this Trans-Atlantic Challenge, one of the Sto make weight and hitting the treadmill success to the bond among members. most incredible tests of courage and for lunch. Always existing on the fringe “There is an incredible social life in stamina – both mental and physical – in of the Irish public’s fi ckle sporting university rowing. They travel together, the sporting world. Towey, along with THE SPARKLING HUES OF A consciousness. And, occasionally, getting train together and within rowing clubs in Ciaran Lewis, set off from the Canary everything just right, gliding together universities there is defi nitely a sense of Islands in November 2005 aiming for COLOURS VICTORY in perfect, magical harmony with your belonging, they work hard and play hard. America. After 40 days and nights at three co-rowers on the big stage. Rowing is a sport which gives people a lot sea, rowing two hours on-off constantly, The stars are not wanted now: put out every one; Gearoid Towey’s soft Fermoy brogue of structure. Trinity is always very strong, they capsized in Force 8 gales. They were Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun; quickens. That’s the moment, you sense, as are UCD and NUIG. Irish university eventually rescued by a passing trawler, Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood. that he does this for. clubs are generally among the best in having come within hours of death. For nothing now can ever come to any good. “It’s hard in a lot of ways because the country. You get to enjoy your fi rst “It’s something I think about every …which, as a rendering of the national discourse you’re with four lads all the time and couple of years rowing without too much day,” admits Towey. “It was a very close of recent weeks into a more poetic form, has the you’re basically sitting on a little piece pressure when you’re in university. It’s a call and it has an infl uence on everything merits of both beauty and accuracy. We’ve hit of cardboard fi bre and trying to make it great scene.” I do now to a certain degree. I think about recession, they’re going to bring back fees, and balance and make it go fast,” he explains While the life of an international everything really in terms of that, like if there’s an extra fi fty cent on all bottles of wine, no matter of factly. athlete isn’t best suited to that of a there are any hard decisions to be made, matter how foul. The country is backpedaling rapidly “Rowing is a really technical sport student, Towey is fulsome in his praise for well… you realise that they’re not that towards the bad old days. There’s no money in the and the more technical a sport is, the the college authorities. “I did geography hard at all.” bank, no banks in the money, and it’s off to Aldi for more you have to work mentally on it, the dinner. and the more you have to work mentally But cheer up, there’s always Colours. on something, the more irritable you can The fi rst big Colours game of the season takes become. When things are going well and place this week, with the rugby team facing off you’re moving fast though, it’s because against UCD at Donnybrook. It is not, perhaps, as big the four of you are working together in a deal as in times past - God be with the days when unison and it’s an incredible feeling. We students actually turned out to such events - but it all have a really good respect for each matters. Even to those who don’t follow rugby, or other, we all trust each other and know indeed any sport, the thought of beating UCD is that nobody is going to bottle out. It’s a invariably a pleasant one. pleasure to row with them.” Why is it Not many students would list that in any attempting to row non-stop from Spain Everyone likes sport, an to America among their extra-curricular encounter activities during their college years. Then being the plucky with UCD again, not many men are like Towey. has that little The 31-year-old is a world champion underdog... it makes extra bite, not rower and is currently preparing for his it that much sweeter found where third Olympics. Incredibly, he managed our teams go to balance his training schedule around a when we do pull it off out to against degree course in Trinity College prior to DCU, say, or his graduation last year. “Around exam UCC? It’s not time it was defi nitely hard because we the ugliness of had exams in the middle of the World their buildings. Cup season so I’d be away in Germany or It’s not the ridiculous fact that their offi cial name is Austria or wherever racing and I’d have to Towey after his heat of the Men’s Lightweight Four in this year’s Olympics University College Dublin, Dublin. It’s not even the Towey outside the Sports Centre. Photo: Martin McKenna come back and sit exams,” he explains. where the team fi nished in 4th place. Photo: Brendan Moran/SPORTSFILE knowledge that we lose to them far more often than we win. It’s just that since time out of mind, and in almost every discipline, they are our main rivals. The student body of UCD is the most akin to our own in terms of numbers, interests and social background. Perhaps it is fair to say that we love DUCAC to beat them not because they are unlike us, but Trying times for triathlon because we are so similar. Sport, if it is anything, is about pitting yourself against your peers and striving to come out the best. Despite the invariable funding advantages UCD sportspeople enjoy in terms of facilities and resources, we face them on a more or less level playing fi eld in that the opponents are THE DUBLIN University Central similar in age, experience and commitment to their Athletics Club (DUCAC) has released discipline. These are the people you want to beat. details of the funding given to the various This applies not just to the rugby fi xture, of course, clubs in College. The income generated but wherever people are gathered in the good from the like of the Pavilion Bar profi ts name of beating UCD – be that on a soccer pitch, and the €4 sign-up fee charged by all squash court, boxing ring or trampoline… arena, clubs during Freshers’ Week all revert possibly. The clubs, for their part, need to do a better to DUCAC, which then decides on job of selling these fi xtures. You’re not going to its allocation. Clubs submit a budget entice people out to everything, of course: it’s hard estimate at the start of the season, and a enough to follow the progress of a sailing or rock proportion of this will be paid for by the climbing competition when you’re a participant, let central body, with any other expenses alone a spectator. But for Colours competitions – coming out of the club’s own funds. particularly those It is unknown what criteria are used to played within decide how much to allow each particular a reasonable club. According to DUCAC’s Honorary distance of the It’s a cuddly, fl uffy, Treasurer, Dr. Cyril Smyth, clubs Pav – more of politically correct receiving the most funding are those a marketing with a lot of league commitments, “high effort could world out there. That’s expense sports”, and those for which a surely be high amount of capital expenditure is made. no reason not to take necessary in a given year. Beyond that, A cynic a bit of pride in your clubs can only speculate as to whether might point out other revelant considerations (such as that nobody college membership