The Gaudie 15th September 2011

TheGaudie The Aberdeen University Student Newspaper 15th September 2011 free Est. 1934 www.thegaudie.com Watering Hole becomes Union Bar as AUSA takes a step towards a union Legendary student bar The Watering Hole has been rebranded and reopened as the Union Bar as part of a management-sharing deal between AUSA and Campus Services which could lead to the SA running the pub outright. The agreement, signed by members of the Students Association and the University’s Campus Services arm, will see the Watering hole rebranded as the Union Bar as part of a favourable deal for Aberdeen University Students Association. In the longer term the project, along with the development of Alfie’s cafe, is seen as a step towards AUSA fully running its own student’s union. AUSA President Tessa Birley said: “This is sort of a trial period for us to see how it works but we could potentially take full control of the bar in the future. We were approached by student affairs and it seemed like a great opportunity to work together.” Leith Forsyth, Head of Student Affairs for the University, said “The deal will carry on as long as both parties are content, it would be the intention, all being well, that complete control is handed to the Students’ Association at a time deemed appropriate.” The newly founded Union Bar is due to open on Saturday morning at 11am, to co-incide with mov- ing weekend and the new influx of freshers who will make up its con- stituent customer base. AUSA will stage events there including a charity quiz every Sunday plus societies and entertainments committee events. Situated in the basement of the central building the pub has always been a favourite of freshers and Hillhead residents but has struggled to attract other students to make the trek from campus. Hillhead’s only public bar, which is currently operated by Campus Services, made a small profit last year and it is hoped profitability could be increased by SA sponsored events being held there. Though one of the main catalysts for the deal has been the conviction of the Directorate of Student Affairs that they were not the most appro- priate proprietors of a student bar. Leith Forsyth, Head of Student Affairs for the University, said: “I felt it more appropriate that the provision of alcohol within a student venue to be undertaken by the Students’ Association as opposed to the Directorate of Student Affairs.” “I had concerns that there may be instances where students may act in an antisocial fashion after having visited the bar at Hillhead which may result in disciplinary action being taken and I felt that this could cause a conflict within the Directorate of Student Affairs.” Ms Birley said that AUSA were aware of this percieved duality but would work to help students through their Easy Tiger campaign and other initiatives. AUSA officials have also lauded the highly favourable terms of the new deal. If the relaunch is successful the Students Association will share 50% of the profits. However, if the enterprise is still a loss making one then Campus Services will be liable for the full debts. An operating committee made up of both campus services and AUSA staff will run the Union Bar. Student President Tessa Birley, General Manager Bryan Snelling and Commercial Manager Ross Brechin will make up the AUSA delegation. The Management committee will make decisions on pricing structures and how to work with the Union Bar’s competitors among other things. AUSA have been under pressure to open a new bar since the Union on Littlejohn street closed in 2008. It had been run by Campus Services with AUSA hosting events. Rebranding and facelift works, costing around £10,000 are due to be completed by Friday 16th SepBy Stuart Hewitt Editor A cork-screwed vision of the New Library as seen from the top floor Photo/Leo Stockford The University’s flagship new £57.5 million library has opened to the public on-time and under budget. Head Librarian Chris Banks said “I think its fantastic. The huge crowd we saw, I was quite emotional about it really. Just to see people all round the building soaking up the atmosphere. I haven’t heard anyone say they don’t like it. I am just confident it’s going to give students what they want.” The project will be officially completed after the old adjacent Queen Mother Library has been demolished and replaced with a sunken garden. However, this is due to be a lengthy process as the building contains large amounts of asbestos. The ceremony, held on the 12th September, was branded a ‘soft opening’ with the official grand opening to be held sometime next year when the full project is completed. » Go to page 6 & 7 for our full feature on the new library New Library opens to students FRESHERS EDITION The Vaccines: Indie’s hottest property talk to the Gaudie Get involved with the Gaudie: Turn to back page for details

Judo, football and much more - find out about some clubs in the Sports section. The long awaited Inbetweeners Movie is finally here, - but how good is it? Aberdeen’s hidden fashion gems strut their stuff -check out the pictures! Is Freshers week too focused on drinking? Check out the debate in Opine! 2 News [email protected] The Gaudie 15th September 2011 News Sport Arts Opine Features Editors Choice The new library opens - check out our 2-page feature including an interview with head librarian Chris Banks Killer Malcolm Webster: A student run legal project has successfully helped the family of his victim replace her gravestone » P4 » P22 » P17 » P12 » P8 » P5 University Court sets £27,000 fees for RUK students starting in 2012 UK students from outside Scotland to pay £9,000 per year Edinburgh and St. Andrews set £36,000 fees By Stuart Hewitt Editor Comment Life & Style To anyone who asked why Aberdeen University Students’ Association joined 50,000 students in marching against tuition fees down south last November I would like to highlight the recent introduction of a £9,000 price tag per year for a degree at the University of Aberdeen if you come from England, Wales or Northern Ireland. It was a challenging start for the executive team at the Students’ Association this summer as we took on the tuition fees debate. When the University first proposed “buy three, get one free,” it sounded like a bad Tesco deal. The proposal was that students from the Restof-UK be charged £9,000 per year, capping a degree at £27,000 so that students either get their final year free or get the chance to enter straight into second year, if they met the correct criteria. Of course, there were strings attached. The proposal was based on academic performance so you could end up paying for the fourth year as well bringing a degree at the University of Aberdeen up to an astronomical price of £36,000, effectively making an education at our University the most expensive education in the country. It was this proposal, which was put forward to us in Academic Senate. The timing was ideal for the University seeing as the people who opposed this change, the students, were away for holiday. After great debate, the Students’ Association assured a promise from the University to scrap performance-based fee-wavers for the fourth year and at Court, they promised 10% of the profit of fees to go in bursaries - money supporting students whilst they are perusing their degree. What does this tell us about the future of higher education in Scotland? The classrooms have changed and you now have the international student paying over £10,000 a year, the English student paying £9,000 a year whilst the Scottish and the European students still turn up for free. Yet every student deserves the same quality of teaching, the same contact time and the same chance to gain a graduate job. It is thanks to the strength of the Students› Association that the University has offered 10% in bursaries, but we cannot be complacent. Along with fees, there has clearly been a growing trend of privatisation. When the Scottish Government removed the funding for places for Rest-of-UK students it gave universities in Scotland the freedom to act as businesses. It is our role as students investing in our education to ensure that the University behaves ethically to enhance the student experience, not line their own pockets. Josefine Björkqvist President for Education and Employability Aberdeen University will charge UK students from outside Scotland £27,000 for a four-year degree starting in 2012. The controversial announcement was made by the University’s highest decision-making body, the University Court, on the 26th August. Aberdeen University Students’ Association and NUS Scotland immediately expressed concern at the ‘disastrous decision’. As the first university in Scotland to do so, Aberdeen has set £9,000 a year fees for Rest of UK (RUK) students, with the total amount capped at £27,000 meaning the last year of study is effectively free. Although this limits fees to £27,000 per degree, the same as fees would be in other parts of the UK, it neglects the fact that students face an additional year of living costs, causing their degree to be exponentially higher than a degree from other British universities. When the British parliament, led by the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, reformed tuition fees, rumours came into existence that the Scottish Government would introduce fees for non-Scottish UK students. The topic of RUK fees became especially apparent when the Scottish Education Secretary, Mike Russell, announced that Scottish universities would be allowed to charge over £9,000 for RUK students. The debate has raged on campuses ever since with universities debating how to react within the context of massive cutbacks in the higher education sector. In what many have seen as a shrewd manoeuvre, the University was the first Scottish University to announce their decision, leaving Edinburgh University and others to announce larger fees in the heat of the media spotlight. When pushed on whether this was a deliberate ploy to outmanoeuvre other universities Aberdeen Principal Sir Ian Diamond said “We had planned for some weeks to announce our headline decision following our Court meeting on 26 August, with the advantage that we would be able to give this information, and our reasoning behind it, to prospective RUK students attending our Open Day just a few days later. We were not aware of the plans and timings of other universities with regard to their own announcements.” Since Aberdeen’s announcement more universities have followed. Only a week later the University of Edinburgh announced that their fees for RUK students will go up to £9,000 without a cap, bringing fees up to £36,000 for a degree, and St Andrews announced similar plans just days later. Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh announced they would also cap their fees at £27,000 for a four-year degree. AUSA President Tessa Birley, who was one of a group of student leaders to sign an open letter to Universities urging them to show restraint on tuition fee increases prior to the decision, said she understood the situation the university found itself in but vowed to “continue to campaign to ensure that those that want to go to university canno matter what their financial background.” Ms Birley went on to say “it’s disappointing that the decision was to raise fees to a headline fee of £9,000 per year” and stressed the essential difference between English and Scottish degrees was the extra year meaning the fee rise will “result in the cost of a degree exceeding those in England due to the extra year of living.” Rest of UK students remain eligible for direct entry and some argue that an increasing number of students will chose to enter straight into second year. Ms Birley also emphasised that some of the money gained from the increase in fees will be paid back to the students in the form of bursaries. Although the provisions included in the decision of the University Court are “equally disappointing” Birley did point out that “without the pressure from the Students’ Association, there would have been no extra provision for bursaries” made by the University. A University Court motion did stipulate that ten per cent of the income from the fee will be used for bursaries in addition to the already existing bursaries offered by the University. Principal Diamond said “We already have an extensive, and growing, programme of bursaries and scholarships open to undergraduate students irrespective of their home area. In addition we are exploring options for additional financial assistance that would be open to all new students, and possibilities around specific support for RUK students. We hope to have details available in the coming weeks and in good time for prospective students applying for entry in 2012.” Other universities across Scotland are expected to reach similar decisions made by Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt in the coming weeks. However, the Scottish government has not yet passed the necessary legislation to increase the RUK fees. This means that although universities have planned to increase their fees limits could still be lower than the currently discussed £9000.

By Aaron Murray News Editor News 3 [email protected] 15th September 2011 The Gaudie AU Study Proves Deep Voices Are Sexy Finalists were selected by a panel of experts from more than 300 entries from across the globe, and are as follows: Azusa Tomogida (Japan) ‘Autana III’ Marc Garcia Victoria (Spain) ‘Plastic Trio’ Shai Cohen (Israel) ‘Circles of Time’ Zvonimir Nagy (USA) ‘Ayres’ Christophe Looten (France) ‘Quintet’ By Henry Booth News Editor By Maria Suessmilch By Iain Phair University’s reprimand students for online comments Aberdeen University slips to 42nd in Times University Guide Uni composer announces shortlist for music prize The University of Aberdeen Music Prize, the result of collaboration between the University of Aberdeen and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, has distinguished itself as one of the most prestigious contemporary composition prizes in the world. The biennial University of Aberdeen Music Prize is the brainchild of Prof. Paul Mealor, Professor of Composition at the University of Aberdeen. Professor Mealor, whose work ‘Ubi caritas’ was premiered at the marriage of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, has earned a reputation as one of the leading members of a new generation of Welsh composers. Since 2003 he has taught at the University of Aberdeen, where he is currently Reader in Composition and Senior Lecturer in Music. With much at stake, five finalists battle it out for the prize of £5,000 in the form of a commission to write a new piece for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, which will subsequently be broadcast on BBC Radio 3, as well as allowing the winning composer to bring their music to a worldwide audience. Under the patronage of Dame Evelyn Glennie, the University of Aberdeen Music Prize competition forms the centrepiece of a wider celebration of contemporary music, brought to Aberdeen by the sound festival, which comprises handson events, workshops and concerts from the 21st October to the 13th November. Members of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra will perform the five new pieces, specifically written for the prize, at Cowdray Hall where the winning entry will also be announced. Since it was first launched, this search for creative talent has helped to develop Aberdeen’s role as one of the UK’s culture hotspots . The competition is also honoured to have such a well-respected and world-renowned composer, Professor Julian Anderson, as their 2011 judge, and in the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, the competition is lucky enough to have a group of musicians that understand the techniques of modern music better than anyone. Music Prize weekend runs from the 4th-6th of November, with a number of events related to the prize, culminating in the University of Aberdeen Music Prize Gala Concert on Sunday the 6th of November at 6pm at Cowdray Hall. This event will be free, so book early to avoid disappointment on 01224 273233. Visit www.sound-scotland.co.uk for more details, or alternatively, email [email protected] Scientists at Aberdeen University have uncovered why a deep male voice is so attractive to women – it’s all to do with memory. The study, led by PhD student David Smith, has proved for the first time that the pitch of a man’s voice is important in how well he will fare with the opposite sex. Women are more sensitive to the pitch of a low masculine voice than that of a higher voice and will remember the former much better, affecting their choice of mate. The pitch of a male voice is used by women to determine the genetic quality of a potential long term partner. It can also provide clues to a man’s behavioural traits such as antisocial tendencies and emotional openness. These and other attributes can then be remembered at a later date when considering the suitability of a partner. The study consisted of two experiments. In the first, 45 women were shown an image of an object while listening to computer-manipulated recordings of high or low pitched male and female voices. Each voice said the name of the object in the image and the women were then later asked to identify the object they had seen from two similar but not identical images. The voices were then rated in order of preference. The second experiment differed in that it used both altered and real male and female voices to evaluate how 46 new women rated the voices and recalled the objects. However, both experiments showed that the women had a strong preference for the lowerpitched voices and could remember objects more accurately when they had been named by a deeper male voice. David Smith commented on the conclusions by saying, “Our findings demonstrate that women’s memory is enhanced by lower pitch male voices, compared with the less attractive raised pitch male voices.” Our two experiments indicate for the first time that signals from the opposite-sex that are important for mate choice also affect accuracy in women’s memory.’ The research project’s supervisor, Dr Kevin Allan, said: “We think this is evidence that evolution has shaped women’s ability to remember information associated with desirable men.” “Good memory for specific encounters with desirable men allows women to compare and evaluate men according to how they might behave in different relationship contexts, for example a long-term committed relationship versus a short-term uncommitted relationship.” “This would help women to pick a suitable partner, and that’s a particularly important ability to have because the costs of poor matechoice decisions can be severe.” Mr Smith’s research has been published online in Springer’s journal, Memory and Cognition. More and more questions are being asked as the crackdown on what is said online begins in Scotland’s universities. Is this a legitimate extension of anti-bullying campaigns? A protection of people’s safety and of public order? Or is it an attempt by the universities to control what is said about them and to protect their reputations and future student intake? After this summer’s London riots, where Prime Minister David Cameron infamously talked of shutting down social networks such as Twitter and Facebook, the role of free speech, especially in the context of the Internet is becoming a much more prominent issue. Here in Aberdeen at Robert Gordon University, five students have been disciplined for inappropriate use of Facebook over the past two years. In one case, a student had to repeat the module they were studying and was forced to write a “reflective account” of their conduct. AUSA’s former president, Robin Parker, now president of the National Union of Students Scotland, said social media sites provided a great benefit to students in communicating their views. “But like all methods of communication, there is clearly a line that should not be crossed when it comes to speaking their mind,” Parker said. “It is one thing to express a strong view on a university setting £9,000 fees for their friends from the rest of the UK, and quite another to use Twitter or Facebook to launch offensive attacks on lecturers or The Sunday Times University Guide is one of the most helpful and pres- tigious guides for future students in their search of a good university. Its criteria matter most to students and in a brief summary an overall view of the university is given. On 11th September the Sunday Times pub- lished their university list for 2012. The top university in the UK is the University of Cambridge, fol- lowed by Oxford and Durham Uni- versity. The University of Aberdeen comes in 42nd and thus continues a descent in rankings. During the last two years we went from 27th in 2009 to 37th in 2010 and now stand at 42nd. However, we are speaking of a 500 year-old university with a ‘strong academic reputation’, according to the Guardian University Guide 2012 and it is undeniable that we achieved good scores. Teaching Excellence, which re- flects the teaching quality, academic support, assessment and feedback was marked with 166 out of 250 points which makes 76.6%. Our student satisfaction rose to 88% from 79.5% in 2009. The research quality remained the same with 64.4%. A quite low score was reached in the Dropout rate with 15.7% where as 11.4% would be a normal amount ‘given the subject and social mix at the university’ as the criteria of the guide states. However, alumni of the University of Aberdeen enjoy one of the high- est salaries in Scotland with £22,691 being right behind Glasgow University with £22,929 and Dundee with £23,311. The accompanying summary about the University of Aberdeen positively noted the restructuring of our degree programmes which allows students to study cross-disci- plinary courses. Furthermore, the investments in our new library, the Aberdeen Sports Village and the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health are pointed out. Our world ranking po- sition dropped from 117 to 141. In general it says that we remain a university with high quality and excellence. Our 500 year tradition does not stand in our way when it comes to improving degree programs and facilities. We are still in the first third of the best universities in the UK. However, the decline over the last two years should be seen as a hint that things need to improve again. It might seem that our scores and ratings remain the same, compared to other years, but those other univer- sities seem to have improved, so we fell behind. Although it is inevitable that such guides influence parents’ and students’ opinions such a ranking can never guarantee you will go to a university where you will feel welcome, happy and challenged. As the name suggests such rank- ings should only be a guide and it is important to form an opinion yourself. However, we should work on improving our scores, not only to im- prove our ranking, but more importantly to improve our university.

