/SL SH/ university college Groningen issue 2 - may 2016
contents 1. Crew’s summer plans 02 2. Hitchhike weekend 04 3. UCSRN tournament 07 4. UCG’s compliments 08 5. Essay 10 6. Recipe 16 7. Exchange 18 8. UCG’s compliments 20 9. City review 22 10. Movie review 26 11. LASCON 27 12. Comic 28
our plans for the summer Emmi:
I was planning to do absolutely nothing this summer. I was constantly on the road last summer, so I’m hoping to just chill out with friends and generally do nothing. That however, is not going to happen. Before you know it, your summer is filled with things to do and there is no time to just lie in bed all day. Thankfully, the things that I ‘have’ to do are pretty awesome. First, I will go to London with a good friend of mine. After that I have to pack up my room and figure out what I’m taking with me to Norway. Before going to Norway however, I’m going by my parents in Greece and spend a few weeks sailing around the Ionian Sea (terrible I know). Then I will go straight to Trondheim, Norway and get settled for my half year abroad! (After travelling around in the area a bit of course) So my summer is going to be travelling from one place to another, but I’m really not complaining. How much fun would hanging around the house all day be anyways? I think that would get pretty boring after a week. So for those of you who have no inspiration on what to do this summer, come sailing with your family or friends! It’s the best vacation, and maybe I can convince my parents to give you the friend discount ;). You know where to find me!
Anne: Now there’s a good question: what are my plans
for the summer? To be honest, I haven’t decided on anything yet, except for tickets to see Craig Gallagher in Paradiso and hopefully attend my brother’s college graduation! Just as my choice for a major, there are too many good things to choose from. So as for my summer: either I will be backpacking through Europe, or going to a nice cabin in the south of France, or joining an animation team on a camping in France, or going on a ‘suprise me’ with my friend and the last option is to go on a theatre camp in Italy, which includes ten days of hard work, rehearsals and lots of good Italian food, ending with two shows of the end result. Finally, I’m still waiting for the crew of a TV-show to get back to me whether I can be an extra on the show this summer. All in all, I am not sure what it’s going to be yet, so if you have any suggestions for some nice, adventurous and amazing experiences: let me know! 02 /May 2016/
Desi:
My plans for this summer are not very concrete, but my to-do list gets pretty filled. Maybe I will join my family on their road trip through England. Furthermore, I planned to go with a friend from primary school to Berlin. We did not pick a date yet. I am trying to convince her to change our destination to Dublin since it just seems a very nice and chill city. A close friend of mine was there a month ago, and she highly recommended to visit Dublin this summer. The summer vacation would not be the same without visiting at least one festival; this year it will be festival ‘Zand’ at the 27th of August. The combination of famous Dutch artists (Douwe Bob, Typhoon, Bløf, etc.), close friends and the beach will be one of the best ways to say goodbye to your freedom of the summer. Another practical thing I have to do is moving out of Frascati and look for another room or apartment. It would be ideal to have a room before the KEI-week. It would be awesome to become a KEI-mummy. I have to manage a partner-in-crime before the 20th of May, so wish me good luck.
Roos:
My main goal for this summer is to relax, enjoy the sun and do a lot of nothing. But I will also be visiting Budapest with a friend for a few days! Desi’s tips in this journal and of course Nikki’s recommendations will surely help me to find my way in the city. Then, I hope to be able to go to the camp site I worked at last year again. Last year I had a great time, so I’d love to work there again and make some much needed money. Fun fact: Lieke worked there too last year, I could not have been more surprised when my supervisor told me that there was another student from UCG (I mean, what are the odds, with only 50 students?). Lastly, the girls from my rowing team and I are planning a one-week trip at the end of the holiday. We haven’t decided on the destination yet. Maybe Rome? Barcelona? Marseille? Let me know if you have any recommendations for us. But whatever we will decide on in the end, I´m already excited. Enjoy your summer!
