Issue 17 - September 2010

The

MAGDALEN

DUNDEE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER • NO.17 IN THIS EDITION: THE LIBRARY ISSUES MEET YOUR EXEC NICK CAVE MORE STUDENT DRAMA IN SKINT METAL: THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUND ROBERT WINSTON AFRICAN ADVENTURES LEIGH GRIFFITHS INTERVIEW

THE FREE MAGAZINE BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS.

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No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

Magdalen CONTENTS 5 NEWS: Campus 6 NEWS: Dundee for Dummies Page 25

7 EX LIBRIS 14 POLITICS: Con-Dem 15 DUSA TV: Skint 16 FRESHERS: Awe! Wonder!

Freshers’ Special!

19 INVESTIGATION: Bulgaria 20 Welcome from your Exec 24 MUSIC: Metal Page 27

26 Art: Degree Show in Retrospect

27 BAD SEED? Nick Cave in Dundee

28 TRAVEL: From Africa to Shanghai

32 SCIENCE: Winston’s Wisdom 33 SPORT: Leigh Griffiths Speaks Page 32

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The Magdalen

Editor Beth Shackley Online Editor Ruth Hunter Assistant Editors Sam Longden Henrietta Evans Current Affairs Editor Faye Cawood Graphic Designer Hannah Graham Entertainments Editor Ruth Hunter Science Editor Dr Jon Urch Sports Editor Gary Cocker Travel Editor Kirsty Fergusson

Contributors Mark Bonington Jordan Dunbar Ellie Fraser Emily Kane Kate MacRitchie Albert Lehzen Rory Martin Niall McGoldrick Jennifer Menzies Yue Min Gabriel Neil Evelyn Page Gary Paton Alanna Reid Vicky Stevens Ryan Swann

Editorial Greetings readers!

A very warm Magdalen welcome to all students joining us this year.

We trust you’ll all become avid readers.

Ah, how wonderful it is to be back. Campus is already buzzing with anticipation at the incredible events set to take place over the coming academic year, and thanks to the input of our excitable members of the new exec. See page twenty for interviews and introductions from those beauties!

The libraries, among other buildings, have been drastically upgraded, and The Magdalen hopes it does not disappoint! We have delved deep into the issues surrounding these changes, so check out the library debate from page seven.

Actual size..

While you’re not too busy drinking your own body weight in Tennants, or collapsing under the growing piles of books and assignments, do check out some worldly wisdom (or lack thereof) from our features team.

If football is your thing, you’ll enjoy our ever-expanding sports section, located at the back of The Magdalen.

You may have noted that The Magdalen is available online.

Thanks to the dilligent VPC, each month’s magazine will be available on the DUSA website.

We have moved office!

Meet MIGHTY FAN.

I wish everyone a very enjoyable, if not productive first semester!

Beth Shackley Editor a.e.shackley@dundee.ac.uk

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Recycle your copy of The Magdalen

Campus News Dundee scientists in magnetic field breakthrough A team of researchers from a joint project from the school of physics, mathematics and engineering have used a state of the art of computer to plot simulations of evolving plasmas at the sun’s surface.

This work allows them to explore how the magnetic field of the sun radiates energy.

The computer simulation allows them to predict how the plasmas will behave and also to discover how the sun’s energy is released.

Visible magnetic field

Freshers’ fayre On September the 11th there will be the annual fresher’s fayre. This is a chance for freshers, and other students, to come along and see what societies the university has to offer, from Scottish dancing to the university radio and everything in between. The fayre gives you a chance to come and talk to different societies and clubs and see what they get up to. Being involved in a society gives you chance to meet new

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

5

friends and talk to like minded people.

There really is something for everyone, and often lots of free stuff too! So why not pop down to the union and see what takes your fancy?

Freshers’ week It’s that time of year again, the campus jolts back to life as student from all over the country, and the world, flood back to Dundee. It also receives a new influx of life in the form of thousands of freshers.

This year there are many events organised to keep everyone happy, from campus tours to the international students’ welcome. However there is only one thing that we all really care about, and that’s the epic events at the Union. This year DUSA has really pulled it out of the bag and we have some amazing guests hitting Dundee. He had a full tent at T in the Park and one of the biggest hits of the summer, but popstar Example has made time in his busy schedule to come and perform live at Dundee. We are not only being treated to one but two huge D.J.s (as well as many other D.J. sets). Pendulum and Jaguar Skills will be showing us their skills on the decks, it’s all going to get a bit hands in the air and promises to be two brilliant nights. As if that isn’t enough, we also have James Buckley from the Inbetweeners and Radio 1‘s Aled Jones providing entertainment for everyone.

The Union is really the only place to be during fresher’s week and if you want access to all these fab nights then you can purchase a fresher’s pass or buy tickets for each event on the night.

D’Arcy Thompson’s 150th birthday events D’Arcy Thompson is more than just a lecture theatre in the tower building, D’Arcy Thompson the man was born in Edinburgh in 1860 and this year marks the 150th anniversary of his birth.

To celebrate the renowned biologist, mathematician and classics scholar, the University of Dundee is hosting events throughout September. D’Arcy Thompson was a pioneer of life sciences at Dundee and in the tower foyer and the Lamb gallery, there is artwork based on some of his ideas and theories. The exhibition, called Sketching the Universe, will be on until November. There will also be a range of guest lectures during the first week of September ranging from Martin Kemp’s look at how Thompson’s ideas are reflected in the visual arts, architecture and engineering, to lectures about his ongoing relevance in areas from biology to the arts. The events allow students to find out more about the pioneer of life sciences and an influential, world-renowned man.

The Magdalen

e e d n Du for S E I M M DU

by Ryan Swan

Dundee was once known for the ‘three Js’: Jute, Jam and Journalism. Fortunately, times have changed and the city’s reputation is no longer constrained by three alliterative areas of expertise. It has developed into a uniquely interesting and lively place.

It is not as large in area or in population as Glasgow or Edinburgh, but in spite of that, it undoubtedly stands out as an attractive place for young folk to live and study in, for a variety of reasons.

For students in Dundee, the most important building on the university campus – at least for evenings and weekends – is the student union. It is the source of food, drink and entertainment at student-friendly prices. During Freshers’ week, various music events are held in two of the four union venues (Mono and Floor 5). The chance to join student societies and sports clubs, of which there are more than forty each, is offered during this time. Some people (usually parents and religious officials) may regard fresher’s week as a shockingly reprehensible debauch.

Maybe it is. It depends on the individual.

Being a fresher only happens to (some of you) you once, and for only one week.

Running alongside the campus, from the university botanic gardens to the city centre, is the Perth road. It is peppered with a diverse range of restaurants, take-aways, cafes, shops (including one particularly renowned independent music shop,) and pubs. Closest to the campus, there are a few pubs worth visiting, if only once, and the well-known Perth Road pub crawl will give you the perfect opportunity to try a variety of ales and ciders before heading on to the Union to end your night.

hosts exhibitions and workshops. Not far from the DCA is the Dundee Repertory Theatre (in Tay Square), which hosts everything from drama to dance to comedy to music. Established over 70 years ago, and asking for very little cash in return for entertainment, it’s no surprise that it attracts an audience of around 70,000 people each year - this theatre is a definite boasting point for Dundee. In the city centre, the McManus museum and art galleries are housed by a prominently large Gothic Revival style building –due to being encircled by relatively dull tenement buildings, it demands immediate attention of anyone who has not yet seen it. There are eight galleries spread across two floors with a prodigious natural history collection, as well as collections of decorative and fine art. The galleries were recently redeveloped in a £7.8million make-over which took more than four years.

The city centre, which in addition to having a high concentration of pubs and eateries, has some vibrant live music venues: The Doghouse hosts indie/alternative rock performances, while The Reading Rooms plays a mix of electronic/electronic dance music.

The Caird Hall in the city square hosts orchestra performances throughout the year, as well as theatre and opera performances; and, contrasting with previously mentioned acts, The Prodigy played there earlier this year. However, The Hall is not just a centre for arts, but the centre of Dundee itself. Students in first year head to the Hall to be welcomed by the Principal, and students in fourth year go for the graduation ceremony; it is the welcome point and farewell setting for every student.

To escape the monotonousness, concrete grey of the city centre, visiting Magdalen Green or hiking the Law Hill may offer sanctuary of sorts. Magdalen Green is one of the most popular areas in Dundee for students - it’s great for playing sports or just relaxing (when the sun is out). Walking from the city centre up the Law Hill can be tiring (for those who don’t cheat by taking the car), but offers reward in the form of an exceptional view to those who reach the summit.

There are places for culture vultures to enjoy themselves in Dundee. Near the campus is the Dundee Contemporary Arts centre, which shows films, and

The idea of a ‘good time’ can differ enormously from one person to another.

Fortunately, Dundee has enough to cater for each individual, from the spontaneous thrill-seeker to the scrupulous weekendplanner. In this city, only boring people are bored. From your first year to your fourth you will never be short of things to do in Dundee.

7

Winter Exposes Government’s Lack of Grit

Over the summer the University’s

libraries have been experiencing updates, mainly the installation of new electronic self-issuing machines. The Magdalen decided to take a closer look.