4 News [email protected] The Gaudie 15th September 2011 Summer News Round-Up Claire Morris who was killed by Malcolm Webster in 1994 By Stuart Hewitt Editor Student-run law project advise murder family An Aberdeen University studentled law project has successfully helped the family of a murdered woman at the centre of one of the highest profile court cases of the summer in their legal battle with her husband and killer. The Aberdeen Law Project, staffed and run by Aberdeen University law students, was asked by the family of murder victim Claire Morris to advise them in their quest to have her killer’s name removed from her gravestone. Aberdeenshire Council said they have now removed the headstone after considering all the legal implications. Ms Morris died in 1994 in a car crash in Aberdeenshire, which her husband Malcolm Webster survived. Her death, at the age of 32, was treated as a tragic accident until a new investigation was launched after police in Scotland discovered that Webster had also tried to kill his second wife, Felicity Drumm, in similar circumstances in New Zealand. Ms Morris was buried by her seemingly grieving husband in a graveyard in Tarves, Aberdeenshire, and her gravestone carried a epitaph from Webster reading “With loving thoughts of my dear wife”. Ms Morris’ family wished to have the gravestone replaced but feared they would have to seek the permission of Webster. The family were also worried that Mr Webster would be able to have himself buried beside Ms Morris when he passed away. Council officials originally told them that because Webster buried her and owns the grave, they had to get his consent before making any changes. Pleas by both the family and the council to Webster to give up the plot were refused by the murderer, who maintains his innocence. Peter Morris, Claire’s brother, approached the Aberdeen Law Project for legal advice and ALP founder Ryan Whelan obliged, providing essential legal assistance including holding meetings with the Council’s legal team. Ms Morris’s brother Peter said it was a “great first step” towards being able to replace the ‘monstrous’ headstone and hold a second funeral service for his sister. Ryan Whelan, founder of the Aberdeen Law Project who had been supporting the Morris family, said: “The gravestone was a desecration of Claire’s grave in the mind of all sensible persons.” “Given that Malcolm Webster was convicted of murdering Claire Morris, the gravestone that was in situ was a desecration of Claire’s grave in the mind of all sensible persons. “It is right and proper that it has now been removed by Aberdeenshire Council. What we have achieved today is a pragmatic solution to a complex legal matter.” “The council are to be commended for engaging with us to identify and implement this solution.” The Aberdeen Law Project was publicly launched in 2010 after Ryan Whelan and colleague Guy Grant agreed over a pint some time in 2008 that there was a socio-economic justice gap in the North-East which could be sufficiently closed with the help of law students. The project hold regular law clinics where members of the public can come along and seek free legal advice. No advice is given at a first consultation as students must research the specific law prior to offering advice. All advice given to clients is overseen and approved by practitioners acting in a pro bono capacity. The ALP is subdivided into three core operational sectors: housing employment, consumer rights and prisoner rights. In May a jury at the High Court in Glasgow found Webster guilty of murder and the attempted murder of Ms Drumm, committed as part of a fraudulent scheme to obtain almost £1 million in insurance and pension payments. In July he was sentenced to 30 years in jail. Webster, of Guildford, was also found guilty of intending to bigamously marry Simone Banarjee, from Oban, Argyll, to gain access to her estate. He pretended to have leukaemia, and during the deception he shaved his head and eyebrows. She was warned about Webster’s past as police closed in on him. Polar Bear mauling victim and Aberdeen University graduate David Ruck, 27, is on the road to recovery after undergoing several operations on head wounds he received during the horrific attack on the Norwegian island of Svalbard earlier this summer. Mr Ruck, who studied anthropology at Aberdeen, was a leader of the tragic expedition of 16-23 yearolds who were attacked by the polar bear at the beginning of August. 17-year-old student Horatio Chapple was killed during the savage attack by the rogue bear which was shot and killed by a member of the group. One of Mr Ruck’s eyes was seriously injured and it is understood there is concern his vision may be permanently affected. An independent investigation has been launched into the attack, and the trip’s organisers vowed to “leave no stone unturned”. Work has begun on the £22 million Aberdeen Aquatics Centre with a completion date set for 2014. The centre is the second phase of the major Aberdeen Sports Village development, a joint venture between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland. It will provide long lane training opportunities for elite swimmers who currently have no facilities north of Stirling and provide a community facility that will encourage participation in water-based activities at all ages and abilities. The work is being carried out by Graham Construction after taking possession of the site of the former Linksfield Academy. In July Aberdeen Uni student Ross Grant made it to the last three of NUS Student of the Year award. The third year Politics and In- ternational Relations student had previously won NUS Scotland’s Student of the Year award for his ‘exceptional’ work in his local community of Tillydrone. Twenty-three year old Ross juggles his studies with his role as chairman of Tillydrone Community Council, chairman of Aberdeen Civic Forum and chairman of Tillydrone Development Steering Group. Ross is also vice-chairman of Til- lydrone Vision which is working with young people in Uganda and was involved in helping to buy and send a tractor to a school so that they can harvest crops to feed the children. “I was really surprised to have been nominated as it was done so quietly. I am honoured that the people I work with think so highly of me.” The perennially popular Word festival is to take a fal- low year in 2012 to allow the Uni- versity to host one of the oldest and largest science festivals in the world. The highly popular festival of lit- erature which the University hosts each May will next year make way for the British Science Festival which is expected to draw 50,000 people to the city. Though the Science Festival, which traces its roots back to 1831, will not be held until September the University felt that they did not possess the resources to host both events in the one year. University officials said a new, larger Word festival will be held in 2013 that will broaden to include arts and culture events. Steve Cannon, secretary to the University of Aberdeen, said: “While we focus on the planning for the Science Festival, we also intend to use 2012 as a planning year for a major new celebration of arts and culture which we aim to launch in 2013.” Aberdeen University has been fined over £1 million for taking on too many students for the second year in a row. £1,048,000 will have to be paid to the Scottish Funding Council as a punishment for allocating an extra 800 places to students. The move has angered the higher education establishment as the pe- nalised universities were previously encouraged to increase student in- take numbers under a Scottish Gov- ernment scheme. Restrictions on STEM-related courses – science, technology, en- gineering and mathematics – were lifted in the three years prior to 2010-11 in a move designed to raise student numbers in areas pivotal to the Scottish economy. However, last year, institutions were forced to either face fines or slash numbers after Michael Rus- sell, the Education Secretary, de- cided to reimpose limits as part of wider cost-cutting measures. Robin Parker, President of the Na- tional Union of Students Scotland, said the number of new entrants ought to be free of restrictions: “With the current economic situation, we need both universities and Government to come together to meet as much demand to study for a degree as possible. If universities can over-recruit and still maintain their quality of provision, then so be it.” However, the Scottish Government said the current set-up was necessary as a “disincentive” to prevent student support costs spiralling. Mr Russell said: “For every extra student place granted that goes above what we have funded, the public purse is burdened with finding student support that has not been budgeted for.” Donald Trump has vowed to fight ‘by any means’ a new £150 million windfarm off the coast of Aberdeen which he believes will spoil the view from his golf resort at Balmedie. The European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre, composed of 11 turbines, has been scaled down from an original 33 turbines after Trump threatened to drop his plans to create a £750 million golf resort at the Menie Estate. Industry body Oil & Gas UK and Aberdeen Harbour Board had also opposed the project because of concerns with shipping and heli- copter safety but they have now dropped their resistance. Trump said “I was repeatedly promised, as an incentive for us to go forward and proceed with this project, that wind turbines would not be destroying and distorting the magnificent coastline.” The project is now subject to a formal consultation and decisionmaking process.

16th March 2011 Features [email protected] The Gaudie 5 Affordable student only bus travel from just £1.26 per day.* *Based on a £115, 13 week Aberdeen City+ Unirider ticket. But thanks to you don’t have to worry about bus fares. www.buymyunirider.com The black sheep of fresher’s week Stuart Hewitt talks to organisers of the anti-capitalist alternative to AUSA sponsored fresher’s week. Now into its third year, the Alternative Freshers’ Week has always been seen as a grungey two fingers up to the AUSA establishment. Its myriad events attempt to showcase Aberdeen’s alternative and subversive culture and aims to lure students away from the sugary sweet programme of club nights offered by the Students Association. So when The Gaudie came to meet two of the many organisers of AFW I was surprised to be led to a house directly neighbouring AUSA’s Butchart headquarters. It seems the AFW are not so aggressive towards their more commercial neighbours as people imagine. AFW co-founder ‘Bob’, who asked to be named as such as part of the anti-hierarchical spirit of AFW, said “The catalyst for setting it up might have been disillusionment with the AUSA but for me it was never really about competing with the existing freshers events or trying to destroy the organisation. All we ever wanted to do was offer an ‘alternative’ to what AUSA put on so that people had more choice.” Taking place across Aberdeen, AFW makes use of a wide range of venues for its many events. The eclectic programme includes workshops, film screenings and club nights. AFW was started back in 2009 to fill a perceived void in AUSA’s Freshers’ Week schedule. “Events which were free, which made use of public space and which involved students in their organisation were absent, and this is what we aimed to offer” says co-founder Stephen Fiddes. While accepting that AUSA need to independently raise funds, Becky is critical of the way in which deals are done and students are ‘herded’ towards the corporate jaws of local nightclubs. “FW is what funds the SA for the year, the large contract they sell to the clubs and all the students are ferried to those clubs only and no other clubs are allowed to flier on campus. It really is a monopoly” Bob added: “For me the catalyst for getting it together was the way that the AUSA ‘sold’ the rights to Freshers’ Week events to the highest bidder and then expected new students to fork out cash for a wristband that basically ties them in to going back to the same club every night.” A strong left-wing ethos pervades all aspects of Alternative Freshers’ Week with students and organisers from across the spectrum of the left represented. However, George, another of the organisers, is at pains to stress you don’t have to be an anarchist to get involved. ”It’s very anarchist in its approach to it but we’re not saying you have to be an anarchist to be involved. It’s about not boxing people in to groups in society, we want students to be part of the Aberdeen community. We don’t just want to be creating new cliques, we want different types of people from different universities coming together to organise things that everyone can relate to in some way.” Students only wanting to get drunk and go to clubs during Freshers’ Week is a stereotype we are all aware of and do little to alter. However, it is the acceptance and promotion of this dreary stereotype which the Alt. Freshers’ Week seeks to challenge. Becky explains “Being a student is such a wide and varied thing; you could be a single parent, a mature student, you could be an ethnic minority and be quite overwhelmed at how white Aberdeen is.” “Your student experience isn’t going to be the same as someone else’s and it shouldn’t be. I really feel that the Freshers’ week that is currently in place really does take students as being a lump block of cliché.” The majority of AFW’s participants and organisers are actively involved in some form of political activism and it’s something co-founder Stephen Fiddes is keen to promote. “We hoped that AFW would encourage more political activity and non-commercial events on campus throughout the term, and that freshers from the previous year would organise AFW the following year.” The Black Sheep take as laid back an approach to financing Alt. Freshers’ as one would expect. All events are encouraged to offer free entry and a not-for-profit ethos is cultivated. However, pragmatism dictates that some of the bigger events involving bands coming from long distance will charge at the door. The Black Sheep Collective is heavily associated with anarchism and promoting a less hierarchical system of organisation and Alt. Freshers’ Week has been organised with this philosophy in mind. George explains “There are no hierarchies involved, there are no organisers because everyone is free to organise things and come together. We don’t expect everyone coming along to be an anarchist obviously. Anarchism isn’t about exclusion, it’s about inclusion and being open to everyone and not trying to cut people out because of some criteria they may or may not fill. I live as an anarchist but I don’t expect everyone else to. It’s actually a very constructive ideology.” The idea for the Black Sheep moniker came from Becky, “Its based on the May ‘68 Paris student riots poster with all the sheep standing one way and it’s saying ‘return to normal’ and we don’t want to return to normal. Plus the whole Aberdeen sheep-shaggers thing”. For an updated listings go to the facebook group ‘Aberdeen Black Sheep Collective (Alternative

Features 6 [email protected] The Gaudie 16th March 2011 Below we provide a snapshot of just some of the historical relics and unique archival documentation that can be found in Aberdeen University’s Special Library and Archives: - Nineteenth-century literature, such as the complete works of Sir Walter Scott, widely recognised as the most comprehensive assemblage of his work. Scott’s Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft provides an, at times disturbing, insight into the superstitions and beliefs of the Scottish people. - Examples of science and medicine from the Renaissance through to the twentieth century. Alexander Gordon’s Treatise on Puerperal Fever, of which the infection reached epidemic proportions in Aberdeen in the late 18th Century, describes in detail the condition that affected women after childbirth. Although he correctly identified the cause of the infection as un-sanitised medical professionals, his Treatise was initially ignored, meaning many women continued to die from what is now recognised as a wholly preventable condition. - Scottish philosophy, such as the papers of Thomas Reid and original critiques of fellow philosophers including Locke and Butler, and theology from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries - Examples of Scottish Balladry and Song, including those available in the The Voice of Radicalism collection (available online), documenting the rise of democratic rights within the North East of Scotland. Recordings of ‘Radical Songs’ are available to listen to through the website, with some lyrics remaining as poignant now as at the time of their conception. …Let the laird whom “the Bread-tax” has pampered and fed, Hob-a-nob with the weaver who sighs for “Cheap bread”; While the Fund-holder sits cheek by jowl with the men Who would pay off the Debt with a dash of the pen… (Taken from An Excellent New Song) Historic Collections By Victoria Bramble News Feature New Library Claire Wheelans 3rd year Sociology and IR Initially I loved it, it was very architecturally magnificent. The centre where the floors have been cut through reminded me a little of the gugenheim museum. My problem with the previous library was that it was really cramped and it was a lot harder to find study space but now with 7 floors it will be easier. It’s a lot more open but I’m not sure if that means there will be more noise. Its got a nice comfortable feel even though it has the cold colours and light it still feels warm. Vincent Tsang Senior Honours Economics Its big, and I was worried that there would not be enough light coming into the building but in fact its very light. The glass façade stands out a lot. I was worried it might stick out too much but it fits in quite well with the rest of the campus. I would be really interested in coming along to see the historic archives. The New Libr dreamed The University’s flagship £57.5 million new heavy focus on study space and exhibiting The Gaudie secured a pre-opening preview Head Librarian Chris Banks during the Gaudie’s sneak preview Photo/Johnathan MacDonnell Principal Diamond addresses the masses Photo/Leo Stockford View across campus from the top floor Photo/Leo Stockford Approaching the University’s stunning new library, with its visually arresting glass façade, it’s easy to see why many have accused it of looking out of place on a campus of ancient granite and 60’s concrete. Inside we meet Head Librarian Chris Banks who, in stark contrast, could not seem more in tune with her surroundings as she gushes about this monument to learning which she believes is so well suited to the needs of a burgeoning student population and an ageing campus. Queen Mother Library, which is soon to be knocked down and replaced with a sunken garden, was designed around a student body of 4,000 at a time when access to computers was not a consideration. With the University now accommodating between 15,000 and 16,000 students who rely on technology as a major learning aid the need for a newer, more modern library was overwhelming. A distinctive and ultimately functional library was envisaged with more space for communal studying and pride of place reserved for the University’s world renowned special collections which will be exhibted in the gallery and seminar room in the atrium. However, as with any project of this importance, rumours and criticism were rife. Earlier this year the campus rumour-mill had many believing that a catastrophic mis-calculation was set to leave the new library without sufficient space for QML’s vast number of books. The reality turned out to be predictably less scandalous. Chris Banks explains “We carried out some work a wee while back looking at what had been used in QML. It turned out that approaching 50% of the books in QML had not been borrowed since our records began. So we felt quite comfortable leaving materials in what will be a closed store and bringing over all the materials which had been used.” With much more emphasis on open study space Mrs Banks hopes the Library will prove to be a progressive addition to Aberdeen’s infrastructure portfolio. The University has always been proud of its vast and impressive special collections and historic archives which until now had been hidden in storage. The new library has, to an extent, been designed around the collections with the exhibition gallery room lying in the centre of the first floor atrium. Exhibitions of the seminal archives will be held regularly and academics will be able to make use of the adjacent seminar room in order to educate students on their significance. Chris Banks is understandably excited about the collection’s new pride of place, “One of the major things which enticed me up to Aberdeen were the collections because they are astonishing. All the grandeur of the new library would not be worth it if it was not founded on absolutely rock solid and very significant collections.” Wider community access to the historic collections is another major tenet of the new library’s philosophy. Chris explains “I go out talking to community and special inter