numbers and competitive gives a damn success) come into play. anymore, It is however interesting to note that going out for €1.99 drinks, or, worse, going to that while some female sports clubs lectures is a far better use of your precious time and such as Gaelic Football and Boat get besides, UCD always bloody win anyway. All that roughly equal funding, insofar as these By Conor James McKinney Its efforts have paid off, with the likes Ireland’s Emma Triathlon event. Finishing 37th in a fi eld may be true, with apologies to those clubs that have rough fi gures indicate, there is a wide College Sport Editor of Sinead Roche and Downing himself Davis, who of 55 was hardly the stuff of dreams, but made a habit of winning their Colours fi xtures in discrepancy between the money given to representing Ireland at various levels fi nished the at the age of 22, in just her fi rst year as recent years. It’s still one of the only occasions when ladies’ cricket, rugby, golf and soccer as TRIATHLON IS described in the over the past couple of years. Women’s Tri- a professional athlete, there’s plenty of one gets to rally behind one’s college, and indulge in compared with their male counterparts. Oxford Dictionary as “the tendency to Beginners need not be put off by the athlon in a time scope for improvement in London 2012. some of the good-natured hatred that manifests itself derive pleasure from one’s own pain”. A training schedule, which at fi rst glance of 2:06:29.36; Whether she’ll be joined there by any at sporting occasions and the juicier sort of political DUCAC FUNDING 2007/08 standard triathlon, for those unfamiliar looks rigorous – you could do seven 2008 Olympics, other Irish athletes remains to be seen, rallies. Everyone likes being the plucky underdog, in with the joys, comprises a 1,500 metre sessions a week, if that’s what you’re into Triathlon Venue, as the conveyer belt of young talent isn’t any case – it makes it that much sweeter when we do swim, a 40 kilometre cycle and 10k run - but Feighery says that he himself didn’t Ming Tomb Res- exactly working overtime. It is telling pull it off. I’d like to think that going to see your team CLUBS RECEIVING €10,000 in quick succession. If that sounds like go to all that many sessions last year, and ervoir, Beijing, that insofar as varsity participation win every single year can’t be that much fun. or higher: Boat, Ladies Boat, a breeze, then what you need is the people are entitled to pick and choose. China. Photo: goes, Trinity and Queens are the only It’s a cuddly, fl uffy, politically correct world out Cricket, Men’s Hockey, Ladies extra long version, which requires a Many of the newbies have a background Ray McManus/ universities fl ying the fl ag. there. That’s no reason not to take a bit of pride in Hockey, Kayak, Men’s Rugby, 3,800 metre swim, 180k cycle and 42.2k in running or cycling – indeed, the cycling SPORTSFILE Eoin McDowell, a UCD athlete who your college. After all, it’s not that easy to get in here, Sailing, Soccer, Squash, Sub run. That last 0.2 of a kilometre seems and triathlon clubs almost merged this trains with their tetrathlon team (like so the chances are that you didn’t end up studying Aqua. particularly unkind, but no doubt they year. That move fell through, but Feighery triathlon but with horse riding and in Trinity by chance. You wanted to be here – try to €6,000-10,000: Basketball, have their reasons. notes that the ties between the two clubs shooting thrown in, for no particular remember why, and maybe you can rekindle a little Boxing, Camogie, Climbing, Luke Feighery, the captain of DU are still close, refl ecting the similarities reason), feels that Belfi eld’s lack of a of the partisan enthusiasm so beloved of this column. Fencing, Men’s Gaelic Football, Triathlon Club, seems puzzled by the between the two disciplines. triathlon club defi nitely hinders his That doesn’t mean wearing a Trinity hoodie or Ladies Gaelic Football, Men’s very question of why anyone would Triathlon only got going in this participation: “It would make the sport a scarf around the place (seriously, who does that Golf, Harriers, Hurling, Judo, subject themselves to triathlon. “It’s country in 1983, when the fi rst event was lot more accessible”, he says, adding that on campus? It’s for representing when you’re off Lawn Tennis, Rifl e, Swimming, something to do”, he shrugs, noting organized in Greystones, Co. Wicklow. it’s hard to get heavily involved without a in some remote land like Bhutan, or Borris-in- Trampoline. that the overwhelming majority of club The Irish Triathlon Association, the club structure to motivate him. Ossory.) It doesn’t mean using those Times Higher €2,000-6,000: Aikido, members have never had any contact sport’s governing body, was founded in For those Trinity students who wish Education supplement rankings as the basis for Badminton, Cycling, Equestrian, with triathlon before; as with many 1984. An all-Ireland body, it has around to dip a toe in the water, so to speak, your conversations with outsiders (no matter how Karate, Ladies Rugby, Ladies minority sports the need to sell it to 40 affi liated clubs on both sides of the DUTC have organised a special ‘MiniTri’ snide your little dig, it’s not funny.) It doesn’t mean Soccer, Surfi ng. sceptical newcomers during Freshers’ border. Regrettably, they haven’t seen to to facilitate beginners. Taking place on being enthusiastic about everything in Trinity (you’re €2,000 or less: Ladies Week is paramount. In this, the club has fi t to appoint a PRO in the intervening the 22nd of November from 1-3 pm, it will expected to dislike the people in the Student Cricket, Croquet, Ladies Golf, had considerable success, with a solid 25 years, so attempts to contact them for take the uninitiated on a gentle meander Records Offi ce, for instance). It just means accepting Handball, Kenpo, Orienteering, core of active members driving the club some more information went nowhere. through the triathlon experience: fi rst, that Trinity is a pretty sweet place to while away a few Snowsports, Table Tennis, forward. DUTC was set up just three The sport itself may be going places, a 200m swim in the Sports Centre pool, years of your existence – and one of the best ways of Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, years ago by Feighery’s predecessor, Tim however: at the Beijing Olympics last followed by a 5 km static bike ride and expressing that is on the sidelines. Windsurfi ng. Downing; SU President Cathal Reilly is August, Emma Davis became the fi nishing with a 1 mile run around the currently the club’s sponsorship offi cer. fi rst Irish person ever to compete in a Trinity campus. TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 22 SPORT November 11, 2008

COLOURS PREVIEW 14 NOVEMBER, 18:30: TWO TITANS OF VARSITY SPORT CLASH AT DONNYBROOK STADIUM

Our prediction: Man to watch: Eddie Hamilton UCD TO WIN Man to watch: Kevin McLaughlin With the Trinity backline not posing much of a threat, Hamilton’s recent good form at BY 10 TO The No. 8 has a full Leinster contract, and although he has yet to make his mark at provincial scrum-half is timely. Provides good service and adds a sniping threat. 20 POINTS level, his physicality will be a revelation for a Trinity side more used to Division 2 opposition.

