Brig Vol. 50 No. 2: November 2019

University of Stirling’s student newspaper | November Edition | Vol. 50 No. 2

Are Boris and Brexit blocking Kerr’s chances?

• An analysis of the most unsafe Scottish seats

Sad boy rap enters the mainstream music scene • How Lil Peep and Kid Cudi changed the charts

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Bridge attack victim relives violent night

Est 1969

Credit: Wikipedia

Sam Ormiston

Stats shed light on the truth at Stirling Charlene Gregaitis Schickler, above, has called for more counsellors and reduced waiting times

Sam Ormiston News Editor

A SPIKE in student suicides has raised questions surrounding the state of the mental health services in the university and beyond.

The revelation comes amidst growing concerns from students regarding waiting times and the reliability of the mental wellbeing services that is available to them.

A Freedom of Information request to

the University of Stirling revealed that three students took their own lives during the 2018/19 academic year, compared to zero the year before.

The university only began recording student deaths by suicide in 2016.

According to the Freedom of Information request, there is no information held by the university relating to reasons for not recording suicide figures before then.

Masters student Charlene GregaitisSchickler hit out at the university two weeks ago, when she replied to a tweet the university put out.

Just over a year ago, she attempted to take her own life when things got too much.

She knows first-hand how bad university life, combined with mental health issues, can be.

On Halloween, the university tweeted: “We would like to remind all our students of the emotional health and wellbeing support that is available to them.”

Charlene, 23, replied: “Hire more counsellors and reduce the time on waiting lists for students to receive support.

- Continued on p.2

A STUDENT has spoken out about being viciously attacked on Old Stirling Bridge last month, in a bid to make the area safer for local passers-by.

Chris, 22, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was walking back from Fubar nightclub in the town centre, shortly before 3am on October 13.

“After walking past Tesco and going through the underpass, I walked along the path towards Old Stirling Bridge, heading back to my accommodation,” said Chris.

“I was on the bridge and just as I was approaching the bollards, I noticed a man staggering towards me, struggling to find his feet.

“When he got closer, he asked me for a cigarette but before I could answer he slipped on the cobbles.

“At this point I wasn’t even in touching distance of him and he accused me of pushing him over, which was ridiculous and crazy.”

By this point, Chris began to feel uncomfortable.

He just wanted to get past him and get home.

A few seconds later, Chris’ attacker charged after him and punched him in the left eye, before shouting aggressively.

He was knocked to the ground near the wall of the bridge, before curling into a ball as his attacker continued to throw kicks and punches.

Chris said: “He continued to swing at me multiple times, hitting me mostly on the left side of my face in the same area.

“All I remember is telling him to stop, and then another man joined. He hit me as well, on the right side of my face.

“He knocked me flat on the ground after pretending to help me up before punching me again.

“At one point, when I was flat on the ground, the first man tried to pick me up threatening to throw me off the bridge into the river.

“I thought I was a goner but he couldn’t seem to do it.”

- Continued on p.3

News News

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Students have mixed experiences of services FROM PAGE 1

Editorial

Abigail Taylor Editor-in-Chief

2017 saw the highest turn out of 18 to 24-year olds turning out to vote in a General Election in more than 25 years.

The importance of the youth vote is growing with every election that we have and recently, we have had a lot.

The immediate threat of Brexit is adding pressure to those who are hungry for your vote. Register and use your vote wisely, do some research, look into each candidate’s manifesto and find out who can best represent you in Westminster.

It’s not just about Brexit or Scottish independence which are increasingly important this time around, it’s also about health care, tuition fees, and what is going to affect your everyday life. If you don’t go out and vote, you can’t expect change.

If you are a student, you can either vote at your university address or at your home address. You can register at both, but you can only vote once so make it count.

With this vote you have the chance to stop Brexit. With so many detrimental factors, I cannot see any positives of pursuing something that has been based upon lies.

From the Leave campaign’s “big red bus” to Boris Johnson begging the EU for a basic deal, the journey towards Brexit has been a complete shambles. the unlawful acts of this current government should be enough to convince you that change is needed in our society.

The same old two party politics isn’t working.

Cheap digs at one leader from another and playground games has resulted in much of the same for years.

A very stale, male and pale Westminister. It doesn’t represent me and i’m sure it doesn’t represent you. Stand up for your European neighbours, and rememeber that the UK. is open.

“Your team is incredible but there just isn’t enough to meet the needs of the student.”

Although she believes the mental health and wellbeing team are phenomenal, she is frustrated that the long waiting times and the hoops that you have to jump through, is detrimental to struggling students.

She said: “On October 31, it was the anniversary of overcoming a really difficult decision I almost made.

“I have a few mental illnesses that I suffer with. The university tweeting that on the same day made me angry because even though I’ve received help, it wasn’t easy to get there.

“Maybe it’s a coincidence that things had to get really bad before I got somewhere. Everyone should receive mental health services in a timely manner,” she added.

When Charlene applied to mental health services and made an enquiry, she tried desperately to get meetings set up.

She received regular e-mails asking if her issue had been resolved, which it hadn’t, and kept getting pushed about.

She said: “Months would go by.

Then, my sister died. That was around the time when I was finally able to meet with someone. I then only had six sessions to talk about the issues we had and unpack this really big event.

“What I take away from my experience and sharing experiences from other students, is that there has not been enough done in the past.

“A lot of my friends feel like they never got the help that they needed until it was breaking point.

“I hope that nobody ever finds themselves in my position because I did almost die. It’s not the university’s fault, and it’s not that I didn’t get support in the end.

“I just hope that if someone starts to feel isolated, or alone, or upset, that they receive what they need.

Recently elected Union President Chloe Whyte agrees that there is a lot still to be done and admits that she herself reached breaking point in her first year of university.

She said: “Some of my friends were the ones who lost their lives last year, so I am pretty affected by this.

“One of my main motivations for running for president were because I felt that the state of mental health at the university is reaching crisis point.

“Nothing’s improved since last year. We’re working really hard on our mental health strategy but in the meantime, we need help.”

Laura Downie, a third-year psychology student, reached out for help in her first year of university, following the death of her best friend.

Although the help that she is getting is “fantastic”, she too feels like people have to be at breaking point before they are noticed.

She said: “I went through three mental health workers to get to the one I have now.

“The university just doesn’t have the resources to deal with the amount of people.”

Laura had some particularly negative experiences with previous mental health workers.

She said: “My second one was awful. After my best friend died, he said things like ‘You should be able to deal with that’ and ‘it’s not really a big deal,’” leaving her distraught.

She added: “It was really unhelpful, and it almost put me off using the university’s services. He made me feel worse rather than better.

“I went back to my flatmate and cried for hours afterwards.”

Fourth-year politics student Charlotta Lundahl, who was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in the Spring semester of 2018, has had positive experiences with the campus GP and the university services.

She said: “The process with the uni services was quick, from registering to getting appointments.

“They never made me feel stupid and they were very open about what they could provide, one of those being a mental health mentor.

“When I had issues with my mental health, I felt that they [the uni] really had my back.”

Jill Stevenson, the university’s Dean for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, said: “The wellbeing of our students is an absolute priority and we encourage any students seeking support to access the extensive range of support services available.

“We are developing a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy with the Students’ Union and other partners, and will continue to engage students further in this process.

“Recently, we recruited an additional full-time qualified Mental Health Adviser, bringing our total to two.

“Appointments to see a mental health advisor are within two weeks at the moment, which is a substantial improvement from last year.

“Long waiting lists are a problem across the sector. More and more students are coming to university and are feeling more and more confident to disclose mental health

conditions, which we actively encourage.

“However, part of the reason for longer waiting lists are due to GPs referring people to the university services due to a lack of funding in the NHS. “This can become really problematic, as some students’ needs will be more effectively met in the NHS. Our duty of care should not be a replacement service for the NHS but we need to continue to work together to provide the support that’s within our remit.”

She was also keen to highlight that the NHS and emergency services should always be the first port of call is someone feels that they are in a serious crisis and their life is at risk.

There have been huge structural changes within the university’s mental health services, partly in response to student feedback.

It has also been announced that the Scottish government will invest an extra £20 million to provide 80 new counsellors across colleges and universities, which will enable the university to increase their counselling team from 2019/20 onwards.

Further information on student support, including opening times and out of hours services, can be found on the Student Services Hub webpages. Students can also access support from the Students’ Union.

If you are struggling and in need of help, contact Samaritans on 116 123 for free, or visit www.samaritans.org Credit: Chloe Whyte

Newly elected Union President, Chloe Whyte, ran for the role because she believed the services were at “breaking point”

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Kerr warns against SNP’s “Indyref pact” Sam Ormiston CONSERVATIVE MP Stephen Kerr has insisted that only his party is “standing in the way of a Corbyn/Sturgeon Indyref2020 pact.”

General Election candidates have been out and about in Stirling, making their case to be the area’s representation at Westminster.

And as Scotland’s most marginal Tory-held seat, all eyes will be on the heart of Scotland as the SNP’s Alyn Smith is looking to turn Stirling yellow.

Pollsters are predicting a twohorse race between Stephen Kerr and Alyn Smith, who will also face off against student and Labour candidate Mary Kate Ross, Liberal Democrat Fayzan Rehman, and Bryan Quinn of the Scottish Greens.

Jeremy Corbyn has ruled out

an independence referendum in the first two years of a Labour government.

However, several party officials have admitted that if the SNP gain a mandate at the 2021 Holyrood elections, then it is likely that Labour would support a second vote.

A Scottish Conservative spokesperson said: “Stephen Kerr is the only candidate that can beat the SNP here in Stirling.

“If you don’t want another independence referendum, vote for Stephen Kerr.”

According to the Electoral Calculus, Alyn Smith is expected to defeat Stephen Kerr in December.

However, nothing is certain in a UK General Election, and the withdrawal of the Brexit Party candidate could boost Stephen Kerr’s prospects, given that the Conservative party have

the strongest pro-Brexit stance among the main political parties.

At the European Union elections earlier this year, the SNP won a landslide victory, with the Liberal Democrats edging out the Conservatives for second place.

However, a General Election which is being coined as “the most important of a generation” will be sure to produce a much higher turnout that what we have seen in previous years.

A surge in young voter registration may also influence the result, with hundreds of thousands of under 25s registering across Britain in the first three days of the election being announced.

Stirling students are being reminded that they can register to vote both in their home constituency and here in Stirling. The deadline for registrations is November 26, and can be done at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Calls for increased CCTV

Credit: Sam Ormiston

FROM PAGE 1 “After a pause, I was threatened that if I was to report it, they said that they knew people and they would attempt to cause me harm - so I said I wasn’t going to do anything or report it.

Following another short strug-

gle, and after being knocked to the ground for the third time, Chris eventually managed to make a break. He believes that they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

He said: “I ran at full pelt the best that I could and didn’t bother looking back. I managed to get

Credit: Kerr’s Twitter

away and I remember passing some people.

“They noticed I was running away in a panic and noticed that I had an injury on my eye and they asked if I was alright, but I was too focussed on getting back to my flat for my own safety.”

After reporting the incident to the police, Chris was taken to hospital to ensure that there wasn’t any internal bleeding from the heavy bruising.

After a traumatic few weeks, he is still feeling the effects of the attack, both physical and mental.

As well as struggling to focus and feeling disorientated at times, Chris has felt too paranoid to go out and has been staying in his room most of the time since the ordeal.

He has stopped going out and refuses to walk over the bridge or through the underpass after dark.

However, Chris hopes that sharing his story will raise aware-

ness of the risks, and lead to increased CCTV and police patrols in the area.

He said: “People need to realise just how dangerous the area is, especially so late at night.”

Inspector Anton Stephenson, from the Stirling Randolphield station, said: “Officers have been carrying out an investigation into an assault in the Old Stirling Bridge area, which happened around 2.50am on Sunday, October 13. Enquiries remain ongoing.

“Whilst incidents at this location are not common, even one is one too many. Local officers have been carrying out regular patrols and checks in the surrounding area over the past few weeks.

“Anyone with concerns around safety or antisocial behaviour is encouraged to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

Due to its location on the outskirts of town with limited CCTV and irregular police presence, The Old Stirling Bridge area has been the scene of suspicious activity in the past.

In September, emergency ser-

vices were called to the scene following concerns that there was a body in the water.

And back in 2016, the area around the bridge was cordoned off as part of the investigation into the rape of a 26-year-old woman.

Brig understands that an increase in CCTV would be a matter for Stirling Council to comment on.

Local councillors representing Stirling North have been contacted for a response, to ask if there is scope for additional, high quality CCTV being installed, as well as a push for further increased police patrols.

VP Communities Josh Muirhead said: “I was saddened to hear of the attack on the Old Bridge last month.

“Unfortunately, it is becoming apparent that this can be a dangerous spot at night.

“Students and the wider local community should not feel intimated crossing the bridge, so I urge the council to invest in improving safety in the area.”

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Library fines scrapped after student feedback Ryan Barclay THE library has introduced a new loans and returns policy for books taken from the long-term and popular loan sections.

The new policy means that students who take books out from the long-term or popular loan areas of the library will no longer face fines.

Instead, the library will autorenew the book.

However, fines remain in place for books within the short-term loan area and in instances when any book is requested by another student and not returned in the appropriate time period given.

Students are overwhelmingly in support of the new policy.

Kyle Bartlett, a third year criminology student said: “It’s a good thing because it allows students who work or are single parents to not have to make the journey into university for small reasons.”

Amber Thomson, another third year said it was “for the best because it relieves a stress for students who already have enough to focus on and forget to take them back.”

Chris, a first year psychology student added that he had previously had concerns about taking books from the library over fears of getting a fine, explaining that “some of my books for the

modules are not online , so I have came in at 8am before just to put a book back to avoid a fine.

“That has not been good since I commute to campus so I am very excited about the announcement.

VP Education Amy Smith said: “I am pleased that Information Services have removed library fines for most books due to student feedback, and I’m sure that the new auto-renewal system will be really helpful in relieving the pressure to hand books back when they have not been requested by any other students.

“It’s always great to see the impact that our student voice can have across the campus to improve our time here at Stirling.”

Fines will remain for short-loan books which are not returned in time and for unreturned books which are requested by other students.

This decision was also made according to student feedback as some students were concerned that if they needed a specific book which was in high demand (as many short-loaned books are) then there would be no incentive for students to give the books back for others in the class to use.

Smith admitted that the new system is “slightly more complex” than it was previously but describes it as “a really positive step that will save students money.”

Backlash over poor Macrobert access Peter Stewart

THE Macrobert Arts Centre is dealing with “inevitable” complaints from customers over construction works that forced the relocation of its entrance.

The Campus Central project, a £41.7m redevelopment of the university’s main areas, has given the Macrobert no choice but to relocate its entrance and divert arriving customers.

Previously found next to the entrance to the atrium, access to the Macrobert is now through the Haldane’s restaurant with stairs or a lift then taken to reach the venue.

A Macrobert Arts Centre spokesperson said: “It is a lot

Council to combat gender violence Iona Young

Credit:eyegiene

of change for our customers to deal with, especially those who are not from the university who may only visit Macrobert once or twice a year.

“Our staff have been doing an excellent job of absorbing the comments and inevitable complaints from people who have to find a new way of approaching a familiar destination.”

The usual entrance is at the foot of West Link Road, previously the main bus route and next to a drop-off point with disabled parking bays.

The spokesperson added: “Sometimes our visitors get in touch to express the difficulties they’ve found in getting here, mainly in relation to the bus

stop being further away and the complexity of the route.”

The road has been closed to traffic since the beginning of the Campus Central work last year.

In July, the Macrobert was forced to move its entrance while some campus catering outlets will be closed until at least 2020.

Customers requiring disabled parking now need to drive a further kilometre to access the bays on East Link Road, close to the temporary entrance.

A university spokesperson said: “Campus Central will transform the centre of our campus, creating a clear heart to connect our current student and staff communities, facilities and Macrobert Arts Centre, and deliver a host of new and improved facilities – all of which will significantly enhance and improve the student experience at Stirling.

“While the works – which are due to be completed in the 2020/21 academic year – are underway, a temporary and accessible entrance to Macrobert, via Haldane’s Restaurant, is in use and we continue to be grateful for the cooperation and patience of all users of our campus.”

