Issue 54 - April 2016

M AG DA L E N Free Student Magazine

ISSUE 54

Beautiful Little Time Bombs

Aussie Rules

Waiting to explode or,

Some impromptu life

more accurately, implode.

lessons from the other side of the world.

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In Memoriam of

Connor Craig It seems to be a common practice that people generally receive a posthumous sainthood when they die, but I don’t believe anyone who knew him could accuse me of rewriting history when I say that Connor was one of the soundest guys you could ever get to meet.

There were no limits to his kindness and capacity to be there for others; among many things he was a friend with a car, a monster-fuelled late night library sesh partner, a shoulder to cry on, a wise cracker, an entrepreneur, a pillar of virtue and lightness. And for all the people he managed to touch, our souls are going to hang a little bit heavier without him around.

Rest in peace dear chap, we all love and miss you so so much.

Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.

William Ernest Henley

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ISSUE 54 Editor’s Letter

Editors

Hello. (It’s me.) No, not Adele – although I am working on perfecting that winged

Editor in Chief

eyeliner look. The ‘me’ here is Rebecca, and I am delighted to announce myself as the

Rebecca Baird

new Editor in Chief of this wonderful magazine.

Andrew Stewart

For those of you who followed the utter beautification of the Magdalen Magazine

Deputy Editors

through the editorial reign of my awesome predecessor, Andrew Stewart, I extend

Kate McAuliffe

a huge thank you for your readership and hope I can continue to live up to your Art & Entertainment Editors

expectations.

Patrick O’Donnell I’m incredibly excited to begin my journey here at the Magdalen, with the support of

Francesca Reid

an amazing new editorial team and a badass group of designers to boot. We have some big shoes to fill, but I reckon we have some talented feet in friendly socks to fill

Current Affairs Editor

them with, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve.

Euan Forbes

So without further ado, let me introduce you to Issue 54! Turn to page 28 to Gaze

Enterprise Editor

into new realms of research, or look at the Beautiful Little Time Bombs that are your

Vladimir Ghita

childhood stars on page 13. I may be saying hello, but this issue is saying goodbye to the semester, and looking into the past with a response to Issue 52’s controversial

Design Editor

opinion piece on the Junior Doctor contracts on page 24.

Hazel Wyllie

On a solemn note, I would like to extend a goodbye to Connor Craig, an APCP student

Fashion Editor

at DJCAD who sadly passed away in March. On behalf of the Magdalen, I offer our

Sarah Doig

sincerest condolences to his friends and family.

Lifestyle Editor Also, a sad farewell to Magda-veteran, Leona Reid, who recently passed away

Lauren Copeland

peacefully at home after battling with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I didn’t know Leona, but her absence is truly felt here at the Magdalen; on behalf of the magazine, we are

Science Editor

grateful to have been a part of her too-short life.

Victor Chamosa Pino

And so to those in mourning, those leaving university to face the world, and those who

Sports Editor

have made this magazine so great before me, I leave you with the wise words of Albus

Alasdair Hooper

Dumbledore as we all make our way into unknown futures:

“Let us step out into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.”

Rebecca Baird Editor in Chief

Published By

Printed By

Dominic Younger, VPCC

The Magazine Printing Company

DUSA, Airlie Place, Dundee, DD1 4PH

www.magprint.co.uk

vpcc@dusa.co.uk 01 Issue 54.indd 3

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ISSUE 54 Creative Director’s Letter

Design Team

It’s that time of year again. The Easter eggs have been consumed. Hair is being pulled

Creative Director

out, all-nighters are common and we all look forward to the arrival of stress busting

Monica Dunne

puppies on campus (though I’m not against kittens too!). Yes, it’s exam time. I’m sure you’ve done all you can to do as well as you can, and I sincerely hope you get the

Asst. Creative Directors

grades you’re hoping for.

Ali Elliott Laura Gelston

Then after exams, it’s Summer. That mythical, far-off world where the sun is out and we aren’t freezing our proverbial tits off. Saying that, Dundee never fails to amaze me

Designers

with its incredibly unusual climate; I didn’t expect to need sunglasses a day after a

Rachel Alexander

snowstorm. Seriously, though, the summer break is a great opportunity to recuperate

Zoe Broughton

after a long and laborous semester. It’s the perfect time for a holiday. Last year, I used

Sandra Campbell

it to go to South Africa with VESA, an amazing organisation that gives uni students the

Amy Collier

opportunity to travel and contribute to countries all around the world. It’s probably the

Rhianne Connelly

best thing I’ve ever done, check them out! Ok, so I did get nibbled by a baby cheetah,

Grace Cunningham

and yeah, I might have got a thorn through my foot, but hey, it’s an conversation

Ali Elliott

starter I guess? Apart from that, the memories and friends I made were incredible and

Alice Farquhar

it wasn’t just a holiday, we made a real difference there.

Laura Gelston Fabio Maragno

In saying that, sometimes it’s just as great to lounge in the sun doing nothing. I think

Kieran McMaster

over this past winter, I’ve gone past pale and become translucent - I’m definitely

Kenny Meek

looking forward to having a bit of a tan. It’s a long time to be away from uni, this

Dawn Neely

holiday. You might be going back to live with your family during that time, or staying in

Alanna Zimbhel

the city. Whatever you’re doing, I hope it’s great.

Cover Designer And finally, from myself and my design team, we wish you the very best of luck with

Alice Farquhar

exams and studying. If you’d like to know who I am or what I look like, I’ll be the first person in line for the puppies.

This month’s cover was beautifully designed by Alice Farquhar - her illustrations are always on point.

Monica Dunne Creative Director

Contributors List Alasdair Hooper, Andrew Stewart, DARE Dundee, Elena Hall, Francesca Reid, Heather Gordon, Holly Hustad, Ines Mette-Belkebla, Isabella H. Impesi, James Russell, Lauren Copeland, Leona Reid, Meritxell Grau, Michelle Villa, Patrick O’Donnell, Sarah Doig, Simone Kortung, Sophie Boswell.

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CONTENTS Opinion

Current Affairs 06 - 08

To Stay or Remain

24 - 26

Not Fair Not Safe

Creative Writing

Science

09

28 - 29

Our Deepest Gaze

30 - 31

Paralysis Reversal

33 - 35

A Case for Fossil Fuel

Blackberry

Enterprise 10 - 11

Enterprise Gym: Jamie Oliver

Divestment

36 - 37

The Future of Scientific Research

Entertainment 13 - 15

Beautiful Little Time Bombs

16 - 17

What Happened to

Societies 38 - 39

Do You DARE?

Miss Simone?

Fashion 18 - 19

Sports 3 Jackets to See You

40 - 41

into Summer

MixedLacrosse

43 - 45

Lifestyle

Club Feature:

The European Super League

21 - 23

Aussie Rules

Reviews 46 - 49

Opsoc Review: Heathers

JOIN US! Issue 54.indd 5

Email themagdalen@dusa.co.uk or go to dusamedia.com/magdalen for more information.

03/05/2016 11:01

In Memoriam of

Leona Reid It is with a heavy heart that I find myself writing these words of goodbye to two members of our student body, Connor Craig and Leona Reid. I would like to dedicate this, my final issue of the Magdalen to both Connor and Leona, both taken from us too soon.