Trinity chase up during their draw against Bective in College Park last month. Photo: Jessica Pakenham-Money Matt Nagle of UCD in action at the last Colours match in March. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/SPORTSFILE

HE COLOURS game between win in the league so far this season, and T WAS a miserable, cold, dark and whom knew nothing at all about rugby ago each team provided a touch judge UCD and Trinity is always a are running 14th out of 16 in Division One wet Tuesday evening towards the but nevertheless enjoyed themselves for the Colours match. This arrangement more fascinating encounter of the AIL. Trinity have enjoyed a much THE end of October 1975 as I walked up tremendously. These days the players of eventually ended as, depending on which Tthan the rather lopsided results brighter start in Division Two, giving the the long corridor in Belfi eld Arts both UCD and Trinity have numerous side of the fi eld they were on, each touch of recent years might suggest. Pitted lie to predictions that they faced another Block to have a look at the rugby competitive matches in leagues and cups, judge suffered 40 minutes of sustained against a UCD side used to the Division relegation struggle by losing only one TEAM Inotice board. It was two weeks to the as well as representative games for which abuse which often had long term negative 1 rugby, Trinity have won the fi xture only match out of the four played thus far. Colours match with one more friendly there now seem to be fi xtures at Leinster psychological effects. Now it is all much once in the last ten years, and went down Although the scrum looks far from 15. PAUL GILLESPIE game to go beforehand and I was quietly or Irish level for nearly every age group. more refi ned. by 50-20 when the sides last met. solid, the lineout – with Mark Murdoch 14. CHRIS JEBB confi dent that I would be selected. However, there is still no doubt In every Colours match I have seen Yet, despite the advantages the Belfi eld and Scott LaValla the key architects – Having played on the fi rsts for most that for many of the players actually over the years both sides play running boys enjoy in terms of training facilities, provides a good attacking platform. From 13. CONOR COLCLOUGH of the earlier matches and being in the participating in the Colours match at all rugby right from the kick-off. Most years AIL ranking and the sheer confi dence that any such possession close in, look for the middle of a long term relationship (of at is a huge achievement and winning it an one or two previously unheralded players comes from such an extended winning Trinity pack to throw to the second man 12. RICHARD BRADY least 7 weeks) with someone who would even greater one. For many players it is shine in the game and often go on to streak, Colours is generally closer than and roll out the rolling maul. 11. COLIN MURPHY be impressed by my selection, I had every the summit of their career and something greater things. it should be. Last year’s whitewash Although the UCD half backs aren’t reason to be hopeful and confi dent. to boast about in one’s dotage. You may well ask “what exactly is aside, UCD’s winning margin has rarely particularly exciting, their backline 10. ANDY WALLACE I turned the corner at the end of the The very fi rst Colours match took a ‘Colour’?” Once you have played in a been by more than a score in the games overall is stronger. Any of Lett, McFadden 9. EDDIE HAMILTON corridor, went up to the rugby notice place in 1951 and since then has been Colours match you are given the huge played this century. The 2004/05 game or Hastings in the centre will form an board (brown mahogany surround and played every year without fail. Many honour of being allowed to buy a Colours was drawn, 20 all. And in 2006, Trinity experienced and pacy unit, and watch 1. TRISTAN GOODBODY the word “rugby” in gold leaf on top) and wonderful players have taken part and scarf. On occasion the Club itself actually famously won their fi rst Colours title in a out for the strong running of former looked at it. My name wasn’t there. I was various International players regularly pays for them. This scarf can then be decade, when Johnny Watt kicked Trinity Blackrock College man Vasya Artimiev 2. MARK MURDOCK dropped! This meant I wouldn’t be picked refer to the Colours match as one of the proudly worn for the next 40 years, even to a 16-13 victory. The beaten UCD outfi t on the left wing. Young will have to be at 3. JAMES GETHINGS for the Colours match. highlights of their career. Of the present when it becomes tattered and dirty. boasted a half-back combo of Cillian his dynamic best in providing cover for I was gutted. I am still gutted and only bunch of Irish players the likes of Brian The Trinity scarf is a bright positive Willis and Ian Keatley, both of whom are an inexperienced back line – in particular 4. PAT DANAHY in recent years have stopped taking out O’Driscoll, Rob Kearney and Jamie shiny pink one. The UCD scarf on the now making waves at provincial level, young Conor Colclough, at 13 for Trinity, 5. SCOTT LAVALLA this disaster on my own children. Heaslip have all played Colours and have other hand is a more muted, mature but also Michael Hastings at centre, who may fi nd his opposite number a handful. There was only one thing to do. I fond memories of the occasion. effort containing varying shades of blue. happened to be the twin brother of DUFC This game, rugby fans will be 6. MAX CANTRELL headed off to the Belfi eld Bar for long Originally the matches took place in The differing scarves obviously say a captain Brian. unsurprised to learn, will be won or lost term counselling and medication to help Lansdowne Road and were later moved huge amount about each College and While the 57th edition probably can’t in the forwards. The pack has performed 7. SHANE YOUNG (C) me through this diffi cult time (well, as to Donnybrook. This move was a result their ethos but sadly there is insuffi cient live up to such unlikely drama, it certainly well so far this season – the backline 8. BRIAN COYLE long as my money lasted). of some over-exuberant egg and fl our time to go into all of that now. promises to be a livelier contest than last in particular looks dynamic – but the Back in the 1970s and 1980s the throwing which for some reason led The Colours match is always played in year. Most of the Trinity pack has played tight fi ve isn’t particularly big. Damage SUBSTITUTES: annual Colours match was the biggest the Lansdowne hierarchy to suggest the early evening, the weather is usually in a Colours match before, although limitation is the name of the game in event in the rugby year. In those days that perhaps their stadium wasn’t best excellent and it is a great excuse for a Brian Coyle may not start pending the the scrum, and if Trinity cannot be more A. MATHEWS, P. MCCABE, there were no leagues and most matches suited for such events. However, these wonderful day out to feast on running results of a fi tness test (Colin McDonnell assertive at the breakdown than they C. MCDONNELL, J. BYRNE, were simply friendlies. The Colours happenings took place way back in the rugby and copious pints thereafter. is scheduled to come into the side if needs have been so far this season, it could be match therefore, because of the natural last century (i.e. the mid 1990s) and there Everyone should go! be). By contrast, none of the starting a long night. J.ILIFF, S. HANRATTY, B. hatred each University had for the other, is always a chance the game might return backline played in last season’s fi xture. was the most fi ercely fought encounter to Lansdowne Road when it is eventually David Bergin is a practising The perennial divisional mismatch still Conor James McKinney is College JOHNSTON of the season and attracted very large completed. solicitor. He was President of UCD exists, but UCD have managed only one Sport Editor of Trinity News crowds of boisterous students, many of Interestingly, up until about 10 years RFC for the 2007/08 season.