Features 7 [email protected] 16th March 2011 The Gaudie New Library 1: self-service checkout machine on each floor 2: Uni-sex toilets on each floor 24: Kilometres of shelving 1,200: Study spaces: (double the capacity of Queen Mother Library) 2,135: Tonnes of steel 3,600: separate donors 21,900: Tonnes of concrete 604,000: books: including 200,000 rare books and manuscripts and 4,000 archive collections. 57.5 million: total cost of the project in pounds The New Library in figures Architecturally magnificent? Thomas Moore Senior Honours French and German Its very spacious, you can actually breathe unlike in QML. Its amazing to look up at the sky, very impressed. Its seems to be a much better place to study. I have mixed feelings about the glass façade though. I would be interested to come and see the historic collections as I had no clue about it. We need to show off what Aberdeen has got. Sonja Laitinen - 4th year Law I like it, its open plan, very airy and spacious. I do like the more interactive study areas but I would like to feel like there is somewhere you can study in private. I study law so this won’t be my primary library but maybe I will bring my books over from Taylor and study here. Paul Hart - Graduated in Archaeology I’m not a student anymore because I graduated, it’s a shame it wasn’t built before. Its really nice because the lighting is more natural. I think it fits in better with the rest of the campus I would have stayed in the library more if this was open while I was studying. I’m really interested in the archives because I graduated in archaeology, I’m planning on coming back to do work here. ary we all about? library opened to students last week with a the Uni’s world renowned Historic Collections. tour and spoke to Head Librarian Chris Banks. Penny Lewis Comment The library seen from the its new concourse Photo/Leo Stockford The new cafe which will open until 8pm Photo/Leo Stockford The new £58 million University of Aberdeen Library is a simple building, a box (not quite square in plan) that provides space for books, reading and 360 degree views of the city, the beach and the Don. It is home to 12.5km books above ground and a large archive and conservation centre below. The Danish architects, Schmidt Hammer Lassen (SHL), who won the competition to design the library in 2006, have a track record in producing large iconic libraries in particular the Black Diamond, the Royal Library on Copenhagen’s waterfront. SHL buildings tend to take a simple geometric form wrapped in a glass envelope with an energetic inner world created through the use of atria and swaying bridges. The Aberdeen Library is no exception – it’s a box - with a modern baroque light-well at its core. The building’s steel structure is hidden within the skin of the building creating clear floor plates, animated by the multicoloured books. The atrium is organic in form and on each floor level it shifts slightly creating a vortex from ground level and a series of steeply stepped terraces when viewed from above. The lifts, stairs and circulation are neatly packed into service cores on the north and south of the building. Although the building has all the technological features of a ‘new learning environment’ the organisation of the stacks and desks exudes a respect for good old fashioned books and reading. Back in 2005 the university asked Page\Park Architects and landscaper Ian White to develop a master plan for the Kings Campus. The university was concerned that the intimacy and elegance of its historic core with its narrow streets, courts and greens had been eroded by the Post War expansion. Page\ Park proposed a three-fold strategy to intensify development by build- ing within existing spaces around the Arts and Sciences buildings, to develop new residential blocks around the Crombie Halls and to demolish and rebuild around the western edge of the campus. The new Library was to be the key component of the plan to create a new edge to the west and a new entrance square next to the exuberant Fraser Noble building. The university wanted the new library to be distinctive and to make an impact on the Aberdeen skyline. Is the finished building equal to the promise of the competition entry? The cladding envelop is less veil-like and transparent than suggested by the competition drawings – its only really at ground level, looking west, that you get a sense of transparency between inside and outside. In design development one floor, a mezzanine and a roof terrace has been cut. The loss of height has not undermined the proportions of the building, but by cutting of the mezzanine the atrium does rise rather abruptly and vertiginously above arriving visitors. The additional atrium height may have provided a hint of the building’s contents - books, however, overall the ambition has survived. Some critics have already suggested that, because the new library is a simple recognisable , even ‘iconic’ form with no real front and back that it is an ‘object building’ in the modern planning tradition, floating in space unconnected to the surrounding urban fabric. In fact the library is strongly embedded in its context and the broader campus development plan. In a culture and at a time when it is very difficult to build anything other than mundane and utilitarian boxes to contain our educational activity – this particular ‘box’ bodes well for future development at the University of Aberdeen. Penny Lewis is Masters' Course Leader at Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Robert Gordon University. est groups quite a lot and there is a huge amount of excitement around this library. Everywhere I go people ask me when is it opening, when can I come.” University Principal Professor Ian Diamond said: “The opening of the new library marks a new era at the University, providing an unrivalled learning environment for our students and staff, and one we are delighted to share with the communities of our region.” Public access is also being promoted in other ways including a deal with Aberdeenshire Council to help promote lifelong learning within the library. This will see people from the local community gaining access to the library for seminars and teaching sessions. Much of the funding for the new library has come from a wide range of donors and sponsors, some who have floors or areas of the library named after them. As part of some of the sponsorship deals the donors will be allowed to host events in the seminar areas of the library. Howev- er, Mrs Banks is keen to stress that this will not interfere with the nor- mal running of the library. “Because of the way we have de- signed the spaces it is not com- promising the use of the building for study and research. One of the things we are very anxious to do is to make sure that any other events that go on in the building do not compromise its primary use as a re- search library.” Mrs Banks also wanted to high- light that the project is not over and money is still being sought “We have a lot of repeat donors and sometimes coming into a building like this encourages a repeat dona- tion. This building is in part the re- sult of a massive fundraising project but it is in itself a catalyst for major fundraising.”

Some may say that only dead fish go with the flow, but I’d like to suggest that a diverse range of artefacts go with the flow, including sticks, leaves and even canoeists. And it’s good that we come on to the subject of canoeists as this is one of the many activities that AUSA fund throughout the year, in addition to campaigns for making your education better, free events during Freshers’ Week, our advice services and rewards for the volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure that Freshers’ Week is a great one. AUSA is able to fund these activities as a result of various income streams such as income from clubs within the city or students buying coffee from Alfies. I don’t see going into partnership with a club as a negative thing, it ensures that our students are in a safe venue and it gives us a say over what is going to be available for students. Every year we get feedback from students that we want a more diverse range of events throughout the week, and each year we try to increase the number of these – most of which are free. Lots of these are non drinking events as we want to make sure that under 18s and those that don’t drink have a good time too – highlights of this year include Jazz, quizzes, film screenings, Acoustic Night, Eurodating, African Drumming, an event for student parents, a beach trip and the ever popular Charities Ceilidh. Last year AUSA organised the first Love Music, Hate Homophobia event in Scotland as part of our Freshers’ Week. This was done with the help of the AbFab LGBT Society, and this year the society are building on the success of last year’s Love Music Hate Homophobia to host their own event and provide their own Ab-Fab volunteers. This is a prime example of how the AUSA Freshers’ Week volunteer initiative encourages students to get involved and ensure that Freshers’ Week is a fun but foremost safe experience for all students. We absolutely welcome the idea of adding more diverse range of events and incorporating them into Freshers’ Week. ‘Fit ye deen AUSA?’ We’re pulling together a week of over 138 events for new students, do you want to join us? Opine Opine Editor: Johanna Faust [email protected] Only dead fish go with the flow Herschel Blisscuit argues that Freshers’ week has become too comercialised Canoeists also go with the flow Jenny Batty, President of Welfare and Equal Opps 8 The Gaudie 15 September 2011 The three student councils for Aberdeen University merged in 2000 to become Aberdeen University Students’ Association (AUSA). When the Students’ Union in Gallowgate closed down in 2003 a smaller students’ union opened in Littlejohn Street that subsequently closed in 2008. With the closure of the union bar, the Students’ Association was left to rely on the Fresher’s Week contract and wristband sales as the main contribution to its annual income. In selling the contract to the highest bidder the Students’ Association decided to give exclusivity to two nightclubs. By doing so, the variety of venues and the fullness of the freshers’ experience of the city of Aberdeen is being lost. With AUSA even transporting freshers from the halls to the club (and back, hopefully), students are insulated from the city they are going to live in and only offered a one-dimensional experience that does no justice to the vibrancy of the Aberdeen scene. The student population is incredibly diverse and AUSA’s freshers’ week programme doesn’t seem to recognise this- at least not to the extent that would actually make a student outside of the affluent stereotypical party-mad club-going drinking crowd, feel welcome. Students who feel uncomfortable in clubs - be it because of the music, the sticky floor or the hypersexualised atmosphere - aren’t catered for in the evening events. Unless, of course, they feel like going to Starbucks for Jazz. Some of the students joining us in the new term will still be 17, and as such are unable to attend the headlining events as they are held in 18+ clubs. During a conversation with Robin Parker, former Student President 09- 11, about amalgamating Alternative Freshers’ Week (organised by the Black Sheep Collective) and AUSA’s freshers’ week, he explained that they were looking for more nondrinking events. He was happy to consider many ideas otherwise deemed not mainstream enough, because they don’t make a profit from non-drinking events. The Black Sheep declined the offer for Alt. Freshers’ to become part of the official week as they wanted autonomy to organise any events they felt would be welcomed, regardless of the profit margin. With such a focus on profit, how can AUSA really be so focussed on “student activities, welfare and support”, as their website claims? We understand that money is necessary for the SA to function and provide the much-needed year-round support for students, but the current welcome given to students can be more alienating and ostracising than welcoming. Going out, staying in, walking to the beach and looking at the stars- it doesn’t matter what you do in Freshers’ Week as long as you’re enjoying yourself. There are so many things to do in Aberdeen, it seems unfair to blinker the students into only going to two of the clubs. AUSA societies work hard to fill in the gaps between the Baywatch, bikini foam party, Top Gun and Toga clubnights, attempting to provide a moreinclusive experience. The LGBT society is putting on a Love Music, Hate Homophobia clubnight at Tunnels on the Thursday 22nd September, for example. However, there won’t be the same AUSA minibuses ferrying students from the halls of residence to the venue, nor volunteers ensuring the safety of the patrons when they leave. Since social acceptance is a large part of Freshers’ Week, it can be difficult for people who don’t want to take part in the mainstream events to suggest to their new peers an alternative option and even harder still to break away from the crowd and go alone. The commercialisation of the Freshers’ Week experience has led many students to feel Aberdeen has nothing more to offer than mainstream nightclubs, and leaves them feeling outcast. Fit ye deen, AUSA?

15 September 2011 The Gaudie 9 [email protected] Opine “In short, AUSA appears to have only just got the message” Jonathan Kerr AUSA sits by as tuition hits the fan Jonathan Kerr asks why AUSA have taken so long to act after Aberdeen University raised tuition fees for RUK students The human behind the name badge Johanna Faust asks whether internships are opportunity or exploitation Alisdair Lane bemoans the life of a student working over the summer The Problem with internships It’s a lonely life out here, these cold few seconds on a rocky planet, orbiting around the star designated Sol in a frankly unfashionable part of the galaxy. As a result, I look to social networking to give me a brief flash of near-human communication; a tiny window of warmth in this cold, uncaring universe, and today that window filled with very angry people. I say people because it’s more than one, but the core group of angry people are few. But goodness me, they are very cross. They are furious. But why? What has got these paragons of democracy, our paid and elected officials, so up in arms? Perhaps it’s the news that publicly-owned RBS continues to loan money to the fun-loving, freedom-hunting folk who manufacture cluster bombs? You remember cluster bombs – they’re the bombs that explode into little bombs in Worms and are wonderfully effective at clearing out a nest of your enemies. Of course, in the real world when one of those little bombs drops on you what actually happens is that your body is ripped apart by little shards of metal and you bleed out into the dirt, because you’re ten years old and these bombs are as accurate as a blind man with a trebuchet. But no. As far as I know, there has been no outcry from our presidents at AUSA. Not to worry, there’s not much we can do as a students union. Who’s going to listen to us, right? Right? Not that I’ll get an answer, of course. You’re not listening! Hohoho. Actually, the reason they’re so het up is that the University has said that, if the Scottish government passes a law permitting charging students from the rest of the UK (RUK) more than local students, they’ll happily charge what everyone else is charging – to whit, £9,000. Bypassing for a moment that the University already does this – they’ve squeezed me for more than £3,600 thus far, for the crime of being born in England – why is it such an enormous deal? From the harping and griping you’d imagine that potential students were being sized up on the basis of their genetic potential, fighting back tears whilst Ian Diamond weighed their cocks or measured their tits with leathery hands. That’s not the case. (At least, I really, really hope it’s not the case, but until proved otherwise it’s not). There is no doubt that the policy is xenophobic to an extraordinary degree. These fees will fall only to students from the rest of the UK, so bad luck John Smith, Daffyd Jones and Patrick McGuinness. EU students will go on paying absolutely nothing for tuition but sweating themselves to death for the six grand it costs just to live here – just to live here, mind, that sum doesn’t include flights home to see their families. Those EU students don’t get any loan from any government. And international students – well, at this point you just wonder whether the finance department are just fucking with you. Tuition fees for an Arts-based degree – the ones with a guaranteed McJob at the end of it – will set you back £10,500 for the course. Wait no, my mistake. That’s per year. Seriously, read that again. Ten thousand, five hundred pounds, per year, because you had the misfortune to be born outside the EU and have a desire to come to Aberdeen. Serve you right for thinking big. In short, AUSA appears to have only just got the message that certain people are paying a metric fuck-ton more for their education than others, and those people are the ones who can afford it the least. It’s a market, baby, and if you don’t like it you can go shop somewhere else. Tuition fees in France, for example, last year started at €174, about £155. Under the coalition government tuition fees have gone up, sure. But like every investment you’ll ever make, this has a risk. Go, and miss four years of valuable training and networking, or work, and miss on four years of getting steaming drunk and crying in your shitty, freezing student flat. It’s a big, grown up choice, and it’s the first of many you’ll make in your life. The universities in this country are, without a doubt, trying to screw you. So don’t let it happen. Simply go elsewhere. Elsewise shut up, and open the vodka. Hopefully at some point you have been encouraged to do an internship. They are increasingly more valuable when entering the job market. An internship is a chance to gain experience of a particular job or company, a chance for you to explore the real world and how you might like to participate in it. I am an intern. Right after our exams finished I started my summer internship at a Museum under the Curator for Modern and Contemporary Art. After first year I used the summer to intern at another museum with the curator for Contemporary art. That internship, along with personal connections, jumpstarted my application for the internship this summer. And yes, it may seem excessive but I have already been researching and contemplating my applications for internships during the summer before fourth year. However, under the guise of an internship, are employers really exploiting us? How much of the internship is about making coffee and copies, or making pharmacy runs? As opposed to really learning something and being given responsibilities AND getting paid for the work we do? Websites like Internocracy, Intern Aware, Interns Anonymous, Rights for Interns, Unfairinternships, YouIntern, and more, have begun campaigning to draw attention to the biases, ethics and legalities involved. Like all legal employers, intern employers must adhere to the National Minimum Wage Act 1998. However, the Act only covers fulltime, part-time, and freelance workers, but not volunteers or the self-employed. An unpaid short-term work experience (not more than 160 hours, full time over four weeks or part time over three months), is in keeping with the law, according to a National Union of Journalists legal officer. Clearly it’s a nebulous area of labour law. Unpaid placements for students as part of their course are also legal. In these cases, interns may even be paying to have an internship so to say by paying for the school credit! Extreme! Arts and entertainment, journalism, publishing, broadcasting, healthcare consulting, academia, local and state government, healthcare, nonprofits, and human services are the industries that have the highest reported percentage of interns participating in unpaid internships. The problem is that even though more ‘glamorous’ industries can afford to pay, there is a vast pool of students who are willing and able to do the internship unpaid. Why pay for free labor, right? Since high school, using summers and spring breaks, I have managed to rack up a total of seven internships, only one of which was paid. It’s only through the jobs I had over the years and my parents support that I am able to participate in unpaid internships! How are students who are financially struggling expected to keep up? There is a steep bias favouring the privileged. Started in 2010, the London Freelance Branch of the National Union of Journalists started its ‘Cashback for Interns’ campaign, in which anyone who has worked as a media intern in the last six years may be able to claim back the minimum wage. You worked hard and deserve to be paid appropriately! We should look for employment tribunals to enforce our rights. The results of studies done in America during 2008, produced some interesting results for interns to keep in mind. According to the study, interns who were paid are reported having a more positive experience compared to students who were not. OBV, who does not like earning money! The bottom-line is that internships do increase your employability. Employers feel more secure about hiring someone who has work experience. For a lucky few their internship could even lead to a job. Like your education, it can be costly, but no less important an investment into your future. With the start of the new term upon us it is not uncommon to find yourself looking back at how you spent your three or four months of freedom. Mine was spent perhaps less freely than some. After three and a half months working in a large cinema, I’ve been left with a rather gloomy estimation of mankind. Ok, I should probably justify my point of view so let me give you some examples, picked from my personal favourite incidents of people being nasty just because I had a uniform on. 1. The Gentleman Who Picked a Fight Over a Bottle of Water. I was a week into the job and still very much a novice in the ticket-ripping/popcorn shovelling game, when I had a beautifully chilled bottle of water shoved in my face by a wild- eyed, middle-aged man. After having my customary greeting waved aside I proceeded to scan said beverage and request the, admittedly steep, total. How those eyes darkened as the man barked at me in disgust- of course it was me personally who had chosen such a high price for the water as all H2 0 profits were funding the first three months’ of my rent this year. The gentleman proceeded to forage manically through his wallet, fingering through a suspiciously thick stack of twenties, and menacingly drew a tenner right from the middle. From the look of sheer vehemence in his eyes as I handed over the change I knew instantly that my life expectancy had just entered free fall; he was adamant he had handed over one of his many twenties. My assurances that he was mistaken were rendered redundant as he demanded the till be opened, something I could not do without a supervisor. Despite my continuing apologies while we waited for my superior to arrive, the customer gradually became more and more ferocious as he paced in front of me, his threats ranging from complaints to my manager to retrieving his money back himself. With my till eventually open and the man satisfied that he was mistaken, there was no apology for the psychological maiming he had inflicted on a completely innocent and helpful stranger; instead he simply signed off with a venomous “You’re lucky, son”. 2. The One That Features an Aggressive Elderly Lady. Now many weeks into the job and a veritable veteran at dealing with inexplicably angry customers, I looked up at the fairly elderly lady approaching with a warm smile, expecting a smooth ‘ticket-ripping’ and a happy customer. How wrong I was. With the ticket showing a screen number not on this level I politely explained she’d come to the wrong floor and directed her back downstairs. “No”. At first I thought I had misheard her and began my ‘sweet-smile-wrong-screen’ routine again. This time she leaned closer and stopped me short with an unpleasant grimace which had replaced the original smile, now obsolete as it had failed to charm me into ignorance. With a hushed whisper she informed me that I would be “turning a blind eye” and that she would be watching a film on this level, having not enjoyed the opening part of the film her ticket was valid for. I managed to force out my spiel about fire regulations and knowing the exact number of people in a given screen, but again I was hit with the ‘blind eye’ instruction and a knife-edged glare. If at that very moment a security guard hadn’t walked past, making the woman retreat downstairs, I suspect I may have been feeling her handbag across my face. So there is my evidence, picked out of a massive pool of incidents. I know you’ll be thinking that there must have been some examples of incredibly friendly customers, which of course there were, but I can’t reiterate enough how few these were. So bear this writer’s experiences in mind when you seek out a part time job this term, or when you next encounter a ‘uniform’ serving you from behind the till.

