The Gaudie 25th October 2023

Vol 90 No 8 | Wed 25 Oct 2023 iV magazine inside Dark Academia Vibes Must Read Books for Autumn 2023 Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson - Titan Books - Published 03 October 2023 Horror | LGBTQIA+ representation | Romance After moving away from New York to escape the memories of a relationship that ended unexpectedly, Ro has settled into the rhythms of her new life as an associate professor. She has her work, her books, and her cat—she believes she has it all. That is until she meets Ash. Ro quickly falls in love with Ash, thinking she is perfect in every way. But Bloom is not a love story, and it soon becomes horrific in ways you won’t expect. A tale of pride, anger, and appetites, /Bloom/ is the perfect book for readers who want a horror novel that will sit with them for a long time after the final page. Continued in iV Magazine pages 2-3 → by Kelly McRae “No Justice, No Peace”: Solidarity with Palestine in Aberdeen City Centre by Isabelle Hampton-Zabotti Emotions Run High as Hundreds Attend Pro-Palestine Rally Photo courtesy of author On Saturday the 14th of October, St. Nicholas Square was enveloped with Palestinian flags. Attendees chanted “Free Palestine” in solidarity with the people of Gaza, currently under attack from Israeli bombardment- as the death toll reaches into the thousands. The rally was held in response to the developing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Israel recently confirmed that hundreds of hostages are currently held by terrorist group Hamas following a surprise attack on the 7th of October. These include civilians of British, European, and American nationality. Israel’s bombardment of the small enclave has continued for over ten days following Hamas’ attack. The situation has turned dire—Israel’s blockade on food, water, and electricity left UN officials warning of a humanitarian catastrophe. Aberdeen’s rally is one of many that occurred across the UK last weekend, with the demonstration in London reaching numbers in the tens of thousands. It was organised and supported by the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC), along with Aberdeen Trades Union Council (ATUC) and Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) North East Scotland. Starting at 2pm outside the Bon Accord Centre, protestors were initially met with hostility as brief disputes occurred with passing shoppers who disagreed with the demonstration. Nonetheless, things quickly settled. The rally was opened by Kate Ramsden, former Branch Chair of Aberdeen’s UNISON National Executive Council and member of SPSC. Speaking to the crowd, which included numerous families with young children, she condemned the “killing of so many Palestinian civilians, including, shockingly, six hundred children.”Other speakers included accounts from Palestinians, both in-person, and in Gaza relayed by the speakers present. Ahmed, a father to a daughter in Gaza , painted a harrowing picture of the situation on the ground: “We are waiting for death, we are lying on the ground in the streets. […] Tell the world that I am really waiting to die with my baby in my arms.” Dr Izhar Khan, a local specialist at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and activist, received cheers when, speaking to the crowd, he said “We support the right of the Palestinains to live on a free land.” He drew comparisons between the UK’s response to the recent Ukrainian refugee crisis as a result of the Russian invasion: “The West can exercise its power [...] to end the occupation.” He added, “I condemn the loss of innocent lives, be it Jews, be it Arabs, be it Ukranians, be it Russians.”Dr Khan’s comments come amidst a wider critique of European countries, who have been accused of bias in their response to global humanitarian crises, that is gaining traction on social media. A member of the Irish Parliament, Richard Boyd Barrett, launched a scathing critique of Ursula Gertrud von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission. The post received two million views and over fourty thousand likes on social media site X.He said: “It is utterly, utterly unconscionable, that we can say, on the one hand, we must—and we must—investigate the war crime of Vladimir Putin, and remain silent [...] after we had two devastating reports, by Amnesty International, by Human rights Watch, of seventy years of ongoing crimes against humanity”. Aya, another Palestinian speaker, told the crowd that “context and history are key to understanding what has got us to this point”. This sentiment was echoed by Dr Karolin Hijazi: “War is a failure of politics, a failure of duty. Let’s be clear, the war didn't start last weekend. [...] This war began in 1948, where approximately 75% of Palestians were displaced.”The demonstration closed with pleas for donations for medical assistance of injured Palestinians and promises to return next weekend if the bombardment fails to cease. While energy was high, hope for peace appeared low amongst the demonstrators. Nonetheless, Ramsden dubbed the rally a “success”, and told The Gaudie she was “inspired” both by the support and the speakers. Meanwhile, across the city, the annual SNP conference opened with a show of solidarity for Israeli and Palestinian civilians affected by the violence. SNP organiser Olaf Stando, who is Jewish, told the audience: “Terror is not resistance, nor liberation. If we cannot call it out for what it is, we are failing our humanity.”Mr Stando, who graduated from UoA in 2018, added: “Peace Continued on page 2 → Photograph: Author Biodiversity Crisis Meets Climate Crisis Dark Academia Vibes Science&Environment Newspaper p.7 Arts IV p.7 Paris Plagued by Bedbugs: Battling the Uninvited Pests in the City of Love International Newspaper p.5 How Can We Teach Consent? Features Newspaper p.8