MEN’S RUGBY MEN’S HOCKEY MEN’S SOCCER AIL DIVISION 2 LEINSTER DIVISION 2 SAT MAJOR 1D Tennis Pos Team P W D L F A TB LB Pts Pos Team P W D L F A Pts Pos Team P W D L F A Pts 1. Ballynahinch 4 4 0 0 113 33 2 0 18 1. Skerries 4 4 0 0 21 8 12 1. Swords Celtic 9 8 1 0 32 12 25 2. Bruff 4 3 0 1 68 38 1 1 14 2. Clontarf 3 3 0 0 14 3 9 2. DUAFC 7 6 1 0 28 6 19 3. Malone 4 3 0 1 52 38 0 1 13 3. Bray 3 3 0 0 11 3 9 3. Brendanville FC 8 6 1 1 21 12 19 victory 4. Belfast Harlequins 4 3 0 1 50 47 0 1 13 4. Suttonians 4 2 0 2 15 8 6 4. Templeogue United 8 5 2 1 25 9 17 5. Lansdowne 4 2 1 1 93 56 1 1 12 5. Dublin University 3 1 0 2 13 11 3 5. Clonee United 5 4 0 1 14 9 12 TRINITY’S KELLIE O’Flynn represented 6. UCC 4 2 1 1 89 62 1 1 12 6. Avoca 3 1 0 2 6 7 3 6. Confey FC 10 3 3 4 10 11 12 the College at the National University 7. Bective Rangers 4 2 1 1 79 66 1 1 12 7. Weston 3 1 0 2 3 11 3 7. Dunboyne AFC 9 3 2 4 22 20 11 Tennis Championships, held in Westwood 8. Dublin University 4 2 1 1 66 58 0 1 11 8. Naas 3 0 0 3 1 16 0 8. Garda FC 7 3 1 3 13 20 10 during the fi rst weekend in November. 9. Greystones 4 2 0 2 64 59 0 2 10 9. Navan 4 0 0 4 3 20 0 9. Verona FC 9 2 1 6 20 32 7 Despite facing off against fi rm favourites 10. Old Crescent 4 2 0 2 51 53 0 1 9 10. Greenhills AFC 10 1 4 5 19 31 7 Niamh Coveney and Laura Milner in the 11. Highfi eld 4 2 0 2 39 64 0 0 8 Skerries maintain their top ranking with a hardfought win 11. Boyne Rovers 8 1 3 4 13 20 6 fi nal of the Women’s Doubles competition. 12. Clonakilty 4 1 0 3 44 46 1 1 6 over Suttonians, who slip to fourth. DUHC stay in fi fth by 12. Loughshinny United 8 1 3 4 10 21 6 O’Flynn and her partner Marion Hanley 13. DLSP 4 1 0 3 64 72 1 1 6 virtue of their superior points difference over Weston and 13. Rush Athletic 9 1 2 6 20 30 5 of NUIG ran out comfortable winners in 14. Wanderers 4 1 0 3 36 89 0 1 5 Avoca. 14. Rathcoole Boys 7 0 2 5 8 22 2 the end, taking the title 6-2, 6-3. It was a 15. Thomond 4 0 0 4 40 87 0 2 2 good measure of consolation for O’Flynn, 16. Instonians 4 0 0 4 45 125 0 0 0 08/11/08 Clontarf 4 1 DUHC 01/11/08 Clonee United 5 1 DUAFC who was knocked out of the sinlges in the round of 16. 14/11/08 DUFC v UCD LADIES HOCKEY ULTIMATE FRISBEE In the men’s singles, Will Wilshere also lost in the opening round, while LADIESWWW RUGBY LEINSTER DIVISION 1 CORK OPEN Simon Clarke went out in the quarter fi nals to Simon Wrafter of DCU. LEINSTER WOMEN’S LEAGUE Pos Team P W D L F A Pts DUUFC 1: Placed 6th of 22 - see back page. 1. Railway Union 5 5 0 0 14 0 15 23/11/08 Trinity v Malahide 2. Loreto 5 3 2 0 15 2 11 DUUFC 2: T. Brennan, G. Hogan, C. Hosp (c), J. Kwan, T. 3. Hermes 5 3 1 1 17 7 10 McFadden, T. Monaghan, G. Ó Fearghail (vc), N. Sherry, MEN’S SQUASH LADIES’ SQUASH 4. UCD 5 3 1 1 9 3 10 S. Smith, J. Sutton, D. Teeling. Placed 22nd of 22. 5. Pembroke 5 2 2 1 8 8 8 PREMIER DIVISION 1ST DIVISION 6. Glenanne 6 2 2 2 8 11 8 15/11/08: Open indoor intervarsities 7. Old Alexandra 5 2 1 2 10 8 7 Pos Team P Pts Pos Team P Pts 8. Bray 6 1 2 3 2 13 5 GAELIC FOOTBALL 1. Sutton A 4 57 2. Trinity A 3 33 9. Corinthian 6 0 1 5 3 20 1 2. Fitzwilliam B 4 56 2. Aer Lingus A 3 29 10. Trinity College 6 0 0 6 5 22 0 INTERVARSITY LEAGUE 3. Westwood A 4 50 3. Total Fitness MH 3 27 4. Fitzwilliam A 3 42 4. Fitzwilliam B 3 20 Trinity are rock bottom with no points from their opening 12/11/08 The Law School v Trinity 5. Curragh A 4 36 5. Westwood B 3 18 six games. They do however have a prime opportunity to 6. Mt. Pleasant A 4 29 6. Mt. Pleasant B 3 13 remedy this on Saturday when they face Corinthians, who HURLING 7. Old Belvedere A 4 20 are also without a win, at Santry. 8. Trinity A 3 6 12/11/08 Trinity A v Aer Lingus A INTERVARSITY LEAGUE 19/11/08 Fitzwillam B v Trinity A 01/11/08 Old Alexandra 5 0 Trinity College 12/11/08 Malahide A v Trinity A 08/11/08 Glennane 3 3 1 Trinity College 04/11/08: Trinity (2-8) (2-18) Carlow IT 18/11/08 Trinity A v Belvedere A 15/11/08 Trinity College v Corinthian Kellie O’Flynn and Marion Hanley TRINITY NEWS TRINITY NEWS Tuesday, October 14, 2008 November 11, 2008 SPORT 23

MATCH Soccer team STATS

SCORE crash out of DUAFC 1 DIT 2

DATE 5 NOVEMBER uni league VENUE Despite being in control for much of the game, COLLEGE PARK Trinity prove unable to hang on as two penal- REFEREE ties and a sending off take their toll STEPHEN GRANT TEAM By Niall Walsh and industrious Lawler were proviing to be a constant threat on the break. 1. NIALL O’CARROLL Niall O’Carroll had made a string of 2. MICHAEL STORAN TRINITY STARTED their fi nal group excellent saves to keep Trinity ahead but game against DIT knowing that a draw on the hour mark, the face of the game 3. JOHNNY CUMMINS would send them into the knockout stages changed completely. DIT won a free of the competition. However, it was clear kick on the right hand side of the box 4. COLIN HYLAND from the outset that the home side were and Stephen Roche glanced a header 5. JOHN LAVELLE going to attempt to win the game, and downward past O’Carroll towards the group. goal after a great delivery. Chris Allen, 6. LUKE GUERIN The game started at a frenetic pace guarding the far post, instinctively stuck 7. DANIEL MORIARTY with captain Evin O’Reilly showing some out his hand to block the ball. He instantly beautiful touches in the opening exhanges regretted his decision, and the referee 8. EVIN O’REILLY (C) and it was not long before Trinity took the was left with no option but to send him lead. Cormac Ryan picked the ball up on off. However, Allen and the entire Trinity 9. CHRIS ALLEN the left wing, delivered a perfectly lofted bench breathed a huge sigh of relief 10. CIARAN LAWLER cross into the area and striker Ciaran when DIT’s full back Killian Gallagher Lawler, Trinity’s top scorer this season so blazed the ball high over the bar from the 11. CORMAC RYAN far, slid in to poke home at the back post resulting spot kick. and send the Trinity bench into raptures. Striker Moriarty was then sacrifi ced