Opine [email protected] ‘Women’s fiction’ Maria Suessmilch looks into narrow-mindedness, steryotypes and lightweight chick-lit “The stereotype about women of a thick blond pin up girl we so long tried to erase still seems to be in people’s heads” Maria Suessmilch The next Women’s Movement? Johanna Faust responds to Maria Suessmilch’s argument ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY PAINTBALL SOCIETY A.U.P.S.  



  
  



  With regular events, including indoor sessions and a brilliant local field, you can have a great day of paintball every week! Seasoned player or newbie, we have something to offer. Tickets available for our freshers event at Battlegrounds Paintball on Sunday 2nd October! 10 The Gaudie 15 September 2011 I L.O.V.E Aberdeen Maria Suessmilch says to enjoy Fresher’s week, by doing everything Recently I read about two women who were shocked and outraged that WH Smith has a book section in their stores named ‘Women’s Fiction’ with the majority of the titles being ‘lightweight chick-lit and sharing cursive fonts [and] shades of pink on their cover’. The two Cambridge graduates wrote complaints to the store chain with the result that WH Smith is seeking to remove these labels by October. In a commentary Erica Wagner, the Literary Editor at The Times, said that WH Smith’s ‘Women’s Fiction’ was ‘a label that’s low on [her] bugbears’ list’. I mean, of course there are much more urgent problems concerning female rights, but I must say even though I share Ms Wagner’s opinion, the women’s fiction section still bugs me. Why? Because it is just sad to know how women are still being seen in our society - lightweight literature for women and the rest for men? In my eyes, it is quite presumptuous to think we would choose this stuff over other books. Or maybe they just assumed that everything pink would appeal to women. Well, not every person with more oestrogen than testosterone in their body loves pink, dear WH Smith! But to me the actual problem is that these people still think our society consists of educated, interested men and their aimless housewives. Does it not occur to them that we are just as educated and interested as men are? The stereotype of women as thick blonde pin up girls we so long tried to erase still seems to be in people’s heads - a sad and bitter conclusion we can draw from this stupidity. In my eyes those great big enterprises just showed how narrow their view is and how antiquated their minds are. This section is not a well-meant help to find the books we seem to love so much (please mind the sarcasm in these words) or a little faux pas, it is simply offensive; sad to see that some never learn. Well, stereotypes seem to be much stronger in people’s heads that I thought. And what do I take from this whole thing? Well, I for one will buy my books and pens at Blackwell’s from now on. In response to the article ‘Women’s Fiction’ I agree that it is, as always, a rude awakening to recognize how female stereotypes are engrained into the moral fibers of our society. However, what did hearten me was that the women who wrote to WH Smith’s, Claire Leigh and Julia Gillick, are both 29. They are young. These are not women who lived through the the Women’s Lib in the 1970‘s. These are women who are ‘becoming aware of what Feminism has and hasn’t done for them’ comments Viv Groskop in her article for The Observer. These are women of our generation! Growing up I vividly remember making the statement ‘I am not a feminist’. I am ashamed of it today, but it proved how successful anti-feminists have been in propagating that a feminist is an angry, ugly, man-hatting, bitch. Feminist is a feared label. When my mentor, a woman with a very successful career and a mother, made the same statement this summer, I was devastated and shocked. How can you enjoy the rights our female predecessors fought for, and yet deny them? I realized that the problem is our understanding of Feminism. Do we know what Feminism is? It is time to assess what its means to be a woman in the 21st century. To all our Freshers, After years of preparation, hard work and many exams all your efforts have finally come to an end. Your glorious goal is in sight. You’ve arrived in the holy halls of the University of Aberdeen. A place full of exciting experiences, unlimited knowledge and great people who will make a difference to your life. A place where you will lay the foundation for your success. A place even better than you can imagine. Imagine someone said this in a powerful deep voice, walking around campus and greeting happy students. Would be a much too cheesy commercial, you think? Think I am exaggerating a bit (or a lot)? Or definitely got paid to write this? Well, no! Ok it would be a cheesy advert, but let’s get to the point: it says that the University of Aberdeen is great, awesome and just supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. And I would sign any paper stating this. During the past year I have learned that Aberdeen is such a place. A place where you can meet great people who will encourage you in your work, friends who you can hang out with on the lawn on a sunny day or lose with in the Bobbin’s pub quiz. It’s a place where you will always find some help and a friendly face when you need it. Aberdeen is simply a place where you can be yourself and find people who are just like you. I mean, among 16,000 students there will definitely be someone who’s like you. My first year here was the best year I have ever had and I definitely trust people who say that their university years were the best years of their lives! And it all began here- at Freshers’ Week. This one week helped me immensely in getting started as a student. I found a very good friends and made many funny acquaintances! I found a society I liked to participate in and a new passion. I felt in love with Aberdeen and with the university, and with cooking. In short – I felt in love with my new life and never felt better. Oh, and I fell in love with Toga Parties! And the secret ingredient to such a success was – Freshers’ Week! Freshers’ Week is the most important week for all of our new students. It’s a week full of events for you to help you settle in university life, make new friends, find a new hobby and have a terrific introduction into the University of Aberdeen. You’ll meet new people everywhere. At the Societies Fayre you can find out about all our societies and sign up to participate. During a Campus Tour you won’t just get to know all the different building but also where you can find the best places to have a little nap in between classes. In short – Freshers’ Week is the best way to get your foot into uni and become a part of it. My advice- go to every event you can go to. It will be awesome and extremely helpful. Go and ask somebody if you can’t find your way. You’re a student now and the best years of your life lay ahead of you! And I’m sure in a year’s time you would sign that paper, too! Regards, Maria

Editorial [email protected] 15 September 2011 The Gaudie 11 Editor: Stuart Hewitt Editor Deputy Editor & Head of Production Deputy Editor News Opine Life & Style Arts Listings Sport Copy Editor Production Assistants Stuart Hewitt Leo Stockford James Valentine Aaron Murray & Henry Booth Johanna Faust Conor Riordan Anne-Claire Deseilligny Michael Blythe Ryan Ross Emma-Jane Lowe Victoria Bramble, Maria Suessmilch, Iain Phair Editorial Team We voluntarily adhere to the Press Complaints Commission Code of Conduct (www.pcc.org.uk) and aim to provide fair and balanced reportin. Societies If you have something to say do so in the Gaudie Every AUSA society and sports club are entitled to 2 quarter page adverts in the Gaudie every year. Email gaudie.editor@ abdn.ac.uk Gaudie Meetings Schedule 2011 Monday 26th September Macrobert 051 7pm Monday 10th October tbc Monday 17th October tbc Monday 31st October tbc Monday 14th November tbc Monday 28th November tbc Monday 12th December tbc Content Deadlines Thursday 29th September Thursday 13th October Thursday 20th October Thursday 3rd November Thursday 17th November Thursday 1st December First Gaudie Meeting Come along and find out what the Gaudie is all about this year. Find out deadlines, talk to section editors and help us elect a new Features Editor. We are also looking to fill positions such as deputy section editors, online editor, marketing manager etc, more info on how to apply for these positions will be available. We will then be hitting a pub and going into town. Come, have a few drinks and quiz us into the night (and most probably the morning). Non drinkers are more than welcome! So, we’ll see you on Monday 26th September, 7pm-9pm, in MacRobert building room 051 Hello and welcome to a new year of the Gaudie We have tried to make this edition as relevant to fresher’s week as possible while also concentrating on the less mainstream pursuits. We have features on how to survive fresher’s week sober (p14) a look at how to have fun in halls without going out (p15). The Alternative If you fancy getting off the beaten track this fresher’s week then head to page 5 and check out my interview with the Alternative Fresher’s Week. Their programme workshops, ghost tours and film screening may be exactly what your looking for. The Vaccines What did you expect from the Gaudie? Our Vaccines interview is a coup and one we are determined to repeat throughout the year. At the time of printing I am not aware exactly how Jessica got the interview but suffice to say she has scored big Gaudie points. State of the Gaudie Over the last couple of years there has been a perception on campus that the Gaudie is remote, inaccessible and unresponsive to what students really want to see in their newspaper. This has not necessarily been the case but it is true we have not been pro-active enough in opening the door and inviting students in. This year the Gaudie will resolve to have a more visual presence on campus. Through postering and marketing campaigns we aim to remind the student body that we are here and available for them. We will also start holding fortnightly plenary meetings where any student can come along to find out more about the paper, air a grievance or speak to the team about how they want to contribute. The first of these meetings will be held on September 26th in MacRobert 051 where we will outline our manifesto for the year, elect an editor for our new features section and then retire to the pub where you can quiz us on all matters Gaudie over a libation or two Editorial Team We have managed to keep the core of our editorial team from last year together and hope this will provide the paper with an element of stability. An injection of new blood, new ideas and freshness is also needed to keep the paper on its toes and going forward. With this in mind we have created a whole new layer to the editorial team in the shape of Deputy Section Editors who will assist Section Editors in garnering the best content from our 16,000 strong pool of contributors/ readership. See our advert on the back page for more details on positions available and how to apply for them. Features Section Looking back over the paper from last year I noticed there was no natural home for news features, topical interviews and features focusing on broad uni issues. We have therefore brought back the Features section for this year, check it out for our look at the new library and the Alternative Freshers Week. Check out the inaugural features section where we have a feature on the: New Library Our two-page feature (p6+7) on the new library is testament to how important this building will be to the University for many years to come. Whether you like the design of the building or not it is difficult to argue that this building was needed and I commend the University for investing in such a project at this time of higher education finance panic. Production One of our biggest priorities this year will be improving our production levels. Often a deadline was missed last year as we laboured with glitchy technology and a threadbare production team. However, we now have four brand new mac computers in the office with the latest production software. So the Under our Head of Production Leo Stockford we are looking to recruit so if you have an eye for design give us a shout. The Vaccines What did you expect from the Gaudie? Our Vaccines interview is a coup and one we are determined to repeat throughout the year. At the time of printing I am not aware exactly how Jessica got the interview but suffice to say she has scored big Gaudie points. Conclusion So once again, welcome to this year’s Gaudie. We hope you enjoy it and I would urge you to come along to our first meeting (see right hand box) and get involved with the paper. I promise you won’t regret it. Stuart Hewitt

Life & Style [email protected] Everybody Do the Duffle Lightweight Duffle Coat,ASOS, £26 Khaki Elbow Patch Duffle, Topman, £36 575 Original Monty Duffel, Gloverall, £275 Fashion Laura and Jaime - Fashion’s sweetest duet Life and Style Editor: Conor Roirdan Ololade Oriowo on one of fashion’s best kept secrets Leather and spikes: Inspired by ‘Sin City’ Photo: Ololade Oriowo Deep leather: Johnston’s mark Photo: Ololade Oriowo “A great accomplishment for the brilliant young designers that makes them Aberdeen’s new ones to watch” Ololade Oriowo 12 The Gaudie 15 September 2011 Conor Riordan takes a look at duffel coats and their enduring appeal It’s a classic piece of British apparel, which has only grown more popular since Gloverall started their revamping of surplus WWII coats over sixty years ago. The key to the duffle coat’s success is its ability to constantly blend tradition with modernity, and with British heritage looking to be a key trend this coming season, a duffle would make a worthy contribution to any wardrobe. The leaders in duffle design are icons of British excellence, Gloverall. Gloverall are credited with introducing the duffle coat to the public, but it is their reinvention, collaborations and consistency that have kept them at the top of the duffle coat pecking order. The key features of a duffle coat are its hood, and ‘walrus teeth’ buttons, but changes in length and colour have become more and more popular recently. A classic Monty duffle from Gloverall, would last you a lifetime, so if you were to buy one, and were willing to splash out on a £295 coat then definitely go for it. However, these key features are so easy to replicate that although they may not be to the same standard as a Gloverall, high street duffles certainly can hold their own. TOPMAN offers several variations on the duffle; my two favourites are the mid-grey wool ¾ duffle coat, which comes in at £80 and the khaki elbow patch duffle, which is only £36. This second is particularly interesting because it picks up on another feature, which will be prominent through the coming season, in elbow patches. Big names such as Burberry Prorsum have realized that the duffle coat is a practical and fashionable coat for the British winter, blending the key features of the coat with a modern cut, and their interpretation of the cropped duffle works really well. Another example of a modern take on the duffle is the ASOS Lightweight Duffle Coat, which comes in at £26. This interpretation does away with the hood and wool, making it a much easier, autumn rather than winter friendly jacket. When wearing a duffle, it would be wise to keep the focus on heritage, pair it with tweed or checked trousers and a pair of nice brogues. Don’t be afraid to experiment with colours or shapes with this look. The beauty of men’s fashion is that it takes time to move on, keeping things largely similar each year whilst adding a slight change such as a new colour. So if you’re looking for a classic look, then maybe consider getting up the duff and investing in some British heritage. Whether or not you fancy a duffle coat, to miss out on the British heritage theme would be unfortunate as it’s going to be huge this season. Plus, with the versatility the duffle coat offers to go along with other looks, it seems silly not to. Low-fi alternative music pulsed through the air whilst the audience watched genetic lottery winning models prepare behind a sheer veil. The transparency didn’t end there as the first look from Laura Sheriffs ‘Taken by the night’ collection, a lace bodysuit embellished with provocatively placed feathers, came into view. It was clear the converted church setting of Musa would perfectly offset the gothic romance of the designer’s vision. Whilst the models sashayed through the archways, the lyrics of the blue foundation soundtrack fil- tered through, the words ‘see right through you…’ were entirely rel- evant to the creations of lace and chiffon that clothed the girls, each outfit with a certain edge remi- niscent of the perverted fairytale whimsicality of the Mulleavy sis- ter’s design house, Rodarte, one of Laura Sheriff’s favourites. The collection was small yet suc- cinct and captured the feral notion of a bewitching forest. The colour palette of black and glimpses of green on those enchanting feathers allowed the artistry of Sheriffs’ collection speak volumes. This 3rd year Gray’s student is definitely a designer that makes exceptionally wearable and quality pieces with an edge. Next, Jaime C. Johnstone exhibited his ‘Dead On The Sidewalk’ collection. Inspired by Frank Miller (director of 300 and sin city) with a set of both mens and womenswear, Johnstone’s commercial collection was dangerously laced with spiked headbands, shoes and crucifixes, to merge both a religiously apocalyptic vibe and a strikingly powerful S&M aesthetic. Just like Frank Millers work, the colour red played focus with black and deep brown leather edged chiffons and lace. However, although the more easily wearable aspects of his collection, such as the crucifix tees and lace breasted mini dresses held their own, it was clear that statement pieces is where Johnstone makes his mark. In particular, heelless platform ankle boots swathed in studded brown leather and a draped power shouldered cape teamed with this season’s brothel creepers were the heartbeat of the collection, both showing not only his ability to translate his inspiration into something just worthy, but to create focal pieces that teeter on the right side of the avant-garde. The collections in tandem showcased two brilliant young designers whose visions combined individual inspirations, soundtrack and the show space perfectly to fabricate a whole new world of desire for the edgier customer. A great accomplishment for the pair that makes them Aberdeen’s new one’s to watch.