Hitchhike weekend By Tijler Dommerhold
While writing this text, I have to say that it’s pretty hard to get my smile off my face. What an amazing hitchhike weekend! It all started on Saturday morning, when we assembled with every couple and the organizers and we finally heard our destination: Leuven in Belgium. Our task was to get to Leuven as quick as possible. After Deborah and I checked out the maps and sort of had an idea of how to get to Leuven, we could finally start hitchhiking! It all seemed pretty professional to have a straight route in mind, which in the end, required to be adapted too many times. Too bad! The first 200 kilometers went amazingly well; two rides brought us half way there! But then, horror came on our way. The couple that brought us to Arnhem, had to leave the highways earlier, yet, there was no petrol station to be found. This was really shitty! So we ended up on the wrong side of the wrong highway in the direction of Germany. Soooo, what to do? Crossing the highways? No. Waiting for some crazy person that would switch his direction for us? No. Crossing the meadows and jumping over ditches to get to a village further down? Yes. So we did, with all our stuff, expensive camera, hitchhike signs, etc. An hour later we finally reached the village and waited for someone that could bring us to the right highway again. And we succeeded! Thanks to the coolest piccalilli-maker ever.
04 /May 2016/
Ok. So we were on track again and our enthusiasm was on the initial level. During our ride in the direction of Eindhoven, we heard that the first couple, Bengt and Tamara, just arrived. This was really shitty, but still, being 2nd would be awesome as well. When we finally reached the border, we lost our enthusiasm again. We were dropped at a very shitty place and couldn’t find a (Belgian) person who could bring us further south. Someone told us that they buy their petrol in their own country, because of the prices. So there were no Belgians to be found. After waiting and waiting, we met Michel, who brought us in the direction of Antwerp which was not really our direction, but we had to go somewhere at least. Surprisingly, the Belgians appeared to be amazingly helpful for hitchhikers! We didn’t have to wait long anymore. After eleven rides and ten hours we finally reached our destination. We were genuinely exhausted. After sharing all the cool stories with our fellow couples, we could finally have dinner. Tim and Simona joined a couple to Antwerp, straight away from Groningen! So they only had three rides! (I personally couldn’t believe that, since Deborah and I drove in eleven different cars!) Wauw. Tamara and Bengt went in the direction of Venlo, then to Maastricht and after directed inwards to Belgium. Smart route! It led them to be the first couple! Congrats guys! In the evening Roos and Tjitske, the best organizers ever, counted all the points that the couples could earn with taking selfies with the drivers, doing beautiful serenades for the drivers (Tim & Simona, ahum ahum...), getting to Leuven the quickest, scoring phone numbers of the drivers or having the most awesome line on your hitchhike plate, that ‘surprisingly’ Jack and
/May 2016/ 05
Cairo won. Bengt and Tamara got their prize for being the quickest hitchhikers and Tim and Simona got a prize for earning the most points. However, I still think Jack and Cairo should have earned more points for falling asleep in a car while hitchhiking. Very well done everyone! At the moment we arrived I wasn’t aware of the fact we actually made it to Leuven, the ‘student city’ of Belgium. It appeared to be a gorgeous city, with lovely architecture and a great atmosphere, though in comparison with Groningen, I have to admit that going out in Groningen is way better. We had a great time in a few bars and clubs. After ‘borrowing’ some pizza it was time to get to the hostel again. Sleep tight everyone! I think I can say on behalf of all the hitchhikers, this weekend was awesome and should become a Caerus tradition! Looking forward to next year’s hitchhike trip. Ciao!
06 /May 2016/
UCSRN: fighting and uniting in defeat, with a touch of victory
By Anne de Vries
It all started with a bus that could fit 30 people, in which just 12 people were seated. Tired expressions donned their faces due to the early rise. The journey from the High North to the middle of the Netherlands took some time. They filled it with a joke here and there, some con versation but mostly some beauty sleep! When the bus turned onto the terrain of UCU it was a marvellous moment when just 12 people came stumbling out of a massive luxurious bus and the tone was set. Not only were they massively outnumbered, their desire for competition was the lowest of all. After changing into their war costume and teaming up with their battle partners of UCT, the spirits got raised by the victory of their joined board in the Battle of the Boards. Afterwards the delegation dispersed to their various obligations. Their teams took part in table tennis, chess, soccer, hockey, basketball, stand-up comedy, the baking competition and last and least the film competition! Soon the positive messages came flowing in over the joined Whatsapp group: both in soccer and hockey the ladies were beating the other UCs, so much so that they made it to the finals! Also the baking girls were engrossed in competition and the film crew was rolling, trying to get their creation in one take. After a glorious victory in soccer, surprisingly as they were the least prepared team in the tournament, and some showing of talent in the other departments, the United UCT & UCG team wasn’t even last in all displays of rivalry! However, this underdog did not surprise anyone by rising as victor, as they finished in last place in the overall ranking. But next year they’ll be fully prepared with a complete delegation and most importantly: no one will ever take those first-place medals from us!