The Magdalen

Luddites in the Library Albert Lehzen Initially, I missed the concept behind the fully automated self-issue machines that appear to have replaced the Dundee University main campus library staff. While renewing books for my dissertation, I entered the library looking forward to the small discussions shared with the Librarians, the stolen glances exchanged over the counters, the small humilities as I struggle to remove my library card from my wallet, and then again, the polite smiles as my card will not for-the-hundredth-time be recognised by the computer scanner. The seemingly smooth transition which has taken place over the summer holiday has left the Librarians outside of one of the most important parts of Library existence— the everyday interaction which will make even the most sullen of Luddites smile.

My first experience of using the selfissue machine was led by a female Librarian who admittedly was not so enamored with the new machines. At first she struggled to show me the re-issuing facility, and then, once we had worked it out, she led me to the returns machine.

A small conveyor belt swallowed my return and spat a receipt into the world to thank me for my good deed. This process, above all else has provided

an instant improvement, I freely admit.

I have had three experiences in the past with the misplacing of books I have returned which I have duly been asked to pay a fine for, and told rudely and abruptly on one occasion that my library card would be cancelled if I did not pay the fine, which had only amassed over one day. This human error, of receiving a book, but not checking it off the system before it is returned to the shelf, has been eradicated, as the implication of the receipt, naming the book returned and the date, acts as an instant article of proof to show your innocence. Any loss after this is easily rectified. For this I am glad, as it was a major fault in the returning system of the past, with many lost books magically reappearing on the shelves they had come from, or being “found”, and only rarely ever being apologised for.

The Luddite in me wants to know why the staff have been removed completely from the issuing process, the staff are still very active around the library, but I still long to have the ability to interact with them as I issue books and return them.

To witness them watching the students issue the books, perhaps longing too for the interaction, and for their clandestine power to be returned. On a more basic level, I wish to know how this new system has affected jobs within the library. The library will never run itself, but for the Librarians who checked in and out countless books, and held witness to long queues, angry students, confused students, cheerful students, what have they lost? Have hours been rectified to justify the deficit in staff activity at the front counter? How do the staff honestly feel about this new system? And, what problems have arisen due to this new system?

Taken from the LLC (The Library and Learning Centre) page on the University website, the issuing machines are explained.

“Over the summer, the LLC is implementing a new self-service system which will allow you to borrow and return books and other items quickly and easily, minimising queues at busy times. […]

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

The new self-service machines are much quicker, more intuitive and easy to use, with touchscreen technology and facilities for both the issue and return of books and other resources.”

Listing the benefits of the new system, it also states that “LLC staff will have more time to deal with enquiries and provide face-to-face help around the Library”, which to me sounds unconvincing.

What was wrong with queuing, waiting to see a Librarian, checking out books, asking questions, resolving problems, without first having to go to a machine, and then ask for help? It appears as an unnecessary link in the chain. Perhaps the speed and innovation of the self issuing machine is a benefit, but as a self confessed Luddite I fear the loss of the humanity behind this process and must ask you all to consider the possible effect this has on the Librarians and on the libraries of our future.

No Victorian Luddites or Machines were hurt in the production of this article.

The Magdalen

A 24 hour Library for 24 hour Students

Gabriel Neil Let me set the scene for you. It’s the day before your big essay is due in, it’s worth a gazillion percent of your overall grade, you’ve been stressed, distracted by other, equally important things, your sleeping pattern is a mess and the only thing keeping you going is the coffee machine and the oddly calming lighting in the library. You have just managed to settle your fried nerves enough to get into your stride and at last the word count is rising.

After our library has spent what has probably been a substantial amount of money installing new high-end selfservice machines, a redesign of the reception area and for some reason, little flashy lights on top of the security barriers, it doesn’t look like they are short of cash. So why not put that money towards something many students here have been wanting for a long time, keeping the library open 24/7 in term time.

This is when you notice the security guard walking towards you. You look at your watch, it’s 5 minutes to midnight and you are soon to be kicked out of your haven of productivity to shuffle your way back to the disorganisation of your room and the temptingly warm sheets of your bed. You get home, you might switch on your computer half-heartedly and watch some videos of a cat playing the piano, but before long you’ll be tumbling into bed, defeated, with an unfinished essay still mocking you.

I say many students, because of course, not all students have this problem. The Computing students at Dundee get full 24/7 access to resources in the Queen Mother Building. So why are we noncomputing students left to go home to possibly dodgy internet connections, unreliable heating and the inevitable distractions which come from working at home? We have to be students 24/7, so why shouldn’t the library?

It’s a situation which has plagued many a student over the years, and which continues to be a major annoyance. And so we keep asking: why can’t the library remain open 24 hours a day?

It is a well known fact that students do not and often cannot keep a regular routine. Part of the point of going to university is being able to work out your ideal working routine, to find your peak hours and best patterns, and for some this means that they make mistakes and must pull the dreaded all-nighters.

Quite a number of students take parttime jobs to bolster their very small income, meaning that sometimes, alongside classes, the late evening into the early morning is the only time vital university work can be done.

There is a reason, in the working world that most people do not work from home.

It is because it is known that it is best to have a separate environment in which to work than the one you spend your leisure time in. It’s basic psychology – you’ll just be in a cats-playing-pianos kind of mindset if you try and work at home.

Students need the same kind of workappropriate environment that everybody else in the adult world does, and the library is best placed to provide that.

No.17 No.17 TheThe Freshers’ Issue Freshers’ Issue September 2010 September 2010

Model: Jennifer Menzies Photography: Vicki Stephen Costume and Direction: Sam Longden

The Magdalen The Magdalen

Luddites in the Library: Initially, I missed the concept behind the fully automated selfissue machines that appear to have replaced the Dundee University main campus library staff. While renewing books for my dissertation, I entered the library looking forward to the small discussions shared with the Librarians, the stolen glances exchanged over the counters, the small humilities as I struggle to remove my library card from my wallet, and then again, the polite smiles as my card will not for-the-hundredth-time be recognised by the computer scanner. The seemingly smooth transition which has taken place over the summer holiday has left the Librarians outside of one of the most important parts of Library existence— the everyday interaction which will make even the most sullen of Luddites smile.

My first experience of using the self-issue machine was led by a female Librarian who admittedly was not so enamored with the new machines. At first she struggled to show me the reissuing facility, and then, once we had worked it out, she led me to the returns machine. A small conveyor belt swallowed my return and spat a receipt into the world to thank me for my good deed. This process, above all else has provided an instant improvement, I freely admit. I have had three experiences in the past with the misplacing of books I have returned which I have duly been asked to pay a fine for, and told rudely and abruptly on one occasion that my library card would be cancelled

The organised chaos of the Textiles studio!

if I did not pay the fine, which had only amassed over one day.

This human error, of receiving a book, but not checking it off the system before it is returned to the shelf, has been eradicated, as the implication of the receipt, naming the book returned and the date, acts as an instant article of proof to show your innocence. Any loss after this is easily rectified. For this I am glad, as it was a major fault in the returning system of the past, with many lost books magically reappearing on the shelves they had come from, or being “found”, and only rarely ever being apologised for.

The Luddite in me wants to know why the staff have been removed completely from the issuing process, the staff are still very active around the library, but I still long to have the ability to interact with them as I issue books and return them. To witness them watching the students issue the books, perhaps longing too for the interaction, and for their clandestine power to be returned.

On a more basic level, I wish to know how this new system has affected jobs within the library. The library will never run itself, but for the Librarians who checked in and out countless books, and held witness to long

The Library queues, angry students, confused Replies students, cheerful students, what have they lost? Have hours been rectified to justify the deficit in staff activity at the front counter?

How do the staff honestly feel With the countless questions regarding about this new system? And, the changes, not least the notion of staff what problems have arisen due to cuts, The Magdalen scampered along to this new system? the library to speak to Christine Backler, Taken from the LLC (The Library Service Delivery Assistant Director. and Learning Centre) page on the University website, the issuing The first impression given was that the machines are explained. library and its associated staff have been “Over the summer, the LLC is focusing on direct student feedback. As implementing a new self-service you may have noticed, there have been system which will allow you to surveys available on neat little touch borrow and return books and screens outside the café in the library, other items quickly and easily, which asked, for example, if students minimising queues at busy would prefer more PCs to be available, times. […] The new self-service or a greater number of sockets for machines are much quicker, laptops. The library has not only added more intuitive and easy to use, more laptop provisions, but 32 extra with touchscreen technology fixed PCs will soon be available in the and facilities for both the issue main library in addition to this, alongside and return of books and other 8 in the Law library and 6 in Duncan of resources.”

Jordanstone’s.

Listing the benefits of the new system, it also states that “LLC The new initiative in the library has staff will have more time to introduced 400 extra power points deal with enquiries and provide

Evelyn Page

throughout the building as a whole – including the silent zone. Some more exciting additions to the library include laptop lockers, which will be in operation during semester one. New bookshelves have been introduced within the Info Zone, which allow for self-issuing of reserved books, which were previously held behind the issue desk. A secure out of hours book return machine is available outside of the library, so students can quickly return their books at any time without having to go inside the building. Other updates include an upgraded ventilation and heating system, managed by Estates, to ensure an even temperature, which is a direct request from students. There is now a University of Dundee app for Smartphones. Though not specifically aimed at library-goers, the app contains means to access

No.17 No.17 The Freshers’ Issue The Freshers’ Issue September 2010 September 2010

13

information about it, as well as a campus map. With new technology, ICS also plan helpprinting around the toface-to-face introduce wireless near the Library”, which to me sounds beginning of September, so students can unconvincing. print from their ownWhat laptopswas whilewrong inside with queuing, waiting to see a the library.