The Campus Central project will see 3000m2 of floor space created in “a modern three-storey hub encompassing new social and learning spaces.”

It intends to “maximise the impact of the university’s natural surroundings.”

A DRAFT of Stirling’s Gender Based Violence (GBV) strategy has been presented to Stirling Council.

The report is the first strategic plan to tackle gender based violence across the Forth Valley area.

On October 24, the public safety committee meeting heard the draft report authored by Alison Ryan, the GBV co-ordinator for Stirling.

The report reads: “Violence against women and girls, through the full spectrum of sexual harassment to rape and murder, has no place in the Stirling Council area.

“It damages health and wellbeing, limits freedom and potential, and is a fundamental violation of human rights.”

The report looks at crime rates and incidents in the Stirling area

and works with a number of organisations to develop a plan to reduce and eventually eradicate gender-based violence.

Organisations include Stirling Council, NHS Forth Valley, Police Scotland and the University of Stirling, as well as Stirling women’s aid, Forth Valley Rape Crisis.

In the past ten years, the highest rate of domestic violence incidents in Stirling was in 2010, when the number of incidents peaked to 850.

Since 2013, all of the recorded domestic abuse incidents per 10,000 of the population in Stirling have been below the national average, but Falkirk and Clackmannanshire have been above the national average.

However, the percentage of incidents including a crime or offence was one per cent higher in

Stirling than Scotland as a whole.

Jill Stevenson, the chair of the GBV Partnership and Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Stirling said: “All of the partners are committed to eliminating gender-based violence and supporting those who have experienced it, and we firmly believe that a collaborative approach is the best way to achieve this.

“Because of the size of Stirling, there are real opportunities to achieve a co-ordinated, city-wide approach that makes a significant impact on the eradication of all forms of gender based violence.”

The partnership will meet on a quarterly basis and will be overseen by the Public Safety Committee to continue to work within Stirling to stop Gender Based Violence.

News News

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Credit: Times Higher Ed

Lecturers set for 8-day strike

Harry Williamson News Editor

LECTURERS will be striking for eight days following the decision by the University and College Union (UCU) to have industrial action in the final weeks of the semester.

The strike has been called over working conditions, pay and pensions, the same issues which led to the lecturer strike in the Spring semester of 2018.

Lecturers will strike from November 25 to December 4.

Lecturer’s concerns include a 17 per cent pay drop in real terms

since 2009 and a gender pay gap of 15%, and other lecturers have claimed that insecure working conditions has negatively impacted their mental health.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal Gerry McCormac sent an email to all university email accounts describing the strike as “incredibly unhelpful” and asking staff to consider the “consequences of industrial action.”

McCormac thanked the staff working to minimise disruption to students during the strike.

Mary Senior, UCU Scotland official, said: ‘Across Scotland 78 per

cent of UCU members who voted backed strike action over changes to their pension and 73 per cent over pay, equality, casualisation and their workload.

“The ballot result demonstrates a level of frustration and despair among staff that just can’t be dismissed by appealing to people’s good nature.

“The very last things staff want to do is to take strike action and disrupt students, but the employers have allowed pension contribution increases and working conditions get to a point where this is simply unavoidable.

“We are calling on the principal

Anger over parking revealed Ross Mccafferty

THERE is no shortage of students who rely heavily on public transport to get to university.

The developments this semester on parking has seen the construction works on campus, the opening of temporary car parks and portacabins consuming spaces.

VP Education Amy Smith said: “Because they were putting portacabins in the car parks they were opening up some temporary parking spaces… technically there’s the same number of parking spaces as there were before the portacabins but those spaces are further away.

There was controversy on campus earlier this year when disabled students temporarily lost out on car parking spaces.

Although the issue was resolved, disabled students quickly noticed the changes.

Disabled students officer Sonny Bailey said that it was a chaotic start to the year for disabled stu-

dents, and that the decrease was “throwing people like us under the bus.”

There were also reports of disabled bays being used up by external employers and a skip being place inside one.

On the issue of disabled parking Amy Smith admitted that “there is a lack of accessible parking spaces in general.

“That’s part of the ongoing issue with car parking. This year there’s been more specific things because of the flooding and be-

cause of the portacabins and because of the construction works.”

In a survey, gathering 84 respondents, students responded to the construction impact, value for money and the adequacy of university parking.

The survey found half of respondents drove to university from Stirling, indicating that high volumes of the traffic is coming from the city centre.

Others travelled from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dumfries and Aberdeen.

to urge Universities UK and the employers to negotiate a solution to these disputes, which enables staff to get back to get back to their teaching, research and student support”.

The Students’ Union has also gave its support to UCU members striking but has said that their main priority will be student welfare during the strike.

It read: “Lecturers are striking due to two separate legal disputes, one on pensions and one on pay and working conditions. We understand this is not a decision UCU members have taken lightly, therefore in line with Union policy, the Students’ Union offers its support to UCU during the industrial action.

“We do anticipate that there will be a direct impact on day to day teaching activities at the University, particularly at this time in the semester.

“Although this disruption may be limited, we would like to emphasise that student welfare is paramount to us during this time and we will continue to act within the best interests of our membership.”

The union has also said that they will work with UCU to minimise disruption.

The last round of UCU strikes took place in the Spring semester of 2018 and resulted in protest action from student activists who occupied the Logie lecture theatre and slammed principal Gerry McCormac over the issue of lecturer’s pensions.

A quarter said that it usually took them at least 20 minutes to find a parking space and another quarter said that they usually cannot park in a designated space.

Union President Chloe Whyte said: “I recognise that a big factor in the high congestion is because students don’t believe the Uni Link bus is reliable enough or cost effective.

93 per cent of respondents felt that the construction works on campus are having an impact on parking.

The survey also revealed that only six per cent thought that there was sufficient parking for students and staff.

65 per cent felt that a university parking permit was not value for money with only 17 per cent saying that it was.

Different solutions were suggested by the respondents including car park expansion, park and ride and selective day permits.

Out of 5 stars, the overall rating was 1.7, giving clear evidence that staff and students at this university are dissatisfied with the parking situation, which many are describing as a crisis.

Drug deaths could rise

by Xmas Harry Williamson

POLICE bosses have warned that the rate of drug deaths in the Stirling area are expected to rise over the next few months.

The comments came at a meeting of Stirling Council’s public safety committee, where the police report for AprilJune 2019 reported a 38.4% drop in drug deaths from that time last year.

Despite the decrease Chief Inspector Gill Marshall, the Stirling area commander, said that she did not expect the fall in drug deaths to continue, “I think that this won’t be sustained, and that the trend seen in this report will not last to the end of the year.

“Our drugs death task force is still in its infancy but continues to work with families and children of drug users.”

The commander of Forth Valley Police Division, Chief Superintendent Thom McLaughlin echoed Marshall’s opinion, and highlighted that they expected the drug death rate to rise over the festive period, “We could see an uptrend at Christmas and New Years as we usually see a spike in drug deaths around this time.”

McLaughlin went on to discuss efforts that could be made to tackle the drug problem in Forth Valley, supporting a health-based approach to the problem.

“This is a problem we can’t arrest our way out of.

“It’s about tackling the cycle of drug and alcohol misuse.

Many users are subject to adverse childhood experiences as their parents would have had issues with drugs and alcohol.

“It’ll take a generation to change this.”

McLaughlin explained some of the issues facing Forth Valley residents that contribute to drug deaths in the area, such as a lack of public transport links to Forth Valley Royal Hospital which puts people off seeking treatment and the transport costs for families in poverty.

Police Scotland continue to work with the national task force set up to tackle drug abuse in Scotland.

Politics News

6

MEPs speak out on Brexit delay Ryan Barclay Political Editor

With Brexit delayed beyond October 31 and this month marking six months since the European Parliament elections earlier this year, Brig spoke to two MEP’s representing Scotland in the EU. SNP MEP Aileen Mcleod and Sheila Ritchie, a Liberal Democrat MEP both shared their thoughts on what should happen now regarding Brexit.

Both MEPs were asked what their desired outcome to the Brexit process would be.

Ritchie simply replied, “Stop Brexit.”

Mcleod stated that “there is no Brexit outcome that will be better than the current arrangement we have with the EU27.”

She added that “we benefit overwhelmingly from being in the EU” because as a member of the EU we are “part of a powerful trading block significant political and economic heft,” as well as the advantage of “having the Court of Justice there to back up our rights as citizens.”

In the scenario of a second Brexit referendum, I asked whether there should be some type of ‘supermajority’ in favour of or against any options, and why?

Ritchie responded by saying “not if it is a confirmatory referendum.”

In her answer, Mcleod referenced the 2016 EU referendum campaign saying, “during the runup to the 2016 EU referendum, the First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, suggested to David Cameron that there be a ‘triple lock,’ whereby all the four constituent nations of the UK would have to vote to leave, meaning no country could be dragged out without its will.”

However, she says, “Cameron shrugged it off.”

This month, it will be six months since both Mcleod and Ritchie were first elected as MEPs. Asked about their most significant achievements as MEPs during this time, Ritchie said “Still being in the EU?” before adding, “more

seriously, the passing of my ‘ur- between the Scottish independgency’ on the position of child mi- ence referendum and the EU refgrants in US detention camps, at erendum as “remarkable.”

Exemplifying her point Mcleod my very first full Parliament.”

Mcleod, a former Scottish Gov- said: “In 2014, the Scottish Government environment minister, ernment produced a detailed explained that climate change is White Paper making the case an issue which “is very close to for independence and outlining [her] heart.” She described it as the means by which it would be an “honour” to “be part of the Eu- achieved. If you’re going to adropean Parliament’s delegation to vocate for dramatic change, you the UN Climate Action Summit, have to give people a reasonable, where I was able to speak to UN detailed, and feasible blueprint for officials and highlight the actions it”.

Mcleod described the 2014 prothe Scottish Government is taking Scottish independence Yes camto combat climate change.” paign as “based on a hopeful, outMcleod continued, describing ward-looking future for Scotland, Scotland as a “world leader in not only taking climate change seri- which Mcleod says is the kind of ously but also putting in place campaign she wants to see. concrete legislative measures to counter it.”

When asked what should be done to heal any divisions or frustrations felt about Brexit and delays to the withdrawal agreement, Ritchie said “we need to address issues of poverty and material exclusion, to create a greater sense Dominic Cooper of community. It must start at Political Editor ground level, and no-one should Earlier this October, the United be left behind” an approach she describes as “absolute back to ba- States announced they would be withdrawing military support of sics.”

Mcleod started by saying the Kurds within Northern Syria. “enough with the dangerous and This led to international outrage divisive ‘enemies of the people,’ as Turkey’s Prime Minister, Recep ‘crush the saboteurs,’ ‘traitors’ Tayyip Erdoğan, was finally free to rhetoric,” adding that “people de- invade the region.

However, beyond their alliance serve the truth” and that “of course people are going to be taken aback with U.S forces and ridding the reby delays. You’ve been told Brexit gion from ISIL, the mainstream UK would be easy, straightforward, coverage of this unique societal exand would lead to a better future,” periment has been lacking. So who but “in reality, it’s impossible for are the Kurds?

Kurds are the largest ethnic Brexit to be all the things it was group without control of their own promised to be.”

I concluded by asking the MEPs nation state at an estimated popuabout what Brexit can tell us about lation of 26 million. After World referendums, Scottish independ- War One, their territory was split between Iraq, Turkey and Syria ence and political campaigning.

Ritchie said, “I don’t think and they became the ethnic minorthere’s a way to answer this which ity in each country.

This has led to political underis not partisan.” However, she did elaborate, describing referenda as representation within every cen“unpleasant” and added, “ I want tralised government in the region. to live in a world with fewer barri- State-sanctioned oppression appears in multiple forms - particuers, not more.”

“We need to find a way to heal larly in Turkey where political parties representing Kurdish interests rifts, not create new ones. “ Mcleod described the difference were banned.

Credit: The Courier

Understanding the North Syrian conflict

The European Court of Human Rights have condemned the Turkish government for its crimes towards the Kurds including the systematic executions of civilians, the abductions of journalists and mass deportations.

A large number of Kurds in Northern Syria have been displaced from Turkey and are without citizenship.

During the instability of the Syrian civil uprising in 2011, government forces withdrew from the northern region as its resources were overstretched.

Kurdistan seized the opportunity to barricade and claim its land which included territory within the Turkish border.

Since the establishment of their homeland, Rojava, the multiethnic region has enjoyed a greater amount of political freedom than they’ve ever

known. Through decentralised, autonomous councils which account for representing all genders, races and faiths, Rojava has been praised for pioneering progressive politics in the Middle East.

Now the Turkish military is invading Kurdish land in the name of securing their state borders.

This will lead to Rojava being pushed towards Northern Syria in greater numbers, where they will have to face a hostile Bashir al- Assad. With a large number of Kurds with no real citizenship, and no protection under any of the region’s national governments, they have nowhere else to go.

If we continue to allow constant suppression hostility towards the Kurdish struggle, it will end in oneway - genocide.

Credit: ANFEnglish

Politics News

Election is a gift to Tories says Stirling SSP Convenor Red Stirling society, who describe themselves as “non partisan, anticapitalist” with “a range of opinions within its membership on Brexit,” said: “we would prefer a solution that protects the most vulnerable in society and does not rely on the working class to foot the bill.”

This is compared to the current EU bill which they view as a bourgeois power grab.

The society hopes the upcoming general election will resolve Brexit and return a left-wing government, although also stated that “Red Stirling as a society has a range of opinions amongst our comrades, including those with anti-parliamentary stances and as such has no one position.”

A representative of Stirling University’s Scottish Nationalist Association (SUSNA) spoke about their desired outcome for the upcoming general election, saying: “as many SNP MP’s as possible.

“That would be the best, but I desire a hung parliament so the SNP can get as much for Scotland.”

When asked about the most desired Brexit outcome, the SUSNA representative commented that the simple

solution would be Scottish independence.

Despite that, they added: “for as long as we are part of the UK, I think we should try to stop Brexit.”

The University of Stirling Labour society Chair Daniel Deery said the society had a range of views on Brexit but they believe the best way forward is a labour government to negotiate a better deal, to put the people in a referendum.

Speaking about a General Election, Deery said the society welcome it, and look forward to the Tories losing power.

Stirling University Conservative Society president, Luke Davidson, believes people are sick to death of hearing about Brexit, and that passing the deal is by far the best way to move on and make the most of the opportunities.

Davidson believes a general election has been a long time coming and that he’s confident that Stephen Kerr can retain the Stirling seat.

A Conservative Society spokesman said: “we want to leave the political and legal structures of the EU in a way that allows the UK to pursue its own trade policy.”

They added: “I am more convinced

of the need to leave the political side of the EU, especially given its stance in negotiations.

“But the UK’s institutions have been weaker than I thought since 2016.”

The spokesperson is hopeful that the General Election will create a new government to pass the Brexit deal.

Morgan Lewis-Wilson, convener of Stirling University’s Scottish Socialist party society, said: “the Scottish Socialist Party backed a remain vote in 2016 as a lesser of two evils.”

They “hold no illusions in the European Union which was founded on neo-liberal free market principles which have been historically harmful to working people.”

In reference to the EU referendum campaign of 2016, Lewis-Wilson said it was driven by “xenophobic, reactionary rhetoric straight from the mouths of right-wing buffoons like Boris Johnston and Nigel Farage.”

On the topic of Scottish independence, Lewis-Wilson says “Brexit in general is undesirable, however the most desirable outcome in the eyes of the Scottish Socialist Party is the concession of a second Scottish independence referendum.”

When asked about the General Election, Lewis-Wilson described it as “a gift to the Conservatives” due to the Labour Party’s division on the issue of Brexit.

Lewis-Wilson says the Scottish Socialist Party are broadly supportive of the more radical policies of Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour, although “we have no faith in Westminster for delivering the radical change we need.”

confident that he can turn Stirling yellow again.

The Tories have accused the SNP of “parachuting” Smith in, following the controversial decision not to select former MP, Steven Paterson.