By Conor Riordan Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and as it’s the start of a new University year, I thought it was important to show how to start it off with a good breakfast. This is my take on a classic ome- lette by adding just a little bit of spice. It originated when a man I know from the West Country told me that in his opinion “all the best breakfasts are spicy” and this is what I came up with. Ingredients 3 eggs Salt and black pepper 10g butter 30g cheddar cheese 3 sausages Cayenne pepper Hot chilli powder Worcestershire sauce Vegetable oil Preparation method 1. Gently beat the eggs together in a mixing bowl and season, to taste, with salt, pepper, chilli powder and a drizzle of Worcestershire sauce. 2. Heat the butter in a pan until foaming. Pour in the beaten eggs and cook for a few seconds, until the bottom of the omelette is lightly set. 3. Push the set parts of the omelette into the uncooked centre of the omelette. Cook again, until the omelette has set further, and then push those set parts into the centre of the omelette again. 4. Repeat the process until the eggs have just set but the omelette is still soft in the centre. 5. Whilst steps 1-5 are happening, rub oil over the sausages and then season to taste with cayenne pepper and grill until cooked. 6. Once the sausages are cooked, chop one into small pieces and place them in the middle of the omelette with the cheese and cook until the cheese has melted. 7. Increase the heat to high and cook the omelette for a further 30 seconds, or until it browns on the bottom. 8. Fold the omelette in half, then remove the pan from the heat and tilt it slightly to move the omelette to the edge of the pan. Slide the omelette onto a serving plate, and then shape it into a neat roll. Serve with the remaining two sausages and two slices of toast. Adjust level of spice to your own taste, but I’d suggest having it quite spicy. Enjoy. My Top5 Hangover cafés By Conor Riordan As Fresher’s week begins the need for a well-cooked breakfast becomes top of the agenda for lots of po- tential hung over students. Here’s our list of establishments that may come to serve you well this year. 1Inversnecky Café Probably the oldest café on our list, the Inversnecky has been serving breakfast to hung over stu- dents for over 100 years, and has it down to a tee. Fresh sea air, and a fantastic all day breakfast called ‘The Special’ - what more could you want? 2Grub Only a minutes walk from cam- pus, this little sandwich shop on the corner of Spital is a firm fa- vourite amongst students. Stewart the owner and Ex-Aberdeen Uni- versity student himself has fully re- alised a student’s need for a hango- ver cure by creating a new Panini, known as simply ‘The Hangover’. 3Kilau Coffee Not got up in time to make breakfast AND get to lec- tures? Luckily for you Kilau Coffee is based right on the high street, serving great sandwiches and great coffee making it a real lifesaver at times. 4Books & Beans Right in the middle of town is Books & Beans where you can sit, read a book (from the shelf) and tuck into your stack of Maple syrup and Bacon pancakes or favourite Kellogg’s cereal to ease you through last night’s madness. 5Sand Dollar Café Another café on the beach, offering a huge selection of breakfasts; from a full Scottish to or- ganic muesli it really has something for everyone. The sand dollar even lets you create your own custom breakfast, to cater for your particu- lar hankering whilst still hanging. Submit your top fives! Have an original idea for this column? Send it in to: [email protected] Food & Drink Spice up ypour life, with omelette Spicy Omelette: All the best breakfasts are spicy! Photo:Connor Roirdan By Conor Riordan Ingredients 1. 42 Below Kiwi Vodka 2. Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur 3. Apple Juice 4. Lemon Juice 5. Sugar Syrup 6. Pasteurised Egg white (optional) 7. Raspberries Recipe Mix the ingredients together and shake with ice. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a kiwi slice float and a love heart. ‘Cause it ain’t no ordinary Hollaback Girl [email protected] Life & Style Cocktail: Hollaback Girl A Hollarback Girl cocktail Photo: Conor Fiordan 15 September 2011 The Gaudie 13

Sudocrem Skin Care Cream (SSCC) are offering 1 lucky student the chance to win a fabulous Student Survival Kit to help kick start their year!! Sudocrem’s Survival Kit contains an 8G USB Stick, to back up university work (and music), a £20 book voucher, a pack of jelly beans, white tac, a frisbee and a tube of Sudocrem skin care cream to help take care of spot prone skin and keep you looking good after late nights. All this comes in a handy bag and is worth £50. For your chance to win simply............. Finish these Lyrics: You wouldn’t get this from any other guy, I just wanna tell you how I’m feeling, Gotta make you understand..... Email: [email protected] Wanted: YOU Can you spare 2-3 nights a month? Want to make a difference to people’s lives? Want to put something for your CV that will make you stand out? Want to be part of something big? Consider volunteering for Niteline; the university listening service, run by students, for students. The service is there for information, and to listen without bias, judgment, or direction. We provide full training and materials, you don’t need previous experience, and your volunteering will count towards the MV award. This year we’re looking to expand our service to a city wide service, in conjunction with our 10 year anniversary. For more information, e-mail: [email protected] Non-advisory Non-judgemental Confidential Anonymous Non-directive Niteline 01224272829 Leo Tries... Welcome to a new feature of the Gaudie! Each issue, Leo will go out and try something suggested by readers. This can be anything from sleeping rough for a night, to eating extra hot chillis, to making ice cream. We want your suggestions! send them to gaudie.editor@ abdn.ac.uk Surviving Freshers’ week. Sober Leo Stockford gives advice on how to survive Freshers’ week sober plus do and don’t chat up lines. Competition Life & Style [email protected] The Gaudie 15 September 2011 14 So, Freshers’ week is upon us, with more frivolities and wristbands than you’ve ever seen. Club PR people line the streets with flyers advertising free drinks, loose women, and the greatest night out you’ve ever had. Drink is the operative word, and being hammered is the name of the game. Except it doesn’t have to be. A little known fact is that it is entirely possible to survive Freshers’ week sober, and still have a brilliant time, even in clubs. Yes, the search for WKDs and other weapons of mass intoxication need not happen. Plus, there are benefits – lots of them. It’s cheaper, you’ll remember more, and, play it right, and you’ll get all the enjoyment with none of the mind splitting headaches and gut wrenching the next day. As someone who experienced the Freshers’ week of 2008 drinking, and then 2009-10 sober (as well as this one), I give to YOU advice on how to survive the classic week of drinking, partying and rampant relations, without the aid of huge amounts of C2H5OH. So, lets start with the nights out. Flicking through the Freshers’ guide, club logos blazon the pages. The first thing, that even many seasoned students seem to forget, is that you can still hit the clubs even if you’re not drinking. The clubs bars have a nearly unlimited supply of nonalcoholic drinks. Coke and Pepsi for example, are cheap, and you can use the money the next day for, well, anything – maybe treating that person you picked up, to a decent breakfast? Energy drinks, in general are not a brilliant alternative to alcohol; the sugar will dehydrate you and the caffeine will leave with an enormous come down. Luckily, if you’re staying sober, you’re more likely to remember to drink lots of water. The secret to getting through a club night sober is to realise that you can do everything that you might do drunk, when you’re sober, and it’ll be more fun, and you’ll remember it. Further, the dangerous stuff you might do when drunk will seem like a terrible, TERRIBLE idea. You’ll be more able to gauge whether you have the Sinatra voice for Karaoke, and you’ll realise just how good bad that donner kebab meat was. The cute guy/girl in the corner or on the dance floor will be just as receptive to you (maybe even more) without your booze breath, and you’ll notice more things about him/her (like that engagement/ wedding ring on their finger, perhaps?) Dancing on the dance floor is always possible, and 99% of the time; it’ll go far better if you’re not being told what to do by Mr. Desperados and Uncle Vodka. That wonderful thing called ‘Sense’ will tell you that there is no place for the chicken dance, and that no, you can’t moonwalk as well as you thought you could. Another piece of advice is to use your free wristband. This will get you entry into the film nights at VUE, Cadonas etc. Maybe you can show that special someone that you’re cultured by taking them to the Jazz night at Starbucks. Or you could hit Vue with your newly acquired friends and see a film (Maybe even write a review for the GAUDIE?). There are more nondrinking events than ever, such a as free bagel lunch at the Aberdeen chaplaincy on the 20th September, half price golf at Cadonas, live organ music at Kings college, a cook workshop, Freshers’ fayres, and a comedy night at the Union bar in Hillhead. Check the guide! If you do decide that there’s a special someone who would benefit from being that little bit closer in your life, then chat up lines may be an option. Here follows lines that have been tried and tested, with varying degrees of success. “Would you like to stroke my lucky scrotum?”, as well as “You. Me. Whipped cream. Handcuffs. Any questions?” may get you slapped, where as “Are you into 80’s music? There is a tune that has been going through my mind all evening and I can’t remember the name” may get a better response. Another tactic is to go for the outrageous compliments, such as “You’re so sweet, you’re gonna put sugar out of business”, or “If water were beauty, you’d be an ocean.” One tried and tested line is “My friends over there bet me that I can’t start a conversation with the most beautiful boy/girl in the bar, so you would like to buy some drinks with their money”. However, men, on women, predominantly use all these. Does anyone know of any lines that women can use? Send them in!

[email protected] Life & Style So Mum and Dad have driven off, with Dad sobbing silently into a hanky and Mum planning the colour scheme of her newest guest bedroom. You’ve half-heartedly opened a couple of boxes, arranged some shoes in the bottom of the wardrobe and eaten your first mug of noodles. There are murmurs of noise suggesting your new neighbours are doing the same thing (except from across the corridor- that continuous chanting noise and the baffling smells leaking from under the door should best be avoided). AUSA has a week of nights lined up enticing you to part with your newly acquired student wealth. But we suggest taking a night or three to sit around your communal kitchen table, get to know your new neighbours and spend a little less. You don’t even have to change out of your PJs (well, mostly) and if you’ve drunk too much, bed is only a couple of doors away. Evening 1: Casino Royale Aberdeen has plenty of casinos. The thing is, they insist on taking blurry- eyed photos of you at 3am and issuing you with membership cards before letting you in to spend LOTS of money. DIY gambling is the way forward. Invite your hall mates to a kitchen poker night instead. Black tie only; you all have to dig out your fanciest gear, buy some of Tesco’s Finest Brut and rustle up a pack of cards and some poker chips. Chip in a set amount each- go with however much the poorest person can afford. If you want to spice things up, add in shots, forfeits or nudity. You know Daniel Craig would… Evening 2: Cheese and Wine A rather simple concept. Everyone brings a type of cheese- the more obscure the better, a variety of cracker or biscuit and a bottle of red wine or port. Cheese can also go really well with teas, so if you want a non- alcoholic alternative, try bringing fruit and herbal teas instead. Add some eloquent conversation, chuck in a chutney or two, and a night of sophistication ensues. Evening 3: Potluck Cook-a-thon Arrange an evening where dinner is altogether. Think of your favourite home-cooked dish, your ‘secret recipe’ that never fails to impress and bring it to the table. Appetizers, Mains and Deserts- anything goes as long as you cook it yourself! Hopefully you should end up with a selection of completely different dishes to try. Although beware, your dinner may consist entirely of deserts. But since when was that a bad thing? Evening 4: Not- so- Board Games Invest in some board games. You can find some great ones in local charity shops, and contrary to belief, they usually have all the pieces! A giant Jenga set is a pub favourite, but how about adding your own twist to Scrabble- extra points for a naughty word always gives us a giggle. Monopoly can become very competitive, lasting all night as you try and take down Steve from the floor below, who has turned out to be quite the property mogul. And good old Twister is possibly the quickest way ever to get to know your hall mates better… Evening 5: Who Likes Scary Movies? With laptops being such a necessity these days, you don’t need a TV and DVD player to watch films at uni. Set up someone’s laptop in the communal kitchen or sitting area, or even pile into someone’s room. Order some pizza, buy big bags of popcorn and sweets and some suitably fizzy soft drinks. Turn the lights down low and put on the scariest film you can think of. We suggest Spanish horror films [Rec] and [Rec 2], ‘Cloverfield’, ‘Monsters’, ’28 Days Later’ and ‘The Shining’ to get you started. If you’re feeling really brave, try the original Japanese version of ‘The Ring’. Prepare to squeal… Your kitchen is the new Priory Tom Cruise gives the thumbs up to AUSA’s Easy Tiger campagin Freshers week is a frought time for new students. Naomi O’Reilly looks at AUSA’s newest welfare campaign ‘Easy Tiger’ Easy Tiger! 15 September 2011 The Gaudie 15 Victoria Bramble looks at ways to get to know your new flat-mates and have fun without having to brave the city’s sticky night club floors Freshers week in Aberdeen is one to remember or maybe just blurred memories for some. Being an OAS (Old Aged Student) I can safely say that the “Easy Tiger” campaign is not exaggerating when it comes to girls (and boys) getting so drunk that they can’t even open their door and a whole lot of other thing. So drinking to excess happens, the easy thing to say is don’t drink so much - which the “Easy Tiger” campaign will pretty much tell you to do. But then when you think about it who really wants to be an “Easy Tiger” ? It sounds so boring. I remember when I was a stubborn 18 year old (ok I might still be a bit stubborn), you tell me to do something I’m gonna do the opposite and considering the amount of drink offers there was during my first freshers week, that was pretty easy to do. So now AUSA has come up with what I would call a more realistic campaign “Wingman.” I’m not going to lie I’m partial to this campaign with my love of Top Gun, you gotta love Tom Cruise before he went crazy. Shame on you if you haven’t seen Top Gun, you’re missing out on a pretty unforgettable beach volleyball scene. So what a good “Wingman\ woman” should be able to do is be the idiot and talk you up to the hottie in the bar, pretend to be the other half when a hippo or a nottie is trying to hit on you. Make sure you don’t wake up in the toilets after passing out long after the club has closed (I know a person who this has actually happened to). Keep an eye on your drink when you’re distracted, I find this one pretty important as I get distracted easily. Linking up with another Maverick and Goose combination to split the taxi fare home. If you get separated giving each other a quick text makes you look popular and feel loved, there’s also the fact that it stops you feeling guilty the next morning in case something bad\serious did actually happen. Let’s put it this way: hospital visits aren’t exactly uncommon for University of Aberdeen students. So these are all pretty practical but an amazing night out hinges on the people your out with, freshers’ week gives you the opportunity that you would maybe of never considered spending any time with at school, which can be pretty cool. With so many new faces it is easy to be forgotten about, which is why it’s such an advantage to link up with a Maverick or a Goose (you’re gonna have to argue it between yourselves on who’s Maverick and who’s Goose). It’s never fun being told off for having fun and if your fun includes drinking you don’t wanna be told you have a limit, but there is this series on channel 4 called 24hr A+E, have a watch. YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. If that doesn’t work we all hope to live and learn. At the end of the day the most important thing is to survive freshers’ week and turn up to your first class.

Arts [email protected] The Vacc nes Interview Jessica Cregg meets the Vaccines and talks Tokyo puppy shops, throat operations and being immune from puns. Sorry.... Editor: Anne-Claire Deseilligny 16 The Gaudie 15th September 2011 It’s been a hell of a year for The Vaccines. From kicking off the summer of 2010 as a freshly formed, relatively unknown foursome living in London, the band’s debut demo was embraced by BBC Radio 1 earning them extensive airplay and much coveted spot on Radio 1’s Sound of 2011 list. After having only been together for just over a year, the retro indie-pop quartet have gone on to tour the globe, sell out countless shows and kick off their career with their debut album reaching number 4 in the UK album charts. Having just come off the 2011 festival circuit, bassist Arni Hjörvar affirms just how busy their recent tour schedule’s been ,“we’ve just done four continents in a week” and when asked how they deal with life on the road, drummer, Pete Robertson adds “you sleep when you get a chance”. Before heading off on the next leg of their UK tour, the lads took some time out to discuss their debut album, 24 hour puppy emporiums and life on the road. How long have you guys been on tour for? Arni: Since September last year. Probably, yeah. Pete: That’s when we started doing gigs. We’ve taken a couple of weekends off, here and there. Like Christmas? (laughs) And we’re pretty much on tour ‘til March next year. Out of all the places you’ve seen over the past few years, have you got a favourite city to play in? ALL: New York. Arni: I quite like Detroit actually. Why Detroit? Arni: It’s empty, it’s a ghost town. It’s the first industrial city in the world. It’s got this beautiful flamboyant ridiculous amount of skyscrapers, just boarded up for sale. It was the heart of the motor industry and when the motor industry started moving out about 20/30 years ago, it just went bust. I mean, you can buy yourself a house out there for about…$100? Amazing! Arni: I’m really good at trivia actually – like really good at remembering the most odd facts buried somewhere in Wikipedia. Have you got a tour horror story? Arni: Yeah, we missed a gig in Germany. That was probably the lowest point of The Vaccines existence so far. It was 15 hours of horrible flights from Finland to the South of Germany, just to fly back to the North of Germany. We showed up an hour and half late – it was awful. Freddie: I think Japan was one of my best experiences and my worst, just because it was… ridiculous! Flying right there, then straight on stage; I’d never experienced jetlag like that before. One minute you’re fine, then the next you’re just crashing – and Tokyo’s a lot to take in without sleeping for three days! Arni: There’s a 24 hour puppy shop. Freddi: A 24 hour puppy emporium! Pete: We went to look at the puppys – obviously. Then we realised, it’s Tokyo – we’ve never been here before, let’s just explore. Arni: We did the most Tokyo thing you could possibly do which is go for a beer with the Kaiser Cheifs. Pete: And on the way home, our guitar tech and me decided to go into a bar and just stay there ‘til about 6 am.. Freddie: Pretty much everything that happened in Tokyo was a tour horror story! I’m guessing you guys are feeling a little bit weird about having to cancel your last couple of shows due to Justin’s recent throat operation. Arni: Yeah, it’s always heartbreaking, especially in a country where you’ve had to cancel shows before. You piss off a lot of people and there’s nothing worse. I mean, it’s inevitable, we’ve had one of the busiest schedules for bands touring this year and for someone like Justin to keep his voice intact through out that is virtually impossible.. Freddie: For any singer, that’s impossible. Arni: There’s nothing we can do about it and there’s nothing we can control about it, so there’s no point in looking at the pessimistic side of things and use the time to further the process of writing songs. You guys have revealed that your mission with the band is to pen the perfect pop song. Do you believe that you’ve achieved this on your album, “What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?” Arni: No. I think that’s what makes pop music still valid - is that nobody’s ever written the perfect pop song and it won’t ever be written. It’s like this search for something that’s utterly unattainable. And that’s what makes it excited Freddie: God only knows? Arni: God only knows is a great fucking song but I don’t think it’s a perfect pop song. I think it can be bettered Do you have a song on the album that you think is the closest to that? Pete: I think “If You Wanna” is the first song that really sky-rocketed us into that genre. I mean, “If You Wanna” is the closest we’ve come but we can sure go a lot further. Have you been working on any new material whilst touring? Freddie: Yeah, we have. Just recently we’ve been thinking and sort of, tentatively working on some new material thinking about the next record. We haven’t come to any solid conclusions as to where we want to go with it. Yeah, we wrote a song recently, messed around in the studio with it, started rehearsing it, yeah. We definitely want to have some new material ready for our next headline tour in November. The album sounds very much like it was written with the sole intention of being played live… That’s exactly what we intended. We went into the studio and recorded it live. We wanted to capture a live energy and we try to portray that same energy when we play it live. Yeah, absolutely. It was a debut record and that was all it was supposed to be. Do you have a favourite song off the album, and another to play live? Arni: Yeah, I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive – obviously because it’s a record made to play live then the songs which sound best live and go down the best are going to become your favourite. It seems to be quite universal across our audiences that “If You Wanna” and “Nørgaard” seem to go down the best. Freddie: Yeah, I think, “Wreckin’ Bar” “If You Wanna” and “Nørgaard” seem to have the best reaction live, so they’re the most fun to play. It’s just the experience of the audience and the band together. Pete: “Family Friend”, the last song on the record, it’s a really difficult one to pull off. Arni: If we pull it off it’s amazing. Pete: It’s difficult, it’s... Freddy: It’s got three chords in it. Arni: You say that like it’s unusual (laughs) especially as the majority of our song have three chords! Pete: You need to be in a certain frame of mind and a certain situation for it to really work – and when it does it’s so fun. It seems like it’s the least you – I mean it’s six minutes long… Arni: I don’t agree. I think the song still fits into the ethos of the record perfectly, it’s still simple, straight to the pont, a very direct song – it’s just longer. Pete: And that’s just because it’s a bit slower! (laughs) Arni: Yeah and I like the idea of having it there, because that slight sort of change of tempo – well there’s nothing slight about the change of the tempo but it closes off the record with a bit of a question mark. I don’t like the idea of people being able to predict what we’re going to do next if we don’t know what we’re going to do next. We didn’t want to end it with another “Wreckin’ Bar”, you know? You guys have been in bands for years before you came together as The Vaccines. To what degree do you believe your previous solo material has influenced the sound of the band? Pete: You decide what you don’t wanna do as much as you do wanna do. As a musician, you’re constantly improving and refining – so yeah, in that respect, yeah. Freddie: Your sound, your direction as a musician is defined quite early in your life, you simply get better at it – it’s indelible on your character.