SUBSTITUTES The college continued to attack and by manager Jimmy Cummiskey in press for the second goal and DIT were exchange for midfi elder Oisin McMahon Evin O’Reilly working overtime after the dismissal of teammate Chris Allen. Photo: Jessica Pakenham-Money F. MULLINS pinned back into their own half for long and Trinity changed to a defensive 4-4-1 O. MCMAHON periods of the fi rst 45. Just before the formation. The college were then pinned DIT knew that a draw probably wouldn’t corner of O’Carroll’s goal. The drama only ten minutes previously, had seemed break the in-form Lawler had a great back in their own half as DIT desperately be enough to qualify for the knockout still wasn’t fi nished and in stoppage time certain to end in victory. The players L.KEOGH chance to give Trinity some breathing pressed for an equalizer. Trinity were stages and they threw everything at Trinity had a glorious chance to snatch waited anxiously to hear the result of the space. After a defensive mix up he found determined to hold on, however, battling Trinity in the fi nal minutes of the game. a point and ensure qualifi cation. John other game in the group, knowing that a E. KEEGAN himself in space, one on one with DIT tenaciously for every loose ball. Their With fi ve minutes left on the clock Lavelle picked up the ball in his own half draw or better for DCU would guarantee J. KENNEDY keeper Tristan King, but inexcusably put commitment was personifi ed by the Trinity gave away a second, and highly and played a superb ball up the line for them qualifi cation. Luck quite simply was the ball well wide of the goal. tireless Lawler, the lone striker chasing questionable, penalty. It was cruel that Cormac Ryan. The Trinity midfi elder not on Trinity’s side today however, and After the break DIT came out looking down hopeful long ball after hopeful long Trinity’s best player on the day, Colin found himself in acres of space but his as news fi ltered through that Colaiste MAN OF THE MATCH like a different team. They got far tighter ball. Hyland, was the one punished by the fi rst touch let him down and he played Ide had beaten the Glasnevin college on Trinity’s midfi elders and held on Despite their best efforts, with ten referee. The Trinity centre-back ran out the ball across the box just slightly behind 3-1, Trinity’s footballers had to accept COLIN HYLAND to possession much better, pushing minutes left on the clock the Trinity to meet an onrushing DIT player and the onrushing Hyland, attempting to elimination from a competition in which Trinity’s defence further and further into defense was fi nally breached. DIT broke as the shot came in it ricocheted off his atone for conceding the penalty. The they had started so brightly. SENT OFF their own half. However, John Lavelle down the right hand side, whipped in an hand. It was most certainly a case of ball lanky centre back somehow managed to DUAFC are still looking strong in their and Colin Hyland, Trinity’s centre- early cross and some truely horrendous to hand but unfortunately for the college, get a foot on the ball but agonizingly for division in the Leinster Senior League, CHRIS ALLEN backs, were providing a master class marking left DIT substitute Kyle the referee didn’t see it that way. Trinity, the ball went inches wide. and if they continue to play with the in defending, seemingly winning every Cawley with the easiest of fi nishes past DIT changed their penalty taker and Trinity’s players walked off the fi eld drive and determination on show today, header and tackle that came their way. O’Carroll. this time they made no mistake, Roche in disbelief at the fi nal whistle, trying to it won’t be too long before they get back Meanwhile, the the pacy Daniel Moriarty It was to get worse for Trinity, however. rifl ing the ball into the top right hand come to terms with a defeat in a gaem, to winning ways. UNSUNG HEROES: THE LADIES FIFTH XI Cookstown the venue for latest ladies defeat

SCORE Glennane sortie lead to a short corner. on the ball. Enough, certainly, for Trinity A pass out to the right left the onrushing win a short corner of their own. They GLENNANE 3 defence wrong-footed, and although made a horrible mess of it, granted, but DULHC 1 Elliott got a foot to the intial shot, the as the teams separated for half time, following player had all the time in the the knowledge that a breakthrough By Conor James McKinney world to bury the rebound deeper than a was possible if they played their game College Sport Editor Mafi a informer. must have been of some comfort to the Maebh Horan sparked into life as students. YOUR CORRESPONDENT’S battered Trinity went in search of an equaliser; a Hearnden came back on for Nadia ego was rather soothed on Friday night brace of dangerous runs left her in good Douglas after the break and led by in the Palace, when some young ladies positions, but the fi nal ball went nowhere. example with a surging run in the recognised him as the Sports Editor of No-one else was offering much, it must opening seconds. This set the stage this fi ne publication. It was, admittedly, be said, and the Glens came back with a for a second act in which Trinity did all more in the context of amused contempt vengence. Caoimhe Costigan – who had the performing, but were unable to set than admiration, but then that is not a generally assured afternoon – broke things to rights before the curtain fell. a wholly unfamiliar female reaction to up one raid down the left hand side after Chances came and went: fi rst Costigan some of us. The point is that the wildly her defensive colleagues went to sleep, went within inches of getting on the end inebriated girls in question may well but nobody was awake to the resulting of a ricocheting Rachel Scott free into the have been members of the ladies hockey sideline ball, which sailed merrily into circle, then O’Byrne fl ashed a dangerous team, judging by the tired look of their the circle and was deftly turned in by