In East Dunbartonshire, Liberal Democrat leader Jo Swinson currently holds the seat with a convincing majority of more than 5,000 and a 40 per cent share of the vote.

However, SNP rival Amy Callaghan is pitching herself as a local champion, as opposed to Jo Swinson who, as leader of her party, might not spend a significant amount of time in the constituency.

If Swinson loses, not only would it be disastrous just five months into her leadership, it will be indicative of how the party is fairing north of the border.

The Lib Dems will be looking to capitalise on the four MPs that the party won back in 2017, by zoning in on their ‘stop Brexit’ agenda.

Ross Thomson announced last week that he will not be re-running to be the Conservative MP for Aberdeen South at the next election.

Thomson has been at the heart of an investigation following allegations that he sexually assaulted Labour MP Paul Sweeney, and other men in the House of Commons bar.

Despite vehemently denying the allegations, Thomson said: “I made the most difficult decision not so stand for re-election.

“I have suffered a level of personal abuse that has affected my health, my mental wellbeing and my staff.”

It will be interesting to see whether the scandal will be enough for the SNP to overturn a 4,752 majority that the Conservatives currently hold in this constituency, where people voted for Brexit in numbers higher than the Scottish average.

North East Fife will be a key seat to watch on election night,

given that it is the closest marginal in the UK, with the SNP’s Stephen Gethins beating the Liberal Democrats by just two votes in 2017.

If the Liberal Democrats manage to gain back this former stronghold, then it could be a sign that the party’s pro-union, remain advocating message is resonating with the Scottish electorate.

Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Willie Rennie holds the equivalent Holyrood seat, so a win here is a strong possibility.

In Edinburgh North and Leith, less than 4,000 votes separated the three parties in 2017.

With the Tories expected to lose ground across Scotland following the resignation of the popular Ruth Davidson, it will be interesting to see whether Labour can win back this former stronghold.

However, the Conservatives are going in hard on their unionist agenda, attempting to convince voters that “the United Kingdom is not safe in Labour’s hands.”

Ryan Barclay

Credit: Slate

7

Scottish seats to watch in the 2019 General Election Sam Ormiston

WITH campaigning underway for the 2019 General Election, candidates are out and about on the streets, fighting for votes.

With the Conservatives wanting to “get Brexit done” and the Liberal Democrats wanting an “exit to Brexit”, and everything in between, there is more on the line t h a n ever.

Although the SNP are polling extremely high and are expected to do better than in 2017, what is certain is that nothing is a forgone conclusion in British politics.

So, which Scottish seats are the most contested at the upcoming election on December 12?

Stephen Kerr currently holds Stirling for the Conservative party with a majority of 148 votes over the SNP, making it the smallest Tory marginal in Scotland.

Since being elected in 2017, he has come under fire for his votes against abortion and same sex marriage rights in Northern Ireland, as well as for supporting Borish Johnson’s illegal parliamentary suspension.

His main opponent will come in the form of Alyn Smith of the SNP. Formerly a Member of the European Parliament, he decided to contest the seat “to be where the fights is”, and is

8 Comment All I want for Christmas is the media to be held to account David King

The media have enabled the government’s vandalism to our society, we need to change our approach.

It’s the morning after the election, it’s June 9, 2017.

I switch on the news to see the results in their entirety, the Tories, led

by Theresa May have secured a majority, but only just, by four seats.

I check who voted for who, my heart sinks. For the second time in just three years I utter the words: “Scotland, what have you done?” Scotland returned 13 tory seats, without them they had no majority and we could have had a very different last couple of years.

The next autumn I embarked on the start of my higher education, with the bright eyed idea of learning journalism for the benefit of the “common man” to give a voice to those who need it, but that’s not happening in the wider reach of the industry.

Brexit has dominated the political landscape the last three years and the media have been lapping it up, more often than not letting issues slide that

the electorate feel that are important, over the issue of leaving the EU. Since 2010 our society has been gutted: Mental health trusts, cut. Benefits, cut.

NHS funding in real terms, cut. Fire and police, cut.

Investment in affordable housing, cut.

Public sector pay in real terms, cut. Local authority funding, cut. Youth services, cut. Social services, cut. State pension age, up.

Crime, up. Suicides (attempted and deaths from), up. Food bank reliance, up. Child poverty, up. UK debt, up.

Leaving the EU will only exacerbate these issues, but this isn’t what this piece is all about.

This is about the election next month. If I was religious, I would pray that I don’t wake up on the morning of December 13 and see that the electorate have written their souls away for the next five years.

There is a real danger that

we are going to leave the most vulnerable behind. That your granny struggling on a state pension, that your family member on Disabled Living Allowance, that your friend studying at university on student loans, that all struggle to make ends meet will not be able to afford basic medicines after the USA gets its corporate hands on our NHS. And the most galling part of all of this? It’s not the electorate for voting for it, it’s the journalists that sell all this to them.

It’s the journalists that are in a position, just like the rest of us, desperate for a job to keep a roof over their head and food on the table that will write what their bosses tell them to.

There are great journalists out there, but most of the papers, both national and Sunday editions, backed the Conservatives in the last election.

The pen is mightier than the sword, that’s why they no longer carry them in the House of Commons. The Tory weapon of choice is now the very ones that they are

Is it too soon for Christmas cheer?

Martina Rebecca Inchingolo Comment Editor

The hype for Halloween is now over, no more trick or treats or costume themed party. Does it mean is time to get out the Christmas decorations or we are getting way ahead of ourselves?

I have always been the kind of person who is obsessed with Christmas. I’ve watched every Christmas film ever made, I have a Christmas playlist on my phone and I’m the proud owner of many Christmas sweaters, with bells Credit: Readers Digest

and incorporated lights.

Yes, my name is Martina and I’m a Christmas-holic.

There are two kinds of people in the world, people that start celebrating Christmas in December and people that start listening to Michael Buble’s Christmas album from the first of November. I think I made pretty clear which kind of person I am. But what’s the right time for you to start

singing All I Want for Christmas is You? Before we start our investigation, we need to take in consideration another category of Christmas fans. I’m talking about hard core Christmas addicted people, that start as soon as the end of September.

They get ahead of their Christmas shopping, months before the joyful event and in October they decorate their house with Halloween trees (exactly like a Christmas one, just spookier).

That’s too much even for me.

going to punish with the endless cuts and privatisation over the next five years if they win again. Journalists are far from middle class, most get paid less than the doctors and nurses that we so desperately want to get a pay rise.

We need more of them to stand up and refuse to be the turkeys that vote for Christmas on the 12th and stand up for themselves, their families, and the most vulnerable in society that will be decimated with

the path we are on.

And please, until that becomes the norm, I beg you, don’t believe everything you read before you check it out for yourself. Look into the real impacts of policies.

If a loved one of yours in the future was dying because they couldn’t afford the treatment that would save their life, could you look them in the eye on their deathbed and say, “I’m sorry, I voted for this.”

Credit: The Independent

If you are not part of any of these categories and you are looking for the right time to decorate you Christmas tree, the ideal time is after Bonfire night (November 5) or the beginning of December. I asked around campus and it seems as this is the “acceptable time” to start the Christmas excitement.

The truth is, that no matter when you feel it’s the right time for you to watch Home Alone and wear Christmas sweaters, own it and have fun!

In the meantime, I’ll be listening to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, from now till the beginning of January.

It’s time to play down peer pressure

Iona Young

Comment Editor It’s getting to that point of year with looming deadlines, exams to prepare for and on top of it all lots of social events. Students are already under a lot of pressure balancing education and their finances along with a social life. Balancing all of these aspects and taking care of your mental health can be draining.

This festive season remember to check in with your friends and don’t be the one to add extra pressure if they can’t make it along to an event. Your friends would probably love to come along but may not make it. Don’t get frustrated or make them feel worse. Arrange to meet for a coffee or do something else. Not everybody drinks alcohol so that is something to consider when planning celebrations.

Most importantly always remember to take care of yourself don’t feel you have to go to every event you are invited to. Also take into consideration it can be a really tough time of year for some people.

Comment

9

The (Un)official guide to student budgeting

Blair Mcpake

Credit: Creative Market

Student life is tough enough without the added financial strain.

Whether you have a job or you don’t, most of us stressed souls are permanently broke. (The extra money spent on Spoons pitchers and fairy lights from Flying Tiger probably don’t help).

For some reason, the high school curriculum has deemed finding the circumference of a circle more important than teaching us how to survive when we leave their rusted gates. We are all awash in a sea of confusion and constant financial paranoia.

So yes, budgeting is a foreign art for the fresher – and let’s face it, everyone else – so I have spent the last three years painstakingly compiling a budgeting survival guide, learnt exclusively from my own mistakes:

1.

Check your bank account regularly. I know this one sounds stupid but I constantly refuse to check my balance because of the crippling fear that there won’t be anything in it. This mind set is obviously counter-productive. You have to know exactly how much money you have at any given time, even if it is just to avoid embarrassing yourself in line at Tingle.

2.

Take a note of your monthly income. Again this one is fairly self-explanatory, it is impossible to begin budgeting if you don’t know how much money you intake monthly.

Planning is key to financial stability (or so I’ve heard).

3.

Stop shopping at Tesco. Lidl and Aldi are great supermarkets that are perfect for empty-pocketed students.

The products are of good quality and more importantly, a lot cheaper than Asda and Tesco.

4.

Charity shops are your friend. Not only are charity shops built for a good cause, they are also a treasure trove for used furniture, crockery and clothing – the old lady smell washes out pretty quickly! Big

Credit: 123RF

Hung-over like a Horse

Nathalie Hollede

Have you never heard of water?

Look at yourself, lying there all day.

It’s dark out now, the crows are crowing and cawing, and you still feel like apple mash. Let us help you how to avoid that next time, no matter how crazy the night gets.

The first step to any cure is prevention. If you are not able to bring a body flask to town filled with water, make sure the first thing you do when you stagger through your door is chug a whole bottle (500ml) of water. Wash your face to avoid waking Credit: Pixebay

up crusty, and then go straight to sleep. The face-washing step is almost crucial to feeling better in the morning.

The next thing is going to hurt more than any of the shots you took the night before, but it will make you feel so much better.

When you wake up, take your time in bed, but no more than 45 minutes, then get yourself up, stretch your arms up to the sky, down to your feet and exhale.

Put on your slippers or fluffy

brand clothing stores offer nothing that a charity shop does not, and for half the price too.

5.

Walk when you can.

Look, I live an hour away by foot from the campus and I know that the last thing any of us want to do is trudge all the way there in the lovely Scottish weather. Public transport is expensive however and the money adds up when you stop to do the maths. Walking is healthy and there’s less chances of catching

a cold from the guy sitting next to you.

6.

Check Unidays and Student Beans. Literally one of the only upsides to being a student is the discounts. Sure, in this age of social anxiety no one likes walking up to pay while clutching that rumpled student discount book but it goes a long way. Unidays and Student Apps are free to download and come with a myriad of benefits.

And there you have it, the unofficial student guide to budgeting. Hopefully someone will find this useful, myself included. It’s always nice to treat yourself now and again but make sure to keep a handle on your impulse buying: as depressing as some accommodation can be, you do not need another elephant poster from the fresher’s fayre.

Credit. Home.BT

socks, make your way to the kitchen, grab the apple cider vinegar, open it, pour some into the cap, and down it like a shot. If you have a juicer or a powerful blender, you boujee student, you, then here is a hotter nutrient-bomb. Grab a knot of ginger, small block of shredded carrot, half a cup of water, and a cap-size splash of apple cider vinegar. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, use regular vinegar – yes, this will be brutal, but you need to face the consequences of your actions to keep yourself feeling and looking great through the years.

Blend it up, and chug it down. If the hangover did not appall you from drinking again, this just might –

and it will make you feel better; what a two-in one.

Reminder: this advice comes from someone who is 23, has had two hangovers in their entire life, and still passes for fifteen on trains and in amusement parks: so buckle up, soldier. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, and your local grocer has it on the shelves, put on outdoor shoes and hobble down there to get some of it. I know Tesco stocks it for really cheap because barely anyone uses it, yet. The smartest thing to do would be to stock up before you go out, so you don’t need to make an awkward walk of shame to the store in your

jammies looking like death.

Keep drinking water throughout the day! Drink so much water, that you need the bathroom every two hours. The final step to curing your hangover, is to rest without wasting away. You need to meditate, drink tea, coffee, go to the gym and do light cardio or book a Pilates class at the gym, stretch, study, watch your favourite show on Netflix, or do something you feel will get you back on track without making you cold-sweat. Doing what you feel like, but also taking care of your body after punching it in the gut, is a very delicate balance, so if you keep this in mind, your hangover will be non-existent soon.

My Study Abroad

10

Hong Kong conflict catches fire Student reports from front line

Nate Wilson Since November 8 this year, Hong Kong has seen a dramatic escalation in violence on both sides of the line.

The is due to the death of a student protester on the morning of the 8th. His name was Chow Tszlok (Alex).

Alex died at 8:09 am on the morning, at the age of 22, after succumbing to cardiac arrest.

He allegedley fell from a building while protesting on the 5th of November (one month since the introduction of the Anti-Mask legislation).

The details of his final hours leading up to his death are unclear and have led to much speculation within Hong Kong.

On one side the HKP (Hong Kong Police) have stated that such an incident was an accident, while Hong Kong protesters have alleged that his death was as a result of intentional incident caused by the HKP. During the night of the incident, HKP were heavily criticised

Credit: Financial Times

for “intentionally” obstructing paramedics from attending to the fallen student. After a delay of treatment of nineteen minutes, Alex was finally taken into an ambulance and hospitalised until his death on the 8th.

On that night, mourners returned to the car park to lay flowers and candles for the deceased student. Footage later emerged of riot police attending the gathering, pouring water onto the candles left by the mourners which led to widespread criticism and anger aimed at HKP. The following evening, protesters gathered in Tamar Park (Hong Kong Island) to mourn the passing of Alex. Organisers claimed that 100,000 attended the event while HKP dismiss this claim and state that only 7,500 attended the event.

All these events lead to the start of the drastic upshift in violence and tensions within the region.

On November 10, mass demonstrations and protesting broke due to the previous day’s events and at the news of a 16-year-old girl coming forward with alleging to have been gang raped by four

police officers in Tsuen Wan a few months prior.

An act she states lead to her becoming pregnant. Earlier that day, the individual told hospital workers about what had allegedly happened to her and had received an abortion. This lead to mass protesting breaking out in Tsuen Wan alongside many other places like Tuen Mun and Mong Kok.

November 11, Day 1 General Strike: As part of a region wide

strike, protesters gathered in the early hours of the morning. The aim for this was to completely disrupt all morning commuting and infrastructure in the region.

This involved students, businessmen and workers skipping work. Students began barricading their own universities to stop teaching from being disrupted.

At 7am, protesters began blocking roads, train (MTR) lines and tunnels. This resulted in mass disruption in Hong Kong. During such protesting, HKP shot two protesters leading to one, who was severely injured, being rushed to hospital.

Alongside this, a traffic police

officer had been recorded using his motorcycle to ram down protesters. Both events led to a mass outcry amongst the population and the traffic officer being suspended.

The police started to siege the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HKPU).

They started firing tear gas into the University’s campuses in the early hours of the morning which caused a dramatic escalation in violence amongst the student body and the police outside. For context, Hong Kong the Police are not allowed onto University property unless being given consent by the University itself - this includes using tear gas. So, on the morning of the 11th the Police had illegally entered the University grounds and fired tear gas into student accommodation.

Throughout the rest of the day mass protesting broke out all over Hong Kong in nearly all regions with hundreds of rounds of rubber bullets and tear gas being fired at the protesters. Counter protesters had been set on fire due to hundreds of petrol bombs

being thrown as well.

November 12, Day 2 of General Strike, The ‘Battle of CUHK’: Protests continued for

a second day, following a similar pattern - mass protesting in the Central district of Hong Kong Island and mass transport disruption.

Clashes between CUHK continued throughout the night. Alongside this the violence continued at CUHK with students turning the University into a mini fortress.

This caused the multiple fires around the universities grounds and students raiding sports equipment (bows and arrows and Javelins) to fight against HKP. The main slogan of the protests has been “revolution of our times”. The events of the 12th for many are considered to be the start of the revolution in Hong Kong.