p.2 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF ([email protected]) Isabelle Hampton-Zabotti Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco NEWS ([email protected]) EDITOR: Clive Davies DEPUTY EDITORS: Kani Barzani & Anna-Maria Brynchak INTERNATIONAL ([email protected]) EDITOR: Nour Elshenawy DEPUTY EDITOR: Ava Bowers SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT ([email protected]) EDITOR: Georgie Burns DEPUTY EDITOR: Nilou Nezhad FEATURES ([email protected]) EDITORD: Maeve Topliff & Fi Hennicken DEPUTY EDITOR: Jana Neimanns OPINE ([email protected]) EDITOR: Andrew Cardno DEPUTY EDITORS: Alex Murray and Eilidh McCartney SATIRE ([email protected]) EDITOR: Maggie Johnson DEPUTY EDITOR: Kreshnee Thayabaran SPORTS ([email protected]) EDITOR: Jyotirmay Chitale DEPUTY EDITOR: James Kinnaird PUZZLES ([email protected]) EDITOR: Kelly McRae Editorial Team Theodore Williamson Grace Taylor Frederica Allen Miles Rothoerl Beth Templeton Isabelle Hampton-Zabotti Georgia Kartsagkouli SOCIAL MEDIA Antonella Valente SOCIAL SECRETARY Kayleigh Weideman TREASURER Oliver Ruth PODCAST HOSTS Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco Andrew Cardno Production Team ([email protected]) Committee Team We voluntarily adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (www.ipso.co.uk) and aim to provide fair and balanced reporting. The Hub Elphinstone Road Old Aberdeen AB24 3TU Tel: 01224 272980 The Gaudie is printed on 100% recycled paper. Note from the Editor: UoA to Institute Energy Saving Measures to Combat Ballooning Costs The University of Aberdeen is urging staff to reduce operational energy use in the upcoming winter months after utility costs are projected to more than double when compared to pre-pandemic levels, as detailed in an internal email obtained by The Gaudie. Since 2015, the university has steadily reduced energy consumption and associated carbon emissions as part of its sustainability commitments. However, these reductions occurred during a period of relative price stability. In the post-pandemic period, there have been significant and sustained increases in the cost of utilities. Despite successful consumption reductions, the University is now deploying measures to further reduce energy consumption and limit rising bills, which are projected to balloon to almost £8m in 2023/24, compared to pre-pandemic levels of less than £4m. The announcement comes amid widespread concerns over the increasing cost of living crisis and the university's ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. The measures instigated by the Estates & Facilities department include: • Managing target temperatures for buildings - as per the University’s Heating Policy - to reach and maintain 20°C during occupancy hours • Reducing the period during which heating routinely operates to between 8 am and 5 pm. • A recall on all electric heaters temporarily issued, apart from those required for medical needs or in areas undergoing maintenance with known heating issues University staff are also being encouraged to partake in more rigorous cost-saving measures, including sharing kettles and wearing jumpers to work as opposed to using heating. Staff are also being instructed to report any instances of energy inefficiency they identify to university management. The University states that heating of buildings outside of the hours indicated, for example at events or late-night classes, will continue to be supported on a case-by-case basis, such that only spaces deemed required by the university will be heated. by Lana Novak Utility Costs Projected to Double Compared to Pre-Pandemic Levels University staff are also being encouraged to partake in more rigorous cost-saving measures, including sharing kettles and wearing jumpers to work as opposed to using heating. is not about vengeance, not about settling scores, but it is making sure people can live in safety.” Cllr Nadia El Nakla, the wife of First Minister Humza Yousaf, also spoke. Cllr El Nakla, who is Scottish-Palestinian and has family trapped in Gaza, said: “We are used to suffering and being fearful. This time is different.” “The number of deaths are soaring, mostly children and Gaza has been turned to rubble.” “We have dreams and goals. I ask, let us survive and live in peace,” Cllr El Nakla told the crowd. “I beg