Arts 17 [email protected] 15th September 2011 The Gaudie Film The Inbetweeners Movie Directed by: Ben Palmer Starring: James Buckley, Blake Harrison and Joe Thomas You Instead Directed by: David MacKenzie Starring: Luke Treadaway, Natalia Tena ‘I stoped beliving in God when I realised it’s just dog spelled backwards.’ – Neil Jay to Neil about a bidet: ‘That’s the kids toilet, of course.’ A little while later Neil reports to Will: ‘I just came to get you because the kids toilet doesn’t flush.’ And of course it was a big one… Girl: ‘So you’re a virgin. That’s cool!’ Will: ‘Well, actually it’s famously uncool.’ The path between hilarious and cheesy is narrow and even though the new Inbetweeners Movie sometimes dangled on the cheesy edge, the fun levels remained high. We all know the Inbetweeners as the funny, rough, not before 10pm TV show - four lads on their way out of school and into girls. And I must say – it was just as funny as the TV show and it was actually all the TV show was about, just without the school of course. The guys finally finished school, but as school ends Simon’s relationship with Carlie comes to an end as well. Of course he is left heart broken. Will finds out that his father married his mistress and has no real interest in him and Jay’s grandfather dies. The depressed guys need cheering up and so they all go on a trip. The four lads head to Malia, Crete and of course the self-declared ‘Pussy Patrol’ only has three things in mind: parties, pints and p… well, girls. But from the moment they arrive at the aiport it goes from bad to worse to worse than worse to better to absolutely great. Their hotel is a ramshackle hut. The owner pulls a dead dog of the well when they arrive and reminds them of the 50€ fine if some shit lands on the floor. On their first night they get to know four nice girls (by dancing over to them – a hilarious scene) who will be their [SPOILERS!] girlfriends by the end of the movie. But of course they mess it up at first. Neil is more interested in older (very much older) ladies who you typically meet in places like Malia or Majorca. Will gets the one who’s got a a very typical Greek boyfriend. Drunken Jay is stuck with the ‘fat one’ (his words, not mine) and Simon is constantly thinking about Carlie and constantly talking about Carlie. From the moment he learns that Carlie will be on the boat party his only aim is to get a ticket, go there and get her back. But his obsession goes a bit too far. He and Jay fight in the streets because of that. They get draged away by the others and go separate ways. Neil and Jay end up in a male-stripper bar and Simon and Will try to sell Si’s clothes because he needs money for a boat party ticket. Of course he gets screwed by the guy and in the end stands there naked with Will at his side. When he realises the guy won’t turn up with the money they go and drink, drink, drink. They all meet again in a bar and realise how important it is to enjoy this unique holiday instead of bitching around. A little later the four girls come around again and decide to go skinny dipping. Of course it’s the lads who hesitate shyly. Jay is embarressed to be with a big girl, Neil is with an old lady. Simon jumps ot of the water when he sees Carlie on the beach and Will loses his glasses. The next day is boat party day and everyone has got a ticket except for Simon. However, he manages to get one last minute. And what happens at the boat party is for you to find out… I’ll only say that it involves lots of disgusting images, happy guys and a helicopter. So, what do I think about the movie, now? At times I thought it was a bit too vulgar, especially because it is made for a teen audience. I was expecting rough language, teenage humour and some disgusting images, but I wasn’t expecting so much of it all at once. The movie included more naked butts, naked men (who did not look like Marcus Schenkenberg which we could cope with) and definitely more human expulsions than I expected. But I guess that’s the freedom a cinema movie gives the makers. It was all a bit more extreme and a bit more disgusting than the show. But still absolutely hilarious. It’s a really funny movie and they definitely stayed true to the show! Worth watching, but only with a strong stomach or a barf bag. By Maria Suessmilch David MacKenzie describes the shooting of You Instead as “a chaotic atmosphere which [he] want- ed to convey to the audience.” The film was shot entirely over the five days of T in the Park 2010, and while the frantic chaos is immediately appar- ent, it breeds an undeniable sense of excitement and fun which any audience member can enjoy. You Instead follows indie rocker Adam (Treada- way) and punk princess Morello (Tena) as they spend 24 hours handcuffed together in an effort to get over their band rivalry. The premise seems weak and the blossoming love story and inevitable conflict may be cliché and predictable, but the flawless semi-improvised acting of Treadaway and Tena breathe a new spontaneity into a Romeo and Juliet style ballad. The mix of genuine festival footage, including cameo appearances from Newton Faulkner, Paloma Faith, Paolo Nutini and Calvin Harris, combined with an original soundtrack composed by Treadaway himself makes the audience feel fully involved in the action. There’s plenty to feel nostalgic about, even if you didn’t attend the festival yourself. Perfect for: - an evening out with the girls - 1st date - 100th date - dinner and a movie - those who went to T in the Park 2010 (you might see yourself in the crowd!) By Fiona-Jayne Massie

Richard Wagner and the PreRaphaelites had a bastard child and it came out as a film. Justine (Kirsten Dunst) is getting married, and although she starts off as any bride should be, radiant with happiness, she soon shows her true, depressed self, pushing away her new husband Michael (Alexander Skarsgård) and her sister Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg). The wedding disintegrates as Justine tries to run away from it and sinks ever more deeply into depression. The second chapter of the film takes place some time later, when Justine comes to Claire’s house for help. As she starts recovering it is Claire who disintegrates at the news that a planet called Melancholia might be on its way to destroy the earth. The cast is superb, as Kirsten Dunst perfectly captures Justine’s disarray and complexity. Charlotte Gainsbourg is also remarkable as the stressed, equally fragile character of Claire. In fact, every actor pulls his weight, with appearances from Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, Kiefer Sutherland and John Hurt. But the really stunning thing about this film is the visual imagery. It has no pretension to realism, and in fact often looks like a painting (the pre-raphaelites being obvious influences). Both chapters have a different palette, with the first being full of the falsely welcoming warm lights of an evening party whereas the second chapter has eerie blue cosmic tones. The music is Wagner’s overture to Tristan und Isolde and the film would not be the same without it. Haunting, tragic, romantic, grand, full of morbid hope, it is set to one of the most stunning film overtures I have ever seen, where the music is superimposed with a beautiful cosmic ballet. The combination leaves you absolutely breathless. Richard Wagner is the perfect music for this essentially Romantic film: grand, where no one has halfemotions, and a bit long. Indeed, this is the one reproach I could make this film: it is over two-hours’ worth of grand music and images about death. You come out of the cinema stunned, slightly depressed and jumpy, but with that strange joy that comes from seeing something beautiful in its despair. By Anne-Claire Deseilligny 18 [email protected] The Gaudie 15th September 2011 Troll Hunter Directed by: André Øvredal Starring: Otto Jespersen, Robert Stoltenberg and Knut Nærum Film Picture the scene: you’ve arrived in the Granite City, settled into your student accommodation and immediately want to explore your new surroundings. You go off in search of some music, but the only famous Aberdonian musicians you can think of are Annie Lennox and that kid Calvin from S Club Juniors. You frown. “There must be more than this,” you think… Here’s a handy run-down of five places – in no particular order – that every music connoisseur should visit whilst in Aberdeen. One Up Records One Up is the one-stop-shop for all your CD and vinyl purchasing needs. Brimming with albums by your favourite artists, and quite a few you’ve never heard of, it’s a treasure trove of bargains and rarities. It also boasts some of the friendliest, most knowledgeable staff in town who offer service far superior to their competitors in the big chain stores. The Tunnels/Café Drummonds OK, so technically The Tunnels and Café Drummonds are two places, but since they’re owned by the same people we’ll count them as one. Probably the busiest of all of Aberdeen’s gig venues, these two play a massive role in supporting new and established talent from in and around Aberdeen, whilst also hosting fantastic touring bands including Wheatus, Sucioperro, Mudhoney and Kassidy. R&B Music With the recent demise of centuryold Bruce Millers, R&B is now the top place to pick up musical instruments, sheet music and supplies. Whether it’s a new set of strings or an extended drum kit you’re after, R&B are there to grant your every wish. The Blue Lamp If you prefer a more laid-back evening, perhaps relaxing with a pint of ale listening to some blues or jazz, then The Blue Lamp is the place to be. Regularly hosting gigs featuring local and touring acts, The Blue Lamp has featured some really incredible events including performances by Tommy Smith, Theo Travis and Gerry Jablonski. Snafu From small, low-key live shows to pounding electro DJ sets, Snafu is one of Aberdeen’s top alternative night spots. Hosting a variety of club nights and one-off events, the cave-like underground venue has a real charm to it. These places are, of course, the tip of the iceberg and Aberdeen holds so many more venues, shops and rehearsal spaces for you to explore. So get out there, get listening, and above all… enjoy the music! Facing the Music in Enjoy Music? Aberdeen has a lot to offer Aberdeen Music Melancholia Directed by: Lars Von Trier Starring: Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg Arts By Thomas Lebrocq So, I know what you’re thinking: “What can the university possibly offer to match the master-crafted musical stylings of the one and only boyband sensation ‘Five’? What venue could enrich my future musical experiences more than Priory? What else is there to see?” I can hear you think. Perhaps even, “how can I start my own boyband sensation?” You don’t actually have to look that far, or even part with many of your increasingly precious pounds; Aberdeen University offers more than you might expect. Each year the Music department arranges for some of the most talented and notable musicians in the country to perform in Aberdeen. Now, granted you’re not going to get any of these guys selling out Pearl Lounge, but they are definitely worth seeing. The styles of music are so wide ranging. This term there’s an Indian folk group, an orchestra from Lapland (who knew?!) and two guys impressively playing around with sounds through their ‘multichannel loudspeaker diffusion system’ (your guess is as good as mine). There are also the more traditional, but equally excellent, options: BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Edinburgh Quartet and Dame Emma Kirkby, for those looking to indulge their classical side. The most amazing part is that students usually enter for about £2 and sometimes even for free. The Music Department also makes sure that you can see the talent being nurtured within the University itself. There are several concerts showcasing the skills of the University Concert Band, Orchestra, Choral society and Chapel Choir. This autumn the Orchestra will be performing Beethoven’s 5th Symphony (you’ll know it when you hear it) and will surely be a highlight of the musical calendar. What about your own talent for music? Your neighbour at Hillhead complaining already? As I remember the walls in Fyfe house are pretty thin but that doesn’t mean that you should quit being a virtuoso violinist or shred metal genius. The University of Aberdeen boasts one of the most equipped and varied music departments in the UK. Not only does the department run fourteen formally constituted ensembles, but it supports countless other musical societies and the best part is that it is free. The department’s expertise covers the traditional, the historical, even weird and wonderful world music. The University Symphony Orchestra, for example. It offers great opportunities to able instrumentalists and often works with highly notable musicians, composers and conductors like Morten Lauridsen who last year made a trip to the UK for the sole purpose of visiting Aberdeen University. The Orchestra’s repertoire is always exciting and challenging. They play hard and, well… ‘play’ hard. If you are a budding harpsichordist (and lets face it, who isn’t?!) the department’s Baroque Ensemble might be your scene. The University owns and lends original baroque instruments dating back hundreds of years and last year welcomed singers and players alike to perform an opera by Purcell. Too traditional? Fair enough. Perhaps steel pans are more your thing, or perhaps even mystical allure of Gamelan…why not both?! You don’t have to have had previous experience simply the ability to hit stuff yet these two groups each year attract the largest crowds to their concerts. The music department thrives by working together in a friendly community of students and lecturers where advice and banter is always at hand. There really are too many options to choose from: countless choirs, guitar and flute ensembles, chamber orchestras and symphonias, singing societies, gospel groups, ceilidh bands etc. Thanks to the efforts of the department there are plenty of opportunities to discover new music for almost no cost, or even get involved yourself. So if you’re just dipping your toe into a different genre of music, supporting a friend or simply wanting to fill up a gloomy Aberdonian evening then the music at the university is the place to start. For more information visit the Music Department website: http:// www.abdn.ac.uk/music/ or to pick up a copy of this term’s concert series drop by the MacRobert foyer. Don’t forget to drop by the music office in MacRobert to sign up for something. Then once you’ve done that check out the music stalls at the societies fayre on Wednesday 21st from 11am. By Eoin Smith TrollHunter is a strange beast. The film manages to be immensely original despite repeating almost every possible cliché of its genre: hand-held, found footage mockumentary. The sheer volume of these films being produced lately, Diaries of the Dead, Cloverfield, Rec., Paranormal Activity or Apollo 18 (which incidentally plays in UK cinemas at the same time as TrollHunter) etc, makes it really easy to approach TrollHunter with low expectations. And it’s a shame because TrollHunter is much more than just a Cloverfield copycat. The film follows a group of three student journalists shooting a documentary (cliché no. 1) about mysterious Hans, who, they think, is an illegal bear hunter. It quickly turns out that it ain’t bears that Hans is after (the clue is in the title). What follows is an extraordinary mixture of dark humour, thriller, horror and fairy tale, which makes this small Norwegian film stand out from the crowd. The jokes are truly funny, mostly deriving from the juxtapositioning of fairy tale creatures with the modern world, but there is one particular ‘racial’ joke that made me laugh really hard despite making fun of my fellow countrymen. Beside laughs the movie delivers some strong thrills, and some scenes will make you go to the edge of your seat. Juggling tongue-in-cheek humour with suspense is in fact the film’s strongest asset. Not to mention that the film brilliantly uses elements of modern Norwegian landscape to support the ‘realism’ of its ridiculous premise and to incorporate them into the troll mythology. Worth mentioning is its great CGI, particularly impressive considering the film’s £2.5m budget. In Hollywood you can’t make coffee for your film crew with this kind of money, let alone orchestrate special effects. A small budget is probably the reason why the film-makers decided to go for the Blair Witch Project style, which is a shame, because as I wrote above, it is the film’s weakest point. Hand-held camera and the apparent lack of editing is supposed to add to the realism of the film. However, like in all films of its kind, allegedly inexperienced amateurs keeps the camera rolling in situations in which even the best National Geographic cameraman would leave it and run for his life. Considering, however, that the film does not take itself very seriously it is just a minor complaint. Despite some flaws, TrollHunter is one of the most interesting films playing in UK cinemas at the moment, and if not for the Norwegian language and subtitles it could easily be a big blockbuster; something that hasn’t been overlooked by Hollywood studios, because the American remake is already on its way, with Chris Columbus (first two Harry Potter films) set to produce it. I doubt, however, that the American remake can achieve the charm and originality (!) of the original. It’s a must-see. By Marcin Dobrowolski