/May 2016/ 07
ucg’s compliments Dear Bogdan, you are a happy, energetic dude that never stops surprising. Btw, love your drumming skills! Eh! :)
Ruby: I love your hair <3
Desiree, I’ve always loved your sarcasm and autonomous ways. Also your halloween costume was the most badass of them all!
Tijler, you are my personal style icon, Rock on!
Jelena is a an amazeballs vlogger.
Emma is very cool! She is always there for people when they need to talk and I just really appreciate her as a person.
Charlotte, (wow) Thank you so much for being the awesome person as you are!
Nick has an awesome personality and is a very positive thinker. He is also a Squash King!
Jonathan, sometimes you annoy me because you seem to know everything. Maybe you do. At least you strive to, and you’re by far one of the most interesting conversation partners at UCG. Really looking forward to seeing you again later on in life! Marthijn is my bestie!!! BFF 08 /May 2016/
I want to compliment Marieke in /Slash/ for being such a slashie!
Hanne, it always amazes me how smart you are!!
Akelei is my wonderful Cleopatra
Petra, Always smiling and having a good word for everyone. You’re UCG’s sunshine!
Danial, you’re annoying to work with, but you’re a hell of a good boy!
Tijler has the most positive vibrant personality, I really enjoy being around him for these positive smiles and vibes.
Roos van der Reijden, you bring a sunny vibe to every room you enter, I love it!
Hugo, your Dutch accent is fabulous! Cairo is a very kind and rational human being who loves to work in the interest of the majority.
Marieke is a very calming person to talk to, her personality traits make her the amazing, smart and kind hearted person she is. Niki, it inspires me how calm & confident you always are.
Tom is a professional at handball, how cool is that?? Dear Anne de Vriets, I like so many things about you. Hard to mention them all in a piece of paper. Well done dying. #Wolfpack Guido is the dad of UCG, what a great title to hold!
You are the Luke to my Skywalker, the Link to my Zelda, the Bat to my man… # Wolfpack4EV Cyntha
You have a sexy voice, Janek! Dear Jacky Yuejie Wang. I think you are a great Kun Fu warrior. - Jacky Chan
Murf, you are such a pretty raveteef. And how wonderful that you share this skill with others.
/May 2016/ 09
‘Our art is a reflection of our reality’ - Ice Cube Essay by Jack Dignam
Rodney King was unjustly beaten by the officers belonging to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on the 3rd of March, 1991. The 9th of August, 2015 saw Michael Brown, an unarmed teenager from Ferguson, die from a shot fired by a police officer. On the 19th of April, 2015 Freddie Gray died due to injuries caused while travelling in a police vehicle following his arrest. On the 4th of March of 2015, the New York Times published an article after the United States of America’s department of justice released a report on the Ferguson, Missouri police department (Matt Apuzzo, 2015). The report revealed that the Ferguson Police Department had been routinely violating the constitutional rights of its black residents. Bias against African-Americans was standard and thorough, affecting ‘nearly every aspect of Ferguson police and court operations’, according to the report. The report confirmed that for African-Americans, distrust and fear of the police was warranted. This report clearly conveys that there is some sort of perceived difference between young, black men and other groups in the United States and this results in their disenfranchisement. Straight Outta Compton , sees the world’s most dangerous group, N.W.A, emerge from the streets of Compton, LA in the mid 1980s and revolutionise Hip Hop with their music and lyricism that tells tales from their lives. But Straight Outta Compton is about much more than the musical careers of Eric ‘Eazy-E’ Wright, Andre ‘Dr.Dre’ Young, O’Shea ‘Ice Cube’ Jackson, Lorenzo ‘Mc Ren’ Patterson and Antoine ‘DJ Yella’ Carraby. The film explores themes of racism, police brutality and disenfranchisement of young, black men that are as relevant today as they were when N.W.A. released the protest anthem ‘F**k Tha Police’ in 1988. This essay will provide a critical analysis of Straight Outta Compton and will focus on the themes mentioned and how they are presented within the film along with an analysis of the disenfranchisement of young, black men in the United States with direct reference to the film and the aforementioned report. This essay is aimed at furthering an understanding of the disenfranchisement that the black community has undergone for too long. 10 /May 2016/