I did not know Connor personally, but the sheer volume of love and condolences from across campus after his death illustrated how dear he was to so many of us.

My personal condolences and those of the entire Magdalen team go out to his family and friends during this hard time and a message and poem from a close friend can be found on the first page of this magazine.

Leona Reid was one of the most inspiring and genuinely kind people I have ever met and worked with in my time and I am proud to say we were friends. She was always so positive, turning any negative situation into something you can learn or grow from. We chose and republished the article on the next page from the February 2015 ‘Love’ Issue from Leona’s time as Fashion Editor of The Magdalen to show just this. The message that it doesn’t matter what other people think of you, so long as you love yourself stands strong, and it is one I will always remember.

‘Haters gonna hate <3’.

I first met Leona in October of 2014 when I joined the Magdalen as Science Editor and she the Fashion Editor. We quickly became friends, with similar passions for notepads (that time you bought new notebooks for The Magdalen and you got excited and Instagrammed them), to-do lists, Titanic, road trips and Taylor Swift (although we disagreed on her best album), among many others.

Over the countless coffee dates and so many random Facebook messages (2,525, I counted) it became so clear how kind you were, reminding me to have a positive attitude and telling me the weird things I do are ok, because it is subjective.

Words can’t express how so very sad I am that we didn’t have longer for our friendship to grow, that we won’t have any more spontaneous latte’s or road trips and that we won’t have the strangest Facebook conversations again.

I am so sorry you had to fight such an awful illness at such a young age.

My sincerest of condolences go to your family and friends, and to them I can’t stress enough how much of a positive life force Leona was, not just in my life but in the lives of those close to her.

I dedicated my Editor’s Letter in October 2015 to Leona when we first found out about her illness and quoted Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States.

I would like to requote this for her family and friends in this difficult time: ‘Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength’

Andrew Stewart Editor in Chief The Magdalen

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Fashion

DRESS TO IMPRESS

YOURSELF

This article was first published in February 2015 and

As we all know, there is an absolute plethora of rules

has been republished in memory of our late friend,

and regulations out there governing what we (men and

Fashion Editor and Deputy Editor in Chief, Leona Reid.

women) cannot wear - everyone has an opinion on it.

T

he month of February would probably seem like the

I myself have been guilty of it in the past. For women

right time for all of us here at the fashion section to

there are strict guidelines on ‘how to dress for your body

pitch in our two cents and let you all know exactly what

type’. There are warnings to cover up in order to not give

you should be wearing this upcoming Valentine’s Night.

the impression that you’re ‘easy’; but then we mustn’t

However, I felt like taking a different approach in this

cover up too much or we risk coming across as ‘uptight’.

‘love’ issue. Of course I am by no means undermiming

Whereas for men the ultimate goal seems to be a sort of

the concept of giving fashion advice or talking about it

‘unintentional perfection’; no one likes a guy who spends

and celebrating it - I’m a huge fan of all these things.

too much time in front of the mirror as that kind of

But for this one night of the year when a lot of the focus

vanity is reserved for girls, obviously.

is on being with that one special person and dressing

Double standards such as these do nothing for our self-

for them, I think it’s high time we all readdressed the

worth or our self-love so kick ‘em to the curb.

idea of self-love, and in particular the idea of dressing to please ourselves.

In the end we can all wear whatever the hell we want, and when we’re doing it for ourselves - well, that’s what

DOUBLE STANDARDS SUCH AS THESE DO NOTHING FOR OUR SELF-WORTH OR OUR SELF-LOVE SO KICK ‘EM TO THE CURB I am very aware that this is not the most original or

it’s all about. So whatever you’ve got planned to wear on Valentine’s night, be it a gorgeous jaw-dropping dress or a pair of old PJs accompanied by unbrushed hair and a Netflix marathon (holla), don’t forget that you’re a stunner and to love yourself for it.

Haters gonna hate <3.

Leona Reid

ground-breaking thought, but I firmly believe it cannot be emphasised enough. Since this issue aims to celebrate the diversity of love, I see it as the perfect opportunity to slip in a little reminder of how important it is to love ourselves.

e,

t ea gr k t! oo u l nigh o o y t me om r f ve xx lo xx rm

a de

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Current Affairs

STAY REMAIN TO

OR

With the EU Referendum just months away Ines Mette-Belkebla takes a no nonsense look behind the issue for The Magdalen.

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Current Affairs

O

n June 23rd, the UK will vote on whether to stay

guess at best. An EU member state exiting the EU is

in or leave the European Union. British, Irish and

unprecedented. Nobody knows how the situation would

Commonwealth citizens currently living in the UK as well

evolve, but somehow multiple media outlets have been

as British citizens who have lived abroad for less than

headlining the facts of Brexit. According to which side

15 years will be able to vote on the issue. This leaves

one stands on, any data can be turned to one’s

out two groups susceptible of voting to remain in the

advantage which gives way to distorted, exaggerated

EU, British citizens who have lived for 15 years or more

and sometimes even made-up facts.

in another EU member state and EU citizens currently living in Britain.

One of the most speculated about facts is the British contribution to the EU budget. The UK is a net

Why the vote? The UK does not want the euro currency,

contributor which means that it contributes more than it

it does not want to contribute to any future Eurozone

receives. Leavers claim that the UK contribution is unfair,

bailouts and it wants a veto over EU legislation that it does not like. It also wants different rules on in-work benefits for non-UK citizens working in the UK. The EU for its part, although wanting to keep the UK in the EU, is worried about setting a dangerous precedent that could lead to other member states demanding their own deal.

Following a Brexit, the EU’s GDP would decrease by 15%. And that’s where it gets a bit tricky.

What would happen if the UK was to leave the EU? It is fairly easy to estimate what the economic consequences

in comparison with other EU member states, at £20

would be for the EU. The UK currently contributes 5.8

billion a year – or £55m a day. It should be noted that

per cent of the EU’s operating budget, which means

this represents the gross amount. The rebate won by

that following a Brexit, the EU’s GDP would decrease by

Margaret Thatcher in 1984 and the money the EU spends

15 per cent. And that’s where it gets a bit tricky. What

in the UK have to be deducted, as well as the funnelling

would happen to the 2m people from other EU countries

of foreign-aid spending via Brussels, which amounts to a

currently living in the UK or the 1.2m UK citizens living

net payment of about £6.2 billion a year – or £17m a day,

in the rest of the EU? What would be the impact on the

a number considerably smaller. Where Britain’s contri-

British economy and politics? Would it lead to a second

butions rank against others contributions is also up for

referendum on Scottish independence? The simple truth

debate with some media outlets claiming that the UK

is answers to these questions constitute an educated

makes the 2nd biggest contribution to the EU budget,

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Current Affairs

whilst for others it makes the 4th biggest or even the

then again, these numbers, although fairly accurate,

8th biggest. The only thing they seem to agree on is that

leave room for anyone to pick and choose which is more

Germany makes the biggest contribution.

convenient to use in their argument.