Citizens consider the death of Alex and the general strikes to become the “new normal” in Hong Kong, while the ‘Battle of CUHK’ has been a turning point for the police brutality towards students and how students retaliate.

Music

12

The rise of sad boy rap Elizabeth Hunter Music Editor

DECORATED with face tattoos, popping prescription pills and famous on Soundcloud – these are the sad boys.

The end of the 2010s has seen a new genre of rappers rise to stardom. Emo rap was the fastest growing genre on Spotify in 2018 and in the same year, the second most streamed song was SAD! by the late XXXTENTACION. But where have these so-called sad boys come from and why are they so popular?

Arguably one of the biggest influences on emo rap is Kid Cudi.

His 2009 album Man on the Moon: The End of Day discussed mental health issues in a raw and honest way that was rarely seen in the rap industry at the time. In the years following, rappers began to use samples of metal and emo songs in their music.

In 2014, artists including Lil Peep, Ghostemane and Yung Bruh began uploading on Soundcloud, but didn’t achieve mainstream success for another few years.

The breakthrough of emo rap to the mainstream came in 2017, when Lil Uzi Vert’s single XO Tour Llif3 peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In the same year, Lil Peep was branded ‘the future of emo’

Credit: The Fader

by Pitchfork.

Lil Peep, born Gustav Åhr, released his debut album Come Over When You’re Sober, Pt. 1 in 2017, before beginning his first world tour. Unfortunately and tragically, on November 15 2017, Lil Peep died in his tour bus in Arizona, after a cocktail of Fentanyl and Xanax, aged only 21.

After his death, Lil Peep’s estate released his posthumous Come Over When You’re Sober,

Pt. 2, which reached number four on Billboard. In March 2019, a documentary about Lil Peep premiered, with an accompanying soundtrack.

The emo rap scene was hit by another tragedy in June 2018, after XXXTENTACION was fatally shot after his vehicle was robbed. His album Skins was released in December and reached number one on Billboard.

Now, following in the suc-

cess of Lil Peep and XXXTENTACION is the new wave of sad boys.

Named after the Swedish rap crew, ‘sad boys’ refers to emo rappers and their fans.

Their music tends to cover themes of anxiety, depression, loneliness and substance abuse and has a slow tempo and a heavy low end.

Lil Xan is an example of this – his music often centres around

Album review: JESUS IS KING by Kanye West Amy Clark

KANYE West’s new album comes with update patches similar to those in online multiplayer games or apps in order to fix glaring issues - such as features not being on beat or otherwise not being clearly heard over the gospel stylings of Ye’s new found religion.

JESUS IS KING finds the line between mania and total catharsis in an eleven song package.

He has swapped his usual harsh tones in favour of a more atmospheric experience but keeps small nuggets of his past projects in the production - with On God being

the most egregious tribute to himself, a false idol, throwing back to the likes of ‘Graduation’ in out of place imitation that breaks the flow of the project.

That is not to say that this album exists on a solely holy plane.

Kanye seems to keep his usual sprinkling of capitalistic indulgence in the verses across the project, lamenting how difficult it is to be graceful while yelling at people who work for him in some strange self aware manner that Kanye had never been good at committing to in the past.

This intent becomes unravelled by tracks such as Closed On Sun-

day, a song that seemingly only exists for him to name drop Chickfil-A due to the brand’s religious associations being the closest thing to messiah Kanye can conjure.

The production on some tracks such as the angelic opener, ‘Every Hour’, is pleasing to the ears as is water to the mouth of the dehydrated saviour. Kanye’s excellence on this album feels like a consolation prize for his self aggrandising blasphemy, claiming Jesus is king, but Kanye’s godliness makes him an exception to his rules.

If wine is the blood of Christ then this album is the bile that lines the stomach.

Credit: Reddit

his battle with Xanax addiction and depression.

Even Post Malone could be considered emo rap, as his lyrics often focus on his substance abuse and loneliness despite his fame.

Emo rappers are becoming more appealing to a demographic which might have gravitated towards classic emo a decade ago.

More stereotypical emo and pop-punk bands have even given these rappers a platform.

Travis Barker, drummer of blink-182, has featured on several emo rap songs, including collaborations with lil aaron, $uicieboy$ and XXXTENTACION. Fall Out Boy also collaborated with XXXTENTACION and Good Charlotte covered Lil Peep’s Awful Things as part of his memorial service.

In a time where music is so readily available, musicians are becoming inspired from a number of different genres, leading to genre-fusions like emo rap.

The sad boys are just as angsty and lonely as the emo bands from the mid-2000s, just repackaged in baggy hoodies and beanie hats.

Emo rap isn’t going anywhere soon but considering the creativity of the music we’ve seen in the short time it’s been popular, I think that’s a good thing.

Music

13

Album review: Cheap Queen by King Princess Credit: Vanity Fair

Abbey McKenzie MIKAELA Mullaney Straus, better known as King Princess, has entered the music scene at just the right time and is absolutely not afraid to be herself.

In recent years, pop is being cast aside as mainstream, but King princess uses pop, indie pop, funk pop and pop rock to shed light on the fact that “queer music” belongs with all music.

King Princess shot up into the world of fame after being recognised by Harry Styles among other celebrities in 2018. Her song 1950, inspired by Patricia Highsmith’s novel on lesbian love, introduced the genderqueer lesbian artist to the world with a statement.

King Princess has now released her album Cheap Queen. She told Exclaim! earlier in 2019 that the album is best listened to “stoned and sad” and described the album as a “sad heartbreak record.”

Just after her album release, she told Rolling Stone “we’re bored of heteronormative narrative…now is the time for people to be out and gay and make music.”

Her music is bursting with sexual confidence and personality. The

album is filled with anti-climactic self-discovery that gives the world an insight into her life and her right to take power of her own sexualisation.

King Princess turned down the offer to work for her Dad’s studio at the young age of 11, claiming that she couldn’t be happy recording so young and she needed to find her voice first. In 2017, she was the first artist signed by Mark Ronson’s Zelig Records label and is still currently with them at 20 years old.

She has transformed her sound into a widely influenced sound that has a place both inside and outside our mainstream charts. She titled a song Pussy is God and named her tour after it, and is currently touring America with her new album Cheap Queen.

Her album starts in a self-evaluative song ‘Tough on Myself’ with a dreamy sound. It then picks up with a short song ‘Unless Phrases,’ with a long instrumental and four ambiguous lines at the end of the track.

Cheap Queen is a common postbreakup song with a twist. It sounds like empowering woman pop from start to finish, and she describes it as “an ode to my friends.” But she

uses the pop song to advocate her support of the drag community.

‘Ain’t Together’ is a cathartic chilled out and easy listening track about her recent breakup, that could be perfect for the soundtrack of just about any moment in any movie ever. Behind the tune, it is a personal and real story.

‘Do You Wanna See Me Crying?’ is a production focused short track where she yet again bursts with pure and honest truth, with a selfaware sadness to it.

It introduces the eerie track ‘Homegirl,’ an elegant and timeless sound that mixes perfectly with her quirky and vulnerable tone. The melting pot for relationship sadness, reflection and nostalgia allows for her openly sexual and personal references in shameless way.

‘Prophet’ lightens the mood in a groovy sound of love and obsession, in an almost anticipating way. Her mixed influences allow her rustic voice and smooth words to intercept with the electronics around it. She identifies this as one of her favourite songs she has ever written.

Her next track ‘Isabel’s Moment’ (ft. Tobias Jesso Jr.) is the only collaboration on the album. The raw connection and harmony between the two artists exists as the main element in the carefully written beacon of hope.

Trust Nobody is a romantic, rustic and funky song. It’s followed by the heart-breaking ballad ‘Watching My Phone,’ which exposes her utmost hurt and loneliness that let her write about getting her “heart smashed”. The artist gets to show off her vocals as listeners enter a sad trance of repeating lines and sounds.

‘You Destroyed My Heart’ speaks of pride and understanding yourself as a gay individual, with brutal closure towards the ended relationship in an awkwardly upbeat manner.

‘Hit the back’ starts as a sensual track with lyrics as its centre point, full of vulnerability, before slipping in and out of this and being a party track. She called the song “the anthem for bottoms everywhere”.

‘If you think its love’ rounds up the album on a cynical, yet hopeful tone oozing with post breakup air. It has an enchanted sound with powerful vocals and a soulful and sorrowful repetition.

Credit: Amazon

Ten Year Throwback: The Fame Monster Elizabeth Hunter

EVERYONE knows a song from The Fame Monster – it’s the album that catapulted Lady Gaga into superstardom.

Whether it’s Bad Romance, Poker Face or Paparazzi, the singles from Gaga’s debut album are still played today.

But after seeing Lady Gaga’s growth into chart topper and film star, how does The Fame Monster hold up ten years later?

The Fame Monster was a reissue of Gaga’s debut album, The Fame. Released on November 18, 2009, it contained eight new songs in addition to the existing tracklist.

The album won a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album and was nominated for Album of the Year.

The album kicks off with the ever-familiar Bad Romance, a dramatic, over-the-top pop anthem that doesn’t lose any of its appeal ten years later.

Also included in the first part of the album is the famous Telephone, a collaboration with Beyonce that most people remember for its Tarantino homage of a music video.

A criminally underrated part of the first half, however, is Monster. It’s cheesy, its 80s influence is on full display – this song is just asking you to dance

to it.

Immediately following Monster is a flash forward into the Lady Gaga we see today – Speechless.

This is a dramatic, resentful ballad, one that shows off her vocal range and ability to convey emotion through her singing.

The second half of the album veers into the distinct sound of 2000s pop. One song that hasn’t aged all too well is Starstruck, which features Flo Rida and the lyric ‘she so starstruck, the gal all stuck/I should’ve had an overdose, too many Starbucks.’

The vaguely cringey ‘I Like It Rough’ also doesn’t quite have the same appeal – the electronic voice filters sound very dated.

There isn’t much to say about Poker Face and Paparazzi that hasn’t been said already; they’re critically acclaimed pop songs.

Songs that haven’t been given the praise they deserve are the jazzy Summerboy, retro Boys Boys Boys and Brown Eyes, another soulful ballad.

Overall, does the whole album sound just as good ten years later? No – while some songs are timeless pop classics, some are noticeably dated.

But, did I enjoy every second of this album? Absolutely.

Whether you’re looking for nostalgia, soul or something to dance to, you’ll find it on this album.

Arts

14

Disability in the arts and why it matters Iman MacKenzie

GlasGlow shines at Botanic Gardens

Dominic Cooper Arts Editor

GLASGLOW is an immersive sound-scape and lighting experience returning for its second debut. It combines the fauna and architecture of Glasglow’s Botanic Gardens, with neon and kaleidoscopic exhibitions, synthesising nature and the tech into a futuristic landscape. Compared to last year, the project has had an extra £250,000 invested by it’s founder

- Oli Norman, ensuring it was bigger and brighter than ever.

This year’s event boasted nine distinct zones featuring an 80’s nostalgia trip through a retro arcade, a halloween themed pumpkin patch and rave party in the glasshouse.

But it’s not all so Hollywood; local schools and communities have all contributed to the pumpkin patch, carving out their own murals and messages. It really gives the impression that GlasGlow is an

extension of the city, embodying its community spirit and creativity. To give back to the public, Itison launched the Pumpkin Fund which is committed towards fundraising a minibus for autistic children at Ruchill’s Highpark LCR Primary. The event also gave away 1000 free tickets towards ‘those who need it most’.

The total walk takes about sixty minutes if you’re in a hurry. However, if you want to make an evening of the night, you can get buzzed

at the Wunderbar, accompanied by electronic light show.

Alternatively, you could roast marshmallows skewers over open fires or enjoy the stunning food village at the halfway hub.

GlasGlow 2019 has been the halloween event of the year, constantly surprising us with how much they’re allowed to transform the gardens into a wonderland.

With an ever-growing budget and visitor-base, next year is a spectacle you won’t want to miss.

WITH more history-defining figures taking a public stand, there is a space for diversity and culture to be reflected in the media more than ever before.

Many people have waited a lifetime to see such a wide acceptance in the arts. These past ten years have opened to doors to representation of all, something society has worked hard towards.

This movement can be seen on our television screens with shows such as Britain’s Got Talent. The 2019 winner Lee Ridley is a successful comedian who has cerebral palsy – a condition which affects the language centres in the brain making it difficult for him to speak.

However, Ridley doesn’t let this hold him back. Instead he adapted to the stand-up-medium by using the automated voice on his iPad to perform his comedy acts. By doing this, he hopes to raise the general public’s awareness regarding disabled people.

It’s encouraging that disabled people are starting to be seen as an inspiration rather than a burden, able to find a balance, being encouraged to live life independently without being restricted.

Other disabled artists can be seen performing live in concerts, such as the lead singer of Holy Moly and the Crackers, Ruth Patterson. An indie-rock singer who sometimes uses a wheelchair to perform due to her arthritis and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

She is someone who still fights to raise awareness of the presence of herself and other artists who have specific limitations that need to be accommodated.

Arguing that if there is space for one, then space should be made for all.

Society is heading towards a new decade that invites the realisation that no one should be held back. Discrimination may still be present, but we can be reassured that there are more voices now than ever who will fight against it.

Arts

15

In the loop with Stoop:

I love British Girls Anne Stoop Deputy Editor

THE music is blasting, the smoke machine is working over hours. I twirl, get dragged into a loving embrace. I have no clue who she is, all I know is that she’s gorgeous and generous with bottles of VKs It’s Monday night, Dusk is deserted except for some sleazy figures well over 30. A mixture of wine and stress resulted in this dubious decision. The beast that is Stirling nightlife swallowed me once again.

I came here with one of Stirling’s prettiest girls, one that apparently attracts others. Within minutes I’m dancing among long-legged beauties, singing along to old Ke$ha songs in unison, as if we’d grown up together in the suburbs of Alloa.

From perfectly winged eyeliner to heels so high they should be classified as a safety hazard, British girls commit to beauty with such conviction. It is nothing but admirable.

One might expect that the looks of me, a short brunette who ignored all the rules and showed up in jeans and boots, wouldn’t be welcomed as warmly. But on this dancefloor the conventional rules of beauty don’t apply.

Shots of tequila have shattered the world of female competition. For once, another women’s beauty doesn’t pose as a threat.

In Dusk’s strobe lights we only yell compliments over the speakers.

Underneath the harsh bathroom lightning we stand side by side in the battle against our own reflections. Lipstick is passed round to complete strangers, dresses complimented, selfie’s taken.

It is almost a communal sigh of relief. For one night it isn’t about likes, boys who don’t text back or bellies that are wobbly. For these few alcohol-induced hours we all embrace a childlike ignorance.

We dance because we want to. We sing because we feel like it. We are drunk anyways; society has rejected us as competent humans for the time being. Why not make use of it?

The rules no longer apply. So-

cietal standards are out the window. I can go up to girls with luscious locks and ask them how they do it. Slide over to girls in tube tops to demand the secret to her flawless contours. No one can stop me; tequila holds responsibility for my actions. All I do is twirl, cheer and yell compliments over the speakers.

I tumble home with girls who classified as strangers a number of hours earlier. We open up about devastating heartbreak in Stirling’s deserted streets. Reading texts from ex boyfriends, freely talking about our insecurities while embracing each other’s perfections. By the time I reach my front door they’re invited to my upcoming party.

As I sink into my bed, clumsily kicking off my boots while undressing myself with one hand, I envision a world where we’re all drunk British girls in bathrooms.

One where we cover each other in deserved compliments daily.

A utopia where we don’t compete but uplift; celebrating both our own and life’s collective beauty.

It takes me until the morning after, when I slowly lower myself into a steamy baby oil infused bath, to realise the truth. Life is already that beautiful, if I make it that way.

I don’t need fishbowls or VKs to let go of the notion of female competition. All I need are tipsy British girls to teach me about sisterhood. Drunken, loving, sisterhood. Blame them if I stop you in the streets to compliment the colour of your eyes.

The Travelling Gallery visits Pathfoot

Dominic Cooper Arts Editor ON November 8, the Artina Bus arrived at Stirling University in collaboration with Scottish poet, artist and hiking enthusiast - Alec Finlay.