Arts 19 [email protected] 15th September 2011 The Gaudie Second album syndrome seems to plague even the most self-assured musical outfits, however after having come dangerously close to splitting earlier this year it seems the band have had rather more pressing matters to overcome than topping their glorious self-titled 2010 debut. As expected, the turbulence of the past year are very much imprinted on Paramento; If the band’s debut was an ode to summer, their follow up seems to be a fairly apt soundtrack to the season’s close. With the album’s title denoting a vocal slide between two pitches, it seems their resignation from world of cheerful surf-pop was a very conscous one. The bands plucky, upbeat basslines and simple drumbeats are still in check throughout the album, but the Brooklyn trio have produced an inescapably sombre follow up. The album’s opener, “Book of Revelations” is a clear highlight. The hook-filled slice of indie-pop will provoke even the most reluctant fan to snap their fingers along to this series of never ending refrains. Along with the synth-tinged, “Hard to Love” - another climactic, and inherently catchy track, the album isn’t without it’s highs, nonetheless Portamento’s gleeful sparkling guitar riffs are some-what outshone by the palpable themes of heartbreak which feature lyrically on almost every one of the album’s tracks. By Jessica Cregg The Drums Paramento Moshi Moshi By Fanny Johansson Why do I have to pay £20 for a newly released album by a professional musician, when I can get the Christmas CD by a school choir for free? If one is better than the other it makes sense, but what if the professional singer is no more than a label created by a record company, her song nothing but electronically corrected singing of run-of-the-mill lyrics, while the school choir consists of devoted and talented young singers who have wowed at music festivals year after year? In April this year someone paid £288,000 for Banksy’s ‘Space Girl and Bird’. This summer my grandmother bought me a watercolour painting by an amateur artist of an old Town Hall on Christmas Eve. She paid about £20 for it. A work I’m intending to have on my wall one day is ‘Meri 2’ by professional photographer Tomi Parkkonen. This will be once I have £1000 to pay for it. Another work I would like to have is ‘Eve’ by Jodi Dockhaut, a student of photography. For that one I only need £60. So the prices vary a lot depending on whether the work is by an amateur or a professional, but do the working processes vary too? There are endless interviews and articles about the methods used by professional artists, musicians, actors, poets, and the budding artists read these and learn from them so the methods should not be that different from each other. The differences that I could think of right now would probably be in the time spent on the creative activity, and in the strictness of the practice. An obvious point is that an amateur needs to get their main income from somewhere else, and will therefore have less time to devote to their creativity. In the case of students the determining factor is the balance between their interest in their hobby and their devotion to their studies. I think oftentimes the latter will win. In working with both amateur and professional actors I have notices that amateur productions tend to be less rigid in their working structure than professional productions, probably due to the difference in money involved in the venture. This year, to find out more about the dynamic and interaction between the professional and amateur arenas, I intend to brave the wild world of creative people and get to know the various acts of creativity committed by students in Aberdeen. I will also, if allowed, try my hand at a bit of creativity myself and attempt to come to some conclusions about the nature of amateur creativity. And yes, the products of my creativity will be shared, to your enjoyment or dislike. So if you are running a society that does creative things, anything from poetry and painting to programming video games, and you want some free publicity, find me on face- book and I’ll give it a try! To get in touch with Fanny, you can also send [email protected] an email, and we will put you in contact. Amateurs vs. Professionals 5 sources to get you reading lists together Books Did you ever come across a book which was just great, but when you had to interpret and analyse it you didn’t go far? Have questions like: ‘Why the hell did he choose this title?’ or ‘How am I supposed to know why she chose a female protagonist?’ occurred to you? Well, then here’s my little inside tip for you: David Lodge’s The Art of Fiction. In an easy and understandable manner he explains common means authors make use of and illustrates them on extracts from classic novels. Basically he takes you by the hand and shows you how the magician does his trick. Very helpful to all who write fiction and who write about fiction. David Lodge, The Art of Fiction (London: Vintage Books, 2011). £8.99 ISBN: 978-0-099-55424-0 Psssst… A little tip for all English Literature students! By, Maria Suessmilch 1. Blackwell’s The bookstore is within reach, directly on campus. They have exactly the books you need because they order the editions noted on your reading lists. So, there’s no hassle to look for the right books, although you have to pay the full price. A little extra: The Blackwell’s rewards card saves you a little money and is free. 2. Bookends in Butchart It’s also right on campus in the AUSA’s Butchart Centre. A good source especially for all the books on your reading list. Many students sell their old course books to them, so you’ll get the book you need for only a fraction of the price. But be fast to go and look for the ones you need, because at the beginning of the term everyone will storm the shops! 3. Old Aberdeen Bookshop A quirky old bookshop which is perfect for everyone who loves to just look around and find little treasures. The books pile up from the ground to the ceiling and they have even got first editions and foreign language books! It’s right up the little hill when you walk down High Street on to College Bounds at 140 Spital. However, the opening times vary a lot. But it is definitely worth visiting. 4. Books and Beans Not only can you find a good book for a couple of pounds but also enjoy a nice cup of tea while looking. Books and Beans, in Belmont Street right off Union Street, is a wonderful little café/bookshop over two floors. They make very tasty Panini and soups and are not even expensive. 5. Amazon.co.uk Of course, when looking for books amazon.co.uk can’t be omitted. Easy, cheap and hassle free. However, if you buy used books, be wary of scribbling. I personally prefer Blackwell’s to get my university books. It’s easy, it’s the ones I need and you get Reward points for every pound you spend. But if I’m looking for a nice one I’d like to read in my spare time I always go to the Old Aberdeen Bookshop. It’s just a wonderful land of milk and honey for all who love books. And because they’re second hand they’re cheap. But plan some time if you go there, because there is just so much to see!

[email protected] Listings Editor: Michael Blythe Listings 20 The Gaudie 15th September 2011 Saturday, 17th Move In Weekend Airport, Train Station, Halls of Residence, 10am-8pm Volunteers will pick you up from the train station and airport and help you settle in your new home. Fresher’s Week 2011 We give you an overview over the most important University and AUSA events! Hillhead Residents’ Welcome Meeting Hillhead Gym, 6:30pm Learn about your new home, the SRA’s and events for residents. Spring Garden Residents’ Welcome Meeting Spring Garden Community Flat, 7pm Learn about your new home, the SRA’s and events for residents. Catholic Society - Catholic Chaplaincy Open Evening Catholic Chaplaincy, 7pm every day of Fresher’s Week Everyone is invited to join us for a warm drink and a friendly chat with members from AU’s active Catholic community. Crombie Johnston Residents’ Welcome Meeting Zeste at Crombie Halls, 7:30pm Learn about your new home, the SRA’s and events for residents. Hillhead Residents’ Welcome Meeting Hillhead Gym, 6:30pm Learn about your new home, the SRA’s and events for residents. Sunday, 18th Monday, 19th Official University of Aberdeen Fresher’s Welcome Arts Lecture Theatre, 10:30am and 11:30am This is your official Aberdeen University Welcome. Meet the Principal Prof Ian Diamond and enjoy a welcome from the AUSA. International and European Student Drop-In Global Hub, 10am-4pm Drop-in and have a chat with our International Student Advisers and the Student’s Association Information and Advice Service. Academic Fayre AUSA Marquee King’s Playing Fields, 11am2pm The Academic Fayre is the perfect opportunity to ask all your academic questions, so the rest of your university career is smooth. sailing! Representatives from the Support Services will be there to give you advice. Well-Fayre - AUSA Welfare AUSA Marquee King’s Playing Fields, 11am2pm (disabled access from 10:30pm) Come along to the Well-Fayre and discover treats such as foods to boost your mood, condoms to sort out that conundrum and generally find out who is out there to help. Campus Tour Butchart Centre, 11am and 2pm As the name suggests it’s a tour to show you around campus. However, these tourse will take place during the whole week. Tuesday, 20th International Study Abroad & Exchange Students’ Orientation King’s College, Room KCG7, 11am Information specifically for International Study Abroad and Exchange students. Erasmus Students’ Orientation Fraser Noble Building, Lecture Theatre 1, 3pm Information specifically for Erasmus students. AUSA Sports Fayre AUSA Marquee on Kings Pitches, 11am-3pm Come along today to find out about Sport at Aberdeen University. Whether you want to play, compete, train or spectate, this is the place to fill your proverbial boots. AUSA Sports Give It A Go Have you seen a sport you like? Want to try it out? All next week the sports clubs will be running open sessions and introductory practices to allow you to find your ideal activity, before you join that club. Come to the Sports Fayre and find out about the exact dates of each club. Dance Society - Aberdeen Dance Week Kings Lawn, 1pm-4pm (Tues 20th, Wed 21st, Thu 22nd) This is a chance for you to try out some of our awesome dance styles through our tester classes and performances. Come along and see what we’re about. Mature Student/ Direct Entrant Welcome Event Linklater Rooms, 4pm-6pm This fun social event is for all new mature and/or direct entry students. Come along and meet some like minded people. Euro -Dating Bookends, Butchart Centre, 6-8pm If you fancy spending some time in Europe as part of your degree, this is for you. It is a sociable way to meet new people from all over Europe... no romance required! Wednesday, 21st Walking Tour of Aberdeen City Centre King’s College, 10am Due to limited availablity you must book your place in advance by emailing student. [email protected] with the name of the tour you want to take, your name, your Student ID number and your mobile phone number. If you have difficulty climbing steps, walking long distances, or require guided assistance you should mention this in your mail. AUSA Societies Fayre AUSA Marquee on Kings Pitches, 11am-3pm Want to get started and get involved in things you’re passionate about? Then this event is definitely for you. With over 100 societies to join there’s guaranteed. Shared Planet - Shared Planet Cafe The Chaplaincy, 12pm-2pm Organic, ethical, cheap, tasty and green? What’s not to like? Come for a bowl of deli- cious soup and toastie. Dependant’s Club Meeting Room 3, The Hub, 3pm-4pm Join the International Student Advisers for an introductory social meeting for the partners, spouses or families accompanying international students. Your Student Council Wants YOU! New King’s 1, 4pm-4:30pm Come along and learn which committee you belong on and how to enter elections. Conservative & Unionist Association - Free BBQ And Wine Reception Meet outside the Bobbin at 6:30pm Are you interested in finding out more about the Conservatives? Just come along and meet us. With some food and wine we’ll get to know eachother. Storytelling Society Ghost Trail Meet in King’s College quad, 7pm If you are looking for a tour around campus, or if you have been wondering who haunts the university, then Ghost Trail is for you. Hispanic Society - Sangria Mixer/ Intercambio Venue TBC, 7pm A fun intercambio where both English and Spanish speakers are welcome to get to know one another. Comedy Society Meet’N’Greet’N’Drink Squash Court, Butchart Centre, 7:30pm A casual event for those interested in the Comedy Society to come and meet those involved and like minded people. First Aid Society - Save a Life Venue TBC, 7:30pm Come along and find out what First Aid So- ciety has to offer and it’s not just first aid! Swing Dance Society - Swing into University Room 2, The Tunnels, 8pm Get into swing of university by learning how to swing dance. Introductory lessons starts at 8pm and social dance starts at 9pm. Thursday, 22nd Welcome and Information Session for International Students King’s College Conference Centre Auditorium, 10am-11am The International Student Advisers will provide you with practical advice and information in living in Scotland. International and European Students Mini-Fresher’s Fayre James MacKay Hall, King’s College Confer- ence Centre, 11am-12noon An opportunity to meet and speak to Inter- national Student Advisers, Careers Service, Counselling Service and many more. First Year Sports Day King’s Pitches, 11am-4pm Come along and work out, trie out a sport and have fun. With a mixture of well established events and some more unorthodox challenges this event will keep you active! Scottish Dance Society - Give it a Go Small Hall Butcharts Centre, 2pm-4pm Whether it’s ceilidh, country or highland dancing you’re interested in, we can help. Come along and try it out! Philosophy Society - Philoscoffee: ‘Why are you here?’ Quad behind the Old Brewery, 2pm-5pm Free-form discussion and hot drinks in the open air. All welcome, even if you don’t study philosophy! Italian Society - Pizza Night Kitchen at the Chaplaincy, 6pm-9pm Come to learn how to make a proper Italian Pizza and eat some, from proper Italians who will teach you with our traditional friendliness. Catholic Society - CathSoc BBQ Catholic Chaplaincy 7 High Street, 7pm Catholic, non-Catholic or just curious? If you are interested in learning about or practicing our faith or just having a good time with newfound Catholic friends, join us this evening! Celtic Society - Tradtional Music Session Blue Lamp, Gallowgate, 7pm Come and listen, enjoy or play some tradtional Celtic music. Enjoy the craic and drink. No matter if you like the music or the Celtic language. Photography Society - Give it a Go! Squash Court, Butcharts Centre, two 1h sessions at 7pm and 8pm Fun for novice and experienced photographers alike, light painting makes photography simple and gives immediate, fantastic results. Creative Writing Society - The Big Write In & Big Write Out The Upstairs Lounge at The Red Lion, Spital, 7:30pm We welcome both freshers and veterans with a getting to know each other session, featur- ing readings from committee members. Becycle - Thursday Night Ride In front of Elphinstone Hall, 9pm A chilled-out night tour through Aberdeen’s back lanes. We’ll ride for an hour and then end up in the pub for some drinks. Electronic Music and DJ Society and ABDN Snow - Launch Origin Club, Windmill Brae, 11pm AUEM and SNOW are coming together to give you the messiest night of Fresher’s Week! Friday, 23rd Debater Society MacRobert Room 051, 7pm We’ll have debate about whether there is any value left in a university education. Come along and join us or just listen! International Money Advice Workshop Fraser Noble Building, Lecture Theatre 2, 11am-12noon Join us for a practical advice workshop on how to make the most of your money! Sociological Society - Pimms Anyone? King’s Lawn, 3pm We invite you to our picnic on the lawn. Free refreshments provided. If you want to learn more about us and get to know us then just come along! Roleplaying Association - Boardgaming Nights Butchart Centre, 6pm Just come along, have fun and get to know each other! History Society - Pubbage The Bobbin, 8pm Come along and meet some of the new and some of the old students! Saturday, 24th Move In Weekend! Move In Weekend! Nessie Hunt - Loch Ness Departing from Butcharts Centre, 7:15am Tickets £38, available from Butcharts Centre Reception. We’ll coach to Loch Ness on the hunt for Nessie. For more information see official Fresher’s Week brochure. Sunday, 25th Student Parent Picnic King’s Lawn, 12 noon Are you a student parent new to, or currently studying at the University of Aberdeen? Then come along with your family and join us. Let your little ones (or slightly older ones) see where you go every week! Musical Society - Auditions 2011-2012 MacRobert MR613, 2pm-10pm If you’re cheerful and passionate about musical theatre then come and audition to be a part of the most enthusiastic company in Aberdeen. Roleplaying Society - First Meeting of the Year MacRobert Building Foyer to meet up, 2pm10pm At the first meeting of the year we will be showing our selection of games and help for people to find games they want to be in for the new year. So if you want to see what roleplaying is about meet new people and have fun - then come along. Not a cult!