Another sticking point is the number of jobs that would

Finally many media outlets seem to be getting their data

be affected by a Brexit. Pro-EU voices sometimes claim

from the same source: Open Europe. Open Europe is a

that more than 3 million trade dependent jobs would be

think-tank which was launched in 2005 â&#x20AC;&#x153;to contribute

endangered, implying that all trade with the EU would

positive new thinking to the debate about the future

stop. Indeed a new trade deal would have to be drafted

direction of the European Unionâ&#x20AC;?, which provides

but how long that would take is currently unknown.

analysis and ideas on the politics and economy of the EU. It has declared itself to be neutral in the Brexit

Pro-EU voices sometimes claim that more than 3 million trade dependent jobs would be endangered, implying that all trade with the EU would stop.

debate. However, the think-tank has historically been labelled as Eurosceptic and its former director, Mats Persson, became the special adviser to Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015 after leaving Open Europe.

A vote to leave the EU would be a step into the unknown. This is made much more daunting for the facts themselves cannot really be trusted or simply do not

The impact of a Brexit on the British economy can be

exist. The consequences on EU and British citizens, with

reasonably estimated at a 2.2 per cent lower UK GDP in

a vote to remain or for Brexit, we can only guess.

a worst case scenario and a 1.6 per cent higher UK GDP in a best case scenario. A more realistic range would be

Ines Mette-Belkebla

a loss of 0.8 per cent up to a gain of 0.6 per cent. But

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Creative Writing

Blackberry She put it between her lips and carefully played with it. Her tongue keeping the fruit at the edge of her mouth; her lips tight, while the lipstick was slightly coming off. The blackberry contrasted with the soft pink shade framing her teeth. She looked at me, challenge written on her eyes; slyness on the smile that she could still draw with the sweet fruit in her mouth. I could tell the fruit was soft; it looked like it was about to melt on the tip of her tongue. A dirty game, yet nicely played.

Her tongue moved, agile, stopping the fruit from falling. She pushed it inside and bite it. The juice quickly stained her white teeth and the succulent blackberry slowly degraded. Purple drops were dripping down her lower lip, finding their way down her chin. She was still smiling, sweeter than the blackberry, now bringing her fingers to her face to stop the juice from reaching further down her neck. With the back of her left hand she wiped off the juice. The colour of the lipstick mixed with the purple of the fruit all around her mouth. She put her hand away from her face and looked straight into my eyes. She stole my soul there and now. She winked, showed off her purple tongue and walked out.

I stood there, behind the camera that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to have bothered her at all and I appreciated what a masterpiece she had become.

Meritxell Grau

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Enterprise

Always thought Jamie Oliver was a cool chap?

This might be your lucky chance to meet him.

10 Issue 54.indd 12

Simone Kortung Online and Social Media Leader The Enterprise Gym

03/05/2016 11:01

Enterprise

You, the University of Dundee students, have voted for

Starting out in his parents’ pub, Jamie’s career took an

your favourite entrepreneur in the University of Dundee

impressive turn after being discovered at the workplace

Students’ Choice for Entrepreneur of the Year 2015. The

by the BBC. Nowadays ‘Jamie Oliver’ is a brand associ-

campaign, which was initiated by The Enterprise Gym

ated with simplicity and quality, just like Jamie’s culinary

and DUSA supported by SIE, aims to bring one very suc-

style, which you can get a taste of in Jamie’s Italian

cessful British entrepreneur in front of Dundee’s students

Glasgow, Edinburgh or Aberdeen - three out of Jamie’s

to share their success story. The Enterprise Gym, SIE and

nearly 50 restaurants globally.

DUSA believe that entrepreneurship and innovation play a key role in today’s society.

However, whilst becoming one of the richest and most influential people in the UK, Jamie remained down to earth and still resides in Essex, where he was born and

Jamie is truly one of a kind; His expertise, passion and positive can-do attitude are what make Jamie a successful entrepreneur and much adored celebrity.

raised, with his wife and four children. In-between being a celebrity chef, restaurateur, family man and strong advocate for food education, Jamie is truly one of a kind; His expertise, passion and positive can-do attitude are what make Jamie a successful entrepreneur and much adored celebrity. Most popular for his various appearances on TV and numerous published cooking books, the charming 40-year-old Brit has cooked his way right into our hearts - and notably impacted the majority of

By seizing opportunities and creating wealth, entre-

the voters.

preneurs inspire others to follow their journey and thus enrich our communities. Jamie Oliver (37%) won against

Jamie has now been informed about the outcome of

Richard Branson (32%) in a close race for the award,

the campaign and we sincerely hope he will be able to

with Duncan Bannatyne (13%) coming in third and Debo-

come to Dundee to accept the prize in person, meet the

rah Meaden (11%) fourth.

voters, and give a speech on campus later this year.

Follow The Enterprise Gym on Facebook or Twitter to be amongst the first to hear about Jamie’s response to being awarded University of Dundee Students’ Choice for Entrepreneur of the Year 2015! facebook.com/EnterpriseGym twitter.com/Enterprise_Gym or register via www.enterprise-gym.com to get email updates.

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Entertainment

THE TROUBLE WITH CHILD STARS

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Entertainment

The problem with child stars is news to no one. We are all used to hearing of yet another person we consider part of our childhood, going off the rails and becoming a member of the Hollywood-exiled list. For a lot of children who gained fame at an early age, a future of rehab visits, drug abuse and illegal activity was, and still is, inevitable. Beautiful and talented little time bombs, waiting to explode, or more accurately, implode.

Exposed to the sexual escapades of his older brothers and being one of the biggest names on the planet took its tole on him, leaving him greatly damaged as an adult.

Despite this being such a highly publicised problem, it seems that few measures have been put in place to protect the children vulnerable to this kind of damage.

pades of his older brothers and being one of the biggest

Instead there a few loose guidelines on work hours

names on the planet took its tole on him, leaving him

and compulsory education. This is not a new problem,

greatly damaged as an adult. MJ became a drug user,

encouraged by a wayward and modern society where

and his behaviour was known in the media to be bizarre

drugs are commonplace, and easily accessible from a

and concerning. He became the focus of negative at-

young age, but one that has existed since the idea of a

tention when there were claims of him being a child sex

child star first did.

abuser, and then dangerously holding his baby over a balcony railing did not help.

Beautiful and talented little time bombs, waiting to explode, or more accurately, implode.

Another example of a fame having a negative effect on a child is that of Britney Spears . Starting off in the Mickey Mouse Club at the age of eleven, she then moved on to have her own career as a pop singer. Being an attractive young girl in the music industry, she was over-sexualised,

Although Michael Jackson is not the earliest example of

appearing as a sex symbol at the age of sixteen.

a child star gone wrong, he certainly remains to be one

As anyone who hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been living under a rock will

of the most infamous. From a young age Michael was

know, Britneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life went downhill after that. Her famous

worked to the bone by his overbearing and allegedly

(and meme-worthy) head-shaving meltdown in 2007

abusive father, who forcefully moulded him into a star,

combined with her two-day marriage to Jason Alexander

leaving him with an unnatural workload and amount of

although tragic, was not uncommon behaviour from a

fame for a young person. Exposed to the sexual esca-

child star.