and plead, give the children of Gaza a chance to live,” she concluded, amid thunderous applause from the gathered delegates. Mr Stando, who graduated from UoA in 2018, added: “Peace is not about vengeance, not about settling scores, but it is making sure people can live in safety.” Cllr Nadia El Nakla, the wife of First Minister Humza Yousaf, also spoke. Cllr El Nakla, who is Scottish-Palestinian and has family trapped in Gaza, said: “We are used to suffering and being fearful. This time is different.” “The number of deaths are soaring, mostly children and Gaza has been turned to rubble.” “We have dreams and goals. I ask, let us survive and live in peace,” Cllr El Nakla told the crowd. “I beg and plead, give the children of Gaza a chance to live,” she concluded, amid thunderous applause from the gathered delegates. Photograph: Archive As a journalist, I often fall into the trap of approaching horrible situations as a distant and disassociated observer. It’s Reporting 101 - present the facts, leave your feelings out of it. Yet, on some occasions, the totality of human brokenness prompts an emotional response which cannot be suppressed. Indeed, the current conflict in Israel and Gaza has proven that to be true. As of Saturday night, 1,400 Israelis and over 4,000 Palestinians have died in the last two weeksmany of them innocent civilians. We mourn each life lost. With renewed vigour, we must dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace- one which is lasting and just. The complexity of this situation is not lost on us. Amidst a sea of misinformation, we have endeavoured to present an accurate and balanced view of the events of the last two weeks. Thankfully, not all of this week’s column is quite as sombre. We are pleased to announce the return of our Gaming and Tech section, and the expansion of our Sports coverage. This brings our editorial staff to thirty-nine students, hailing from fourteen different countries and a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We are committed to creating a newspaper which reflects the multicultural nature of our university, and take pride in fostering a diverse editorial team in an industry which is far too often straight, white, and male. Ultimately, we are a publication created for students, by students. If you are keen to join our motley crew; drop us a message at [email protected]. Everyone is welcome. Josh Don’t wait for the next issue! Find all our breaking coverage at gaudie.co.uk.

p.3 What is the Ukrainian Society’s role on campus? “The Ukrainian Society on campus plays a crucial role in promoting and celebrating Ukrainian culture, heritage, and traditions. It serves as a cultural hub and a support network for Ukrainian students and anyone interested in learning more about Ukraine. “By organizing collaborative events with other cultural societies, the Ukrainian society promotes intercultural exchange and understanding. It seeks to break down stereotypes and build bridges between different communities on campus. “The Ukrainian Society provides a support network for Ukrainian students who may be far from home and facing the challenges of studying in a new country. It offers a sense of familiarity and comfort, helping students adapt to university life and create lasting friendships. “Through events like bake sale fundraisers, the Ukrainian Society also endeavors to support charitable causes related to Ukraine or the local community. This involvement showcases our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the campus borders.” How was last year for the Ukrainian society and what are your hopes for next year? “Last year was an incredible journey for the Ukrainian Society. Since founding the society last February, we have been dedicated to promoting Ukrainian culture. Through various activities like football nights supporting the Ukrainian team, movie nights showcasing Ukrainian cinema, collaborating with the Polish society on a pub quiz, and joining forces with the Art Society to share the captivating works of Mariia Prymachenko, we were able to engage and connect with the community. Additionally, we hosted a bake sale fundraising to support causes related to Ukraine and its people. “We aim to continue organizing diverse events and activities that will further showcase the richness of Ukrainian culture next year. Our ultimate goal for the upcoming year is to significantly increase awareness of our society's existence and attract more participants. “We hope that our efforts will foster a sense of belonging among Ukrainians in our community while also creating a space for people from various backgrounds to come together and appreciate Ukrainian culture.” How does the Society collaborate with the Ukrainian Student Union and the Ukrainian Embassy? “In June, the Ukrainian Society signed a memorandum of collaboration with the Ukrainian Student Union (USU) formalizing our relationship. The agreement outlines our joint efforts in promoting Ukrainian culture, supporting Ukrainian students on campuses across the UK, and organizing events and initiatives together. “The