Listings [email protected] Listings Editor: Michael Blythe 15th September 2011 The Gaudie 21 EDITH BOWMAN HUSH: INTERNATIONAL MUSIC NIGHT TOGA, TOGA, TOGA! SCHOOL DISCO OFFICIAL WELCOME PARTY DISKO, DISko, DISKO! WORLD FAMOUS BIKINI BEACH FOAM PARTY! TOGA PARTY PRIORY LOVES SATURDAYS PRIORY LOVES: THAT FRIDAY FEELING SPECIAL GUEST PA AUSA's NIGHT DISKO, DISKO, DISKO - PART2 Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday Monday Monday Tuesday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Thursday Friday Friday Saturday Saturday Sunday Sunday ALL THIS PLUS FREE TRANSPORT TO & FROM HALLS AND MORE! GET YOUR WRISTBAND NOW FOR ONLY£35! MATT EDmONSON GUEST PA What’s going on in Aberdeen? Here are some suggestions for other things to do in Aberdeen, besides the Fresher’s events. Exhibitions Aberdeen Art Gallery ‘Stage Directions’ 9 July - 19 November What happens if you bring paintings and theatre together? Well, explore it in this new exhibition with popular artists like Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec or W.R. Sickert. Not just something for arts students and it’s for free. Provost Skene’s House ‘CC41 Utility Fashion’ 13 August - 15 October During the Second World War not only food, but also sorts of things were rationed, among others clothes. This exhibition is about the label CC41, which was marking all clothes that met the Government’s utility scheme. It included standardising designs, quality and trimmings. It takes you 70 years back in time and shows another part of life in wartime. Afterwards you can enjoy the exhibition in the Provost’s House which will take you back in time and show you how people lived in Aberdeen hundreds of years ago. King’s Museum ‘Elements’ On until January 2012 This new exhibition is a journey through the things, which make the world. From glass to water and fire, to radioactive material and noble gasses – all the interesting parts of the periodic system and more is on display here in one or the other form. Toolbooth Prison Museum ‘History of Crime and Punishment in Aberdeen’ Open until September 2011 Even though the Tolbooth doesn’t contain any changing exhibitions it is interesting to see how prisoners lived here hundreds of years ago. You can go into the 17th and 18th century gaol cells and find many ancient and interest- ing torture devices displayed. The Tolbooth shows you the criminal history of Aberdeen. It’s a bit scary and interesting and definitely worth seeing! Your Weekly Radio Guide Monday 12-1pm Vincent & Stuart 6pm VoxPop Tuesday 10-11am MJ Show 1pm Comedy Society 4-5pm Johnny Whithead 7-8pm AUEM Wednesday 1-2pm Megan Wilde Thursday 2-3pm Katie H 6pm VoxPop Friday 4-5pm MG Friday Theatre Aberdeen Maritime Museum ‘With Scott to the Pole’ 24 September 2011 - 8 January 2012 This unique exhibition contains photographs of an ill-fated Arctic expedition in 1910. The pictures taken by the ‘camera artist’ Herbert Ponting depict this incredible journey. The captain Robert Falcon Scott died on their expedition, only a few miles away from savety. It shows not only a moving human story, but also an epic tale. Afterwards you can enjoy the Maritime Museum’s story about the city and the sea. The award winning museum is situated right next to the Provost Ross’s House which was build in 1593. Aberdeen Arts Centre ‘The Revenge of Sherlock Holmes’ 22 September – 24 September, 19:30 Prices: £10 (Conc. £8) Tickets at the Box Office Aberdeen This classic Sherlock Holmes story has been converted into a musical and it definitely a must see for all fans of the Holmes and Watson stories. The musical is presented by the Castlegate Seniors. Aberdeen Arts Centre ‘Copacabana’ 27 September – 1 October, 19:30 Prices: £12 (Conc. £10) Tickets at the Box Office Aberdeen The story of an aspiring songwrite who hopes his musical will become a famous classic - this is Copacabana. His sto- ry takes him back in time to the 1940s as he creates the story of Lola Lamar, an ambitious young singer! The show is presented by the Leading Lights. Aberdeen Arts Centre ‘Fame - The Musical’ 11 October – 15 October, 19:30 Prices: £11 (Conc. £10) Tickets at the Box Office Aber- deen ‘An inspiring story of a diverse group of students at New York’s High School of Performing Arts. With a cast of more than 30 talented actors, singers and dancers, this explosive show will “light up the sky like a flame!”’ - As the Arts Centre’s Website states this perfor- mance is a must see! For all who love good music and fabulous dance moves. Presented by the Wayward Theatre Company. Music Lemon Tree Lounge Robin Trower 24 September 19:30 Price £20 +BF Tickets at the Box Office Aberdeen A 60s guitar icon comes to Aberdeen. He was one of the most influential artists in the British Blues Rock scene and is nicknamed ‘The White Hendrix’. Good for all who enjoy some good old blues. Support act will be Virgll & The Accelerators. Cinema What’s on VUE this week? Vue Cinema is the cheapest cinema for students in town with only £3.55 per ticket (oly with a valid student ID). The Inbetweeners 1h36min Comedy 13:45; 16:00; 18:15; 20:30; 21:30; 22:45; 23:45 Friends With Benefits 1h44min Drama 10:30; 12:45; 15:00, 17:30; 20:00; 22:15 Jane Eyre 2h1min Drama 12:15; 14:45; 17:15; 19:45 One Day 1h47min Roance 11:30

22 The Gaudie 15th September 2011 Sport Editor: Ryan Ross [email protected] 60 seconds with your sports clubs MENS LACROSSE How would you sum up your sport in 10 words? Fastest most aggresive sport on two feet in the world! What are your plans for freshers’ week? On tuesday of freshers’ week we will be attending the sports fayre with guys on the stall inside, team members walking around and a few players outside manning our Watermelon Challenge which gives newcomers a chance to try playing lacrosse by attempting to shoot a ball through a watermelon! On the Sunday at the end of freshers’ (the 25th) we will be hosting a come and try training session for anybody interested to come down and try the game. This will be a great chance to try a brand new sport and meet some guys who have been playing for a few years at a variety of levels! How did the club do competitively last year and what are your expectations for the coming year? Last year Aberdeen finished 2nd out of four universities in Scotland in the British Universities league and middle of the table in the Scottish Lacrosse League. With a very competitive league this year the University team will be looking to improve on last years results through a lot of hard work! What is the biggest event the club will be competing in this year? Last year the club made it to the quarter final of the British Universities Cup after beating Stirling University and Lancaster University to get there. This is the best position the club has previously managed and sets a great target to aim for, if not better in the coming year! What would be a typical club social event? A typical social is a night out with both the mens and girls lacrosse teams. This gives a great chance for the team to socialise, especially when going out after matches, either celebrating or drowning sorrows! Do you have a star member to look out for this year? Bruce Leishman is one of a few players from Aberdeen who has represented Scotland at the u-21 level. With the world class training he is receiving with Scotland and his own determination he will very soon be a truly top class player, as long as he can manage to keep his already outrageous ego in check! TENNIS How would you sum up your sport in 10 words? Love, deuce, advantage, slice, ace, topspin, kick, banter, booze, AWESOME. What are your plans for freshers’ week? Come down to the Kings Courts at 10am on the 24th for our first practice of the term. After bashing some balls around we will be heading over to the Bobbin for some drinks and our first night out. A great chance to meet new faces and have some fun. How did the club do competitively last year and what are your expectations for the coming year? The ladies 3st team came 3rd in the 1A Scottish BUCS division and the 2nd team narrowly missed out on promotion to the top division. The mens’ 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams all put in strong performances. We have a great bunch of players, and with more emphasis on training this year, we are hoping for the ladies 1st team to be promoted into the British league and the 2nd ladies team to reach the 1A Scottish division. What is the biggest event the club will be competing in this year? The BUCS leagues, BUCS team Championships and Conference cup. What would be a typical club social event? Heading down to the Bobbin after matches/ practice for a few ‘quiet ones’ and ending up drunkenly falling into lamposts. Do you have a star member to look out for this year? You? Who is the biggest practical joker in the club? You? KARATE How would you sum up your sport in 10 words? Fun traditional Martial Art for everyone without bruises! What are your plans for freshers’ week?Freshers’ week we’ll have some give it a go sessions where you can come down take a class free of charge we’ll give you a run through of some basics then do a demonstration of some more senior stuff. How did the club do competitively last year and what are your expectations for the coming year? We went down to BUCS, fought, and did Kata valiantly. We got through 4 rounds, however we’re starting preparation early this year and would love people to get involved even if it is supporting us. What would be a typical club social event? Typical social event is a pub crawl before heading to a club where little is remembered of the night except the plan to do it again! MEN’S HOCKEY What are your plans for fresher’s week? Our plans for fresher’s week is to have the fresher’s trials after the sports fayre and also thinking about organising a session completely for beginners who want to try out hockey. How did the club do competitively last year and what are your expectations for the coming year? Overall last year was mixed with 2nd XI and 4th XI doing brilliantly. This year the whole club is feeling a lot more positive about the fourthcoming season as we have a young and enthuastic committee. Our 1st XI complete in National league 3, which for a University team is very respectable. What would be a typical club social event? We have social nights out almost every wednesday, because we love liquid! But our main social nights are curry night with the girls club and family ties which is always a good time. Do you have a star member to look out for this year? Greg Evans is a star member plus ridiculously good looking, Who is the biggest practical joker in the club? Rob ‘Bin’ Allen is the practical joker but only because he has small man syndrome !!! ABDN SNOW How would you sum up your sport in 10 words? Snow, sun, lots of shots, holidays, competitions, oh and jagerbombs! What are your plans for fresher’s week? We are hoping to see lots of lovely new faces on Tuesday. Then we are hitting origin on Thursday night for a wild collaboration with AU Electronic music and Dj society! Also come and see us down at Aberdeen snowsports centre at garthdee on wed 28th for a free taster session, whether you want to try skiing or boarding for the first time or want to do some racing, we’ll be down there chilling with a bbq all afternoon, everyone is welcome. How did the club do competitively last year and what are your expectations for the coming year? We think we did great, we really represented with our girls last year both racing and freestyle, skiing and boarding. At suds, Katie Boyd placed 2nd in slopestyle, she also placed 1 st in slopestyle at BUISC Scottish qualifiers, furthermore she won so much at the granite city invitational that we lost track J. Whilst Katrina Konka placed 2nd in giant slalom at buds and 3rd in parallel slalom at BUSC. What is the biggest event the club will be competing in this year? BUSC – its the main event What would be a typical club social event? Well what’s snowsports without the après?! We love to party and we especially love a pubcrawl. Our first major social – the famous abdnsnow pubcrawl will be taking place on Thursday October 6th this year, starting at origin at 7.30 ... just when you thought you had recovered from fresher’s! Do you have a star member to look out for this year? Katrina Konka will continue to impress us with her rankings at comps im sure. Carolyn McEwan has also been working hard so look out for her snowplough skills! MEN’S FOOTBALL How would you sum up your sport in 10 words? Fast paced, character building, entertaining, skilful and most importantly fun What are your plans for fresher’s week? We are hosting a stall on the Tuesday at the Sports Fayre then having trials on the Wednesday. How did the club do competitively last year and what are your expectations for the coming year? Our 1sts finished 2nd in our league We picked up some silverware in the form of the John Todd Memorial Trophy and the 2nds won their uni league unbeaten. It was also a historic year for the club with us playing our first games in the Aberdeenshire league playing against Highland League and Junior U21 sides beating both Inverurie Locos and Formartine were two of the highlights of that league. Slight disappointment in the University league, however avoiding relegation allows us to push for promotion to the premier league this season. What is the biggest event the club will be competing in this year? We will be continuing our participation in the Aberdeenshire shield putting us in the draw with professional teams such as Aberdeen FC and Peterhead. We took Inverurie Locos to extra time last year so we will be looking to go one better this year and progress. What would be a typical club social event? Typical social event this year will involve a bit of bowling, copious amounts of drink and a few songs on the way into town to hit some clubs. Do you have a star member to look out for this year? Don’t really like to pick out names (don’t want to give certain guys a bigger head) but I definitely think young Dan Smith will be starring for us again this year. He was outstanding last year and hopefully he can reproduce some of that this year. Who is the biggest practical joker in the club? Lost a lot of jokers this year after graduation unfortunately, but I’d have to go for Nick Carlisle due to a certain prank he pulled on me last year, still to get him back for that. JUDO How would you sum up your sport in 10 words? A tense, explosive battle for command requiring skill and courage! What are your plans for fresher’s week? We have a jam packed social calender; the week after fresher’s week there will be a flat party/initiation (drinking games and fun forefits) at my flat, fresher’s welcome! The following week will be ‘bootcamp’ involving a trip to the beach...(it’s a surprise)...other socials planned for the year include trips to the bobbin, town, bowling and flat parties... cue fun times! How did the club do competitively last year and what are your expectations for the coming year? Last year our club did very well in the Scottish Universities Scotland, Individual Judo Championships with 1st Dan Luke Naunton winning a Silver medal in the U66kgs, blue belt Nicola McIlraith (me) winning a Silver medal in the women’s open and white belt Petar Davidkov took the Gold medal in the U90kgs category. We hope to repeat the same success in the BUCS in 2012. What is the biggest event the club will be competing in this year? The British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS). What would be a typical club social event? We have wide and varied social events from a trip to the Bobbin, clubs in town to flat parties and drinking games. Do you have a star member to look out for this year? I wouldn’t say we have a star member as everyone has shown great improvement and the most important thing is to have fun. Who is the biggest practical joker in the club? Luke James Naunton and Kirstin Stuart are a couple of jokers! Y o u s h o u l d have h e a rd some o f t h e i r suggestions for ‘bootcamp’ - the term ‘waterboarding’ was thrown in...obviously a joke!!!

[email protected] Sport © 2011 KPMG LLP, a UK limited liability partnership, is a subsidiary of KPMG Europe LLP and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative, a Swiss entity. All rights reserved. The KPMG name, logo and “cutting through complexity” are registered trademarks or trademarks of KPMG International. Straight talking from KPMG. Graduate Programmes All degree disciplines We close for applications once we are full. To secure a place at KPMG, be sure to apply early. To find out more head straight to: www.kpmg.co.uk/careers No bull. 15th September 2011 The Gaudie 23 Get involved with sport For some it is a means to keep fit, for some it is an escape from reality, for some it is about doing something they love. Sport undoubtedly brings opportunities to better yourself, to build strong, lasting relationships and to challenge and push yourself and those around you, but the benefits of playing and participating in sport are far greater. Whether you are starting your first term at university, or returning for another year, you have the opportunity to try out any number of new sports and activities. As your President for Sport I want to help you make the most of the sporting chances available to you during your time at the university. Aberdeen has a long and proud history of sporting success and this year I have a number of goals that I hope will see sport at this university both grow and improve. We are currently ranked 4th in Scotland and 27th in Britain based on competitive sporting performance. This year I am targeting a finish within the top 25 in Britain while creating a platform that will help us break into the top 20 in the next 3 years. This reflects a commitment to improved sporting performance at the top levels and supporting our athletes wherever possible. Further to this, I want to increase the numbers involved in sport at all levels by creating more opportunities for people to take part at a level that suits them. At the heart of this is our new programme of intra-mural competitions and leagues that allow students to participate in a relaxed and friendly environment. Next summer will see London host the Olympic Games, the greatest showcase for sport on the world’s greatest stage and I want to help all students engage with the festivities. It is in this context that the ability of sport to transcend all other areas can really be seen. We will be running a number of events that encompass the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship and the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality. These events will be designed to allow any student to take a part in the build up to the games, regardless of their sporting background. Fun, fitness or friendship, whatever your motivation for playing sport is, make sure you make the most of what is on offer here at the University of Aberdeen. Get involved. Come & have a go at JUDO! WHERE: SPORTS STUDIO, ABERDEEN SPORTS VILLAGE WHEN: MONDAY: 3:30-5:30PM FRIDAY: 5:30-7:30PM WHY: GUARANTEED FUN TIMES! University Of Aberdeen Judo Club Contact Club Captain: Nicola McIlraith on 07941199467 or email [email protected] Comment Adam Downie Sports President

Gaudie Positions DEPUTY SECTION EDITORS x8 News x2; Features x1; Opine x1; Life & Style x1; Arts x2; Sport x1 Deputy Section Editors (DSE’s) are a whole new position for this year. We felt that Section Editors would benefit from having an extra pair of hands and it’s a great way of getting students more actively involved with the running of the paper. DSE’s would be expected to assist section editors in content gathering, editing and other duties. An effective DSE would be enthusiastic, organised and be able to work to deadlines. Becoming a DSE will be a great opportunity for those looking to get actively involved in the Gaudie. You would be not be expected to work a set amount of hours per week but you are expected to be pro-active and hard-working. ONLINE EDITOR x1 As Online Editor you will be expected to maintain thegaudie. com, our new website which was set up over the summer and attend to any technical issues with website. You will have previous Information Technology experience and be able to work with the hardware in the office. You will also be enthusiastic, organised and able to work with others. Previous experience in maintaining websites would also be favourable. Duties will also include uploading content to thegaudie.com. SECRETARY x1 As Gaudie Secretary you would be responsible for much of the papers administration. Duties will include helping register contributors with the MV awards Volunteering Scheme (www. ausa.org.uk/volunteering), maintaining the database of registered volunteers and other administrative duties. You will be organised, enthusiastic and able to work as part of a team. PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR x1 As photography editor you would be responsible for sourcing quality, original photos for the paper. You would ideally create and maintain a group of eager photographers you can draw upon for content. A technical knowledge of cameras and file types, as well as a good eye for photos are essential. PRODUCTION TEAM Working under our Head of Production Leo Stockford you will work to design and lay out the newspapers pages. We use Adobe Indesign and Photoshop CS5 to put the paper together, and experience with this programme is not essential as training will be provided. Production is an aspect we are focusing on this year and with four brand new Apple Mac computers you would be at the vanguard of the Gaudie’s improvement this year. We produce the paper over a weekend so you will be expected to be available for part of the weekend. A strong sense of creativity, an aptitude for problem-solving, and a sense of humour would serve you well in this position. COPY EDITOR TEAM Copy Editors (or Grammar Nazis) are in charge of scouring the paper for mistakes before it is sent to the printers. We need copy editors to check prose for mistakes but also for mistakes in production such as the wrong page numbers, a caption missing, or paragraphs overrunning etc. As a copy editor you would have to be available on a Sunday evening as the paper must be sent to the printers on a Monday morning. This year, Gaudie is expanding, and as such, there are some new positions going. Are you interested in joining the team? If so, take a look.... Features Editor x1 This year we are bringing back the Features section, in addition to the Life and Style Section. Since this is a new addition, the section will be what you make it. Previously the section was there for extended pieces on a specific topic, such as whale hunting, technology, or even investigative journalism and extended news pieces. Whilst still abiding by editorial control, you would have the freedom to shape the section’s contents and approach. As an editor, you would be expected to be proactive in getting articles, and an eye for interesting stories and grammar would prove most beneficial. The election will be on the 26th September, MacRobert building room 051. Contributors We are always on the look for more contributors. Do you have specialist knowledge of a certain area? Do you have a way with words? Or just want to tell a story? We need you! As a contributor, a wide variety of skills is useful, and, depending on which section you wish to write for, careful choice of lexis and syntax will serve you well. Further, punctuality is essential to the smooth running of the paper. To register your interest in any of these positions email [email protected] with around 200 words on why you would be a suitable candidate. Interviews will be held for the positions between Tuesday 27th September – Friday 30 September. Come along to our first meeting of the year to find out more: Monday 26th September, 7pm-9pm, MacRobert building room 051.