Alec suffers from multiple sclerosis (MS), a disability which makes it more difficult for him to go on long treks or climb mountain due to fatigue, muscle spasms and other mobility issues.

The exhibit contained pieces from multiple artists who live with disabilities including Hannah Devereaux and Ken Cockburn.

Their experiences were sometimes conveyed through their daily struggles - mainly through poetic lyrics and sketches from the pages in his notebook.

But this struggle wasn’t the

main takeaway from this gallery. Alec has been promoting his latest project, Day of Access.

It stems from his belief that all people, no matter their disability, should have access to Scotland’s most exhilarating landscapes and overcome their limiting circumstances.

It’s a hopeful and inspiring campaign which utilises hill tracks and four wheel drives to transport groups into the wild mountain trails where they would have otherwise never set foot in.

The Travelling Gallery does an excellent job of packing such a varied exhibit into one small space. The ambient noises of mountainous birds and gentle winds transported to you right into the artist’s perspective and his vision for a society which values accessibility for all.

Film & TV

16

The Hollywood revolution is in your pocket Blair McPake IT BEGAN with with a car advert for Bentley. Now it is used by award-winning film directors Steven Soderbergh and Claude Lelouche. 2019 has introduced a new wave in cinematography: the iPhone.

High Flying Bird, directed by Steven Soderbergh, was released

by Netflix earlier this year: a fastpaced basketball drama, the film was loved by critics and movielovers alike. Soderbergh had a vision about the future of Hollywood and decided to get ahead of the times. High Flying Bird was not the first film that the indie director had shot exclusively on iPhones: that title goes to the 2018 thriller Unsane.

Directors like Lelouche and Soderbergh are known for unconventional films but the new trend of iPhone cinematography may very well be the beginning of a new era for Hollywood. Smartphone technology has improved vastly over the years and prom-

ises only to get better. With the hardware and software capabilities expanding, why should filmmakers not opt for a low-budget rig?

This revolution, however, does come with its own set of drawbacks and limitations. Despite Soderbergh’s adamant endorsement, the iPhone does have technological limitations. One such example is auto-focusing: everything is always so in focus that there is no option for artsy background blurring.

Soderbergh has admitted the limitations but has embraced the benefits. The camera is so small that there is no need to cut holes out of walls and cars just to film with a huge high definition rig – the camera operator can literally be in the back seat. As for the distracting clarity and focus, Soderbergh argues that this simply connects the actors to their surroundings.

Other critics have weighed in, arguing that technology is not yet advanced enough for the visuals

Credit: Netflix

to look the same as a feature shot with studio cameras. Even an Unsane cast member admitted that it is noticeable that the film was shot with a smartphone.

The iPhone camera does struggle with low-depth of fields and darker lighting conditions, meaning that some artistic style will inevitably be lost in this newest technology shift. In High Flying Bird, the camera noticeably shakes under any disruptive movement and some shots are marred with lens flare.

Technology is always advancing, especially in the iPhone industry with new models getting released one after the other. It can be easy to get lost in the snobbery of fancy camera equipment but the use of Apple devices in feature films suggest they are not far behind.

Unsane was reported to have cost a measly $1.5 million to make and High Flying Bird $2 million.

Not only do iPhones drastically reduce the cost of film-making, they also cut the time of produc-

tion. Soderbergh’s latest finished up the first cut of the film less than three hours after principal photography was done. This opens up new avenues for new young filmmakers and makes the art of cinema much more accessible.

As resistant as some may be to the iPhone revolution in the film industry, Hollywood is slowly opening its gates to the latest new trend. The future is fast -pproaching, and it looks like there will be no limits to what our smartphones could take over next.

Macrobert review: Sorry We Missed You H H H H I Archie Veitch

WITH Sorry We Missed You director Ken Loach pulls back the curtain on the crushing reality of the gig economy in his follow-up to 2016’s devastating look at benefits and austerity, I, Daniel Blake.

The story – the screenplay is written by frequent Loach collaborator Paul Laverty – follows the Turner family in Newcastle upon Tyne as they try to hold their lives together whilst being ground under the wheels of industries built around 14-hour days and zerohour contracts.

Father Ricky (Kris Hitchen) takes a job with fictional delivery company PDF after being enticed by the promise of a flexible schedule and being his own boss. However, the grim reality of the work is soon clear when on his first day:

he is handed a plastic bottle and told it will double as a toilet, since the drivers do not have enough time for bathroom breaks.

Mother Abbie (Debbie Honeywood) meanwhile attempts to keep a brave face working as a carer, a stressful role in which she has neither the time nor the resources to give her ‘clients’ the proper attention they need.

The two parents try desperately to balance their gruelling jobs while raising their two children, Seb a n d L i s a Jane (Rhys

Stone and Katie Procter).

The true tragedy of Loach’s films is that they would seem melodramatic if it were not the case that the truth is often grimmer than the fiction.

Ricky’s story is partly based on that of Don Lane, a former delivery driver who died last year from diabetes. He had been fined £150 by his employer for attending a doctor’s appointment and discouraged from seeking further treatment.

Don’s case is a symptom of the recent radical

changes in the job market which has one in 10 working-age adults working for gig economy companies such as DPD, Deliveroo or Uber. This has risen from one in 20 since 2016, according to a study from the TUC and the University of Hertfordshire.

Experts believe the gig economy has become increasingly precarious for those employed in it, decreasing their standard of living while increasing the likelihood of poverty while in work, as well as the use of food banks.

This can be seen in the film as sanctions, fines and debts levied by the manager of Ricky’s depot, the self-appointed ‘patron saint of nasty bastards” Maloney (Ross Brewster). His actions threaten to sink the loving family.

The film maintains Loach’s grippingly realistic style chiefly

through Laverty’s highly natural script, which he researched by spending time talking with and going on routes with delivery drivers. The excellent cast who are either new – like Debbie Honeywood who puts in a loveable, if heartbreaking performance as Abbie – or relative unknowns like lead actor Kris Hitchen, whose previous work as a self-employed plumber lends a rarely-seen authenticity to the character of Ricky Turner.

Ultimately, Sorry We Missed You doesn’t quite reach the highest highs or the lowest lows of I, Daniel Blake. Nevertheless, it is a vitally important, humane and empathetic film for our times and one that shines a light on the stark reality of the work done behind the scenes of our online-shopping obsessed society.

Film & TV

17

Which streaming service is best for students?

Credit: Den of Geek

Martina Rebecca Inchingolo BEING a student means living a busy life. Either you’re in the library or – equally important – having a social life and going out with your friends. It can be hard to fit in time to unwind.

Many students like to unwind by watching their favourite films or keep up with the latest shows.

But with all the streaming platforms out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

It’s hard enough choosing what to watch, let alone choose where to watch it.

And with Apple TV+ just launched in the UK and Disney+ making its way to our shores in late March, the decisions are not about to get any easier.

We’ve tried four streaming platforms to help find you the right one. Yes – it has been an expensive month for Brig.

Netflix is probably the most popular among students. It offers a wide range of films and TV shows, as well as reality shows and documentaries.

The platform hit new levels of popularity through the success of ‘Netflix Originals’ – TV shows and films produced by the streamer that proved fresh and successful. To name but a few, these include Orange is the New Black, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and BoJack Horseman.

It might sound like Netflix is the perfect service for you but there is a downside. Netflix has always been a relatively inexpensive platform, with tiers of

memberships to suit different users.

However, it is getting more expensive and last year the price of the subscription increased from £7.99 to £8.99. Even though it’s still affordable, it seems the price of Netflix keeps rising along with the service’s popularity.

The second-most popular streaming platform among students is Amazon Prime Video.

By paying your Prime membership you don’t only get access to entertainment, you have the chance to order anything from the store front and get it the next working day.

Plus, if you are a student and you don’t have an account yet, you get a six-month free membership when you first sign up.

But once again, it may turn out too good to be true due to the inevitable downside of Amazon Prime Video.

While you get access to many films and TV shows, as well as being able to add extra entertainment subscriptions through your Prime account (such as Hayu and StarzPlay), sometimes you’ll have to pay to watch what you are looking for. Not all the shows and films are available through your Prime account, and you may have to pay for a specific film or episode you want to watch.

The Now TV platform gives access to many well-known titles as well as many Disney films that are available through Sky Cinema.

While you can find some of

the biggest films or TV shows on Now TV, this platform is likely less popular for students, because of its high cost. In fact, you have to pay for a film subscription and an entertainment subscription for TV shows separately, at £9.99 and £7.99 respectively.

For many students, this will not be worth it, since you can watch both by paying a single subscription with another

streaming service.

As the free option, BBC iPlayer may be the first choice of students on a tight budget, but who still want to enjoy high-quality streaming.

The BBC’s catch-up service has emerged as a genuine rival to Netflix and Amazon Prime Video thanks to smash-hit shows such as Peaky Blinders, Killing Eve and the new Philip Pullman adaption, His Dark Materials.

To watch BBC iPlayer, all you’ll have to do is create a free BBC account. The catch? You need to have a TV license to watch the programming and will be prompted to confirm this when you sign up.

In an ideal world, of course, you could just get all of them.

But if – like us – you can only dream of affording that, hopefully this guide helped you make a decision.

First look film review: Jojo Rabbit HHHII

Does Taika Waititi’s unique take on Nazi Germany work?

Petra Kotkova

JOJO RABBIT shows us that some wars do not only happen around us but instead, they happen within us; and it is not always the evil that loses.

In his new satire, Taika Waititi portrays the dark times of Nazi Germany and fascism during the Second World War in a sarcastic manner.

Waititi lets us into a life of a 10‑year‑old boy, Jojo, for whom the war is just a game. Fanatically obsessed with fascism and Hitler, Jojo is forced to decide between the love for his country and his love for a girl, who happens to be a Jew. The movie begins at the nearend of the war. With his father on the frontlines, Jojo is now the man of the house, where he lives with his mother Rosie,

played by Scarlett Johansson.

After Jojo discovers that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl Elsa in their attic, Jojo wants to do the right thing. To decide that he turns for advice to his imaginary friend – Adolf Hitler – played by Waititi himself. Jojo decides that he needs to investigate Jews more and write a book about them ‑ their manners, their origins and their looks. As the end of the war draws closer, Jojo’s perspective of Nazi Germany changes. We come to see over the course of the film that it is not only Germany on a path to liberation, but also Jojo himself.

The film represents the sad reality faced by many German kids and teenagers during war, who were part of the Hitler Youth group. These children grew up fatherless and way too fast. They were dying for a cause they fully did not understand

and for the only father figure they had in their lives at that time – Hitler.

In this work, Waititi teaches us the importance of our own history which made us who we are today. He presents the audience with an intriguing, fresh look at Nazism and makes us laugh in Hitler’s face.

Sadly, the downfall of Waititi’s satire is that the official trailer infuriatingly shows the best parts of the movie to the audience before they even arrive at the cinema. Excluding the scenes seen in the trailer, there are only a handful of sequences and lines that will make the audience chuckle.

Jojo Rabbit was first screened in September during the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival and will be released in the UK on January 3

Gaming

19

My boyfriend the dungeon master Martina Rebecca Inchingolo

Being in a relationship means compromising and trying new things. So, when I met my current boyfriend, I knew my life was going to be full of Star Wars anecdotes, PlayStation games and many, many, many conversations about Dungeon and Dragons.

Hence, after watching every Star Wars’ film (which by the way, I ended up loving!), and miserably trying some videogames, it was time for me to learn more about DnD. It was only the fair thing to do after I forced him to watch a whole season of Keeping Up with The Kardashians.

My boyfriend is the “Dungeon Master” (a mix of narrator and referee). We began our quest with a group of friends who were mostly DnD virgins- something that probably made the whole experience a big headache for him.

I’m a ‘lawful, good human archer,’ a bit boring I guess but I wanted to start easy for my first time.

My character’s name is Robin Wood (it was the first thing that came to my mind when I heard my character was an archer).

Joining me on my adventure was Frankie, a halfling rogue; Helga, a dwarf cleric; and Gondorf, an elf wizard, who we prefer to call GiffGaff.

My goal is to fight a dragon who is terrifying my hometows o u n d s cool but we haven’t got there yet.

So far, we have been trying to get a cart into town in order to help Helga’s cousin find a treasure.

On our way, we met annoying goblins that got us in trouble as soon as we got to our destination.

I thought killing them was going

to be a relief, but my boyfriend is good at impressions and made me feel bad for hurting the goblins.

That happens a lot, especially when Frankie messes around and hurts every villager we meet just for fun.

We once talked to a young boy, who was nice and naïve. So as the sane one, I m a d e s u r e Frankie stayed away from him.

It’s weird how involved you get about something that exists only in your head.This game is all about imagination. It’s fun to be someone different, doing things that you would never normally do in the real world.

Like when I had to seduce a Red Brand bandit to make sure she wouldn’t kill us. I tried to flirt with her, succeeded, and while we were kissing, I stabbed her with a sword. Later I found out that killing her wasn’t necessary, since I rolled a 20 on the dice (which is really, really good), therefore she was going to be faithful to us. My bad.

I ended up liking DnD, although I must admit I sometimes get a little bored if it takes too long before my turn, especially when we are in the middle of a fight and I’m on the ground bleeding waiting for my turn to shoot the arrow into a villain, or asking for someone to come heal my wounds. You know, just perfectly normal stuff.

However, I really enjoyed playing Dungeon and Dragons and I’m excited at the idea of finally meeting the dragon and fighting it. I definitely recommend this game.

It’s fun to play with a big group of friends and pretend to be someone else for a couple of hours.

stick. And man, I was hungry.

As you explore the desolate chambers of the FBC, you may wonder if you’ve bought a horror game without realising it. The eeriness of the halls, the spine-tingling music and sound and sheer amount of nothing is quite chilling. But I found myself not even caring once I was exposed to the environments I’d be playing in.

Bizarre, beautiful and boldly compelling, Control suspends bodies and shifts architecture in a way that seems simultaneously chaotic and organized.

The symmetry and beauty of the large chambers clash with the random concrete fixtures crushing through the walls and the rubble of previous battles. If you’ve ever looked at movie concept art and gone, ‘Wow, why didn’t it look like that?’ Control looks like that.

But how does this haunted funhouse actually play?

Gun-fights, at first. Reasonably satisfying and paint-by-numbers, it throws some generic

bad-guy goons labeled “The Hiss” to ping bullets at with a cool magic gun you picked off a dead dude. I hate to reveal too much plot, so I’ll keep it simple. It gradually opens more avenues of gameplay with [REDACTED] of [REDACTED] which, well, they give you superpowers. Fluid and entertaining, this is the backbone of what keeps the game fresh. However, that fluidity has its exceptions.

While Control’s world, writing and animations are enticing, elements of the mechanics and general gameplay lose it some points.

On the technical side, millions of destructible splinters and rocks being thrown around is tanking most consoles, including my own, so if you don’t have the top-tier of gaming performance, you’ll get some lag.

This generally doesn’t bother me, but in a game where you have to always be moving and performing very slick and smooth actions, dropping frames consistently threw me off.

On the design of the gameplay, however, I found some further problems. General room battles are fine and often very fun with the joy of telekinesis. It’s the boss battles that suffer.

Usually, a mess of debris and decoy grunt enemies, Control’s boss battles ask you to switch between weapon forms and adapt to battles, but it dips into self-destruc-

tion. I often found myself having to concentrate on dodging aerial enemies while getting exploded by ground forces, or picking off the ground forces and getting airbombed from above.

And while the telekinesis is cool, the amount of trash flying in every direction just makes you wonder which is yours, and which is your doom.

Funnily enough, it’s the long walks to the next fight that this game thrives. Forgotten memos, old VHS tapes, redacted corporate warnings littered in silent, beautiful chambers are what make Control great. Because that mystery goes from being bewitching to an addiction. I found myself gorging on every inch of lore and intelligence I could get my hands on – a quest I never usually find myself doing.

The hidden world of magic power and talking pyramids is a fix I could only catch in glimpses, probably because anything more than that would make us catch onto the fact that it’s utterly ridiculous. But Control keeps control.