fact that the collaboration is supported by the Ukrainian Embassy in London is a testament to the importance and recognition of the USU's work. This support not only adds credibility to USU’s endeavors but also opens doors to potential resources and opportunities for us. During the anniversary of the USU, we found out about their cooperation with the Legacy Ukraine. With the help of Ukrainian societies, we plan to share their Legacy Ukraine - book that includes stories of the most impactful and outstanding people with Ukrainian origins with the deans and heads of schools throughout UK universities. Together with the Ukrainian Society of University of Glasgow, we attended a meeting at the Ukrainian Embassy in Edinburgh and engaged with the consul. During this meeting, we discussed the challenges and issues that Ukrainian students may face while studying in the UK. This dialogue helped raise awareness of the specific needs and concerns of Ukrainian students, potentially leading to better support. “The collaboration with the Ukrainian Student Union and the Ukrainian Embassy has been a positive experience for our society. This partnership has enhanced our capacity to organize more impactful events and initiatives while also fostering a sense of unity among Ukrainian students across the country.” How does the Society feel about the support the University has offered for Ukrainians? “The Ukrainian Society is grateful for all the support University of Aberdeen has provided during this difficult time. Offering free accommodation and one-time financial help last year was undoubtedly a significant gesture of support during a challenging time. It helped alleviate some of the financial burdens that Ukrainian students have faced due to the ongoing war in their home country. However, the absence of this support this year might leave some Ukrainian students feeling disappointed or concerned about their financial situation. The University stated that its hardship fund may be seen as an alternative means to help Ukrainian students facing financial difficulties, even if it may not fully replace the previous support.” What would you like to say to the students and staff at University of Aberdeen about the war in Ukraine? “As you may be aware, Ukraine has been in the midst of a challenging war, causing immense suffering for millions of civilians. Families have been torn apart, homes destroyed, and communities displaced. The humanitarian situation remains critical, and the need for assistance has never been greater. “Your generosity and compassion can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will directly contribute to providing crucial humanitarian aid. “Please consider making a donation today through United 24 or the Prytula Foundation. Together, we can make a meaningful impact and support Ukraine in its journey towards recovery and peace. “ In Conversation with the Ukrainian Society Anastasiia Pustovachenko, the President of the Ukrainian Society at the University of Aberdeen, Sits Down with The Gaudie for an Interview. Sharing Details about the Ukrainian Society’s Journey So Far Including Their Message on the Ongoing War and Their Role on Our Campus. by Sara Aku Photograph: Sara Aku

p.4 A new zero waste shop has opened on the ground floor of the Student Union Building. The initiative, which is run by AUSA, will allow students to stock up on essential goods at a discounted rate. The shop will be open each Monday from 12.30-3.30. A spokesperson told The Gaudie: “Students can bring along an empty container and fill up on staple ingredients like vegetables, snacks, and eco-friendly products – helping to save money whilst also helping the environment by eliminating the need for single-use plastics.” The new shop is one of several environmentally friendly initiatives organised by the Student Union in recent years. These include a “Swap Shop”, where students can peruse second hand items, and a food share hub, where donated foodstuffs can be picked up for free. The scheme is the brainchild of new VP for Communities Ainhoa Burgos Aguilera. Ainhoa, who ran for the role last March, listed the creation of a “Zero Waste initiative” as a key part of her manifesto. At the time, she wrote: “[I want to make] the university and the Students’ Union more sustainable by opening a refillery store in the Union Building for students to buy ecofriendly, package-free products and staple food for cheap.” Reacting to the success of the new initiative, Ainhoa said: "I've been blown away by the popularity of the Zero Waste Shop. Our goal is to help the community by providing access to low-cost food – we even offer a 50% student discount on top of already super low prices! We hope to encourage our community to shop sustainably while helping them during a crisis when prices keep going up. "I'd like to thank all our amazing student volunteers who give up their time to help run the shop and make this initiative possible." The move comes as the ongoing cost of living crisis has seen prices rise in recent years. The University has launched a number of