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Entertainment

With so many more examples ill-fated child stars including Macauley Culkin, River Phoenix, Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes and Corey Haim, just to name a few, it seems ridiculous that anyone would actively encourage their children into a career of acting or music from a young age, with the hope of fame. However, it is still

Justin Timberlake, growing up along side Britney, has a successful career and is very much liked in the media.

happening, with a new youngster appearing all over our screens every few months.

was coming in at some point).

As the humble and faithful movie and celebrity culture

However, the question remains; does fame from a young

slaves that we are, we can only hope that the few posi-

age always lead to troubling and saddening outcomes,

tive role models that young stars today have, will

or is it all due to circumstance?

be enough to encourage them onto a healthy and head-shaving meltdown free path. However, children in

After all, there are positive examples of children growing

this position are still very much at risk, and there is a lot

up with fame. The Sprouse twins appear to be just dan-

to be done if the stigma surrounding child stars is to

dy, and extremely beautiful...Justin Timberlake, growing

be removed.

up along side Britney, has a successful career and is very much liked in the media. Drew Barrymore overcame

Francesca Reid

her drug problem, beginning at thirteen when she was using cocaine, and is now a grounded, and well known actress. And last, but in no way, shape or form least, there is our beloved Leo. Leonardo DiCaprio emerged from a childhood of fame to become a bit of a hero. A passionate environmental activist and now, finally, Oscar winner; Leo escaped the no doubt compelling call to join the rest of the time bomb child stars. He now continues to land all the sought-after roles in Hollywood, as we look on with pride and tears in our eyes as he does so. Well.. that may just be me, however, it is undeniable that he has done what was not possible for others in his situation; he never let go (you knew the Titanic reference

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Entertainment

‘Cool story but please take Nina’s name out your mouth.

Why the outrage though? No doubt, it’s awful, I agree.

For the rest of your life.’ Quite a harsh twitter response

Consciously having Zoe Saldana playing a dark-skinned

from the estate of Nina Simone to Zoe Saldana. The

woman is shameful at best, dangerous at worst. Nina

initial casting of the light-skinned actress as the lead in a

Simone sang about the inequalities caused by the

film of the acclaimed singer and civil rights activist’s life,

tumultuous race relations of her time, and spoke proudly

the latter known primarily for her renditions of various

of being a woman of colour. Face value, the decision

songs such as ‘Strange Fruit’ and ‘Feeling Good,’ stirred

to cast Saldana is continuing the age old Hollywood

the controversy pot vigorously when first announced.

tradition of refusing to hire dark-skinned actresses in

However, public furore did not reach fever pitch until

lieu of a lighter-skinned alterative. Yet, to defecate on

the trailer’s release, the image of Zoe Saldana in black

Simone’s legacy by doing this speaks to Hollywood’s

face casting a dark shadow over the movie and leaving

true determination to whitewash.

a sour taste in the public palate. Racism accusations were complained, heard and defended. Hollywood

It is one thing to have Jake Gyllenhaal play Iranian

whitewashing was acknowledged, debated and rebuked.

royalty in Prince of Persia, or have Mickey Rooney put on

No matter. The film will still be put on limited release on

‘yellow-face’ for his portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi in Breakfast

April 22nd.

at Tiffany’s, it is another to whitewash the role of a reallife civil rights advocate. Saldana’s casting does not add,

public furore did not reach fever pitch until the trailer’s release, the image of Zoe Saldana in black facecasting a dark shadow over the movie and leaving a sour taste in the public palate

but rather, takes away from the narrative of the film. Miss Simone will hardly receive justice on screen if filmmakers are willing to make a decision of this extreme detriment.

Patrick O’Donnell

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Entertainment

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Fashion

Jackets to see you into Summer This time of year can be extremely difficult to dress for. Leaving the house, it looks bright and sunny but as soon as you step out of the front door it’s hard to ignore the chilly breeze. And that’s not to mention the April showers! So here’s a quick guide on outerwear to see you through the next few months while the weather makes its mind up.

Faux suede biker

A perfect transitional piece for spring to summer, a faux suede biker jacket is destined to become your new favourite. In light colours such as grey, dusty pink and taupe they are an ideal addition to a spring outfit. Layer with light knits or a t-shirt during the day, or throw on for a glamorous addition to a night time outfit. They look great with all colours of denim jeans, and are lightweight enough to throw in your bag on the off chance that the sun does decide to make an appearance.

Bomber

A bomber jacket is easily the most versatile jacket you’ll ever own. They’re casual, comfortable and also surprisingly warm which is great for this time of the year.

Available in a range of colours, they look great with almost every outfit. The perfect addition to a casual daytime look, they also add an edge to any night time outfit. You definitely won’t regret investing - they’re on trend and set to stay around until at least the end of the year.

Denim jacket

If you don’t already have one in your wardrobe, now’s the time to invest in a denim jacket. A staple wardrobe piece, they’re super versatile and great for layering. Choose a jacket in a shade of denim to suit the rest of your wardrobe and you’ll soon become attached. Not only are they comfortable, but they make a great transitional piece.

Wear over lightweight jumpers with a scarf just now and when the weather gets warmer, throw them over summery dresses.

Written by Sarah Doig

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Fashion

Faux suede biker jacket, H&M, £29.99

Bomber jacket, New Look, £34.99

Denim jacket, Topshop, £45

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ART, DESIGN 20-29 MAY 2016 & ARCHITECTURE DUNCAN OF JORDANSTONE COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE dundee.ac.uk/degreeshow DEGREE SHOW

EMERGING #uoddegreeshow

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Lifestyle

AUSSIE RULES Some impromptu life lessons from the other side of the world.

A

s I write this, I am being treated to the view

shell). The long-haul cherry on the top is the offering

from the giddy heights of 36,000ft and all

of either beef or pork for myself, the lowly vegetari-

the perks a Chinese economy class flight

an at breakfast time. So here I am, sitting in the aisle

from Australia to Scotland has to offer. The latter

seat in quiet contemplation with just my humus and

are predictably, yet decidedly disappointing and the

carrot sticks for company (there were also no seats

itchy cabin blanket is struggling to comfort me in

together with my friends). I ask, why is it all worth it?

light of the next 32 hours ahead (mostly in a metal

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Lifestyle

A

s soon as I knew I could undertake a

land may be scarce but you’ll rue the day you went au

medical placement abroad as part of

naturale when you’re shedding your skin like a lizard.

my degree I had a strong inkling I would

Where vanity overpowers health, any Queenslander

venture to Australia. I had little doubt that the

will also tell you the power of SPF if you want to

travelling would be less than perfect but it was

avoid hurtling down the slippy slope of ageing and

always about the destination and not the journey.

looking like a desiccated prune too prematurely.

After ten weeks in the country, I leave with a $50-dol-

The World is Bigger than You

lar cuddly crocodile, some exceptional memories and some life lessons that are greater than any of the postcard pretty experiences offered in the Lonely Planet.