the cross across the face of goal. Gorman performance on Saturday morning. reverse stick of a Glennane forward to started to come into the game, but even Even if this rather defamatory theory leave Trinity two goals to the bad. her pace wasn’t enough and the vital is inaccurate, the Ulyssean journey out It was rare that Trinity were able score proved elusive. to the lonely, windswept pitch glorifi ed to move the ball out of defence with With Glennane starting to get rattled by the name of Glennane Park isn’t any conviction, with the midfi eld not (“RELAX, GLENS!!”) and time ebbed calculated to get a player’s head in the making the necessary runs. Murphy and away, Mandy Holloway hurled her bench game. The warm-up shooting drill looked Buckley were forced to run the ball out at the foe. Lucy Small showed some nice rusty, and it was with a hint of trepidation on occasion – and to good effect – but it touches, linking up well with the tireless that the assembled spectators watched obviously wasn’t a tactic that could be Costigan, but was just unable to fi nd the still winless First XI get started. relied upon to get regular ball to Gorman Hearndon unmarked in the circle late Captain Claire Hearnden urged her and Costigan, easily Trinity’s best players on. A robust defence Glennane defence, charges to get in the opposition’s faces, when they got a sniff of possession. With aided by just a touch of rough play, were and “make them worried all match”, but that outlet blocked, Glennane were able to contain the threat and didn’t really in truth it was the Trinity side that looked able to turn the screw; a second short deserve to concede. By the time the UCD cagey in the opening period. corner, awarded after prolonged period men’s team arrived at pitchside to wait THE DULHC fi fth’s unbeaten start to the season outfi t was rewarded with two more scores courtesy of Glennane created some early chances, of pressure during which the Glennane for the next sceduled game, the urgency continued with an impressive cup performance in Mairead Marnane and the ever enthusiastic Eimear and it took a couple of decent stops from forwards couldn’t decide which one of had faded; Hearnden’s short corner miss Santry on Saturday morning. The opposition was fellow MacNamara. Unfortunately the half ended on a scrappy Jess Elliott and good defensive work them would tuck the ball away, went in from another Costigan burst at the death northside team Botanic. As ever, it took this team a note with a soft goal conceded, much to the delight of by Caroline Murphy to steady the ship. off Elliott to make it 3-0. had a feeling of inevitabiltity about it. while to get going as a result of both graduation and the vocal Botanic supporters and their yapping dog. The real problems came when Trinity Whether that was enough for the Six games, six defeats. At least it didn’t Med Day celebrations on Friday night. Yet once the Half time, and the Trinity girls retreated to nurse various gained possession – at the risk of being Tallaght side, or whether Trinity fi nally rain. whistle blew Trinity’s determination to win this match injuries and to the musings of fl ip-fl op clad coach Alan over-analytical, it’s worth pointing out decided to play, the line was drawn came to the fore having being narrowly knocked out of Bell. Within minutes of the start of the second half, that they just couldn’t hold onto the ball, there. Horan reprised her role as chief last year’s cup by eventual winners Mullingar. The match Niamh Fox blasted the backboard from a well executed at least with any degree of consistency. creative offi cer with a wonderful ball in THE TEAM began evenly as Trinity, led by captain Dani McCollum, short corner, once again ousting Ciara from her spot at Irene Gorman, leading the Trinity line, to Costigan, who played for the short got into their stride and allowed their freshers to the top of the circle. Trinity dominated the remainder didn’t any service whatsoever until at corner, and got it. A powerful drive in J. Elliott, C. Costigan. C. Murphy, continue to settle into the team. However, as the half of the second half with the dejected opposition rarely least 20 minutes in. took a weird and wonderful defl ection, V. Buckley, C. Boyle, K. O’Byrne, wore on, Trinity’s superiority started to shine, eventually causing any major problems for the Trinity defence. Glennane, meanwhile, were sniffi ng eventually trickling its way over the line. C. Hearnden (c), R. Scott, M. wearing down the opposition for Ciara Marnane to get Trinity scored two more goals from the sticks of Mari around on both the left and right fl anks, Costigan herself has the most likely claim Horan, I. Gorman, D. Costigan. the fi rst goal of the game. Trinity worked well when Ozaki and Hannah Lyons. This left the end result at an and a disturbing amount of balls sailed to be the scorer, but we stand open to switching the ball out wide and to unmarked players impressive 6-1. The fi fths march on into the next round right through the Trinity defence. They correction on that front. Subs: A. Coyle, C. Coakley, N. behind play. Trinity didn’t have it all their own way and of the cup and, without a loss in the league, prospects mainly ran dead, but this couldn’t last. Somebody up there was looking Douglas, L.Small. were put under pressure in the circle, yet any threat was are looking good for the season ahead. After a collision between Murphy and favourably on Trinity, at least; Elliott relieved through strong central defending. The Trinity (Lorna Ferguson) Boyle in the circle almost allowed the saved the next Glens short corner, and home forwards to pounce, the next there was a just a hint of added composure IN PREVIEW: COLOURS CLASH AN OLYMPIC GRADUATE Rower Gearoid Towey tells of his journey from Botany Bay to Beijing

TRINITY NEWS SPORTTuesday, November 11, 2008 MATCH First XI STATS

SCORE clobbered CLONTARF 4 DUHC 1