initiatives to combat student poverty, including the Mindful Menus programme. Under the scheme, students can purchase 50p soup from the University food court. A discounted breakfast offer is also available, which costs £1.50 for two slices of toast and a small hot drink. Commenting on the scheme when it launched last November, Deputy Director of People Nick Edwards lauded the programme. He said: “[We] aim to ensure we can proactively advise students on budgeting, money matters and self-care and also support those who need it when they experience unexpected hardship. “We know that these small changes won’t overturn the impact of the whole cost of living crisis, but hope they are a small gesture of support over the winter period.” A year later, while inflation appears to be decreasing, prices continue to rise, albeit at a slower rate- hence the need for initiatives like the zero waste shop. You can find the shop by walking through Union Brew and entering the corridor to the left of the Subway. Walk all the way to the back- it will be on your left hand side. If you are keen to get involved, please email Ainhoa at [email protected]. Zero Waste Shop Opens in Student Union Initiative Aims to Decrease Food Waste Amid Rising Costs by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco Hundreds of delegates gathered in Aberdeen last week, as SNP elites met to plot the course forward after a tumultuous year. In a rousing speech to party members on Tuesday, First Minister Humza Yousaf made a slew of policy announcements. Perhaps most important was his proclamation that the Scottish Government would scrap a proposed rise in council tax. The First Minister also announced plans to invest an additional £100 million pounds in arts and culture funding over the next five years. Mr Yousaf pulled no punches about the challenges the party faces, in the wake of the SNP's embarrassing loss in the Rutherglen by-election in early October. His solution? "We roll up our sleeves and work harder than ever before for Scotland." "This is how I will lead the party forward," he added. Mr Yousaf hit out at his Tory and Labour opponents, much to the delight of the assembled crowd. Speaking about Home Secretary Suella Braverman's comments at the recent Conservative Party Conference, he quipped: "[Her] most compassionate moment came when standing on the tail of a guide dog." Earlier in the week, former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon created a massive buzz when she arrived at P&J Live on Monday afternoon. The former First Minister greeted members and activists before entering the delegate hall to rapturous applause. Asked whether her presence overshadowed that of Mr Yousaf, she replied: “I think Humza’s doing a fantastic job leading the party as the First Minister, and I don’t think there’s any doubt, from what I’ve seen, about who’s in charge of this conference.” Ms Sturgeon’s point was perhaps underscored by her dramatic entrance, as she descended a set of stairs emblazoned with policy achievements to a waiting crowd of journalists and well wishers. Speaking to reporters, Ms Sturgeon answered questions about her June arrest, among other topics. She defended her time in office, telling the media: “My record as SNP leader speaks for itself. It’s up to other people to judge that of course.” In the eight months since Ms Sturgeon resigned as leader, the SNP has been plagued by an ongoing police investigation into the handling of party coffers, a bitter leadership contest, and a recent defeat at the Rutherglen by-election. Ms Sturgeon did not stay for the First Minister’s speech. However, according to a pair of SNP students, the party remains the best choice for those at university. Zack Niven, the National Convenor of SNP Students, told The Gaudie: “It’s quite clear that the SNP’s policies are not only Scotland-led, but student-led as well. The fact we are able to get free university tuition while other parties in the UK would detract from that and say we don’t even need to help students fund their university degree, is something that the SNP should be proud about.” Cameron Greer, Vice President of Aberdeen Uni SNP, added: “The SNP is the party of radical change and students are demanding radical change. We’re the only ones that are going to implement it. “We don’t have the powers to implement the radical change that we need, which is why we campaign for independence, because we will then have those powers.” These themes were echoed throughout the week, most prominently in Mr Yousaf 's speech. He told delegates: "Scotland has a lot more to offer tomorrow than it did yesterday. "All of us will have a stake in our new country and we all deserve to enjoy the fruits of that success. "There is no greater gift we can leave our children than a country that is theirs to create in their own image." Can the First Minister Avoid Steering the Party Into the Rocks? by Josh Pizzuto-Pomaco Photograph: Miles Rothoerl “Independence Works”: SNP Conference Sails Into Aberdeen Amidst a Sea of Uncertainty “I think Humza’s doing a fantastic job leading the party as the First Minister, and I don’t think there’s any doubt, from what I’ve seen, about who’s in charge of this conference.” The scheme is the brainchild of new VP for Communities Ainhoa Burgos Aguilera. “I've been blown away by the popularity of the Zero Waste Shop” Photograph: Ainhoa Burgos Aguilera