I’m not normally one for happy clappy hippy sentiment but there’s nothing like having to wear a stinger suit in 30-degree heat, in the clearest water you’ve ever seen to give pause for thought. Australia offers a real

Always Wear Sunscreen I was lucky enough to go to Australia in the height of summer where the locals lovingly call the weather “stinkin’ hot”. I may not have burst in to a ball of flames as was suggested in a travel office but sweating out of every orifice certainly grants some new perspective. Back home, a blink of the sun through the clouds means “taps aff” and for the next few days things have a distinctly more lobster red hue. Our vitamin D depleted souls may be joyful but our skin pays the price.

contrast between the beauty of nature and its dangers.

When you’re surrounded by great white sharks, jellyfish, crocodiles, snakes and spiders, it’s hard to feel like the big man. In addition, when you can experience the vastness of just one county it’s a lot easier to understand how you are only a very small fish in a very big pond.

Make The Most of Every Hour It’s easy to get caught in a bubble of work, eat, sleep repeat and when your life is governed by a

With the highest rates of skin cancer in the world

shift pattern, it is even easier to become anoth-

and where melanoma devastates the lives of young

er hamster on a wheel. However, if ever there’s

Australians, it pays to be sensible. The sun in Scot-

something Australians do well, it’s play hard.

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Lifestyle

Our Aussie counterparts appear better placed to work for a living and not let work be their life. The weather unquestionably helps to inject some joie de vivre and avoid a post work slump but this is more of an ingrained attitude than something explained by the sunshine.

Take Your Time With the last words still ringing true, I would also like to offer the seemingly contradictory advice to relax and take it easy. Don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s a waste of time that could be used for the beach or the bbq.

Australia is a traveller’s mecca and a melting pot of culture and diversity. I’m neither fond of the idea of finding oneself nor of the notion of a 5-year plan.

However, when two of your school friends are getting married in the same year and you’re still buying cuddly crocodiles, it’s all too easy get a little panicked.

It’s simple to find people here with a nomadic attitude and this is overwhelmingly refreshing. I’m all about ambition but it’s nice to realise that there is honestly no rush.

A Shared Experience is a Better Experience If anyone has used hostels, then you would be familiar with the rabid search for battery power and Wi-Fi. Contacting friends and family is great but time spent mindlessly refreshing Facebook is time, wasted. My best experiences have been wifi free and involve the people that you can meet if you are willing to put yourself out there. Shared food, drinks, views, opinions and memories are powerful stuff. People can be great so go out and find them.

Lauren Copeland

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Opinion

There was an argument published previously in the Magdalen going against junior doctors and their strikes. I read this and decided that I wanted to be able to present the opposing side. No argument is ever perfect, however, I fully support the junior doctors and these are the reasons why.

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Opinion

THERE’S MORE THAN ONE SIDE TO EVERY STORY Firstly, I’d like to define a junior doctor. The term junior

real seven-day NHS and had worked with doctors to

doctor encompasses foundation doctors and registrars,

see how this could be implemented.

essentially every doctor except a consultant. Doctors can be termed ‘junior doctors’ for many years depending

The problem of being overworked, putting patients

on whether they get accepted onto a certain specialty

and themselves at risk, and how this relates to money

and how long the training for certain specialties may be.

is pretty simple. NHS trusts employ doctors. At the

For example, neurosurgery specialty training is an eight

moment they employ doctors at a basic pay rate which

year programme, this doesn’t include the initial 2 years

is supplemented by a ‘banding system’ (which remu-

spent as a foundation doctor and the amount of time

nerates doctors for unsociable hours; evenings and

it takes to get accepted on a competitive and selective

weekends). Junior doctors already feel overworked. So if

programme. A junior doctor is not a training title, it is a

these trusts are told that weekend work will be cheaper

working title.

then they will employ the same junior doctors at the weekends, without altering weekday hours thus resulting

The seven-day NHS isn’t a myth; it’s happening at this

in even more overworking and dangerous conditions for

very moment. The hospital doesn’t close on a Friday

patients. Stretching the same service to cover 7 days

night and send everyone who is sick and dying home

without employing more staff just isn’t a good business

to fend for themselves, frankly that’s laughable. Sure,

model especially when it could endanger peoples lives.

this is only emergency services and it would be great

Would you want someone looking after you, or your

if we could have all services available 7 days a week,

mum, or your grandparent, who hadn’t slept in 30 hours?

but it isn’t just down to doctors. We’d need more

Do you think they would be on the top of their game and

nurses, porters, admin staff, the same people that we

able to provide the best quality of care? At what time do

require to run the hospital during the week. It isn’t

you think judgement is affected? The 24 hour mark? 48

even just healthcare services… How will a patient that

hours? The new contract proposed by Jeremy Hunt pro-

requires community support or social work be dis-

vides loose safeguards to prevent trusts from working

charged at the weekends if these same services aren’t

doctors to the bone just because they can afford to. At

running? It just isn’t feasible by focusing on doctors

the moment trusts are threatened with fines and pro-

alone. It isn’t about demonising doctors. Jeremy Hunt

tected by the European Working Time Directive (EWTD)

would have had more success if he’d truly wanted a

however, in the new contract there is nothing

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Opinion

with teeth to protect doctors and with the potential European referendum the EWTD will no longer apply. How can Jeremy Hunt ensure safety?

An 11% pay increase is the idea thrown about a lot in the media as part of the argument against junior doctors.

Sure, there will be an 11% pay rise in basic pay. However, when you compare this to the financial loss due to

This isn’t overall about money, it’s about safety and fairness. changes in subsidies and unsocial hours it will be a pay decrease in the long term. They’re increasing basic pay hours and decreasing ‘premium’ pay hours. But this isn’t overall about money, it’s about safety and fairness. Not

ME VIS WI

safe and not fair. Doctors aren’t money grabbing, selfish people. They spend their working lives caring for people and saving lives, with patients at the centre of every working decision they make. Another thing to recognise is that medicine isn’t a clock-on clock-off profession, the time doesn’t reach seven o’clock and they drop the defibrillator because their shift is up. No. They stay

to check procedures have been done and ensure that their patients are safe and comfortable. Even with the junior doctor strikes, not one patient was put at risk, the consultants came in to pick up the slack. The only procedures that were put off were elective surgeries (non-emergency) and clinics. The government are treating doctors with such a lack of respect, demonising them and this is why we are losing our doctors to New Zealand and Australia. Let’s face a pretty straight up fact; we need doctors. And if we want them to stay, then providing them with a contract that they feel is not safe, nor fair and refusing to negotiate on the terms isn’t going to achieve this.

So should you support the junior doctors? Yes. Don’t let this contract be enforced and become a part of our history that we regret, and don’t let our safety be compromised by Jeremy Hunt.

Holly Hustad

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“ t c f

MEGAN FALCONER, UoD VISUAL ARTS CATEGORY WINNER 2015

“I won a free trip to Ireland and connected with top students from around the world.”

SUBMIT BY 31ST MAY AT:

www.undergraduateawards.com

Issue 54.indd 29

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! Hi h O t

Science

re! e h

Hel l

o!

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Science

O UR D EEPEST G AZE The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has broken its

rate roughly 20 times greater than that of the Milky Way

cosmic distance record with its recent observations of the

today. This high star formation rate makes the galaxy

most distant galaxy now observed in the Universe: GN-

unusually bright for a cosmic object so distant from

z11. GN-z11 is being observed just 400 million years after

Earth. The observation of GN-z11 raises many questions;

the Big Bang, and is among one of the first generations

previous work had suggested that such bright galaxies

of galaxies in the Universe. This observation will likely

should not exist so early in the Universe’s lifetime.

provide greater insight into these early generations of galaxies, and will further our understanding of the early years of the Universe’s evolution.