DATE 8 NOVEMBER at Clontarf VENUE Injury-hit men’s hockey team left to rue missed MT. TEMPLE, CLONTARF opportunities in the second half as Division 2 TEAM rivals’ comfortable victory sees them move to 1. JACK HEGARTY 2. NICK ODLUM the top of the league 3. IAN GORMAN 4. DAIRE COADY (C) By Dermot Trellis stick, broken clean in two in a impressively hardcore feat of goalkeeping. Provided 5. SCOTT MCKECHNIE with a replacement, he used it to keep RONAN PELOW’S robust injury list things level when faced with a one-on- 6. BEN HEWITT meant a barrage of new faces as DUHC one in open play a few minutes later, as 7. BARRY GLAVEY resumed their league campaign against the intensity rose and Glavey resumed his Clontarf last Saturday. Trinity have love-hate relationship with the Leinster 8. HENRY BUTLER developed something of a mental block Branch umpires. where this side is concerned, and were Daire Coady, brandishing the captain’s 9. CIAN O’REILLY looking to shake off the memories of armband, had abandoned all concern for 10. STUART CINNAMOND relatively disappointing Intervarsity and his bodily integrity as he threw himself Irish League Trophy results over the past about the park in the effort to keep the 11. CHRIS TYRRELL two weeks. The absence of Andy Gray and Clontarf attack at bay. That said, some of Brian Cleere wasn’t a help in this regard, his passing out of defence was wayward, SUBSTITUTES while Johnny Orr was also benched and and it was he who conceded the next Aengus Stanley could only assist the back short corner when the ball came off his A.STANLEY four by bellowing advice from touchline. left hoof. Several bodies blocked the fi rst Ben Hewitt marshalls his opposite number during DUHC’s 4-1 loss to rivals Clontarf. Photo: Jessica Pakenham-Money H. SUTHERLAND Cian O’Reilly and Chris Tyrrell looked volley, but the rebound was somehow intially lively, probing down both fl anks, scrambled in for a demoralising 0-1. the Clontarf goalie with his chip. With that would have given them that crucial Clontarf were too good to get really J. ORR but were unable to provide the killer A goal down, Trinity found it hard Glavey not getting enough ball, it was bit of momentum proved elusive, though, upset, and having taken 45 minutes to ball in. Stuart Cinnamond had the best to maintain the patient hockey that had a simple matter for the northsiders to as Glavey sent the ball wide to the right. score one goal Trinity didn’t look to have A. BEVERLAND chance of the opening period, set up allowed them to put it up to Clontarf punish such impudence during their With Stanley making inroads down the cutting edge to get two more. There by Tyrrell, but couldn’t get a clean shot in the fi rst twenty minutes. As passes next attack: with Trinity defenders diving the right fl ank, and the midfi eld looking was plenty of bark, but no bite. MAN OF THE MATCH away. With Barry Glavey demonstrating failed to fi nd their mark, “Calm it down” around recklessly, the short corner was that bit more settled, Trinity had plenty Orr and the acrobatic Henry Butler his characteristic grace under pressure and “Take it easy” were the refrains of inevitable; its conversion, routine. As of possession but no clear-cut chances looked busy but a touch ineffective in NICK ODLUM to extricate himself from various tight Pelow and Orr on the touchline. Before the eerie tinkling of an ice-cream van until Hewitt – much improved from a midfi eld, while O’Reilly and Beverland spots, Trinity gave as good as they got in the students could settle, though, they echoed through the vicinity (by now it quiet fi rst half performance - was hacked both missed decent chances. When Not a lot to choose from this the opening exchanges. were stung for another: Nick Odlum did was raining; clearly there was something as he burst into the circle. Glavey, in no another short corner opportunity was week, admittedly, but given that Clontarf, though, are as good as well to block the initial chance and clear fi shy going on there), half time came with mood to be denied, sank his putt at the saved by the ‘Tarf goalkeeper, Alan Bell’s Odlum was returning to the they come in Division Two hockey, and wide, but the cross came back at pace, Trinity three-nil down and chasing the second attempt to make it 1-3. stats will record that only one out of three side after a prolonged spell out in the manner of Bruce Willis in Pulp and, after another goalmouth melee, the game. There was just a few signs that the such efforts were converted. Had they all injured, he put in an assured Fiction, soon turned the tables on their ball thumped into Hegarty’s backboard In a sign of Trinity’s confi dence home side might crack under pressure. been, the game could at least have been performance. Looked comfort- tormentors. It took a stern Ian Gorman again. that they could recover the game, the A free in the Trinity 25 was reversed tied. able throughout and couldn’t be challenge to stem the tide as Clontarf Coady attempted to rally his troops; “injured” Orr and Stanley were pitched for backchat, and their captain was sin- Clontarf displayed no such profl igacy; faulted for any of the Clontarf stormed through the centre, but neither he was eventually able to fi nd his range into the fray, and made an immediate binned for kicking the ball having just when their fi nal shortie of the day arose, goals. he or Ben Hewitt could stop the ‘Tarf left to pick out Cinnamond in the oppostion impact as Trinity reasserted themselves. lost his stick in a collision. He was back it was dispatched clinically, low and to the winger the next time he weaved his way 25. The layoff to Hal Sutherland, Their fellow substitute Beverland won a in the blink of an eye, though, and all that right of the diving Hegarty. They were into the circle. A short corner was the steaming up in support, was judicious, short corner after ‘Tarf were caught out Trinity could muster in his absence was good value for their 4-1 win, but DUHC result, but the only casualty was Hegarty’s but the substitute was unable to clear by a dubious free against them. The score another fruitless O’Reilly run. will regret those key misses. ULTIMATE FRISBEE Mixed fortunes for Trinity at Cork Open