Firstly, to further an understanding of the disenfranchisement of young, black men in the United States it is important to establish where the perceived difference between young, black men in the US and other groups derives from. The report, previously discussed in the first paragraph of this essay, reveals that only 67% of the Ferguson population is black and yet 88% of force used by police was on the black community. In an article published in March of 2015, other startling facts were revealed; although 67% of the Ferguson population is black, 88% of force used by the police was against the black community between 2012 and 2014. Additionally, the report also revealed that the Ferguson police department excessively used tasers and dogs on black suspects. ‘In 2013, one man was chased down and bitten by an officer’s dog even though the officer had frisked him and knew the man was unarmed. The officer’s supervisor later justified the use of force with a patently untrue statement, suggesting that the officer feared “that the subject was armed”.’ It is clear that this perceived difference exists but it is still to be established where it comes from. This data shows that there is no empirical evidence to explain the perceived difference. The report goes on to suggest that this perception spawns from ignorance. ‘Several police and court employees expressed racist views in emails and interviews. Messages between Ferguson officials compared African-Americans to chimpanzees and characterized a black woman’s abortion as an effective crime-stopping tool.’ The film suggests the same idea. Upon leaving his Aunt’s home, located on the same block that he grew up on, Ice Cube is harassed by police who have rounded up a group of local black male teens and are searching them for any narcotics, despite having no justification to do so. Cube’s parents arrive on the scene shortly after and a police man threatens to ‘ruin [Cube’s Mother’s] night’ and then another cop proceeds to slam Cube on the car
/May 2016/ 11
bonnet and thus, uses excessive force. The same cop uses the word ‘nigger’ while shouting at Ice Cube and says, ‘This is LAPD, I’m the only gangster around here.’ It is here where the perceived difference between young, black men and other ethnicities can be seen. The policemen, without any reason to believe so, assumes that Ice Cube must have narcotics on his person. Although the police never offer any reason for their assumption, the policeman’s use of the word ‘nigger’ and his later comment on how he is the only ‘gangster’ around here implies that due to his skin colour and image, Cube must be involved in a life of crimes and drugs at least in the eyes of the law enforcement. It is clear that there is some sort of racial bias going on. The policeman’s ‘gangster’ comment also suggests that he believes Cube idolises gang culture again, because of his skin colour. This scene helps to recognise that the perceived difference between young, black males and other groups exists and to understand that it comes from a place of ignorance and a lack of understanding rather than any empirical evidence. Secondly, the disenfranchisement of young, black males has resulted in a number of riots and protests over the years and it should be investigated why this is the case to further an understanding of the aforementioned topic. After the United States Justice Department revealed the report mentioned earlier, a protest outside the Ferguson Police Department took place. This was not an isolated incident. On the 12th of April 2014, Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American resident of Baltimore, Maryland, was arrested by Baltimore Police Department officials. Although in good health at the time of his arrest, Gray received injuries to his neck and spine while being transported in a police vehicle. Gary died on the 19th of April 2015 after falling into a coma the previous day. Riots in Baltimore began on the 18th of April over the treatment of Gray and his subsequent death (Laughland, Farrell, Lewis, Jacobs, & Swaine, 2015). These resulted in lootings, fires and and high levels of violence. The people of Baltimore felt angry and cheated by a system designed to protect them, according to an article published by The Guardian on the 28th of April (Lewis, Swaine, & Jacobs, 2015). ‘Quatiarra Bonaparte, 14, said the unrest was a vent for the rage young people in her neighbourhood felt over Gray’s death. She pointed out that the six officers involved in his arrest, who are 12 /May 2016/
under investigation, have been suspended on full pay. ´When we kill each other, we get consequences,´ she explained. ´But when they kill each other they just get a paid vacation.´’ Straight Outta Compton suggests that these riots are in fact a result of the disenfranchised African-American community feeling as though they have been wronged. In 1991, Eazy grimaces as he watches the Rodney King beating on TV, and later the not-guilty verdicts. Los Angeles soon erupts in flames. At an interview that Ice Cube had thought was on the recent Rodney King riots, a journalist states that the FBI and American Government believe the lyrics of ‘Fuck Tha Police’ advocate violence against American law enforcement. Ice Cube retorts, ‘Fuck tha Police’ is just a warning, that’s it. You can’t treat people like that and expect them not to rise up.’ Cube shares similar feelings to that of Bonaparte and her community; people do not like being oppressed and after a certain point, they will react to the oppression. This scene of the film helps to recognise and understand the frustrations of the black community, an important aspect of understanding such a complicated issue. Understanding why people are upset and understanding the rationale behind riots and protests helps to improve the relationships between the black community and those around them, namely law enforcement. Lastly, to further an understanding of the disenfranchisement of young, black men in the United States the actual act of disenfranchising black youths and what can be done to further improve the situation must be considered. The Justice Department’s report on the Ferguson Police Department described a city where police officers did not know the law or did not bother to follow it. ‘Internal documents showed Ferguson police officers conducting “pedestrian checks,” in which they stopped people walking down the street and demanded to see their identification without any probable cause. One officer cited in the report told investigators he considered people who refused to show identification to be suspicious or aggressive, and typically arrested them.
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When people refused to comply with — or even questioned — unconstitutional orders, police sometimes responded with force. Stun guns, for example, were commonly used even when officers were not threatened. “Supervisors seem to believe that any level of resistance justifies any level of force,” the report found.’ Straight Outta Compton’s soundtrack helps to further our understanding of the actual act of disenfranchisement. ‘Fuck Tha Police’ is played more than once in the film and is probably the real-life group’s most recognised song. During the Rodney King riots, it became a protest anthem. Youths would often tag the streets with ‘Fuck tha police.’ But ‘Fuck Tha Police’ is much more than just a battle cry against systematic oppression. ‘Fuck Tha Police’ explains the problem at hand.
‘A young nigga got it bad cause I’m brown // And not the other color so police think they have the authority to kill a minority // … Searching my car, looking for the product // Thinking every nigga is sellin narcotics // You’d rather see, me in the pen // than me and Lorenzo rollin in a Benz-o’
Although the writer, Ice Cube, is referring to the LAPD in particular, what he said is applicable to the police mentioned in the report. These police are not being trained to protect justice but instead they are trained to win every argument, every situation, every altercation which results in excessive violence and feelings of frustrations and anger from the black community. Understanding how the police operate is key to further an understanding on this topic when they are so responsible for the disenfranchisement of young, black men in the U.S. Additionally, both the report and the film have ideas about how the situation can be improved from two different perspectives. The article states these findings will result in the Ferguson Police Department being forced to make changes or face a federal civil rights lawsuit. In this case, policy makers must fight for real change and more systematic oppression must be revealed for the situation to be corrected. The film instead focuses instead on how the black community can proceed. During an interview about their track ‘Fuck Tha Police’, the group is told 14 /May 2016/
that their music promotes violence and celebrates criminality. Ice Cube responds with ‘our art is a reflection of our reality.’ The film advocates the thought that through art, something real can be achieved and tracks like ‘Fuck Tha Police’ are an example of this. Similarly to the article, it is about revealing systematic oppression but it is about revealing it in an entirely different way, revealing it through art and self-expression which are drastically different to the revealment of stats and figures. Ultimately, the disenfranchisement of young, black males is still as relevant today as it was 25 years ago and articles like the New York Times’ on the Justice Department’s report on the Ferguson Police Department show the perceived difference still very much exists. But films like Straight Outta Compton help to consider the disenfranchisement that young, black men are confronted with everyday and help to further an understanding of this very real and topical issue. Straight Outta Compton reveals that this perceived difference is a result of some sort of racial bias rather than empirical evidence which is hugely important to improve an understanding of the problem. Moreover, it makes known how those being oppressed feel and offers a justification for the riots and protests that are so commonly seen in the United States both lately and historically. Understanding the rationale behind the riots is vital to improving relationships between those being oppressed and those around them, namely the oppressors. Finally, the film helps to explain the actual act of disenfranchising along with offering a way to move forward through art and self-expression, a much more powerful tool to understanding issues that are, sadly, so common in everyday life.