An international team of astronomers measured the distance to GN-z11 by using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3

This observation will further our understanding of the early years of the Universe’s evolution.

to determine the galaxy’s redshift. Cosmological redshift is a result of the Universe’s expansion. As space expands, the light travelling through it becomes stretched to

The measurement to GN-z11 is an important discov-

longer, redder wavelengths. Sufficiently distant cosmic

ery that provides evidence that other unusually bright

objects show redshift corresponding to the rate of

galaxies observed in earlier Hubble images could be

the increase in their distance from Earth. GN-z11 has a

at extraordinary distances. GN-z11 lies at a distance we

redshift of 11.1, placing it around 400 million years after

thought would only be able to be measured by the up-

the Big Bang, allowing us to observe a galaxy when the

coming NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.

Universe was only 3% of its current age.

Whilst also giving a preview of the types of observations we can expect from the James Webb Telescope, this

The galaxy’s distance was previously estimated by

is another example of the Hubble telescope delivering

analysing its colour in images taken with Hubble and

more than expected of it. The new measurement to GN-

the NASA Spitzer Space Telescope. A combination of

z11 is proof of how tantalisingly close we are to finally

the observations made by Hubble and Spitzer show that

observing some of the first galaxies ever formed.

the galaxy is around 25 times smaller than the Milky Way, and only has around 1% of the Milky Way’s mass

Sophie Boswell

in stars. However, the number of stars is growing fast: a

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Science

PARALYSIS

LASREVERREVERSAL NOT TO BE SNEEZED AT

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Science

After a knife attack in 2010, it would seem obvious that

The intention of the surgery was for the olfactory en-

Darek Fidyka’s paralysis from the chest down was a

sheathing cells to allow the fibres above and below the

condition he would have to accept and adapt to. He had

injury to reconnect.

been paralysed for two years and no amount of physiotherapy seemed to show any improvement. However,

With a rigorous physiotherapy routine of 5 hours per

a first-of-its-kind surgery that was performed in Poland

day, 5 days per week, Mr Fidyka is making clear progress.

has allowed him to begin walking, and even cycling

Within a few months muscle had been gained in his

again.

legs, and by 6 months he was able to slowly walk along parallel bars with the help of leg braces. The study was

The grown cells were transplanted into the spinal cord, both above and below the area of injury.

a success as it was safe, and showed no complications,

The surgery, which was carried out by a collaboration of

Now, two years after the surgery, the patient is able to

Polish surgeons and British scientists, used specialised

walk with a frame and has recovered some superficial

olfactory cells known as olfactory ensheathing cells

and deep sensation. There are plans to attempt to repli-

(OECs). The OECs were a promising choice as they are

cate the results with two more patients, with the hope of

part of the neural system, and have regenerating proper-

increasing this to ten with sufficient funding.

other than loss of smell in the side of the nose from which the olfactory bulb was removed, and after a few months, this was partially regained.

ties since their fibres are constantly damaged.

To gain enough cells for the surgery, one of Fidyka’s olfactory bulbs was removed and used to grow most OECs in culture in a lab. By using the patient’s own cells,

There are plans to attempt to replicate the results with two more patients

from an area rich in OECs, the possibility of rejection by the body, as commonly occurs in transplant patients,

This case shows an exciting new possibility for an injury

was removed. The grown cells were transplanted into

that has long been thought of as irreversible and debil-

the spinal cord, both above and below the area of injury.

itating. Hopefully, with further study, it will lead to an

Strips of nerve tissue taken from the patient’s ankle were

opportunity for patients to regain their independence.

also transplanted to the site to bridge the gap in the spinal cord.

Heather Gordon

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Science

A C AS E F O R

F OSSI L FUE L D IVESTME NT 33

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Science

Dear Prof Sir Downes, Principal & Vice-Chancellor,

Recent open letters of yours read that the University of Dundee “aspires to be Scotland’s leading University”. You then pinpoint “financial security” as a necessary condition for this transformation. You finally pledge to “continue to invest in the future”.

I We gather some facts

As of the 5th May 2015, the holdings sheet of the University of Dundee reads that the current value of investments on oil, gas & carbon producers and distributors sum up to £1,905,494.

As Harvard Professor James Engell put it: “The fossil fuel companies are decent investments only under two assumptions: first, the oil and gas and coal they own in the ground shall be sold and burned. Second, they shall continue to find more oil and gas and coal and shall sell that to be burned, too. Any investor in them must want this to happen, and any investor is putting up money to make this happen with deliberate speed”. Moreover, the UNFCCC Paris Agreement calls for “Making finance flows consistent with a pathway towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development”.

We now come to three numbers:

•

2 degrees Celsius: This the world average temperature increase which is deemed viable, if not safe, for peaceful human civilisation (sort of). Warmer is wilder, in its most negative acceptation. In fact, the Paris Agreement suggests nations “to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels”.

•

565 gigatons: No more than this amount of carbon dioxide must be dispersed if the 2ºC threshold is to be avoided. Just to add a further harrowing figure, 16 are the years which humans will need, on current trends, to release said quantity of CO2.

•

2795 gigatons: If the oil, gas and carbon currently known by the fossil fuel companies would all be used, this much carbon dioxide would be released into the atmosphere.

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Science

II We draw a contradiction from the gathered facts and we clarify its origin

It is clear that we have reached a contradiction. Where is the knot? How to untangle it? Perhaps it is a definition issue. We shall look for clarity and explicitly state what “future” is for us, for the problem itself stems from within a particular idea of future: as humans can perceive a very small range of wavelengths, the rest cannot be seen, so the reached contradiction ceases to be one if ‘future’ is intended somewhat differently. Differently to what? To the following:

Pars destruens: future is not merely the nth position in a university’s ranking, it is not obtaining a degree from a “leading” university. Pars construens: future is rather to gather knowledge to contribute to, and rejoice within, the beauty of this world, both human and nonhuman, and from the experience gather more knowledge, thus adding again our small effort to the whole, and on and on. But how, if no beauty is left?

Assuming therefore this very general definition, or any of the kind, as ‘true’, then the knot must necessarily lie somewhere else.

Here: the tool on which your promise of a brighter future for the University and its students, i.e. “financial security”, (partly) rests upon, and therefore nourishes, what threatens it the most.

There is only one way out of this contradiction: the University must divest from fossil fuel companies.

III We present the only way out of the contradiction, which is both logical and moral

There are two logical ways out of this contradiction: either both you and the University reject that very general idea of future, or the University divests from fossil fuel companies; tertium non datur. The latter one, the way of divestment is the only one of the two which adds up moral to its logical necessity. Thus, as Kant would say, the University has only one way out: divestment from fossil fuel companies.

It is perfectly understood that divestment is challenging indeed. However, many academic institutions have opened the pathway. To cite some examples: the University of Glasgow was the first in Europe to agree to completely divest from fossil fuel companies; other renowned British universities, including the University of Edinburgh, Warwick and Oxford, have already fully or partially divested.