It’s ludicrous and yet grounded, clichéd yet original, chaotic but in order. A living, breathing, contradictory paradox that entertained but frustrated me during its physics-defying monster battles, and completely encapsulated me during the commutes and colloquies in-between.

Control review HHHHI Harry Mitchell

There’s something bewitching about the unknown. Not just gaps in stories or unanswered questions; raw, unapologetic, unwavering mystery. Like your first day at a new job, except that job is in an unknown country, you can’t remember your mother’s name, and you have a magical gun. Control gives you that, by giving you nothing – at first.

Recently released by Remedy Entertainment and 505 Games, Control begins in the reception of the Federal Bureau of Control, a secretive government agency in New York designed to imprison and investigate the paranormal.

We follow Jesse Faden, a resolute and stubborn woman in search of her missing brother.

Some of this we learn quickly, but most of this game’s secrets are kept at arms reach, like a carrot on a

Credit: YouTube

Credit: Gamespot Left: Death Saves

15 years of

World of Warcraft Rowen Rennie Gaming Editor

With World of Warcraft turning 15 years old this year, I took a weekend to see if the game is worth diving into in 2019.

I myself played for a bit back in 2010, when their 3rd expansion had a great big dragon ruining everyone’s day. Since then, expansions have been released every two years, usually bringing new ways to play the game, new areas to go to, and adventures to be had.

However, I never found myself returning to explore. But what’s changed since then? A lot.

Firstly, everything looks better. It only takes a quick comparison with screenshots of “vanilla” WoW to see the differences. Even the user interface has been redesigned.

Everything from levelling your character up, to finding groups to delve into dungeons with, is streamlined, perhaps with the intention of making the game more appealing to new players.

But while these changes help new players adapt to the game, older players find it ruins the challenge the game once had.

But there is something strangely addictive about it. The little buzz of endorphins as you level up, or kill a particularly hard boss, or finally find that one helmet that compliments the rest of your armour.

The bredth and depth of World of Warcraft is astounding, you can lose yourself in enchanted forests or dungeons full of dragons.

To me, trying WoW is a must simply because it is one of the largest and longest-lived games in the world. I would recommend dipping your toe in for the pleasure of at least trying it.

World of Warcraft has a free trial and is available to download on its website.

Lifestyle

Keeping up with the alumni Aine Donnellan Lifestyle Editor

The power of knowledge

“STIRLING University brought me both my first, and second husband” alumna Elaine Cameron confesses with a gentle laugh, “I’m not married to either of them anymore – but we’re all good friends, so there you go.”

Her marital status being just one area amongst many within Elaine’s life involving change, you could say she’s quite an expert on the topic.

Actually, that is precisely what she is. Named one of the world’s top futurists, Elaine has worked across the globe, analysing the only thing constant in life - change. Observing patterns within changes with the lens of the future was, however, not something she had ever planned on doing.

“Going to Stirling, I thought I’d do an English degree, maybe become a writer, or a journalist – one year in I swapped to a French degree and ended up living in France for six years following university.”

“In terms of a career, going back to the era when I was studying – first of all, there was no Google available. Second of all, women were not really expected to have a career. When I graduated in 1983, you might go for being something like a secretary, or a teacher, but ultimately you would be a mother Credit: Australian Labour Party

– that was it.”

pany.

“So, I had no real plan, you know, I never had a vocation like ‘I want to be a doctor’ – but not having a plan, you just have to kind of follow the flow.”

“I thought, this is fantastic – so I created, designed and delivered the role of a futurist within that company. It was terrific, I got to travel the world and make a niche for myself. It has been really fulfilling – I wouldn’t even say it was a job, or a career – but a passion.”

Elaine went from teaching English to French business people, to working as an export manager for a company selling dehydrated fruits, to becoming a personal interpreter for Paul Van Zuydam – the owner of Le Creuset, a worldfamous cookware manufacturer.

But it wasn’t until she entered the international PR company BursonMarsteller, and found her way into “what they called ‘the knowledge department’ at the time, which was essentially research,” that Elaine found her niche.

“Thinking about the future, particularly for someone who’s not even sure if they’re going to see that future, it’s just wonderful t o

“When I got into that knowledge stream, I really took to it like a duck to water. I am such a curious person, and I want to understand how things work, why things work the way they do, what makes people tick, and all of that.”

In 2008, Elaine received the terrible news that she had Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a type of blood cancer – causing her to leave work for some time. On her return, exciting things were awaiting as the chief-executive gave her free rein to explore the future for the com-

glean so much information about what it’s going to look like, and also to communicate that.”

20 Facing change can often be scary.

Facing the sort of change that you have no control over, even more so. That change being cancer in Elaine’s case, she has turned to knowledge as a source of comfort.

“When I came back from the first time after my cancer treatment, one of the threads I pursued was the future of death. I obviously had a deep-seated need to understand the future of death for myself, but also how technology is changing everything around death, mor-

Elaine Cameron futurist

Age: Is a badge of honour, 59 Nationality: Proudly European Pet-peeve: Questionairs like this...

Guilty pleasure: Mainlining chocolate and box sets Super-power of choice: Being able to talk to animals Drink of choice: Cheeky NZ Sauvignon Blanc

tality and immortality. So many of the things I’ve researched have given me comfort.”

“I have researched things like people who have had near death experiences, and there’s a huge comfort factor in there, to hear from them that it is bliss, it is sheer bliss, that you will find on the other side.”

“Also, I think there’s nothing quite like a deep understanding of the frailty of life, and your own mortality to bring incredible flavour to your life every day. I now enjoy life, possibly a hundred times more than I used to enjoy it when I, like everybody really, went around thinking that I would live forever.

It has actually brought me a great deal.”

When asked about what advice she would give to people facing challenging changes in their lives, Elaine recommends two books that have helped her immensely. You are the Placebo, by Joe Dispenza, and Lifeshocks - And how to love them, by Sophie Sabbage.

“People fear change, because of that lack of control we perceive.

These books show you all the things you can do to take back power and control – because that’s what change does when it’s imposed upon you. You need to be able to re-impose control and power for yourself. To know that you are not powerless in the face of whatever it is that you are dealing with – there are things that you can do. It shows you that anything is possible - if you set your mind to it.”

Uluru, a representation of changing times Michelle Monaghan

importance of Uluru and its connection with the Anangu people as I have been able to realise. Uluru represents a time of change, where we must all acknowledge each other’s culture and the respect that comes along with it. But this might take some time to achieve as Prime Minister Scott Morrison was notably absent from the celebration events 2 days later, missing a key opportunity to highlight the importance of the climbing ban.

Senator Dodson said regarding the PM’s absence, “he’s ducked us, the Prime Minister, and that’s a real insult to people who hold and carry customary law.”

Despite Morrison’s absence, the celebration of Uluru’s climbing ban saw non-indigenous people, partying alongside the Anangu

people. Their participation providing some hope that one day we can all celebrate our cultures in equal respect for each other.

Credit: theculturetrip.com

“REACHING the top, emotions were high that I had made it. I was proud of myself for achieving this.

Views were amazing!”

These were the words my 12-year-old self used to describe reaching the top of Uluru. Now times have changed, as Uluru was officially closed for climbing on the 26th of October 2019. The closure marks an important moment for the local Anangu people, who as custodians of the rock have long campaigned for people to be respectful and not climb. Now 34 years after the government returned the site to them, the Anangu people can be rest assured that their sacred rock is now sacred once again.

Looking back when I climbed the rock in 2012, I feel conflicting emotions. Although I will always be proud of my achievement and for doing it at such a young age, I regret that I wasn’t more respectful to the Anangu people and their culture. I have always had deep respect Aboriginal people and their rights as the first people in Australia, as I was educated about their culture in primary school.

However, by climbing I displayed a complete disregard for what Uluru meant to the Aboriginal culture.

No matter how much that I tried to convince myself at the time that I was, “climbing with respect to the Aboriginal people.”

Hopefully, with the permanent ban on climbing the rock. People will be able to fully understand the

Lifestyle

21

some time alone How often should Let’s spend Loneliness vs. self-time you change…

Clara Fors Wisbyse Lifestyle Editor

...your bedsheets?

Expectation: Each Week.

Humans shed 500 million skin cells every single day according to Science Daily– a lot of which will be found in our beds.

Reality: Once a month.

Abby Waugh

“Oh… Probably…once a month?

Yeah, once a month. And I usually get make-up stains all over them, which looks really disgusting.”

...your duvet & pillow?

Expectation: Every few months.

Up to a third of the weight of a pillow that’s never been washed, could be made up of dead skin, bugs, mites and their faeces, shows a study by British health care provider Barts and the London NHS Trust.

”SO WHAT’S your name?” the girl to the right asks me after we have been standing quietly listening to the guide talking for a while.

The questions starts a conversation with a stranger that I probably never would have met or even talked to if I did not decide to sign up for a tour in the city alone. Two hours later I leave the tour smiling, but something that this girl told me is also still on my mind. She pointed out that I was brave to be able to go to a restaurant alone. According to her, she had not gotten that far in doing things by herself yet. Funnily enough, which I wish I had told her, most of us were all alone, strangers, on that tour.

There is a difference between being alone and lonely. One is alone when being with himself and one is lonely when feeling

abandoned or sad due to isolation.

In theory the difference is simple, but in practice we are often too scared of feeling lonely, that we avoid being alone. Loneliness seems to be such a painful, frightening experience that people do practically everything to avoid it, writes psychiatrist Frieda FrommReichmann. Activities such as going to the cinema, eating at a restaurant or traveling alone are avoided, while they should be embraced and enjoyed. This mind-set has to be changed!

In 2016 BBC conducted the Rest Test measuring how people preferred to spend their time when unwinding, and the third most popular choice was to spend time alone. Similarly, solo travelling is currently becoming more popular than ever, for quite clear reasons.

According to solotraveler.com 59% of their readers participating in their study said they go travelling alone because they want to

see more of the world and are not willing to wait for others. 45% also go solo travelling because they like the freedom to do whatever they want whenever. So why are we still hesitant to do things solo?

This is where the uncomfortable difference between being alone and lonely enters. Loneliness only strikes when we do not have the option to spend time with people who understand us – when we find ourselves unwillingly alone. Of course it is unsettling going to the cinema, or eating at a restaurant alone if you’d rather be there with someone else. However, it should be remembered that the majority of us still sometimes simply want to be alone, and we should not be afraid of that. The truth is that you will never actually be alone in the cinema, at a tour, or in a restaurant. Instead you will learn to be independent and confident by yourself, while at the same time being around other people.

Reality: Never, ever.

Calum Lindsey

The endless opportunities of change

“Em… Never? So, since I moved out of my parent’s place I haven’t done it. My mum probably did, when I was younger, but I haven’t – it’s been nearly two and a half years, and I have never washed them.”

Iman MacKenzie

...your tea towels?

Expectation: After 2-3 uses In 2014 study looking at bacteria in tea towels, E. coli was present in a quarter of the tested towels, and 89% of them were home to coliform bacteria. There was a direct correlation between the amount of bacteria found, and the frequency of washing.

Reality: When soaked.

Marc Stewart “Em… I would say ideally when they won’t dry things anymore, when they’re too wet – but in my flat, I honestly haven’t washed them once.”

Aine Donnellan Lifestyle Editor

EVERYONE is allowed to feel a bit intimidated about the future.

For some people, that may be the next hour or even the next week.

There’s always been something scary about not knowing what could possibly come next in your life.

But that’s also what makes it so exciting!

First thing you need to do is accept that change is inevitable. When you can’t run from something, your best bet is to just accept it.

Accepting invites to things you’ve never done before. Accepting that not everything will always be okay. Accepting new people into your life.

University is the perfect place to find who you want to be. There

will be no other time like this; so be fearless.

Here is where you decide what and who to be.

Take advantage of that.

With a new year approaching, there has never been a better time to prepare for the unknown. We all have to live a life, so we might as well enjoy it.

So, start with the simple things. Which could literally be anything.

Did you see an outfit on Instagram you liked?

What’s to stop you from trying it? It’s not your style? Why not?

The beauty of change is it lets you be whoever you want to be. No one should be bound by expectations of some unknown destiny. Make your own. Don’t choose one path, walk them all until you find the one

that brings you the most excitement.

Life needs to be more than a routine. Go and meet new people, eat somewhere new and unknown with your friends, create new habits. Get out that nasty rut you accidentally fell into.

There are so many memories waiting to be made, and you won’t find them without switching things up. So, don’t be afraid to do something new and adventurous. Be bold, be impulsive.

Be the person you daydreamed about when you were a kid. You have the chance now to do it, don’t let it pass you by.

Hit Fubar on the weekdays, dance awfully at Dusk. Own all the student events because if not now, when!?

Make mistakes, laugh at them later. Experience everything you can at least once.

You need to find your people, you can never have too many in your life. There’s not enough time to keep yourself in the comfort of what you know. That little sign you’ve been looking for to turn your next corner is here.

Now is your moment to do everything differently. Get rid of the things you don’t like in your life, welcome in the new and interesting.

There are endless opportunities of what you can experience in your life. The people around you will change, and so will you. But to go forward with the intention of embracing the new… well, that changes everything altogether.

Food

Wine and dine your date: Mexican night Heather Dalgleish Food Editor

Arguably there isn’t anything quite more romantic than a candlelit dinner for two. A glass of red in hand, a cheeky smile across the table and you have successfully wooed for the night.

But what of the expense? The crowded restaurant filled with noisy customers? The look of dread when the cheque arrives?

Cooking for a potential lover can be incredibly successful. Not only do you have the option to illustrate your availability as a domestic goddess but can often allow you to keep that wad of cash securely tightened in your belt.

Cooking night takes on Mexican date night addition, which surprisingly can be much simpler than you may think.

Whether you are a crusader in the kitchen or a simple beans on toast kind of person, cooking for your partner can be whatever you make of it. Mexican night doesn’t mean difficulty.

Starter: Nachos

Nachos are an incredibly easy dish to impress with. Make your own salsa, guacamole and you are in for a treat. Or do as

Credit: Give me some oven

ready-made kit from the shop and follow the instructions to make the perfect delicacy. However, if you are in the mood for a real challenge, make it all yourself (just be prepared for all the spices!) The most beneficial part of making your own enchiladas is if it all goes wrong, just cover it in the sauce and cheese and your unsuspected partner won’t know the difference.

Dessert: Traditional Paletas

Now, this may lose you a little with the fancy name, however, don’t let it fool you. These glorified fruitpops are a sweet refresher to the end of your dinner party. Either buy ready made for a sweet treat or dig in deep and make your own out of fresh fruits for an extra bit of something to your meal night. any important business person may do and cheat by buying premade from the shop. Pile onto nacho chips, with grated cheese and lightly grill until the cheese is melted and voila!

Main Course: Enchiladas

Enchiladas are a simple yet affective dish to make. If you aren’t a weapon in the kitchen, buy a

Drinks: Tequila/Desperados

This can be as expensive or as cheap as you want to make it.

Splurge out on a bottle of Mexico’s finest tequila and properly end your night on a high. Or if you are on a student friendly budget, opt for a tequila fuelled beer such as Desperados and enjoy the citrus notes.

Wine of the Month

Heather Dalgleish

To kick start this series we begin with a student friendly Isla Negra in Sauvignon blanc. An easy to drink classic wine which ranges between £4-5 depending on whether or not you snap it up on offer.

This fresh drink can easily be paired with any seafood or salad and has subtle fruit notes. A perfect wine for any time of year and for any occasion, a great bottle to add to anyone’s dinner party arsenal. Isla Negra is named for a seaside Chilean village famous for its large population of artisans and crafters – but despite the reputation, you don’t

feel too ostentatious drinking it. A mild finish means it goes great with gentle flavours such as fish or slow roasted meats. There’s a lot of understated flavours, so it’s fruity and crisp as you’re drinking it, but it isn’t burning your throat on the way down.

22 Credit: Fresh.ru

How to cook when you can’t cook Heather Dalgleish Cooking can be a daunting experience and there are a lot of complicated recipes out there. We all have to start somewhere though – this quick guide will help you along the way with some basic hints and tips.

1.