Librarian, checking out books, asking questions, resolving We discussed our fear of machines, and, problems, without first having though laughing, Chris Backler said that to had go to a machine, and then this been taken into consideration. ask“Just for Ask” help?

It appears The service is still in as operation, an unnecessary link inassistance the giving the Luddites constant the speed if chain. required.Perhaps Chris explained the and innovation of the self significance of removing theissuing help desk, machine is areplaced benefit,bybut which has been the as “Infoa self confessed Luddite I fear the Zone” – the square pink bit! This allows loss of the humanity behind this a collaborative space for staff to interact process and ask you all to with students andmust provide more flexibility consider the possible effect this for dealing with requests. has on the Librarians and on the libraries of future.the viability Incidentally, weour discussed of a 24 hour library. Libraries that have pioneered this system have noted a significant period of desertion, between two o’clock and six. Chris exclaimed that students should also be encouraged to at some point go home! Often, the library’s closing signals a time to stop working and go home to sleep (perhaps sleep, perhaps watch videos of belching dogs), which surely leads to a healthier and less manic student. The library has extended its opening times in order to meet students’ requests; it is now open until midnight every Sunday and saw an increase in hours during the re-sit period.

As we broached what I thought would be the sore subject of staff cuts, a little worry welled up. Ms Backler was soon to put our minds at rest, “No redundancies have been made!” The staff, instead of being sacked, have been redeployed and in some cases retrained in order to provide a better type of user-support. Instead of being required for issue transactions, staff can provide more assistance e.g. with electronic resources. The new system does not seek to replace us humans, but instead allows more flexible use of library staff’s time, and encourages the correct use of their expertise.

The Magdalen

100 DAYS IN CON-DEM-NATION Well, that wasn’t too bad was it?

They did get rid of ID Cards... and that George Osborne didn’t cut half as much as I thought he was going to... and Mr Cameron was awful statesman-like when reporting on the Savile Enquiry...!

Now, usually I’m a glass half-full person, and I’ve done my best to convince myself it’s not been all that bad since I watched that most bizarre of moments as Clegg and Cameron joshed on the Downing Street lawns. And to be fair, some positive steps have been taken. The entirely unnecessary and ridiculously expensive ID card system Labour attempted to batter through Parliament has been scrapped, and the first baby step towards reforming the wholly unrepresentative First-Past-ThePost system has been taken through the promise of a referendum on the Alternative Vote. Let’s face it, whenever the Tory Right are grumbling, you know somebody somewhere’s doing something right.

But, at the end of the day, I know that very soon the harsh reality of

a Conservative-led Government is going to kick in. The public sector is already feeling the pinch, with my own University pushing ahead with a very controversial Strategic Review and police forces across Scotland being forced to impose a recruitment freeze in the face of budget cuts. The tax relief scheme that was dropped for the computer games industry, a key emerging sector in the Scottish economy and a major employer in Dundee, looks to have claimed its first casualty with the collapse of Realtime Worlds, a company that employed some 210 staff including friends of mine. With no support being offered by the Government and little in the way of alternative employment in the current climate, Cameron’s brand of ‘compassionate conservatism’ has been shown to be a sham.

Another ‘compassionate conservative’, former U.S. President George W. Bush, was well-known for his numerous gaffes, a trait that seems to come with the territory. In the space of 100 days, Cameron and his team have impressively managed to insult or infuriate Israel, Pakistan, WW2 veterans, Boris Johnson, the Scottish Government over Lockerbie,

their own backbenchers and (thanks to Ken Clarke’s proclamation that prison doesn’t work) the Daily Mail and the rest of the right-wing press. Whilst some of this, such as his assertion that Gaza is like a prison camp, is refreshingly honest and blunt, it also betrays a lack of political nous and a hint of naivete with regards to his foreign policy.

The cuts being pursued so relentlessly by an ideological cabal with a passion verging on bloodlust are not only a threat to public sector, they’re a threat to us all. Cameron and his team are poised to push us off the tightrope of economic recovery into the abyss of a doubledip recession and even the supposed economic Messiah Vince Cable won’t be able to stop them. With Labour engaged in the political equivalent of a gap year spent travelling to “find themselves”, it’s unclear who if anyone can stand in the way of the impending blitzkrieg. The phoney war of this coalition is almost over; when the bombs start dropping, we’d all better take cover.

by Gary Cocker

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

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DUSA TV Wants You! ‘Skint’ is Scotland’s first student soap and has become one of the biggest media projects in Scotland. The soap is based in Dundee Uni and follows the ups and downs of student life. The teamare looking for students and young people to get involved with the project.

As part of Dundee University Students Association TV (DusaTV) it has had over 50,000 views in 6 months. The show is entirely made by students with no funding or external support and has taken the city by storm.

The team have even managed to get film star (and new Rector of the University of Dundee) Brian Cox to appear in the soap as a rogue Bio-Scientist! The premiere of the drama received National media attention in Scotland, with a clip even being shown on the STV 6 O’Clock news. The project is set to get even bigger as colleges and universities from Aberdeen to Edinburgh are to get involved in making the third episode this autumn. The guys started this year by making an OC style trailer on Broughty Ferry beach in mid January! The next episode is going to be filmed at locations across the city and campus and the guys hope to get hundreds of extras involved.

The project got even bigger with the involvement of Hollywood Filmstar Brian Cox, who recently filmed with the students on location in Dundee. “The attention has been phenomenal, to have this much coverage for just the first two episodes is great and it’s only going to get bigger from here! To have the chance to work with Brian Cox is a once in a life time opportunity” said script writer and actor Jordan Dunbar Initially the project was just made up from Dundee University students but with the success of the first episode, young people from across the region have been getting involved; “I got asked by Abertay and St Andrews University students if they could be

involved and Dundee College gave us their fashion and make up department for the night!” Jordan tells us. “That’s not too mention the bands who have contacted us to try and get their work showcased on the show, we have a great title song by Make Sparks a local band” Whether you want to act, write, produce or even get behind the camera get in touch.

To watch the soap check out:

www.skint.tk

jrjdunbar@gmail.com

Freshers’ Intro Things we wish we’d known in first year.

Whilst we know that this article is ridden with patronizing overtones and besmirched with subjectivity, it is important for you, the (first year) reader to understand – we genuinely wish we knew the following in our first year.

Had we known the subsequent facts, we would have still had our slender figures, boyish good looks and dignity with which we came to uni with four years ago. Our knowledge is being imparted to you, the next generation of students, with the realization that no matter what, you will leave with some of the most bizarre anecdotes ever collated.

Enjoy.

•

Learn how to cook – would have saved the torture of mince korma, dodgy combo meals with unrecognisable ingredients or the malnutrition- inducing fajita diet.

•

A night never ends just because the club throws you out, bring on the after party!

•

Don’t bother taking down numbers of random people. They are not your real friends, just as their real name is not “hot irish guy.”

•

Make the most of your first year by getting involved with things you care about, groups you might be unsure about or just anything that takes your fancy. A friend of friends took it upon themselves to play every computer game there was going during first year – it goes without

saying they are no longer a friend of a friend.

•

Use the library to talent spot, take limitless coffee breaks and enjoy the free heating. And read.

•

You will be poor. A lot. Even if you have a job. And rich parents.

•

Get to know someone with a car.

•

If you have a car, don’t trust anyone’s motives for befriending you.

•

You’ll make countless plans to do things with random people when you’re drunk; don’t get your hopes up – they’ll never happen.

•

Throw yourself head first into a project no matter how daft it may

sound. One of my best uni memories come from painting giant cardboard Rubix cubes for a night my friend put on.

•

Get to know Dundee. There are loads of beautiful parks in and around the city centre, which demand ball games and general shenanigans.

Freshers’ Outro Stuff what I know...

Ah yes, I remember first year.

Not really though. The post communal bantering amongst one’s peers would indicate that if you had a good time, that you do not remember it.

It’s like an inadvertent fight club, you do not talk about first year, because you can’t fucking remember first year.

But also it’s less like fight club in that it contains sex that you are consciously participating in instead of listening to your alter ego Brad Pitt doing it from a room downstairs. And there are more parties.

It can be argued that memory makes up our reality, so if your memory of your first year at university are a blank, then why not paste in an atmosphere of fun and gaiety that everyone can enjoy hearing about! It certainly does improve the story to be told. Who wants to engage with third level education when you can fill yourself with alcohol and touch strangers? No one. Is the answer.

The question was supposed to be hypothetical, I think, actually I don’t remember but I’m sure I enjoyed myself.* So much of what I know now seems so incredibly obvious that I think that ‘surely I did know that in first year’ but just in case I will relay a quick summary of partially sincere advice:

•

•

Basic number one: no matter how hammered you are, you are capable of using a condom.

If you’re really broke, go to Skint. The drinks are cheap, so everyone’s obliterated and it’s free in. My point is Mono on a Skint night is the best place in Dundee to find money on the ground, though if you spend the whole night looking at your shoes you may come off as a tad antisocial… or emo.

•

Look in to my eyes, The Union is the only pub in Dundee, I repeat, the only pub.