Moreover, the Bank of England warned of the “huge financial risk” posed by fossil fuel investments. For if policymakers will ever agree to implement laws to fight climate change, the fossil fuel industry will inevitably suffer.

Finally, time. We have very little left, and it must not be wasted. The situation demands swift and radical action. A partial or a late divestment would be nonsensical. As the International Energy Agency’s chief economist states: “the door to reach 2 degrees is about to close.” If we do not get a hold on our emissions by 2017 “it will be closed forever”.

Michele Villa and Isabella H. Impesi

35 Issue 54.indd 37

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Science

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Science

Science isn’t cheap and after the 2008 financial crisis scientific research was hit hard as most private research universities took a twenty percent reduction in their annual revenue.

T

his resulted in many researchers and labs losing

So there has been success when people are just sacri-

their funding. Not being able to continue their

ficing their time but what about what scientists really

work, many important areas remain poorly investigat-

need - Money.

ed. Luckily for us, smaller public research universities weren’t hit so hard directly as they do not rely on private

For this we will look to a New York biotech start up

donation as a major stream of income.

called Epibone. Founded by a group of former Columbia University researchers that lost their jobs as a result of cutbacks at the university. Their goal is to grow bones

So there has been success when people are just sacrificing their time but what about what scientists really need - Money.

for the purpose of transplant patients. Part of their funding comes from private donation, donors including Peter Thiel, the man behind PayPal. They have been operating since 2012 with some success in engineering stem cells onto bone grafts and have garnered the interest of the scientific community following the publishing of several papers in prestigious journals.

So now we have large groups of highly educated scientists with no institution to fund or house their research.

We are yet to see an example of members of the general

What happens next is called the “open science” move-

public getting involved in the funding and develop-

ment, or crowdsourcing science. It is a movement with

ment of scientific research. This is where Dundee’s own

goals of making science more accessible to the general

Young Researchers Association exists to bridge this gap.

public as well as having research publicly funded in a

Members of DUYRA seek out poorly funded areas of re-

visible manner.

search and undertake small projects to investigate them, potentially filling gaps in the scientific literature. Most of

One such example would be the “Polymath Project”,

DUYRA’s resources are crowdsourced or privately fund-

started up by Tim Gowers (Professor of Mathematics at

ed showing future potential for open science research.

Cambridge and Fields medal recipient), it is a platform

But these are early days and not the first time groups

for large collaborative math projects. Allowing for seem-

have tried such an undertaking, the future success of this

ingly impossible equations to be solved by large groups

is up to you.

of people ranging from other Fields medalists to high school math teachers to university students. Making

It is a very privileged position to be in control of the

what would have been information only available to a

future of scientific research, what will you do with it?

select few open to the public. This project has had great success in furthering public understanding of math as

James Russell

well as some minor breakthroughs in Professor Gowers’ work.

37 Issue 54.indd 39

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Societies

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Societies

DARE ARE RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS FOR OPPORTUNITIES IN UGANDA & ROMANIA Fancy doing something worthwhile this summer? Look no further! DARE are recruiting volunteers for our projects in Uganda and Romania.

UGANDA:

opportunities to volunteer in schools, summer

This project involves constructing a water

camps and malnutrition centres. Students

tank and working with the local schools and

participating in projects pay for their flights,

community to promote hygiene/sanitation.

food and accommodation; so DARE is proud

Find out more here: http://www.littlebiga-

to state that all the money raised by the

frica.org/…/LBA-Action-Sitaru-Profile-

society goes directly to the projects abroad.

ROMANIA:

We are always keen to welcome new stu-

This is a short-term project working at a

dents to help us fundraise, or represent

summer camp for Roma (gypsy) children, a

DARE as an enthusiastic and hardwork-

little known community who live in very poor

ing volunteer. The projects we work with

conditions and wouldn’t normally get the op-

are sustainable and give you a chance to

portunity of a holiday. There is also the chance

make a visible difference whilst volun-

to spend time in Jacouda (a Roma village)

teering. There are no hidden ‘admin’ fees

and work with a HIV/AIDS project. Find out

required like a lot of organisations and all

more here: http://www.lovelightromania.com/

fundraising goes directly to the projects.

DARE is a student-run charitable society

Upcoming fundraising events include: Race

aiming to actively support international de-

Night, Bungee Jump, and Sponsored Cycle.

velopment projects. We raise money during

To find out more or get an appli-

the academic year through events such as

cation form, get in touch at

acoustic nights, bungee jumps and sponsored

daredundee@gmail.com or on

cycles. Over the years we have co-ordinat-

Facebook Dare Dundee

ed a range of summer projects in countries such as Romania, Guatemala, Tanzania and Ireland. Each project is different, including

39 Issue 54.indd 41

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Sport

CLUB FEATURE

MIXED LACROSSE This month we take a look at team sport Lacrosse

Dundee University Mixed Lacrosse Club has seen its

numbers regularly appearing at training each week.

biggest growth in membership this year and, in turn,

Promising results began to arrive as the

indulged in one of its most successful seasons yet. This

weeks progressed.

year we joined the Lacrosse Scotland League, which gave us the opportunity to compete against many

As one of the sports unionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smaller clubs, we do not

different clubs, including both university and club sides

currently have access to a coach. However, plans are

of all different levels.

currently being laid out in order to secure one for next season. As has been the case for the past few years,

The team is predominantly made up of people who

the students themselves coach the team. Our current

took up the sport in first year as complete beginners.

captain, Fiona Sinclair, has done wonders with the club.

They have learnt new skills and have been given the

Having only played the sport for four years herself she

opportunity to develop them over time. Being one of

has managed to not only lead by example, but also

the smaller sports clubs within the university, the team

inspire new and existing players and encourage them to

have developed a very close bond with one another

continue working hard on developing new skills in order to

and relationships remain strong both on and off the field.

improve their play.

This season kicked off positively when we were

We had a number of fixtures throughout the season

successful in recruiting our largest number of newly

(some considerably more successful than others) but

matriculated players in the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, with greater

all in all each game gave the players something new in

40 Issue 54.indd 42

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Sport

which to learn. Many of the freshers faced off in their

different abilities, and managed to secure ourselves a

first ever competitive games against some of the most

win. During St. Andrews indoor tournament, we nar-

challenging clubs in Scotland, such as Edinburgh Univer-

rowly lost to the St. Andrews first team with a score

sity first’s and ‘Capital’, which is one of Edinburgh’s most

of 7-5 in their favour. We played some of our best

experienced club sides.

lacrosse as a team at the tournament and the players truly took a lot away from it.

The season kicked off with a highly successful start after a 7-5 win over Robert Gordon University, followed by

We can only carry forward all of the new things we

one of the highlights of the entire season - our game

have learnt from this season and continue to grow

against Aberdeen’s development side. We went into the

and develop as a team. The key to our success is our

game with a squad mainly comprised of new players and

continuation to strive towards new and better things

were not necessarily expecting anything huge to come

for the club, and to do as much as we can to make

from it. However, it’s safe to say that we were pleasantly

the sport bigger and better than ever before. Wheth-

surprised with a 12-3 victory and a massive team

er you are heavily into your own sport and want to

morale boost.

try something new outside of your comfort zone, or you hardly ever participate in team games, why not try something new and give lacrosse a go? It’s the

The season kicked off with a highly successful start after a 7-5 win over Robert Gordon University

perfect team to join - not only will you get to play the best sport in the whole world but you’ll also get to meet many different people, expand your horizons and make lots of new friends!