Master the basics Cooking can be difficult when you don’t have the right equipment to begin with. Investing in a few bits can’t realistically increase your chances of MasterChef level competency. So, this doesn’t entail going out to buy fancy gadgets that you would only use once. It’s the simple caveat of owning basic utensils like wooden spoons, a few saucepans and some decent knives that will increase your potential in the kitchen and make cooking so much easier.

2.

Practise makes perfect Like any skill, don’t expect to be perfect in the first instance. Cooking can take months or even years to perfect the basics of, so don’t give up if you aren’t great to begin with. Honing your craft on a few basic dishes can really help improve your skills. Cooking doesn’t have to be something to be afraid of or a monotonous chore you must do to survive, but a form of relaxation and preparation in making something of and for yourself.

This is a perfect year-round wine, though the best way to enjoy it is to drink it like the Chileans – refrigerate for a good few hours, then pour yourself a generous glass to enjoy as the sun goes down in your garden. Extra points if you’ve got a balcony with a sea view!

Credit: Tesco

3.

Don’t be afraid to try Let’s say you’ve learnt some basic steps, honed down and are cooking great, delicious meals. Now is the time to experiment! Find out what foods you truly like and try something out of your comfort zone. It

really doesn’t matter if you mess up in the first instance: we all do! But with trying you never know what you may find. Hey, I bet people wondered what the first guy to milk a cow was up to. And pineapple on pizzas caught on. Who knew?

4.

Take your time It can be easy to get carried away and try and cook something as quickly as your stomach is telling you. But giving yourself time to prep can make the cooking process so much easier. Give yourself up to an hour before you start in order to get your necessities in order and it will give you the time to cook without worrying about the rest. Lay out your ingredients, chop and dice first, and the cooking won’t take a second.

5.

Enjoy and reflect The cooking can be an arduous process, it’s true. It doesn’t always work out and it does put you off your dinner by the time it’s finished. That’s why tupperwares are your friend – sometimes it really does taste better the second time round.

And there’s a great sense of pride in looking at your creation plated up for yourself and friends, and the contented pats on the back after they’ve demolished it.

It’s cost effective too! Making one big batch of pasta dishes can sort out your lunches for days on end, nipping those deliveries and trips to fast food restaurants in the bud.

You could save £20-£30 a week, and it really adds up. Cooking can be a source of satisfaction, money savviness and relaxation. Try it just even just once or twice a week and you could start to feel the benefits.

Features

24

Fur Fox sake: Global fur sales on a slow decline Irina Nakon Features Editor

ally risen by over 2 per cent in recent years, particularly for the use of fur as a chair and sofa covering.

So, despite Macy’s pledge to cut More sloth than mink – the antifur sales, fur is still being used by fur movement is gaining global atsome of the biggest names in the tention, but dragging in speed. fashion industry and sold by the Slovenia and Serbia are the most exclusive American departmost recent newcomers, passing ment stores. legislature to ban all fur farming Fur bean bags and stools can and joining the ranks of likemindnow be found alongside mink ed countries like Norway, Luxemcoats designed by The Row at burg, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bergdorf Goodman, and a belted and the UK. mink coat with crystal embroiCalifornia, meanwhile, is now dery by Oscar de la Renta is now the first US state to ban the sale sold alongside fur lampshades and and manufacture of all fur prodrugs at Neiman Marcus. ucts.

The same can unfortunately be Popular department chain Maseen on this side of the Atlantic as cy’s Inc. have also recently made well. the announcement that they will Designers like the German onstop sales of real-fur products in line retailer Lars Paustian proudly their stores, including their flagmanufacture fur furniture – offership Bloomingdales, by 2020. ing everything from benches and Yet despite these progressive sofas to headboards and even wine steps, worldwide fur demand is on bottle chillers, made of mink and a worryingly-slow decline. chinchilla.

Particularly in the Americas, Meanwhile, an investigation by where fur is now becoming the National Geographic earlier this go-to luxury item incorporated year revealed that many people into all sorts of interior comforts – continue to turn a blind eye to from rugs and furniture to pillows graphic images of animals kept and lamp shades, despite extencaptive in industrial-scale fur sive campaigns by animal rights farms. groups such as People for the Eth“Within the majority of the ical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Americas, particularly in South In the US, spending on pelts by America, fur farms continue to the furniture industry has annudominate the trade, and producInterior design elements incorporating fur. Credit: Gris2ok

An Arctic fox held at a fur farm.Credit: Peta.org

tion has more than doubled since the 1990s, to about 100 million skins a year, mostly mink and fox,” the investigation found.

“Trappers typically add millions of wild beaver, coyote, raccoon, muskrat and other skins as well.

This is besides untold millions of cattle, lambs, rabbits, ostriches, crocodiles, alligators and caimans harvested for food as well as skins.”

The National Geographic report also highlights industrialisation and job concerns as a key current problem for the anti-fur movement, with the Fur Council of

America stating that: “the human toll to forcing these businesses to close with no compensation to the business owners will be immeasurable.

“They will lose generation of investment and their livelihoods will be cut off. Their staffs, many of them highly skilled craftsmen, will join the ranks of the unemployed.”

This is nonetheless juxtaposed with the cruel methods of captivity exercised at the farms, and the bizarre slaughter practices, such as anal electrocution – which the farmers say is supposedly the quickest, practical method.

Similar investigations have been carried out by animal rights groups worldwide within the last decade, revealing cruel malpractices, lack of sanitary or hygiene standards, high risk of contamination and disease (including rabies), and high animal mortality rates. Hidden-camera videos filmed by animal rights activists exposing the conditions of furfarms have become viral on YouTube over the last few years, depicting malnutrition, cramped cages, forced breeding and neglect.

The same can be said of the transport conditions animals are subjected to while in transit - with videos exposing sealed, unventilated crates, which frequently cause suffocation, broken limbs

and the spread of disease during long periods of transportation.

But this is currently still counterbalanced by the worldwide demand for fur products, and the monetary value of the pelts. It is more than likely that the recent incorporation of fur into aspects of interior design by the world’s leading brands is exacerbating the issue.

In South America, Africa, regions in eastern Europe and the Far East, the fur industry remains a highly profitable economic model, exports yielding a high profit margin, while accruing low costs due to a lack of strict compliance standards.

The reliance of the local communites on the jobs created by the fur-trade remains one of the key obstacles for the anti-fur movement, since no labour alternatives are currently provided for the developing countries which rely on the trade most heavily.

Despite the anti-fur movement remaining a heated issue, most European nations, as well as many democratic US states like New York, Illinois and Massachusetts, are already in the process of either discussing or implementing legislature on the ban of sale and manufacturing of fur.

Hopefully, the initiative will soon gain the momentum needed to surpass the worldwide pelt chase.

Features

25

Asking for Angela put to the test

Petra Kotkova

A drink with the codeword “Angela” was implemented in various bars to protect both men and women from sexual assault, following the increased 13% rate of sexual offences in the UK over the past two years.

The “Ask for Angela” campaign has been created by the Lincolnshire County Council to prevent sexual assaults from occurring during a night out.

“If you look at police data, it tends to suggest that sexual violence happens in the early hours after Friday and Saturday night, and alcohol is very often involved. Because of that, I wanted to work with bars and pubs, and find something that would be easy for them to implement,” says Hayley Child, for TIME magazine.

Child is the Sexual Violence & Abuse Strategy Coordinator for Lincolnshire County Council and also the founder of the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign.

The whole idea behind Angela is very simple: the campaign poster should hang inside every restroom, in every pub or bar and should inform everyone to not be afraid to ask for help.

Every bartender, as the campaign suggests, knows what to do and how to act if you ever need to as for Angela.

It has been two years since the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign was introduced to the public, yet it seems that not many women or men are aware of it here in the UK. Thus, I decided to ask for Angela myself and see what is holding up the information flow.

And so, my sober pub‑crawl adventure around the ‘every‑university‑student’s‑dream‑town’, otherwise known as Stirling, began.

My journey kicked‑off in Brewdog, a cosy little pub with the cosiness tax added to the prices of their pints.

I walk straight to the bar, where broad-shouldered bartender Mike asks me what

I am having.

I explain to him who I am, what I am doing and what I am after. He nods.

“Sure, I’ve heard of Angela… When you’ve been working in this environment long enough you would definitely have to hear about it.”

Even so, Mike explains that he has never received any special training, nor was he ever told what the procedure is when someone asks for Angela.

Fortunately, neither he nor his co-workers ever found themselves in such a situation.

In Brewdog the ‘Ask for Angela’ poster hangs visibly in the women’s restroom. I don’t know about the men’s ‑ I did not dare check.

Only a few steps down the street is my next stop: Wetherspoons.

The women’s restroom is located on the second floor, and even while sober with comfortable footwear, the stairs up there were my worst enemy.

Inside the prestigious toilet, where many selfies of the local “celebrities” have been taken, I couldn’t find any sign of Angela. Only when I grabbed the handle of the bathroom door to leave did I spot the poster in the corner of my eye.

I have never noticed it before, and probably wouldn’t have if I was not specifically looking for it.

The team leader of that night’s shift said he knows what it is and what to do but has never done it before.

No special training or instructions from anyone were received by him.

I continue my journey

across the street where I enter the realm of Corn Exchange.

For some (to my sober mind and tired legs) unthinkable reason the toilets here were also on the second floor.

I dragged myself upstairs, one step at a time.

I enter the women’s restroom and there it was. In all its glory, a ‘big‑enough‑to‑notice’ Angela poster hanging on the back of the door.

“No, at least not me,” says Andrew. I turn my eyes towards his taller co‑worker.

He chuckles.

“I don’t think anyone would ask for Angela in Stirling.

They would more likely ask where Angus is. I’ve had that before.”

Disappointed, I let them go back to pretending to be too occupied with something and make my way over to the

Credit (left-right): Met Police, Her.ie.

It would be hard not to notice it, no matter the state you’re in.

I rush downstairs and approach the two bored bartenders, who are trying to look too occupied with doing nothing.

“Have you heard of Angela?” I ask, waiting for them to notice me.

“Of course, I have,” answers Andrew, the shorter one of them. His co‑worker’s face suggests otherwise.

I briefly explain the concept of Angela and continue my interrogation.

“Has anyone ever asked you for Angela?”

neighbouring pub, Cape.

Inside, it’s the same routine as before: restroom, bar, staff. Never heard of it, don’t have it, might put something up.

Onto the next one.

In Kilted Kangaroo I meet bartender Alan, who seems to know much more about the subject, which was promising.

He has definitely heard of Angela before, as he has worked in three different pubs in three different cities across Scotland.

Even so, he says he has never been asked for an Angela by a customer before.

When I asked his supervisor if he has heard of the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign, I am met with confusion.

After I explain what Angela stands for, the still‑confused Crocodile Dundee comments with “ya guys do theht ‘ere?”.

With no training, no poster and no supervisor aware of Angela, I leave Kilted Kangaroo disappointed.

I finish my night in the gem of Stirling pubs, also known as Katie’s bar.

Without hesitation I once again walk straight to the women’s restroom.

By now I have become a self-proclaimed professional toilet examiner in the Stirlingshire county, so I know what I am looking for.

It’s not there.

I go back to the bar, where I disturb the bartender from his card game with the regulars. He doesn’t seem to mind ‑ he would’ve lost anyway.

I asked him about Angela and without finishing my question, he points his fingers towards the wall behind him.

There, under the liquor shells, hidden away behind the sea of useless crap, I spot Angela.

I have not noticed it sober and I bet you my left pinkie toe that I would not notice it drunk.

I asked the young bartender if anyone has ever asked for Angela before.

With some sort of unreadable emotion in his eyes, he shakes his head and says that even when something happens, usually the women here “just put up with it.”

Sober and tired, I return from my pub‑crawl, and I can’t help but feel like my beloved town has failed me tonight.

For more information on the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign, go to www. met.police.uk and www. nationalpubwatch.org. uk.

Features

26

Tarot cards and feminists: the modern-day witch Blair McPake Features Editor

Spirituality has always been a hallmark of civilisations, even today it has manifested itself into religions and faith. However, witchcraft has always been seen as something else entirely.

The Bible preaches that “thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.”

(Exodus 22:18) And so-called witches have been notoriously persecuted throughout history, most notably in the Salem witch trials. So, if witchcraft is such a bad thing, what is Wicca and why are so many women today attracted to it? The wellness industry is booming thanks to the

Credit: Friendly Atheist

younger generations of today and with it is an insurgence of astrology and mysticism. Wicca itself is the practice of rituals that are believed to harness energy and cosmic harmony that bring about change. This also includes the worship of the Goddess instead of a male God. (It is worth noting that not everyone who practices witchcraft identifies as a Wiccan). Wicca can be traced back to the mid-twentieth century where it was influenced in part by pre-Christianity in Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It focuses largely on understanding nature and the earth as well as free thought and will. The religion has a long and complex

history that has now been commodified by the beauty industry and mainstream brands – all in an effort to bring in more sales.

In an ocean of commodified Wiccan trinkets and clothing, it can be hard to decipher what the true meaning of Wicca is and why so many young women today are turning to spiritualism for guidance and faith. What does modern witchcraft mean and how is it helping women today cope?

Feminism is a large part of modern-day witchcraft, with practitioners like Courtney Brooke who class themselves specifically as ‘feminist witches.’

Many have theorised that it is this feminist aspect that has

drawn the interest of millennial/ gen z women. While the word ‘witch’ itself used to be (and still is, to some extent) considered a slur, young women are reclaiming the word in attempt to battle misogynistic views and the patriarchy itself. It is a religion that focuses in liberalism and individualism, something women have struggled with historically.

The recent boom of Wicca and witches can also be attributed to the mindfulness aspect. Aspects such as yoga and meditation can lead young women on a journey to moon gatherings and zodiac signs: all in the pursuit of change and freedom. In-keeping with popular culture, witches share

their practice on social media, which influences others who need a community. There is not any one way to practice witchcraft and this allows women to write their own stories and find their own particular corner. It is this freedom of choice that is said to draw people to the religion, which is understandable in this current political climate – and indeed in the history of women everywhere.

It becomes easy to be sceptical about the healing powers of crystals and spirit dances, but for some witchcraft is an outlet and a faith, a way to keep healthy and centred. That is something that we should never be cynical of.

Careers

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Sport Jordan Batey Confident, calm and sensible.

These were the instant impressions that coach Ben Cairns gave as we sat down to chat.

These are the same qualities that allow him to be good at what he does.

During my sit down with Cairns, he was friendly and helpful, but it was clear he was here to do business and nothing more.

All of his focus was on the night’s training session as he discussed tactics with his players up until the moment we sat down.

That was a quick glimpse into the details and intricacies that he explores as a coach.

Cairns is from a rugby family, playing alongside his brother Mark whilst at Currie RFC. He’s a retired professional who appeared eight times for Scotland at the international level and competed against Wales in the Six Nations.

He also gained more than 100 caps for Edinburgh Rugby, one of two professional rugby teams in Scotland, competing in the Pro 14 league.

After his retirement, Cairns moved into coaching where he continued to make his way up the ranks.

His first coaching role came at the Currie Chieftains where he established himself as one of the best.

Stirling County’s coach Cairns on his life of rugby After six years at Currie, he then had the opportunity to coach at a higher level in the Super 6 for Stirling County, which brings us to where he is today.

Ben made the decision to move to Stirling in December 2018. It’s clear from his decision to move to Stirling that helping to improve rugby is at the core of his values.

“It is a proper Rugby club Stirling County, a lot of good people involved trying to push the club on, it was the only Super 6 role I applied for on that basis.”

Some have wondered what it was about Stirling, besides the new league, that had attracted him to the club, having been so comfortable in his previous position.

He said: “I’m really enjoying Stirling. I think if you take it all the way back to when I actually applied for the role, I thought that it was similar as a club, and the club feel, to Currie where I was before.”

Credit: The Offside Line

It was easy to tell while speaking to Cairns that he was genuine in his fondness of his time at Stirling, excited talk about the city and people that reside here.

He also talked about the great number of prospects from the area.

Youth development has been a key focus for Cairns, not only in the past but during his time in Stirling. He has committed his time and effort to ensure that youth players have the best chance of succeeding in rugby, much like himself, by passing on his torch of knowledge.