•

The smoke alarms in halls will go off at any given opportunity; hair straighteners, cigarettes, the dulcet tones of Eamon Holmes, steam from the shower and farts.

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If you get locked out make enough noise and someone will let you in

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Don’t spend all your money on eating out! Stock up and go home to eat.

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Spend all your money on alcohol, it’s fun.

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If you come from a religious background or one with any upbringing full of propriety and morals, never feel guilty for your sexual exploits, guilt is for gays.

Disclaimer! This

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Don’t be a homophobic twat

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It takes 6 years to digest anything from Clarkes’ bakery that has cheese on it

Medical students are sexually frightening, they know too much.

Making lists of stuff you should do never works.

This brings me to the concluding paragraph and the end of my caffeine buzz. I do not look forward to seeing all the new faces this year as I am going in to fourth and you are at this stage let’s face it (particularly for those in the less employable arts subjects), just the competition.

Nonetheless I wish you a sportsman like good luck and being neither a man, nor much of a sports player, you may imagine that this mainly entails me giving you the finger. Welcome to Dundee University. *Please help me. *This asterisk isn’t attached to anything in the article wooooooooooooooo! (That’s a scary ghost noise)

By Ruth Hunter

article is in no way representative of The Magdalen or its writers! Or students. Or people.

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

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Comment: The truth of Bulgarian Roma children.

By Niall McGoldrick

Imagine that education is your only way out of a life of poverty, deprivation and crime, but you can’t get to school because it’s too far to walk, your parents can’t afford the bus fare, and the government won’t pay either. This summer, five Dundee University students from the DARE society travelled to Bulgaria to volunteer at a summer camp for impoverished Roma Gypsy children who face this exact situation. At the summer camp, the Dundee students saw first hand the plight of the Roma people in Bulgaria. Although Bulgaria has been a member of the EU since 2007, many children are still suffering as a result of deep-running prejudices against the Roma people. The appalling conditions of Bulgaria’s institutions, where even mildly disabled children are imprisoned, have been well publicised by the BBC documentary “Bulgaria’s Abandoned Children”. The prejudices the Roma minorities face are much more poorly documented. Compared with other Bulgarian children, a much greater number of them live below the poverty line and are not fully immunized.

The under-five mortality rates of Roma children are twice the national average.

of the destitute children of Bulgaria”. The Lora Foundation was created in tribute to the adoptive daughter of a South African couple, who found her close to death one of Bulgaria’s institutions. Lora is now a happy and healthy teenager who has thrived under their love and care. The Lora Foundation aims to train staff and improve facilities in institutions, supply food and clothing, and help address some of the children’s emotional needs.

One of the ways they do this is by running the annual summer camp. The children who attend the summer camp are Roma from a slum outside the town of Kyustendil. Terrible living conditions, poor sanitation and violence all weigh heavily in the children’s lives. Many of the children are orphans or their parents are in prison. The annual summer camp provides something for the children to look forward to when life is difficult.

It also allows the children to witness moral and caring adult behaviour, and to relax while away from the hardship that shapes their daily lives.

The summer camp the students volunteered at is run by The Lora Foundation, who seek to “better the life

Lora, the inspiration for the project

Now back in the UK, the students are hoping to continue to support The Lora Foundation, specifically by raising funds to support the transportation of the children to and from school. Three quarters of school drop-outs in Bulgaria are Roma children and education is essential in order for the children to have any hope of overcoming the prejudices their people face when trying to find employment and better living conditions.

The students are also hoping to support other charities working in Bulgaria, and to continue to raise awareness of the suffering still occurring in many of Bulgaria’s institutions. Look out around campus for events happening throughout the year.

The Magdalen

Vice-President of Student Activities

Name: Kirsty Brown Age: 24 What do you do in your role: I look after all the societies and student groups on campus helping them develop and make sure they get everything they need to flourish on campus. I also make sure the university and students Association are providing the facilities and services that students need and want, like fair trade, for example.

What kind of music/artists do you listen to: I like a lot of different music so I’ve looked at my most recent Spotify play list, we have: Muse, Biffy Clyro, Pendulum, Radiohead, Journey, A-Ha!, Erasure and Bob Dylan….so a mix I’m sure you’d agree.

Interesting fact about yourself: I have this fascination with coca cola, not only do I love to drink it but I collect a lot of their merchandise, my favorite being my coca cola bean bag.

What are you most looking forward to in the next year? I guess seeing the fruits of the exec team’s labour will be great but it’s a little cheesy! I’m really looking forward to seeing what big society events are going to get planned and meeting lots of new weird and wonderful people.

Honorary Secretary Name: Brett Capstick Age: 24 What do you do in your role?

Predominately, I provide some eye-candy for my office-mate, fail horribly at philandering, and drink heavily to forget my tortured past. Occasionally, I run the Student Disciplinary Panel. If you’ve been naughty in the Union, you’ll get a letter/email from me explaining what’s going on, and you’ll get the chance to come in and give your side of the story.

What kind of music/artists do you listen to?

I like most music really, everything from classical to hip-hop. For hip-hop see: The Roots, or Hilltop Hoods. For Classical, see: the larger part of the 18th century. But my all-around favourites would have to be The Who and Bowie.

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

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In other news, Canada apologises for Justin Bieber What are you most looking forward to in the next year?

I got this email about an African Prince owing me lots of money…I’m hoping that’ll pan out in October.

Vice President of Welfare Name: Amy Waldron Age: 20 What do you do in your role?

I’m responsible for the output of student welfare material. Running campaigns that offer benefits to your wellbeing and providing a supportive ear for any niggles you may come across during your time here. Working closely with other members of the Exec we will provide information that is targeted at you as a student body and your requirements so please get in touch if there is anything that you feel strongly about or want us to look into for you.

Music of choice?

I tend not to have a favourite. If I like it, I will buy it. Tend to fall back to the likes of Muse, The Script, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Oasis etc.

Interesting fact: My brain has gone dead so will get back to you on this one…

What are you most looking forward to: I can’t wait to work alongside this team that is driven by the students of Dundee’s needs. There have been some big challenges set to tackle this year and looking forward to giving students representation a good shake up.

Vice-President of Communications Name: Natalie Coupar Age: 22 What do you do in your role?

I support DUSA's three media outlets: Discover Radio, DUSATV and The Magdalen, ensuring they are running smoothly and are visible on campus.

I also administer www.dusa.co.uk, which underwent a major overhaul over summer. In addition I monitor DUSA's communications strategy and provide support to societies and groups in running exciting campaigns.

What kind of music/artists do you listen to?

I listen to a lot of Benny Goodman, Fleetwood Mac and Billie Hollidsy. I'm a masive fan of swing music.

Interesting fact about yourself: I have a life-destroying phobia of pigeons. You can watch me running about City Square avoiding them most Saturday afternoons.

What are you most looking forward to in the next year?

I'm looking forward to developing our media outlets; working alongside a fantastic team of young and vibrant people who are committed to producing top-notch publications and broadcasts. I'm also looking forward to working in a team who are determined to make Dundee University Students' Assocation the foremost in the U.K not only for nights out, but advice and suport, opportunities and overall transparancy.

The Magdalen

Deputy President Name: Chris Browne Age: 22 What do you do in your role?

As Deputy President I am responsible for ensuring students receive the highest standards of academic quality and representation at the University.

DUSA plays an important role in assisting students feed back their views on the service provided by the University and I ensure this is heard at every level of the Uni. I also work closely with international students and minorities to promote equal opportunities and cultural and social integration in the student community. I assist the Careers service in promoting employability opportunities and organize all DUSA elections. On top of all this I am also here to deputize for our esteemed President Craig Kelly when unavailable.

What kind of music/artists do you listen to?

I am a huge Bruce Springsteen fan and the Boss is one of my obsessions in the life. Other than the great man my favourites include other oldies such as Neil Young, Van Morrison and the late, great Warren Zevon. I also enjoy some modern bands such as the Gaslight Anthem and the Hold Steady. Being from Ireland I enjoy many of our local acts and recommend everyone checks out the incredible Divine Comedy for some of the best songwriting you can find.

Interesting fact about yourself: I do a mean spaghetti Bolognese – away to do that now actually.

What are you most looking forward to in the next year? I’m looking forward to pushing the DUSA Executive as a more effective and visible body and seeing students actively engage with us throughout the year, more so than in recent history. I’m also excited about working with international students and other groups traditionally disengaged with DUSA. We need to be an organization that caters to the entire student body. Of course election season is always exciting – I can’t wait to organize the SRC elections in September and Exec elections in March, especially with the big changes coming this year – watch this space!

Vice-President of Campaigns Name: Gary Paton Age: 19 What do you do in your role? – I run the various campaigns that are hosted by the students association, various speaking engagements and other events for the students of Dundee University. In my spare time I support the President in promoting the DUSA Executive.

What kind of music/artists do you listen to? – Mostly Metal (Slayer, Meshuggah, Soilwork, Disturbed, etc), a little Rock(AC/DC, Motorhead, Queen, etc), a little bit of Classical (Wagner, Orff, Copland etc) and some Electro/Industrial (Prodigy, Combichrist, etc) music. Anything that is epic or powerful really.