Sources: Laughland, O., Farrell, P., Lewis, P., Jacobs, B., & Swaine, J. (2015, April 28). Baltimore riots: looting, fires and unrest as Freddie Gray police clashes unfurl – as it happened. Lewis, P., Swaine, J., & Jacobs, B. (2015, April 28). “This is not the justice we seek”: sorrow in Baltimore as grief turns into riots. Matt Apuzzo And. (2015). Ferguson Police Tainted by Bias, Justice Department Says. The New York Times.
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travelling food recipes By Emmi Kraan
Recipe for date bars Ingredients 75 g oatmeal 300 g fresh or dried dates 90 g nuts of own choice 20 g chocolate powder 50 g pure chocolate, chopped Handful of dried fruit of choice Preparation Grind the dates. Mix all the ingredients into a sticky ball, Cover an ovendish with baking paper and spread the mixture. Press it and cover with baking paper. Cut into strips. Leave the strips in the fridge overnight so they can harden
Recipe for peanut bars
Ingredients 120 g oatmeal 6 spoons of peanut butter 2 spoons of honey 2 spoons of coconut oil Handful of peanuts Preparation Mix the oatmeal and peanuts. Warm up the coconutoil, peanutbutter and honey in a small pot. Pour the sauce over the dry mix and knead into a batter. Cover an ovendish with baking paper and spread out the mixture. Press it down and cut into strips. Leave the strips in the fridge overnight so they can harden. 16 /May 2016/
Recipe for granola bars Dry ingredients 350 g oatmeal 150 g nuts and/or seeds of your own choice 110 g dried fruits (like raisins) Quite some cinnamon Ingredients for the sauce 150 ml honey or other sweetener 95 g light brown sugar 125 ml neutral oil (like coconut oil) 50 g peanut butter Preparation Prewarm the oven to 130 degrees, mix all the dry ingredients, Warm up all the ingredients for the sauce in a small pot while stirring, Add the sauce to the dry ingredients and mix together. Distribute the mixture over a baking dish with baking paper, and press it with a spoon. You should get a cake of about 1 cm high thick. Bake the muesli for about 30-40 minutes in the oven on 130 degrees. If you want it to be crispy, keep it on for about 50-60 minutes. Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes. Turn the dish around and let it rest for another 20 minutes. Cut the muesli with a sharp knife in strips or squares. You can be creative and add things you like, such as chocolate or more chocolate.
/May 2016/ 17
where will you go on exchange ? Akelei de Lange I’ll be going to Wellington, New Zealand. To study both biomedical sciences and ethics Ruby Kemna I’ll go to the Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) for courses in Neurosciences and Criminology. Cyntha Wieringa I'm going to Arizona State University to follow courses in Digital Animation and Game Development! Emma van Wezenbeek I'm going to the Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Amsterdam, to do a minor in political science. Tjitske Schokker University of Oslo, Development studies & religious studies Josephine Strijker I´m going to Seoul National university for courses in Health and Life Sciences, mainly cell biology.
18 /May 2016/
Cairo Geha Masarykova Univeristy, Czech Republic. Faculty of Arts, Department of Psychology
Luca Leithuijser I will go the SUNY Geneseo in the USA and I will follow psychology courses there. Marieke van Beek I will go to the City University of Hong Kong to follow courses on development economics and development studies. Hozan Rashid I am going to Newcastle University, to the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology. Janek Gulbis Sydney and political science Jacky Wang At McGill University in Montreal, Canada, I´ll follow physics and engineering-oriented courses. Lieke Heupink At University of South Carolina I´ll follow courses in the departments of public health, environment and health, sociology and epidemiology. Emmi Kraan At the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. I’ll follow courses in Gender Studies, Literature and Psychology. /May 2016/ 19
ucg’s compliments I think you are pretty alright. How about grabbing a double double Eh? Wanna entrepeneur sometime? Claire
I like your funny remarks on things, Rosalie! Jack, after Aine, you are my favorite Irish person! Simona,
Frank B. You have a great desire for adventure. You also have nice hair :)
обичам те
Nikki, I love your positive vibes and your fancy grey pants.