Cairns has always seen youth development as key not only to rugby success, but as key to engaging the younger players in the local areas. It can almost be considered a trademark of his.

“It all starts with the youth section, which is one of the best, if not the best, in Scotland, which gives us a really good base.

“I’m also the director of rugby for the University of Stirling, so I have a hand with the rugby programme here in terms of helping ensure we’ve got the right coaching team in place and giving them the support they need.”

This speaks more to Cairns’ character than anything else. The fact that he sees how his job and role have a widespread effect, not just in his own club but within the community itself.

As one of the best coaching prospects in Scottish rugby himself, Cairns realises the importance of his role in developing youth players.

Football stars Shelley Kerr and Alan Shearer to be made honorary graduates Graham Fleming

Shelley Kerr MBE – who guided Scotland’s women’s team to their first ever FIFA World Cup, will join Premier League and England legend, Alan Shearer in receiving an honorary doctorate on November 22.

Kerr - being the first ever woman to manage Stirling University’s Men’s 1st team, did so while achieving a MSc Sports Management which is set to be recognised by the university with this award.

Meanwhile, ex-Newcastle striker Alan Shearer CBE holds the record for

goals scored in the Premier League.

However, he is being awarded an honorary doctorate for his work with the university, exploring the health risks involved with heading footballs.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Gerry McCormac said:

28 Credit: Stirling County RFC

Yet Cairns still has ambitions for his own future to try and make it to the top. After all, he had spent over a third of his life either playing or coaching in Currie, so the desire to reach higher levels has dictated where he moves in his career.

“My ambition is to coach at the highest level I can. You know, as I have gone from one tier to the next, it’s making sure I’m still enjoying it at that level.”

He insists that he is enjoying this level of rugby, but the top of the chain is his end goal.

It’s not always been a smooth sailing career for Cairns. He admits that despite his impressive Rugby background he hasn’t always got things right. Talking about the beginning of his coaching career, he opens up about his shortcomings and how his mindset allows him to improve.

“The challenge around coaching is going from playing at the top of the game, to then managing your expectations around the level you’re coaching at. Getting

that bit right.

“That’s something I didn’t get right at the start and I’ve had to develop and work it out myself.

“I guess that’s what coaching should be about: continuously trying to develop as a coach, learn new ways of doing things, and feel that you’re always improving.”

Rugby has always been Cairns’ passion but it is not the only thing that has dictated his life. When I asked if he sees himself in rugby in the future, Cairns said: “I’m looking to chuck all my time into that and family so we’ll see where it takes me.”

That family is his wife and son.

This is where most of his time and efforts outside of rugby are exerted.

Speaking with Cairns gave me an insightful look into his life in a high level sport and how, outside of his family, rugby constitutes most of his time.

It also sheds light on the decision making that someone in his position has to do, and the impact it can have on the community.

“I am delighted that we will honour two outstanding individuals from the world of football at our winter graduation ceremonies.”

“Shelley Kerr MBE is a good friend of this university, having studied here and managed our men’s first team between 2014 and 2017 – an appointment that saw her celebrated as the first woman to manage a senior men’s team in Britain.”

“The University has been proud to work alongside Alan in shining a light on the potential risks posed by head-

ing in football, culminating in our experts playing a central role in the BBC documentary, ‘Alan Shearer: Dementia, Football and Me’. We will recognise Alan’s outstanding contribution to football and dementia awareness.”

“Both Shelley and Alan embody this university’s ambition to ‘be the difference.’ I am proud that we will honour both at next week’s ceremonies.”

There will be two ceremonies held at the Ganochy Tennis Centre on Friday, November 22, wherein Alan and Shelley will receive their award.

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University sports teams raise over £9,000 for Movember FROM PAGE 32 “At the end of the day we’re looking to prolong or even save a person’s life and that itself is worth every penny.”

His teammate, Robbie Tinton, added: “I signed up because it’s something so small that collectively makes such a huge difference.

“I know so many people doing something and actively raising money for Movember.

“Whether it’s for cancer or men’s mental health, it’s great to be seeing so many guys around uni like myself, looking the part for the month.”

Last year’s success from men’s rugby appears to have inspired other sports teams up their game for the cause.

Cricket president Calum Bickerton said: “I got involved because I wanted to contribute to this great cause.

“The team entered again this year so that we can try and raise as much money as possible and beat last year’s total, which we have already.”

It’s not just male sports

teams that are doing their bit for the cause, as the women’s Gaelic Football team smashed the £1,000 mark last week.

The team is moving for Movember, with each member aiming to run 60 miles over the month, representing the 60 lives lost each our to suicide.

And women from the rowing team are supporting their male teammates, taking part in some silly challenges as they can’t grow moustaches.

After smashing several fundraising targets, some of the team’s members have even got their club’s initials tattooed on them.

Although testicular cancer and prostate cancer are more commonly associated with older generations, it is vital that students understand the importance of checking yourself and not being afraid to visit the doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

Testicular cancer is the most common form of cancer among men aged 15-39, and one in 20 men who are diagnosed do not survive it.

The ‘Tache Cash Tally 1. Men’s Rugby at £3,769 2. Lacrosse at £1,784 3. Swimming at £1,304 4. Ladies Gaelic at £1,078 5. Rowing at £1,048

Despite being a relatively small university in terms of numbers, the Sports Union’s teams are making large steps in tackling stigmas around mental health.

The commitment of teams big and small throughout the Movember campaign have shown that being part of the Bleed Green family is about so much more than playing matches on a Wednesday.

The fact that the university is raising so much is fantastic.

What is more important, however, is the awareness that is being raised as part of the campaign.

234 students have got involved with the online fundraising but the campaign extends far wider than that.

Gold president Lewis Fraser said: “The reason that I’m doing Movember is to raise awareness for mental health issues in men.

“I think that coming to university, mental health is some-

thing that, within and outwith the golf team, people battle with alongside their studies and it goes unnoticed a lot of the time.

“The Mov e m b e r campaign is fantastic in raising awareness and it’s good to see a lot of people getting involved with it. Hopefully it leads to more conversations about how people feel, whether that’s with teammates, friends, or family.”

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Under twelve heading ban aims to tackle brain damage Eachainn Miller

THE Scottish Football Association are set to ban young players from heading the ball in a bid to prevent long-term brain damage.

A recent study by Glasgow University revealed that exfootballers are three and a half times more likely to die of degenerative brain disease.

The results have sparked debate on the issue and prompted the SFA to reconsider their development programme. The move would see players under the age of 12 banned from heading footballs.

The study’s findings added to recent increased public awareness of the effects heading a

football can have on the brain.

A number of ex-footballers, including former Scotland striker Billy Macneil, have died as a result of brain trauma likely caused by heading a football.

The study compared the medical records of more than 7,000 former professional footballers with those of 23,000 people from the general population.

Scotland would not be the first country to introduce stricter regulations around heading.

The USA have had a ban in place to stop children heading the ball since 2014 and many other sports also adopt stricter guidelines with regards to con-

cussion.

The University of Stirling has also taken a great deal of interest in the effects of heading a football and played a huge part in the research. TV pundit and former England striker Alan Shearer’s groundbreaking documentary on dementia was filmed at the university.

Two Stirling football scholars, Alex Webb and Angus Mailer, play in defence and regularly head the ball at training as well as on matchdays. Both players are only 21 -years-old and have suffered serious head injuries already in their career.

Despite their similar roles they have differing views on how the issue should be tackled.

Angus has suffered two head injuries and on both occasions was looked after by a team physio.

He said: “The previous times I got a head injury, I carried out a concussion protocol as precautionary even though there was no signs of concussion at the time.

“One time I came off and the other time I felt fine after the injury so was okay to carry on.”

He says that he was given the appropriate treatment follow-

ing both incidents and therefore does not see a problem with the way concussion is dealt with at senior level.

He added: “If you have good physios within your team, I feel the system is fine as it is.”

His teammate Alex has not had the same positive experience. After an incident earlier in his career, he feels change is needed.

He said: “I’ve never sat out of games due to a head knock.

I’ve always played on and never received any treatment after it.

“In a game in my first year, my head was gushing after a knock and, not only did I play on, I drove back that night to England.”

Alex recognises that he should have been taken off on this occasion and is thankful no harm came of the incident.

He said: “I don’t think enough is done to assess a head knock pitch-side and after a game from my past experiences.”

Both players are only 21 and have suffered serious head injuries already in their career.

An SFA decision to ban heading at junior level would be a significant statement and one that is backed by Box Soccer coach Graeme Miller.

Box Soccer is the technical development programme developed by Ian Cathro in Dundee and is now used at the Heart of Midlothian Academy.

Miller said: “Youth soccer coaching should concentrate on ball to foot co-ordination and, taking heading out of youth development, would not only prioritise this and promote safety but also support our young players to retain possession in the ways required to develop our game nationally.”

The SFA has received praise for addressing the issue of heading at youth level but is being urged to also consider the impact of concussion in adults.

Heading is an integral part of the game but as evidence and awareness of its long-terms effects grow, only stricter guidelines will ensure lasting

‘Tis the season to be jogging Sam Ormiston THE University of Stirling’s running series will be turning festive next month, in the form of the campus Santa Dash.

Students and staff are invited to join the 3km campus Santa Dash on Friday, December 13.

A spokesperson said: “To really get into the festive spirit we encourage all runners to dress up.

“To be in with a chance of winning Best Dressed Santa you’ll have to put out all the stops, however your costume doesn’t have to be jolly old St Nick, even a Christmas jumper will do.”

The entry fee is £2 for early entry if you purchase your ticket before November 30, with a £3 entry fee thereafter.

The entry fee will include a festive Santa Hat, Christmas candy canes and support from the team along the route.

The race will start at 1p.m with the prize presentation following at 1.30p.m.

The event is organised by University of Stirling Sport, who are dedicated to transforming lives and society through sport and wellbeing.

The sports centre aims to provide a huge range of sport, leisure and fitness activities for students, staff and local residents.

damage does not occur through bravery or ignorance.

Credit: The Irish Times

Credit:UoS Sport

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Golf team swing into top position Sam Ormiston STIRLING University Golf Club are continuing their reign as kings of the university golf scene with a strong start to the 2019/20 season.

Their season kicked off with the Stirling International, where members Laird Shepherd and Hazel MacGarvie claimed the crown in the men’s and women’s events respectively.

This was followed by a clean sweep in the BUCS tournament in Fife, where Swiss internationalist Robert Foley and Scottish star Chloe Goadby emerged victorious.

Chloe, along with teammates Louise Duncan and Penny Brown, won the woman’s title by a huge margin, their nearest opponents being Stirling’s second team.

Last year, four out of the club’s five competitive teams topped their leagues, with a number of individuals placing well in individual competitions.

And this year, the trend appears to be continuing.

The first team, coached by Dean Robertson, currently top the Scottish Tier 1 league, after racking up convincing victories against St. Andrews, Strathclyde and Edinburgh.

This year, the 1s contain a healthy mix of experience and youth, with Freshers Louise Duncan and Greg Hurley making their way into the ranks.

Golf president Lewis Fraser said: “It’s unusual that someone goes straight into the first team coming into first-year, but our new members are proving that they deserve to be there.

“There’s a lot of new players coming through, which is really important for the club.”

The second

and third teams both compete in the same league. The teams recently faced off in the derby, with the 2s coming out on top in a tight-knit match.

Lewis added: “The 2s and the 3s are probably the best they’ve ever been.”

The club’s lowest ranked competitive team, the 5s, are also currently on top of their league.

A number of the club’s mem-

31 bers represent their home countries in international competitions.

Earlier this month, Robert Foley of the first team represented Switzerland in the Spirit International.

Despite the men’s Swiss team coming in joint 14th place at the tournament, Robert returned to Stirling with a brand new Rolex watch, courtesy of him gaining his first hole-in-one at the prestigious tournament.

Looking ahead to the rest of the year, the 4s and 5s have cup games starting towards the end of the semester.

Last year, the 5s knocked out the 4s in a close-fought Scottish Conference Cup semi-final, before going on to be the eventual winners of the championship.

Into the new year, the 2s and 3s will compete in UK-wide trophies.

“These tournaments are fantastic because it gives our players opportunities to play against teams that are higher ranked than them”, Lewis added.

“It’s a great experience, even if you don’t win.

Overall, Lewis is extremely happy with the season so far under his presidency and is optimistic about the club’s future.

He added: “It’s great to see lots of freshers doing really well, and lots of people who aren’t performance golfers really enjoying the sport.

“It’s not always about being at the top level. People can enjoy the club even if they’re not elite players.”

Credit: SUJC

Sport Brig

STIRLING COUNTY COACH ON FAMILY, FAILINGS AND GOALS FOR THE FUTURE

Olympian returns to tackle marathon Ryan Dinsdale Sports Editor

STIRLING Olympian Kieron Achara has been appointed ambassador of the 2020 Stirling Marathon.

The 6’10 retired basketball player appeared at Wallace High School in November when his new position was revealed.

Becoming more involved in his hometown community is important to Achara.

“I feel it is my duty,” he explained.

“Stirling helped me so much with the development of my game, and in the 2012 Olympic Games our motto was to “inspire a generation.

“I take that very seriously,” he conCredit: Scottish Sun

tined, “and believe I have been given a platform to do just that.”

Achara finished his 20-year basketball career in May, and his attention has since turned to helping others grow through sport.

“I truly believe in the power of sport as a tool to better people’s lives,” he explained. “I love to be part of enhancing people’s wellbeing.”

That includes himself as well, and this aspect sparked his idea to run the marathon.

Achara’s best friend ran the 26mile course in 2017, and doing it himself sounded like a good challenge.

“I am a big man who has never

ran distance before,” he explains, “just not getting injured will probably be the most challenging aspect.”

It’s all part of the fun though, as Achara has missed the competition and physical activity of professional sport.

“The marathon will help with my own mental and physical fitness,” he said.

“Most of all though, I am looking forward to running alongside friends and having the community come together.

“Whether to participate or to support, it will be amazing.”

Paralympian reaches World Championships

Charlie Harris

WHEELCHAIR racer and Stirling University student Ben Rowlings reached the final of the men’s World Para-Athletics Championships in Dubai this November.

Rowlings finished in 7th and 8th places in the T34 800m and 400m respectively.

The track was shared by some of the best athletes in Rowlings’ class around the world, such as Tunisia’s Walid Ktila who scooped gold and silver medals in the two races.

Speaking of his appearance, Rowlings told University of Stirling Sport: “It’s been a while since I’ve been out on the track with the best in the world,” and that his main goal was to get back involved without pressure to place highly.

The Newport athlete has previously tasted success on the international stage, having won two silvers

in the 400m and 800m in last summer’s European Championships in Berlin. Rowlings, who has two previous appearances at World Championships, also took part in the 100m and 800m T34 events.

T34 is one of eight classifications for wheelchair racing, which includes athletes across a broad range of disabilities.

More than 1,000 athletes represented 123 nations at the championships which played host to a variety of different sports, such as the shot put, discus and javelin, as well as numerous wheelchair class races.

This championship follows a whole host of high-profile events in the Middle East in the lead up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which is expected to launch the region onto the international sporting stage.

Sporting a moustache for good cause Sam Ormiston Sports Editor

EXAMS are on the horizon and the BUCS season is in full swing, but sports teams across campus have spent the month raising vital funds and awareness for Movember.

The Movember Foundation is the world’s leading men’s health charity which focusses on supporting people who suffer with testicular cancer, prostate cancer and mental health issues.

Suicide is still the leading killer of men under the age of 45 and three quarters of all suicides are male.

By 2030, the Movember Foundation aims to reduce the amount of male suicides by 25 per cent through different projects and campaigns.

In the ‘Big Moustache on Campus’ challenge, the University of Stirling is currently sitting in the top ten out of British colleges and universities.

On November 15, the halfway point, the university broke the £11,000 barrier, with the Men’s Rugby team contributing to over a quarter of that total.

Men’s Rugby first XV captain Jack Sutherland said: “We’ve decided to do Movember again this year because it’s an important cause for all men, young and old.

“Many men suffer from mental health issues and cancer, so to raise money to help fight these issues is the least we can do.

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