Interesting fact about yourself? – I once flew a Glider solo and have been parachute jumping but im still scared of falling from very high heights…

What are you most looking forward to in the next year? – The speakers that we are getting lined up and just generally having a good time on the Executive

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DUSA President Welcome For some of you this will be your first time living away from home. You might be coming from elsewhere in Scotland, the EU or the world. Some of you will already know Dundee well, for others this will be a completely new experience.

For all of you, I welcome you to Dundee University Student Association (DUSA).

From now on Dundee is your city. It’s your University. DUSA is your student association. Every facet of the association, from the Executive to the bar staff, are here to serve you. DUSA is one community, with shared values and purpose, where all of your advice and support will be delivered. Any issue you might ever have as a student of Dundee will be dealt with by DUSA. DUSA is run by the student Executive team who are elected each year by you, the students of Dundee. We are here to fight for your interests, provide quality advice and support services, and represent you within the University and society. There are seven members of Executive who each have specific remits. From the President who is the figure head of the Association and project manages the team, to our Vice President of Student Welfare who runs campaigns and delivers all the advice and support you will ever need.

You might be a bit nervous about coming to University, with all the new people and experiences ahead of you. If you’re straight out of school then the University approach might take a bit of adjusting to. At school there is a clear hierarchy between pupils and teachers. And there’s a different approach to delivering information. At school it’s much like buying a cinema ticket, grabbing a seat and relaxing as you sit and watch the film. You’re little more than a customer, consuming information laid out for you on a large screen, or through your teacher. University is very different.

We believe that at University you aren’t a passive consumer, you are a shareholder in your education and the services you receive. Rather than the cinema customer, it’s much more like being a football fan. You can go to the odd game, sit quiet and take a passive interest in what goes on. You won’t get much out of it that way, when your team loses you won’t be too bothered, and when the team win it won’t have much effect on you. To get the most out of DUSA’s student community you must become a player in the team. The more you shout, take part in fund raisers and get involved, the more you’ll get out of our successes and the more you’ll feel you truly belong to Dundee University and DUSA. At University you are free to think about new ideas and challenge your preconceptions. Nothing should be safe from this new inquisitive approach. DUSA will be there to aid this process. We provide speaking engagements and lectures from famous politicians, intellectuals and cultural figures. Last year we had George Galloway and we co-hosted Arun Gandhi. This year keep your eye out for the ‘DUSA:Live’ events which will be bigger and better than ever.

It’s simple; DUSA is, and will continue to be, the best Student Association in Scotland, recognised consistently by the Times Higher Education Supplement.

Every aspect of your life whilst you’re a student of Dundee University is affected by DUSA. You can go through your time at Dundee and not get involved, let others lead your student association, or you can make sure DUSA does what it is supposed to do. Represent you.

We believe in a student association led by the majority of students, not a select few. We believe in a University where students are shareholders in their education and the services we receive. This is our vision; this is your DUSA.

Craig Kelly DUSA President

Music:

Aesthetics and Hate

by Gary Paton

Now I don’t know about you, but when someone asks me, “what springs to mind when I say Rap?” I tend to think as much about the culture that goes with the music as the music itself. Usually I’d respond with “Gangs, Guns, Drugs and how many times 50 Cent has been shot”. That was until I recently began thinking about the prejudices people have against the musical culture that goes with my own taste.

If you just so happen to be amongst those that have read the DUSA Exec Bios online you will know that I just so happen to spend much of my time listening to Metal. Now think “Metal culture” and let me guess it goes something like this: “Devil Worshipping, Angry, Smelly, Hairy, Bearded, Gothic Nutters”. If any of those came to mind then read on, If instead you thought, “hmm, I fancy listening to Black Sabbath,” go and do that or read another article because I’m about to tell you stuff you already know.

To those that are unfamiliar with the sound of Metal music it can be an intimidating thing to try to understand.

Much like a hungry wolf during a harsh winter, it comes across as rabid, threatening and dangerous. However, if you take a step back and look at it

again, it’s a sophisticated, intelligent and beautiful animal, you just have to view the whole picture which can be a very hard thing to do especially when faced with what can seem like a wall of noise.

Metal itself is more often than not a very complicated musical piece accompanied with brutal yet sophisticated lyrics. These often discuss complicated issues such as politics and human rights to personal issues; such as revenge and love; through to historical events and people, mythology and, yes, even going out and getting drunk with your mates (something most students are familiar with). You just have to look at Machine Head’s album “The Blackening” and this becomes apparent.

Track by track, the album covers many issues, “Clenching the Fists of Dissent”, for example, is about war in the Middle East and a government conspiracy theory to get more oil: “They say that freedom isn’t free, It’s paid with the lives, Of sons and families, ‘Cause blood is their new currency, And oil pumps the heart of money”; or “Halo” a song about religious conspiracy, “Halo over our demise, Following a god so blind” and “This is a right to life, Not the Religious Right’s act”.

My final example from the album is the song “Aesthetics of Hate”. The original Aesthetics of Hate was an article written for a hard-right website in the wake of the shooting of heavy metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell, the guitarist for Pantera - one of the most significant metal bands of all time. The point of the article was to direct the blame of his shooting to himself. The author pointed to how

Dimebag and fans of metal in general were “ignorant, semi-human barbarians who were filthy in attire and manner, intellectually incoherent and above all else, hideously ugly to the point of physical deformity” which is completely and utterly untrue. The song itself is a response to the article, detailing the anger felt by Robb Flynn (vocals and guitar for Machine Head) upon reading it. To this day it is one of the most aggressive songs I listen to and a true Thrash Metal masterpiece.

Much like the music we listen to, “Metalheads” follow the same general rule. If you happen to have at some point in time found yourself at a Slayer concert, Floor 5 during Distorted or even in the middle of the crowd whilst the Prodigy play TITP you will have witnessed moshing. Depending on the intensity of the music it varies in intensity.

What you probably don’t know is that there are a loose set of unspoken rules when it comes to moshing, an etiquette, one could say. Basically if someone falls you pick them up, no fighting in the middle of it; all everyone is there to do is have fun.

Looking once more at the culture, if there is one thing that makes metal stand out is the style of dress. Most of the time it has nothing to do with their “beliefs”, it’s simply to represent what style of metal one listens to or more frequently what they themselves feel is cool (much like my own leather coat which regard as very cool). You may go on and say “but all that black clothing, do they not worship Satan?” simply, nope, not at all.

Metal “fashion” is actually derived from Military clothing and Biker culture.

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

Before I finish up here I’ll leave you with a few albums I’d recommend you look out next time you’re browsing through Spotify. Firstly Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” is hailed as one of the greatest Metal albums ever recorded and a must for anybody who listens to metals’ collection. Secondly Machine Head’s “The Blackening” (yes, the one I was referring to earlier) - best Metal album of the past decade, the Blackening is

a true taste of Metal. Thirdly, Opeth’s “Watershed”. For the braver ones among you, Watershed is a perfect mix of the technical and the brutal. Finally, Judas Priest’s “Nostradamus” album, is one that I feel has been overlooked. The album intelligently takes you on the journey through the life of Nostradamus (the French Apothecary and Seer) and the persecutions he faced.

So just remember that next time you hear a Metal song being played, don’t turn your iPod up and ignore it, listen closer and try to understand it. You never know, you may like what you hear.

Classical Corner: Maria Callas: La Divina – EMI Records, 1992.

by Mark Bonington

If you only ever choose to listen to one opera singer in your lifetime, make it Maria Callas. At her height, this woman was bigger than Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Madonna and the Beatles combined, and the reasons are exemplified in this compilation album

by EMI (available to listen on Spotify).

Callas, unlike her contemporaries, favoured real, dramatic intensity in her

operatic roles, and was the diva of all divas, with the Italians dubbing her La Divina - the Divine One: one of her greatest fans was also the late Freddy Mercury. She stretched her 5-octave voice to its limits, singing the heavy operas of Wagner alongside the mastery of the bel-canto repertoire.

Her dramatic belt is used to thrilling effect in Puccini’s ‘Un Bel Dei, Vendremo’ aria from Madama Butterfly, in which a heartbroken Geisha sings of her longing for the sailor who has abandoned her. We can hear a lighter side to her normally dark dramatic coloratura voice in the ‘Ah, Je veux vivre’ aria from Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet opera, in which Juliet sings of the thrills of being in love. Her acting skills are brought to the fore in her take on possibly the sexiest aria ever written, Bizet’s ‘Habanera’ from Carmen (which I’m willing to put money on ALL of you having heard before in some form), in which the gypsy Carmen tells of how easy men are to seduce and manipulate (I’ll leave that one up to you).

Other highlights include the classical standard ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’, Rossini’s ‘Una Voce Poco Va’ and the ‘Sempre Libera’ from La Traviata (the inspiration for Baz Luhurman’s Moulin Rouge).

Outside of the opera house, Callas led a wild and troubled lifestyle. She had a difficult relationship with her mother,

which eventually she severed altogether.