p.5 Paris, France — The City of Love is facing a less romantic adversary as bedbugs have surged to prominence, causing widespread concern among residents and city officials. Reports of bedbug infestations in various parts of the city have surged, leading to a collective effort to tackle the issue head-on. For many, the arrival of these unwelcome guests came as a surprise. Bedbugs, once nearly eradicated in the developed world, have made a tenacious comeback. Paris, with its dense population and extensive tourism, seems to be a prime target. Authorities have been quick to address the problem. The French Minister of Transportation issued a call for tranquility on Wednesday in response to the extensive accounts of bedbug infestations in the capital and other urban areas. He emphasized that there is room for additional efforts to combat this problem. Clément Beaune acknowledged the issue in an interview with CNBC, stating , "Along with transport operators, we will provide even more efficient solutions," according to French broadcaster BFM TV via a CNBC translation. he also articulated that “there is no [bedbug] resurgence, and that we must not fall into madness.” The government had to intervene to reassure a growingly concerned nation set to host the Olympic Games in a little over nine months. This event presents a significant opportunity for the proliferation of these insect-loving pests within the crowd. A rising number of cases have been reported in hotels and hostels, raising questions about their potential impact on the tourism industry. Additionally, many travelers to Paris for fashion week have complained about the situation as they witnessed large numbers of those blood sucking insects on public transport and in their accommodations. Local pest control companies have been inundated with service requests. Bedbug experts are offering guidance to residents on identifying, treating, and preventing infestations. To combat the spread of bedbugs, the city has implemented a multi-pronged strategy. This includes increased awareness campaigns, cooperation with pest control experts, and urging residents and businesses to maintain strict hygiene and cleanliness measures. The resurgence of bedbugs in Paris underscores the persistent challenge of controlling these elusive pests. While authorities are determined to tackle the issue, it is evident that a community-wide effort is essential to ensure the city returns to its bedbug-free status. Residents are encouraged to report any suspected infestations to the city's hotline and seek professional assistance promptly. With the combined efforts of the community and officials, Paris is determined to reclaim its reputation as the City of Light, free from the shadow of bedbugs. Paris Plagued by Bedbugs: Battling the Uninvited Pests in the City of Love A Growing Infestation Sparks Concern and Collective Action in the Heart of France by Nour Elshenawy I n a landmark development, the Women's Reservation Bill 2023 has recently passed both houses of the Indian Parliament. This legislation guarantees that one-third of seats in the lower house of Parliament and State assemblies will be reserved for women over the next 15 years. To put it into perspective, this equates to 181 seats out of a total of 543 in the Lok Sabha. Notably, these reservations will also apply to seats designated for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. However, there's a catch – the reservation of seats for women will expire after 15 years. India's history of reservations has often been met with various criticisms, whether stemming from concerns about the abolition of caste-based reservations or fears that it provides minorities with the same opportunities as the general public. Proponents argue that the Women's Reservation Bill focuses on women's empowerment and equitable resource distribution, while opponents claim that it may undermine merit-based competition and credibility. For years, this bill had been in circulation in Parliament under different governments, yet it faced numerous political obstacles until its passage in 2023. The government's support for the bill presented an opportunity to silence its opposition. Rejecting the bill would have painted them as anti-women, potentially harming their prospects in upcoming elections. Opposition parties, in turn, sought to capitalize on the momentum of passing such legislation. The opposition has raised concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, accusing it of taking this action with an eye on the upcoming general elections next year, despite being in power for more than nine years and the fact that this issue has been a part of his party's agenda since 2014. Calling himself "the chosen one for empowering and strengthening women", Mr Modi