Daragh Gleeson was at the heart of Sunday morning fi xture against the In their fi rst competitive outing of the season, the Dublin side’s efforts. Arriving at THE TEAM reigning champions, Johnny Chimpo. The SCORES pitchside in a state that could charitably H. Barry, I. French (c), D. Gleeson (vc), orange-clad destroyers had reinforced UCD 8 Trinity 6 DUUFC put in some strong performances be described as “bedraggled”, he shook S. Mahon, C. J. McKinney, S. Mehigan, their claim to be the best side in Irish UCC 9 Trinity 6 off his hangover to deliver one of the K. Nagle, J. O’Connor, D. Perry, C. Ultimate with a win over Broccoli in the Fuf 9 Trinity 5 against top-class opposition, but were unable best one-day performances ever seen in a Quinn, R. Scanlon, F. Shannon (c), K. group stages, and had taken Trinity to Trinity 10 Valadora 8 DUUFC shirt, and then calmly returned Timoney. the cleaners during last year’s Open. All Johnny Chimpo 10 Trinity 6 to clinch the tight games that determined the to the team accommodation to slink into the more remarkable, then, that Trinity Trinity 7 UCC 6 a high fever. The Belgians could no more Most Valuable Player: Kevin Timoney were able to hold their own. Timoney, a Vision 10 Trinity 4 silverware cope with him than a German armoured A-Game: Stephen Mahon Chimpo man in his spare time, was again division. He wasn’t short of willing Most Sprited Player: Ian French provider-in-chief, while Gleeson claimed Final ranking: 6th of 22. By Cian Quinn Average age, around 27; fi nalists at Cork accomplices, with Ian French running another hat-trick, along with some last year; decades of experience. On their through the pain of a knee injury to pick crowd-pleasing defensive layouts. arms, a simple slogan: “Respect is Due”. up a brace and Sam Mehigan providing French should probably have been with Once again, though, the more for the 5th/6th playoff with Vision, a group WITH A distinct lack of experienced As these continental giants bounded onto some divine distributive play from the him, given the state of his left knee, but experienced club side were able to hold of experienced Liverpudlians – Trinity handlers to call upon, and a new front-up the fi eld, curly locks shining in the sun like back to set up scores for Gleeson and the Irish international dusted himself their nerve and grind out the win. A went down 4-10. marking system being trialled on defence, spun gold, it looked like a demoralised Stephen Mahon. off to lead his side straight into their hard-fought 6-10 defeat was further All things considered, Cork ‘08 was Trinity’s performances against UCD and Trinity were in for a thrashing. FuF, to their credit, regrouped; not for crossover game against Voladora. Owing indication of the Trinity’s progress over certainly a valuable learning experience UCC in the opening games of the Cork And yet, Trinity managed to conjure nothing were they fi nalists at Cork last to the peculiarities of the ranking system, the weekend; indeed, the same scoreline for all at DUUFC. The second team, Open were decidedly disappointing. In up the intensity and fl uidity that had year. At 4-4, their experience told, and Trinity could still proceed to the quarter- saw Chimpo defeating Broccoli for the predominantly staffed by beginners, spite of a late rally that gave the scoreline been so conspicuously lacking from the despite another point from the hobbling fi nals by beating the Italians. second time of the weekend in the fi nal. were lacking experience even more than some respectibility, the team were all too earlier games. A defence that had gifted French to keep Trinity in touch, they And, after a slow start, they did All that remained, then, was to exact their contemporaries due to the relatively aware that it had been a long time since UCC points like Halloween treats in the stuck to what they knew and used their just that. Gleeson was untouchable in revenge over the hosts for Saturday’s recent commencement of Michaelmas a DUUFC line lost to a Cork team already previous game suddenly switched on; pace to grab the vital scores. midfi eld, and somehow had enough in humiliation. The second clash with Term. Despite gaining valuable match tipped as possible Intervarsity rivals next Trinity capitalised on some basic FuF It said a lot that Trinity were the tank to turn Voladora over from the potential Intervarsity rivals UCC was a experience they were defeated in each spring. errors and forced them into even more. disappointed to lose the game just 5-7, pull, gliding in between their handlers for much more accurate refl ection of the game, fi nishing the weekend in last place. The side’s hopes weren’t exactly high, With patience on offence, the scores especially having been deprived of the an audacious steal. He scored fi ve points, two sides’ quality, and it took a Timoney Meanwhile, the fi rst team’s 6th place then, going into their third game against came, and Trinity found themselves services of the best player in Irish varsity while Kevin Timoney supplied six scoring score from Gleeson’s upside down fi nish was an improvement on last year’s FuF. Irish varsity sides are one thing, but 4-1 up against one of Europe’s more Ultimate, David Misstear, who was on the passes as Kevin Nagle, Heather Barry and pass at sudden death to seal victory for 8th, and the fruits of the new defensive the Belgians were widely acknowledged formidable clubs. Most importantly, they sidelines dispensing tactical advice with Redmond Scanlon all chipped in. Trinity by the narrowest of margins, 7-6. system will no doubt be reaped during to be on a different level altogether. had also rediscovered their pride. characteristic calm and humour. Captain The reward for this effort was a Unfortunately, there was no energy left the All-Ireland Colleges’ League.