Her devotion to her roles was such that she dropped 80lbs in order to appear more convincing onstage, with one rumour stating she achieved this by swallowing a tapeworm. In bitchier circles she was known as ‘La Tigress’ for her fiery temper, and in 1957 had a highly publicised affair with shipping-merchant Aristotle Onassis, who eventually left her for Jacqueline Kennedy. She died alone in her Paris Flat in 1977, posthumously being crowned ‘The Greatest Soprano of All Time’ by the BBC. If you liked La Divina try Spotifying: _ Dame Joan Sutherland: La Stupenda (Decca Music Group, 2001) _ Anna Netrebko: Opera (Deutsche Grammophon, 2006) _ Sarah Brightman: Classics (Nemo Records, 2006

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The Magdalen

Degree Show: In Retrospect with Ellie Fraser The Degree Show 2010 spanned a wide variety of courses and media. Everything from Fine Art to Product Design and Architecture were represented, providing a range to suit all tastes and interests.

atmospheric and powerful. Nuala Early’s wire sculptures were intriguing as, at a first glance, they appeared to be abstract but at a closer look it became clear that they were figures. They were not detailed, but human gestures and poses were effectively conveyed.

As a Fine Art student myself, I was particularly interested in the work of this department, as every year the degree show sets a standard to be matched the following year. Within the Fine Art department itself, there was an incredible spread of work ranging from beautifully articulated paintings and drawings to powerful sculptures, energetic drawings, controversial photography, film and installation works. It was also fascinating to see work by departments that I do not know as well, such as Animation, Illustration, Time Based Art and Graphic Design, all of which rely on a high level of technical skill and imagination.

With less than a year to go until I will be involved in the show directly, it was very useful to see the work that goes into putting on a Degree Show and then to compare that with the very professional looking end result. After the show being held at Vision in 2009, moving back to the art college meant that this year’s recently graduated 4th year had a hard act to follow, but it was encouraging to see the studios where we work every day looked so impressive and polished.

The work of several artists stood out in particular for me. Daisy Cooper’s fantastic photo-lithography pieces based on flamingos were extremely well executed, and Rachel Rebus’ large scale architectural paintings were incredibly

The show would also have provided prospective students or those just completing 1st year a chance to witness what can be achieved in four years at Duncan of Jordanstone. Immediately after handing in your portfolio to apply to art college it can be hard to imagine how you are going to reach such a high standard in just a few years, but seeing a whole year group having achieved so much, would put it into perspective and make it an attainable goal.

Everyone that I have spoken to enjoyed this year’s show, regardless of whether they had an active interest in art or design or not. I think that the Degree Show is an integral part of the atmosphere of the University of Dundee, and of the city as a whole.

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

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Nick Cave: Cave’s Dundee Literary Festival reading

By Kate MacRitchie

It must have been hard to ignore the celebrity authors flocking to Dundee this summer as part of Literary Dundee’s annual festival, yet none of them created quite as much of a stir as the anarchic, effortlessly cool author and Bad Seed Nick Cave.

In addition to being awarded an honourary degree by the University of Dundee, Cave was also here to read from his latest literary offering “The Death of Bunny Munro”. At the reading the audience was treated to a unique and rare set-up; the opportunity to listen in on an interview between Nick Cave and his publisher, Jamie Byng of Canongate books.

Entering the lecture theatre the excitement in the air was palpable like a gathering of the devout awaiting their idol. Indeed, Nick Cave has often been likened to an inverted Bible-belt preacher man, and looking around the room, the extensive variety of Cave’s flock became apparent – a strange carnival of goths, academics and celebrities (the university’s rector, Brian Cox, was in attendance). Catching a glimpse of the ringleader himself in the doorway, there was an awed hush, but the excited applause could not be restrained when Cave, characteristically head-to-toe in black, entered the lecture theatre.

Sitting silently in a chair opposite as Byng gave a brief introduction, Cave appeared reserved, unwilling to touch on themes within his book, enigmatically shielding his gaze behind

dark glasses. One wondered how he would address the expectant audience when his replies to the publisher were constrained to monosyllables. Then he arose for the first of three readings and his demeanour visibly changed – before a rapturous audience Cave was in his domain. Delivering his words with infinite charisma and manic enthusiasm, handwaving and hollering, Cave cast the audience under a dark spell.

Professor of Creative Writing at Dundee University, Kirsty Gunn, likened his work to that of an alchemist and claimed no author ever gave such a dramatic rendition of their own work. After the reading Cave warmed up to the interview, even letting slip that there were plans to dramatise the novel for film, with Ray Winstone as Cave’s preferred choice for the role of Bunny Munro. And after playing a few troubled or ‘dark’ characters it is no stretch of the imagination to picture Winstone in the title role.

Throughout the interview and while taking questions from the audience, the idea of ‘redemption’ was continually put to Cave, who remained elusive on the subject. If Cave was withdrawn in giving an analysis on the subversive themes contained in “The Death of Bunny Munro” it is because he wants to let the words speak for themselves, confirmed when Cave rhetorically booms the exploits of vice-ridden, sex-obsessed, amoral salesmen Bunny.

Written with Cave’s trademark wit and lyrically wry humour, the novel charts the last road-trip of the libido-fuelled lothario, who is without argument the worst father figure his young son could wish for.

Again the question arose is there even the faintest glimmer of redemption for our antagonist Bunny? It was a question

Cave never gave a straight answer to, and after he recounted a gruelling scene towards the novel’s climax perhaps the answer is “No”.

I don’t believe Nick Cave set out to tell the story of a man sunk so low he has to claw his way back to light; he wants to unflinchingly paint the bleak and depraved journey of a human soul speeding towards the underworld at 90 miles an hour.

The Magdalen

Travel: To my fellow Dundonian student; my name is Alanna and like you, I study here at this exciting Scottish city. Yet today (and hopefully for a few further instalments) I want to talk to you about Africa- South East Africa to be precise. This summer I was lucky enough to spend 3 months in 6 African countriesSouth Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi and, albeit briefly, Mozambique. I am writing the story of 7 young adults (3 Brits and 4 South Africans) and their budget adventure on the continent. I want to share with Dundee my images of each African nation not to invoke a stereotypical picture of the country, or attempt to broaden your horizons on African livelihood. I write because Africa was hilarious, vibrant and welcoming – yes it has been trashed by economic and political problems and yes, we westerners really don’t understand it, yet in the wake of South Africa 2010, I think it has been proven that African nations really aren’t what they seem. Africa surprised me; and it has become my upmost desire to let it surprise everyone else.

ZIMBABWE I will begin at the Zimbabwean border, where I am standing in queue. I and my new friends have driven all the way from Cape town, stopped off for a brief stay in Kruger National Park, and have driven to the SA/Zimbabwe divide; a border post called Beitbridge. I should offer a little back story here (probably to explain why we are heading to such a recently ‘shunned’ nation anyway); I am on this trip with South Africans I lived with and met on my gap year. My friend Kim, who is an exciting and exceedingly driven young law student at the prestigious and well-known university of Stellenbosch, is part Zimbabwean and we are off to

documentation to let cars into the country and the one hundred million polite smiles and ‘thank you’s’ to scary looking officials, we passed through. The difference on the road was noticeable as soon as we got driving again. In South Africa the roads had been smooth and civilised but in Zimbabwe, although I am told there has been significant improvement, driving became this ridiculous game; swerve to avoid pothole, stop car at police blockade, pray they do not find a reason for a bribe, start car, swerve at next pothole, stop for police. It was exhausting.

Alanna Reid and some fruits.

visit her family. Jono, had also spent his gap year doing a similar, church based programme in Zim, yet his was decidedly different from mine. He and his girlfriend, an architecture student studying at Bath, had met when Zim was in the clutches of an economic free fall. We are driving towards the border accompanied by their stories of 4 hour crossings, endless car and luggage checks and of course, the standard bribing of any official or police officer.

I have been in the continent for less than a week and I have definitely not found my ‘African legs’ (I suppose by this I mean ‘an understanding or tolerance of the nature of the African continent’) so I will admit to being slightly apprehensive of what I was going to find in Zimbabwe. As I stand in the queue to pay my extortionate $70 British visa entrance I get little flashes of myself, drink in hand in some pub, ranting about how the terrible economic situation like I knew exactly what I was taking about.

Yet looking up at Mugabe’s self portrait behind the booth, I realised that I knew nothing about Zimbabwe.

Despite the horribly long queue, the million and one hoops you have to jump through in order to get the right

However later that day we arrived in Harare. The city itself, from the second we entered it, was ridiculously confusing.

Despite popular thought, there is now much evidence of an emerging first world presence. This is probably due to injection of the US dollar at the inevitable redundancy of the Zimbabwean equivalent (what’s that? 6 billion for a Coke? Don’t be ridiculous). From the passenger seat I could see this country had both money and potential- as our GPS lady, who I had affectionately named Louise because of her comforting British prose, freaked out and abandoned us in rush hour traffic and repeatedly insisted ‘turn left’, ‘turn left’, ‘turn left’, whilst Kate from Bath drove our massive bright yellow truck into a local’s bumper.

We did however, in our exhaustion and fatigue, forget to visit the local bus station and check the ‘scheduled’ departure of our bus to Blantyre- Malawi’s capital and our next destination. This, we would soon find, was an error fatal to the organisation of our entire trip.

My few days in Zimbabwe were surprisingly pleasant. Kim and I stayed with her family whilst the rest stayed with friends of Jono and Kate. I wish I could describe the ethos of the white Zimbabwe – I think it’s something you just have to see. Kim’s family lived a lifestyle fairly similar to some in SA; privileged but rather outdated and noticeably numb to the inequalities of life

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

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African Articles: Part One around them. There is no way to criticise their indifference to racism- we Brits have not experienced what they have- but the little world they have created- their whiteonly shopping centres and restaurants, gyms and supermarkets- was both bemusing and stifling.