Marieke, Love your enthusiasm.
(I think it is; I love you?)
Laura, your open arms and bright smile give me happiness all along the year. You are the kindest and most interesting world traveler. I hope to meet you on the road again!
Hanna, Gomma and Anja, you have been my first -even- UCG- animaljumping-around-shouting-all-the-time-best-firend. You are creative, smart, just a beautiful personality. One day I’ll read about you in the newspapers! Love, little sum. Hugo, you take amazing care of everyone & everything, thank you for that! Dear Emma, I love to see you relaxed and happy.
20 /May 2016/
Cyntha always prepares group birthday gifts, she is so caring.
Marthijn, you have done a really good job at being the Interim - Interim chair.
Tim, never lose your kindness and your warm heart! <3 Dennis, funny and full of dreams. I hope you’ll keep on doing just what you like and end up somewhere amazing. Thumbs up!
Danial, rocking the undercut mate! Iris, sometimes the rowing talk gets me a little too much. But I am so proud of you in what you have achieved so far <3
You have a really lovely voice, Nora! Thank you for your wisdom, Sinja! You are a very special person!
Jelena, you are straight up a bro, so awesome! I Cho Cho Cho Choose you *beautiful but simple train drawing* Sinja.
Danial is the oatmeal and eggs chef, I heard that is all he ever eats.
Marieke is cool because she is living her own life as she wants to live. Anne/Stalin, you’re are one of the best listeners Whoville has every known! If I was living in that town, I would elect you as mayor! Proud to have you as committee member and as friend!
Dear Luca, You are the best neighbour and I am going to miss you so much when we have to be apart for one semester.
Nikki, creative and beautiful. You’re an inspiration every day. Without you UCG would miss it’s biggest artist. Love you!
To Class of 2018, Thank you for an amazing year! All so different, it has been a privilege to know you guys! Y’all are wonderful beings :). Desi
/May 2016/ 21
City reviewed: Budapest By Desi Burghoorn
The first association I have with the capital of Hungary is the song ‘Budapest’ from George Ezra. Even though Ezra has never been to the Budapest (or Buda and Pest as described by travel hipsters), the description of Hungary’s primate city seems quite accurate. The romantic influences of the song seemed to be derived from the old characteristic inner city of Budapest and is definitely worth to visit. Background information on the city The name “Budapest” is a consolidation between the city names Buda and Pest, two cities who were merged into a single hub in 1873. Several decades of the establishment of the first permanent bridge, the Chain Bridge that was built between 1839-49 over the Danube. Until 1849 Pest and Buda did develop so separately, that the distinction is still visible today. Before the unification, Buda was a residen tial area for royal and prosperous families, whereas Pest developed itself as a vibrant trading centre. Whereas Buda is hilly and mostly wooded, Pest is the urbanist area. Pest is located east from the Danube. If you book a hotel, it is most likely that you will stay in Pest. Pest is the economic heart of Budapest so to speak. There are lots of touristic hotspots at the eastern side of the Danube. I will list them further in this article. Besides the touristic hotspots, Pest is home to a considerable amount of universities: Central European University, Corvinus University of Budapest, Semmelweis University, Andrássy Univerisität Budapest and Eötvös Loránd University. So, in some places near the Danube, Eduroam is available. As most of you probably noticed, the third and fourth mentioned university sound very German. Budapest was, together with Vienna, the capital of the 22 /May 2016/
Austria-Hungarian Empire (1867-1918). Furthermore, Germans had a number of ‘ long term visits’ in Budapest, both as an ally (World War I) or as an invader (World War II). In short, the connection with the German language is noticeable and present in the streets of Budapest.
Practicalities Due to the german speaking heritage and the presence of german speaking universities, tourists could be understood in German and English (and Hungarian of course, good luck with that). The currency is the Hungarian Forint (1 EUR ≈ 314 HUF). It is possible to pay in euros, but I would recommend you to pay in florint (no dubious ‘calculations’ when you ask the bill). Due to the large numbers on the bullets and coins, it might be confusing. I downloaded an offline valuta app to get a notion how expensive things were in euros. Instead of luxurious touristic cruises at the Danube, you make use of the public transport. A single ticket for the waterborne public transport is way cheaper, and if you can survive without an audio guided tour, this might be a great cheap alternative. If you are planning to use the public transport a lot (bus from the airport to metro line 3, metro in general, tram and (night) buses), it could be handy to buy a travelcard for a couple of days. A single ticket bought on the spot cost you 450 HUF while a ticket for 24hrs is 1,650 HUF. These day or multiple day tickets can be bought at the airport.