Author, Elena Hall We took a large squad over to St. Andrews where we entered a mixed club tournament, facing teams of all

41 Issue 54.indd 43

03/05/2016 11:01

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Sports

The European

SUPER league

The Death Of Football What would Manchester United argue, did we create football or did Leicester? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s call it the money pot created by soccer and fandom around the world.

Who has had more of an integral role . . .

Manchester United or Leicester?

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Sports

€

€

€

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I

n amongst the wonderful English Premier League season we’re witnessing, with the unlikely lads of Leicester leading the way, you can always count on

a narrow-minded, self-interested, materialistic, money-grabbing businessman to try to take away the joy.

The man I flatteringly describe is American Charlie Stilli-

There should be no self proclaimed right to be called elite and reap the benefits of that reputation.

tano, co-founder and chairman of Relevant Sports, who is responsible for the erroneous, and also disrespectful,

Namely, the European Super League, an invite only com-

comment that opens this article.

petition for Europe’s predetermined ‘elite’ that would, most likely, replace the current Champions League. So,

So what has gotten me so riled about this man? Firstly

essentially, Stillitano’s plans would bar teams like Leices-

the suggestion that Manchester United created football

ter from a European adventure because they are not

in 1992 is particularly exasperating. Manchester United

considered ‘big’ enough.

were fortunate that they became successful just at the right time, with the birth of the Premier League and

Representatives from England’s perceived ‘Big Five’

football going global, but that totally discounts a game

clubs (Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool,

that has been played for hundreds of years. Football was

Chelsea and Arsenal) all met Stillitano on the 1st March

not ‘created’ in 1992.

to allegedly discuss the European Super League. The main motive for them is money, or greed, however you

Anyway this is not the major issue. I can, after all, forgive

want to look at it.

a degree of footballing ignorance. What has infuriated me, and fans all over, are the designs that Stillitano has

The predetermined ‘Big Five’ are all considered elite

on the game.

because of past glories. There should be no self-pro-

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Sports claimed right to be called elite and reap the benefits of

‘No — because the Champions League is PSV Eindhoven

reputation. It is unashamedly disrespectful to all other

and Ghent.’ Yes Charlie, that’s correct. PSV were better

clubs and gives them a greater unfair advantage that

than Manchester United and Ghent were better than

many would consider they already have. It is also worth

Valencia this year. They earned that right.

pointing out that there is no logic to it at the moment.

So this is why the European Super League must not hap-

At the time of writing the current ‘Big Five’ find

pen. Who cares about the International Champions Cup?

themselves 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 10th in the league.

Fans don’t care and clubs don’t even list a win amongst

Blackburn Rovers, currently rocking around in English

their honours.

football’s second tier, have won the league more recently than Liverpool.

The joy of sport is competition. Real competition where you have to earn what comes your way. This is what

Claudio Ranieri, Leicester’s manager, also made a crucial

makes it a joy and why Leicester’s achievements have

point about the self-proclaimed ‘elite’. ‘I understand big-

been such a delight to watch. They have earned their

ger teams don’t want one year without the Champions

way into the Champions League. If Manchester United,

League, but this is sport. For one year, you don’t achieve

Liverpool and Chelsea stay where they are then they

this, you want to make something different? It’s not

don’t deserve the honour of representing the English

right. You are afraid. You are not strong. They have to blame themselves. They should ask: Why is a little team like Leicester doing better than us?’

Unfortunately, for these clubs, that is the question that they would never ask. It would shine a light on their own stewardship and performance. It would show that

They would have what they wanted anyway so they could put out the reserves for all that it mattered

they aren’t, actually, doing very well considering the advantages they enjoy. So, instead, they are looking for

Premier League in Europe. They’re not good enough.

ways to maximize their commercial intake, increase their

This is why the European Super League must not hap-

wealth and, in doing so, kill football as we know it.

pen. Automatic qualification is the end of competition

Stillitano’s Relevant Sports Company are the mas-

and the essence of sporting joy. The wonderful climax of

terminds behind the International Champions Cup, a

this Premier League season, with its potential for twists

preseason tournament that takes place across the globe

and turns, would be depowered.

between ‘elite’ clubs. They earn a ridiculous amount of

Can Manchester United make it into the top four? It

money from it but the competition is essentially mean-

wouldn’t even matter. They would have what they want-

ingless. No one talks about it and no one cares. But for

ed anyway so they could put out the reserves for all that

the businessmen and board members of these clubs it’s

it mattered.

all about money, money, money.

So if Stillitano could kindly go away and leave his clueless ideas out of the game then that would be great.

Why is a little team like Leicester doing better than us?

And if the chief executives and chairmen of the ‘elite’ clubs could focus on their own clubs and sort things out themselves then that would be great too. Suck it up and compete - that’s the aim of the game.

‘When you see the teams we have this summer in the International Champions Cup, you are going to shake your head and say, ‘Isn’t that the Champions League?’ Stillitano continued to say in his infuriating interview where he declared Mancheser United the creators of football.

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H

aving never been to an OpSoc show in the

As the show has now passed, I won’t go into further

five years I’ve been a student here (huge

detail but just to say well done, and to anyone

mistake, go to every show!) and going to

reading this I would highly encourage you to attend

Heathers purely under the guise of a DUSA TV

any and all future shows put on by this outstanding

crew member, I was fully under the all work, no

group.

play mind set and had no intention of writing a review. However, after watching the show (not

Next years March show has been confirmed as

just once, but three times now) I realised it fully

The Witches of Eastwick, with rehearsals beginning

deserved the glowing review I am about to give it.

in September 2016. If you want to be part of the show keep an eye on the OpSoc Facebook or

Firstly, it is important to note that the OpSoc cast

Twitter @DundeeOpSoc for further information!

is made up of students, the majority of which as far as I am aware aren’t studying a formal drama

Congratulations to the entire cast, crew and team

course. I may be wrong but regardless, these guys

involved in this production, it was truly incredible.

have gained such an impressive reputation that

I will probably be listening to the soundtrack for a

they managed to secure the European Premiere of

good few months more.

Heathers: The Musical; not an easy feat.

Andrew Stewart

With countless hilarious and heartfelt songs, relatable to most people’s teenage high school

For a full review from DUSA Media’s

experience (to a certain extent, I should hope), the

Online Manager, John Paterson,

cast delivered an on point portrayal of teenage

go to dusamedia.com.

angst. Directed by Neil Lavin with a lead cast of Rowan Hall playing Veronica Sawyer, Ross Hunter

Photo credits: Gillespie Crerar

playing Jason “J.D.” Dean and Elayn Fraser, Ellen McBride and Rachael Elmore playing the three Heather’s, amongst many many other talented members, the cast gave an outstanding performance that they should be exceptionally proud of.

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