So when Kim and I eventually dodged round the local bus station to find our bus to Blantyre- I was glad of a way out. It was expensive to do anything fun, (I could barely afford a beer at a comfortable bar) unsafe to drive anywhere at night and quite frankly a million miles away from the rural Africa I was at this time desperate to experience.

In Africa, no white person- unless you are an adventurous or naive tourist- takes the bus. So at first I was startled to finally find myself in the minority but I would get very used to this in weeks to come. After a bit of hunting around Kim and I found a little dude sitting at a wooden desk that resembled a ticket booth, who informed us that the bus only left twice a week and we would have to wait for the next bus in two days. Annoyed that we couldn’t leave sooner but happy to see an out we agreed with our ‘reputable source’ that we would buy our tickets on the morning of travel. He assured us that as long as we got there early there would be plenty of space.

We did get there early; the day before to be precise. But on the night before travel our ‘reputable source’ told us that he was ‘sorry’ but the bus was full. Kim, with a look of aggravated desperation that I would come to know so well in the weeks to come, begged the guy to let us on the bus somehow- ‘we’ll sit on someone’s lap’ she told him. Sounds like a ridiculous idea as the bus to Blantyre was like 15hours long and through another country (the Tete corridor of Mozambique) but honestly, that sounded appealing to another 5 days in Harare. We were refused lap space (not surprisingly) so we would make a plan.

These plans included hitch hiking, taking local taxis or eventually reversing the trip and going to Zambia first.

So at 8 o’clock that night we broke the news to the others in the group who were sitting down to a family meal that we were taking the 9pm train that night to Bulawayo and that they had better pack quickly. They did and within the hour we had boarded the overnight train. After the fairly stable few days of driving and visiting family in comfortable surroundings we were finally out on own and into unpredictable and unreliable African transport. Boarding the overnight sleeper train to the west of Zimbabwe

at dark was quite a scary experience, but for me, it was one that launched me straight into my African legs. After considering sleeping with Kim’s new bush knife- who we would eventually come to know and love as ‘ninja’ – and waking up to intense shouting outside our cabin door at 3am, Kim woke us up and rushed us to pack.

We pulled up at the next station but we weren’t in Bulawayo. We were nowhere near. Kim, all desperate and aggravated, checked the map. We where half way there- it had taken us 12 hours to travel 200km. Oh my goodness, we were going to be in Zimbabwe forever.

So, because the trains had decided to travel that much slower that day we spent another 6 boring hours in our little cabin. My new friend Jo, Kate’s sister, was chronically sick and unfortunately there was nothing we could do but pile her sick bags in the toilet down the hall - by toilet I mean hole onto the tracks!

After an eternity of staring at the ceiling, games of cards and, perhaps a little insensitively, laughing at my friend throw up out the window of the moving train, we at last reached Bulawayo.

It was that morning, as we left the left the train to search the decidedly more

The Magdalen

rural and ‘African looking’ town for a bus to Victoria Falls, that I was properly bitten by the travel bug. It’s a feeling of exhaustion, of half sleep and weird dreams- a feeling of confusion, a battle between your anticipation to experience the surroundings of your destination and your intense desire to brush your teeth.

You feel like you could go on forever; half way across the world if you have too. I am told that whilst I felt like thisbouncing along the litter filled streets of Bulawayo- Katie was in a mood quite to the contrary. She has since told me that she wanted to kill us that morning; one minute she was vomiting out a train window and the next we were rushing down a hot African street. Thanks to our haste, we arrived at the bus stop on time for the bus to Victoria Falls. Our packs were winched to the top of the bus - for those unfamiliar with African transport this is a hilarious practice- coach style buses are piled sky high with luggage from its passengers - so much for the ‘one item’ only megabus policy!

We spent another eight hours on this bus and I watched with trepidation as the locals gasped at the sight of the roof bouncing inwards under the weight of all our luggage- ‘jings’ I thought; ‘If they are worried, perhaps I should exercise a little concern?’. Predictably ignoring this danger and sitting on half a seat thanks to the rather large African lady sitting next to me, I watched as we stopped to pick up local school kids and return commuters to their local villages and laughed as the woman in front of me hurriedly bought a cabbage through the window- she simply leant across what seemed like a million people to drop a dollar to the ground and then proceed to sit with her cabbage for another 4 hours.

I would however come to see much more peculiar items bought in this very unique take on window shopping. Just

as the sun set we made in to Victoria Falls- a town on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia so named because of its majestic and historically significant waterfall.

The next time I write and you read I’m going to tell you all about the two travellers we picked up for our next two countries; Eric, the ukulele playing American from the Peace corps and Georgie (or who we called Georgie for weeks only to discover his name was actually, Joris) the rather awkwardly mannered yet rather attractive dutch boy, who we where certain pedalled drugs and had the most enormous crush on Kim. I will tell you about the mightiness

of Victoria Falls and the humble nature of the Zambian nation. And I will also explain how we ended up in an empty but huge train station in the north of the country with more strange Americans and how I inadvertently end up flirting with the ticket man.

Until then…

Societies Matter 2010-11 Edition

SOCIETIES MATTER 2010-11 edition

Societie

Pick up your copy from DUSA Look out for the other DUSA Publications A guide to DUSA

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No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

31

Travel: Shanghai EXPO Experience When I came back from Scotland in May, I went to my home University, which is located in the economic centre of China, Shanghai. Even though I grew up in Beijing and spent only threeyears of undergraduate life here, I love Shanghai. The city is made even more elegant by the Expo events. Expo is considered to be a huge and important activity for not only the city of Shanghai, but also the whole of China. It took the government over two years to build the Expo pavilions.

There are two choices for visiting Expo Park, day or night. I preferred a night tour! There are several reasons: fewer people, shorter queues, much more comfortable and beautiful! Since the obvious longer length of a day trip and relatively expensive ticket of night one, many tourists prefer to start the visit

in the morning and leave around the sunset. Every time I went to the park, I stayed the whole day from 9am to 10pm and I think that after 6pm is more enjoyable. That means travelling at night could save time and allow you access to more pavilions in comparison to the day tour.

The summer is hot in Shanghai, especially during the daytime from 9am to 5pm. Imagine standing outside the UK pavilion under the blazing sun, and the speed of the queue is twenty minutes for fifty people and there seems to be more than two hundred people before you!

Now you may think about going to the other pavilions first, and you quickly give up this idea when you find the queue outside the pavilion of Saudi Arabia is three times longer! Truth is 5-8 hours is quite common waiting time for tourists.

Then you would rather wait in the breeze than under the sunshine. Not like the

By Yue Min

Yue inside an Expo Pavillion summer in Dundee, the sunset will not last until 11pm, the temperature drops quickly after 6pm here. Most importantly, the view at night is amazing!

The Magdalen

Bad Ideas: Dundee University’s latest evening lecture brought the renowned scientist and parliamentary peer, Lord Robert Winston to full house in our very own Dalhousie Building.

He is best known for his BBC documentary television series ‘‘Child of Our Time’’ which documented the lives of several children born at the start of the millennium. As well as being a leading geneticist, Winston is also famous for his television work and involvement with the Labour Party. Winston is a pioneer in IVF treatment and has been credited with making science more accessible to the public through his hugely successful books and television series.

Ideas” which examines the history of scientific discoveries and discusses how many have been used for the detriment of humanity. The book explains how our finest inventions nearly finished us off! Professor Winston takes a fresh look at man’s greatest discoveries

Winston delivered an informative and entertaining lecture, discussing how science has the potential to change the world for better and often for worse. His lecture promoted his new book “Bad and innovations and asks whether our dependence on science and technology has led us into a precarious situation – perhaps even doomed to become worse before it gets better. As well as tracing the history and fall-out of our very worst ideas, the book also advocates the merits of scientific progress: for our drive to invent and improve the world around us is what, after all, makes us human.

Winston’s lecture was based on some of the theories presented in his book.

Winston is engaging and enthusiastic in his television series and did not disappoint the audience in maintaining this reputation. He started the lecture by discussing the invention of the laser; when it was first invented its multiple uses were underestimated.

He explained that it is now used for experimenting with nuclear power in a California research facility. Ironically, its funding was only guaranteed by the facility’s nuclear weapons division.

Winston went on to explain that this is the method by which many discoveries were developed during wartime. Winston listed Penicillin as a major development in medicine attributed to the Second World War, 1939 to 1945, in spite of its discovery in 1928, suggesting that military funding into weapons technology can sometimes lead to important scientific breakthroughs. He provided insight into contemporary scientific research and development, which could shape the future. He also additionally addressed current issues such as climate change and suggested they have their origins in the most primitive of technologies, for example, in the area of farming.

As a whole, the lecture was informative and commendable, even to the “nonscience-boffin”. A charismatic Winston presented us with evidence to back up his “Bad Ideas” theory therefore I predict that everybody would believe ‘‘Bad Ideas’’ is worth reading.