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If you obtain an ISIC Card (International Student Identity Card) there is a possibility to get a discount at certain museums. You can consider buying a tourist card that permits you to make use of public transport, free (or discount) entrances at museums and discounts in restaurants. In the worst cases (like losing your passport): there are many embassies of European countries located in Buda. Must sees in Budapest There are LOTS of things to in Budapest. In my hostel (Casa de la Musica) they had travel maps, especially for young adults. Of course, Google or Nikolett can probably tell you all about the hotspots, but here are a few recommendations: - The national parliament - The hills of Buda. If you want to escape the crowded city centre of Pest, the hills are wonderful for a relaxation moment. There is the opportunity to take the elevator for the first part, in case you are lazy. The panoramic view on Pest and seeing the Buda palace from close by is worth the ef fort, trust me - The Chain Bridge - The boulevard along the Donau (side of Pest). Apart from the wonderful view of this river, there are sculptures to see - Central Market Hall to score traditional foodies - Gerbeaud, a traditional coffeehouse in Pest. Very lovely and expensive - One of the ruin cafes. Most of them are in the District VII, also called the Old Jewish Quarter. From the outside a regular old abounded house, inside a relaxed club or bar To conclude this article, I would like to end with the lyrics of George Ezraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Budapest: My house in Budapest My, my hidden treasure chest Golden grand piano My beautiful Castillo
You Ooh, you Ooh, I'd leave it all 24 /May 2016/
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movie review By Dora van Elk Based on Marvel Comics most unconventional anti-hero, the Merc with a Mouth comes to life in DEADPOOL. It tells the origin story of Wade Wilson, Ex-Special Forces operative turned mercenary, who after being subjected to experiments (Weapon X program), gains accelerated healing powers (Wolverine’s powers) and adopts the name Deadpool. DEADPOOL is not the first time Deadpool has been on screen. The first time he was on the big screen was in Wolverine: X-Men Origins, where Wade Wilson becomes the weird entity (Katana arms, laser eyes, teleport abilities, etc.) that Wolverine and his brother fight on top of an abandoned power plant. This is something that many Deadpool fans would like to forget (Yes, it was THAT bad). But, without Ryan Reynolds and the supportive fans, DEADPOOL would never have been made. The budget was considerably smaller than other comic book movies that have come out over the years and are expected to appear. This, however, did not have any effect on the content of the movie at all. DEADPOOL is outrageously vulgar and uncommonly self-aware. Deadpool breaks the fourth wall as he talks directly to the audience. It’s a movie that exists in a world that’s aware of the very movie it’s part of (though Deadpool is the only character that shows this). For instance, when Deadpool is told he is going to see Professor Charles Xavier (X-Men universe), he asks whether he is meeting Patrick Stewart or James McAvoy. The movie is also self-deprecating as the director is named “an overpaid idiot”, and the producers are “asshats” during the opening credits. Deadpool is also a wisecracking and foul-mouthed hero, who isn’t afraid to get bloody (what with his red suit to hide the blood). This movie definitely deserves its R-rating and is absolutely worth seeing at least twice (maybe more). I give this movie 12 out of 12 bullets. (Good Deadpool!)
26 /May 2016/
Conference
LASCON: Groningen Towards a Sustainable Future
University College Groningen Hoendiepskade 23/24 Groningen Student tickets: €5 Regular tickets: €7.50 Including Lunch, Snacks and Drinks 26th of May
Keynote Speaker: Maurits Groen For more info: lascongroningen.com
Photo by Deborah Bremmer
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donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pick me By Emmi Kraan
28 /May 2016/
Editorial office: Desi Burghoorn Emmi Kraan Roos van der Reijden Anne de Vries Jacky Yuejie Wang With thanks to: All those who submitted compliments Jack Dignam Tijler Dommerhold Hanna Dosenko Dora van Elk