Rory Martin

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

33

Sport: Absolute-Leigh Fabulous: An Interview with Leigh Griffiths Having languished in the First Division for over five seasons now, my expectations as a Dundee fan have been significantly lowered from the heady days of Caniggia, Ravanelli and Nemsadze. However, a spending spree at the start of last season brought one of Scotlandís most prodigious talents to Taysideís shores, the striker Leigh Griffiths. Despite leading the league for most of the season, Dundee ultimately failed to gain promotion last time around; however, this didnít prevent Leigh from being called up to the Scotland Under-21 side and winning the First Division Player of the Year award. Leigh took some time out from preparing for the visit of Ross County to speak to The Magdalen.

GC: Leigh, thanks for speaking to us.

LG: Not a problem!

GC: At the time you were signed from Livingston there was interest from SPL clubs such as Hearts; why choose Dundee?

LG: Had I signed for Hearts I felt I wouldnít have got enough first team experience.

I knew that if I signed for Dundee I wouldnít be stuck on the bench or playing for the reserves all season.

GC: Has playing for Dundee met your expectations?

GC: Obviously promotion is the aim for the year ahead, but do you or the team have any other personal targets or ambitions for this season?

LG: To be honest as long as I score the important goals to get us promoted then Iíll be happy. Like I said, promotion is all the team, the board and the fans want so weíre entirely focused on that.

GC: The free-kick you scored in the Cup against Rangers was an absolute belter, but what has been the most important or special goal you feel youíve scored in your career?

GC: How have you found the city in the year youíve been playing for Dundee?

Could you see yourself staying here for some time to come?

LG: My favourite goal is definitely the goal I scored for Scotland B against Northern Ireland B at Broadwood, but I feel I scored quite a few important goals for Dundee last season. The one that sticks in my head is when we played Dunfermline at Dens and were 2-2 going into the last minute having been 2-0 down; I got a shot in on goal which the goalie saved, but I managed to volley it back in to send the fans crazy!

LG: I really enjoy staying in the city at the moment and I also met my fiancÈe here, so even if I do move away Iíll be back a lot to see her and her family.

GC: Having played for Scotland Under21s are there any other young Scottish footballers you feel will become key players in the full national team in years to come?

LG: Last year me and the boys were gutted to fall short and miss out on promotion but hopefully weíll manage that this year!

LG: You can already see quality players like Goodwillie (Dundee United), Murphy (Motherwell) and Maguire (Aberdeen) pushing for a place in the full squad and it wonít be long until they get their chance!

GC: Where do you see yourself in 5 yearsí time?

LG: In 5 years Iím hoping to be playing at a very high level somewhere down in England.

GC: Do you or any of the squad read the Alternative Leigh Griffiths blog, and if so then whatís your feelings on it?

LG: A few of the boys have mentioned it to me in the dressing room and I occasionally hear the fans say some things but to be honest I just laugh it off and get on with the job at hand!

Gary Cocker

The Magdalen

Sport: Should Pavin Pick Tiger? as being an inspiration to many of the younger American players breaking into the side, there is little doubt that Tiger still has the talent and determination to succeed, as demonstrated with his topfour finishes at both the Masters and the US Open this year. Yet for many pundits, such blasé remarks betray a lack of knowledge of Tiger’s idiosyncracies.

Despite being a Tour colossus, Woods’ Ryder Cup performances leave a lot to be desired, having only won 10 of his 25 games. Indeed, Team USA’s best performance in the past decade arguably came in the last tournament (2008), a year when Tiger was unable to compete due to his knee surgery. Some argue that Woods’ presence adversely affects the performances of others who feel somewhat in the shadow of the man who has dominated their profession for almost 15 years.

Tiger Woods is one of those rare figures in sport, an athlete whose public persona extends beyond that of their chosen sports’ fans and whose name ultimately becomes synonymous with their profession.

His list of achievements really has to be seen to be believed; having won 14 Majors, 3 career Grand Slams, and being number 1 in the world rankings for 613 weeks in total (including a 5-year consecutive streak and not relinquishing the position at all during 8 separate calendar years), Woods has revolutionised the world of golf and challenged the supremacy of the legendary Jack Nicklaus as the sport’s pinnacle.

However, such a career has not been without its problems. Difficulties with his coach Butch Harmon and changes made to his swing resulted in a slump

in form in 2003/4, with his recovery in the following years cut short by surgery on his troublesome left knee halfway through the 2008 season. Just as Woods was finally beginning to return to winning ways, trouble struck once more as news of his infidelity hit the headlines. Having announced an indefinite break from the Tour to attempt to salvage his marriage, Woods returned to action at the Masters in April, tying for fourth. Nevertheless, patchy form over the course of his stunted season was to cost him dearly as he finished 12th on the qualifying list for the Ryder Cup USA team. With only the top 8 qualifying, this has left the once-dominant giant of golf relying on a wildcard pick from USA Captain Corey Pavin to play for his nation against Europe in October.

To most casual observers, Woods would seem an obvious wildcard choice; as well

Of course, there are many Americans out there whose form and pedigree poses Pavin a real headache when it comes to wildcard picks, preventing Woods from being a shoo-in. The veteran Stewart Cink, who won the Open in 2009, is seen by many to be a solid pick that could help to settle the nerves of the rookies; Zach Johnson also appears to have hit a rich vein of form, having tied for third in the US PGA in August of this year. Lucas Glover, despite missing the cut at the same tournament, cannot be dismissed out of hand either with a 5th-place finish in the USPGA last year and a victory in the US Open in 2009 to boot.

With all things considered, it would be a very bold move for Pavin to not give one of his wildcard picks to a player he himself admits is “high on my list”.

However, it would not be a decision without foundation; if 2008 taught the Americans anything, itís that there is no I in team. Perhaps, once more, itís time to decide that thereís also no Tiger.

No.17 The Freshers’ Issue September 2010

35

Sport: Fitba’s back. Let’s Perty.

A Season Preview with Gary Cocker.

For those of us who have been enchanted with the Beautiful Game from an early age, the beginning of August is a magical time. No more do we have to endure the incest-fest of upperclass Wimbledon or the dressedin-the-dark antics of the golfing greats; nor do we have to put up with those biannual fair-weather football fans who appear at the major tournaments, questioning why England aren’t playing Seaman in goal and that are shocked when France don’t win. It’s the start of 9 months of agonising home defeats, infuriating managerial tactics and the inevitable burst coupons, but you know what? We love it.

This season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in years. In Scotland, Dundee United are (sadly for this Deesupporting lad) emerging as a possible remedy to the vice-like grip the Ugly Sisters (sorry, Old Firm) have had on the top two positions for what seems like time immemorial, with teams like Motherwell and Hearts also snapping at their heels. The aforementioned three teams did well to maintain a consistency in their squads, with United in particular having to fend off interest in players such as Craig Conway and David ‘Mindcripple’ Goodwillie. A similar situation seems to have emerged in England, with Spurs and Man City boasting their strongest squads in years and both pushing for a top four finish; Hodgson’s arrival at Liverpool may yet prove to be pivotal for the seemingly fallen giant, with the retention of the services of Gerrard and Torres and the addition of Joe Cole showing the former Fulham manager’s worth. However, the gulf between the ‘Big Two’ of Chelsea and Manchester United and the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool may yet again prove to be too big.

The relegation battles in each league may seem straightforward on paper but appearances can be deceptive. In the SPL, although St. Mirren and Kilmarnock play both the weakest and ugliest football, it’s a system that has kept them in the top tier for many years; any one of the surprisingly solid Hamilton, stodgy St. Johnstone or even everybody’s ‘love to hate’ team Aberdeen could yet be dragged into a relegation dogfight.

Blackpool’s annihilation of Wigan in the opening weekend led some pundits to suggest that Ian Holloway’s men would be the surprise survival of the season; however, as shown by Burnley last season and Hull the season before, the EPL is a marathon and not a sprint. For the more pragmatic fans of seven or eight teams this season, consolidation of their position in the top flight and fixtures against Chelsea rather than Coventry is the aim.

Since I’ve covered practically all of my bases so far, it’s only fair that I make some solid predictions so you know what not to stick your money on and have some tangible evidence to mock me with come May. Here goes....

SPL Predictions: Celtic champions, with Rangers-Dundee United-Motherwell taking the European spots. St Mirren to finally be relegated, much to the delight of every other SPL team and the chagrin of every 1st Division team. Mark McGhee to continue to be barracked by an Aberdeen fanbase still living in the 1980s. Dundee to finally return to their rightful place at the top table of Scottish football after a tough promotion race with Dunfermline.

EPL Predictions: Manchester United to sneak the League from Chelsea on the final day, with Arsenal and Liverpool both missing out on Champions League spots.

West Brom, Blackpool and Wigan to go down, with Sunderland narrowly missing out on European competition. Arsene Wenger to not see/defend one of his players committing a foul that leaves its victim crocked for life. Middlesbrough to continue to drive their fans to despair by

throwing away an automatic promotion place in the final weeks and then losing the playoff final to QPR.

Upcoming Football Fixtures September 4th: International Weekend September 11th: Dundee Utd v.

Aberdeen September 18th: Dundee v. Raith Rovers September 25th: Dundee United v. St Johnstone October 2nd: Dundee v. Greenock Morton Tickets cost £10 for Dundee games and £12-£15 depending on opposition/stand for Dundee United games with a valid student card. For enquiries, call Dundee on 01382 889966 and Dundee United on 01382 833166. For directions, Google Map Dens Park Stadium (Dundee) and Tannadice Stadium (United).