said: "It's a defining moment in our nation's democratic journey, a tribute to the countless women who have made our nation. A historic step." One intriguing aspect of this debate is the government's questioning of why the bill's opponents hadn't championed it when it was first introduced in Parliament in 1996, 1997, 1998, and again in 2008. It underscores the manipulation of public welfare, particularly women's welfare, to serve political ambitions without considering the repercussions of such indecisiveness. The passage of the Women's Reservation Bill represents a step in the right direction, provided it remains immune to political exploitation by ruling or opposing parties. It addresses concerns of gender bias and policy formation within India's social and political spheres. In a nation where patriarchal practices still dominate many regions, initiating dialogue about the root causes of such practices becomes imperative. This bill has the potential to challenge deeply ingrained norms that dictate women's roles and status in society. Caste bias often follows patriarchy in India, largely stemming from inadequate education among minority populations. Activism has sparked discussions about gender and caste, successfully combating deeply entrenched stigmas. However, enacting meaningful change remains a challenge without becoming an integral part of the very system that has actively excluded women from national policy formulation. Consider the historical context: the first Lok Sabha in 1951 had 26 women MPs, and by 2019, this number had risen to 82. It took nearly seven decades to witness a substantial increase in female parliamentary representation. The question that lingers is whether the ruling party intends to work for the welfare of all citizens or continue relying on the appropriation of marginalized sections of society that it outwardly defies and dehumanises. Debates abound regarding the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill and the intentions of both ruling and opposing parties. Questions linger about why the bill remains silent on women's participation in the Rajya Sabha. Some critics argue that it shifts the focus away from vital electoral reforms, including the criminalization of politics. Is this bill a genuine effort to address women's needs and broader political change, or is it a strategy to appease voters while delaying action on other critical issues, such as religious bias and gender inequality not only in Parliament but also in other professional spheres where women deserve recognition? These questions remain unanswered, leaving India at a crossroads in its pursuit of gender equality and political reform. Breaking Barriers: India's Women's Reservation Bill 2023 - A Step Forward or Political Maneuvering? Examining the Impact, Intentions, and Unanswered Questions Surrounding Gender Representation in Indian Politics by Prapti Dasgupta “Along with transport operators, we will provide even more efficient solutions.” Photographs: CDC/Viviana Ceballos Photograph: Sheetal Verma

p.6 Egypt Suspends Foreign Card Payments Amid Deepening Economic Crisis Customers of several of Egypt’s largest banks continue to face spending restrictions as debit card transactions in foreign currencies remain suspended for a fourth consecutive week. While purchases made in Egyptian pounds, the local currency, remain unaffected, account holders are unable to withdraw cash at machines abroad or make in-store and online payments in foreign currencies. The move came just days after a leading rating agency downgraded the economically embattled country’s creditworthiness. Egypt has been grappling with the impacts of a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by increasing fuel and food prices in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, for almost two years. The crunch has seen inflation spiral and destabilised the Egyptian pound. Although the government under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has devalued the currency three times since the crisis began, it has been using reserves to keep exchange rates stable since March, a decision that has drawn criticism from some lenders. Speaking earlier this month, IMF director Kristalina Georgieva claimed “Egypt would bleed reserves protecting the pound and neither the country nor the overall environment is such that this is desirable”. The measures have led to a widening gap between the official exchange rate, set at 31 pounds to the dollar, and the black-market rate of between 40 and 41 pounds per dollar. Some Egyptians had reportedly been exploiting the difference by purchasing high-value items like mobile phones or gold abroad at more favourable rates to circumvent inflation or resell them within Egypt, adding to the pressure on the country’s already stretched foreign currency reserves. Foreign expenditures doubled to approximately five billion US dollars last fiscal year, causing an estimated daily drain of between 50 and 100 million dollars. The crisis saw reserves drop to their lowest levels since 2017 last year, putting the Egyptian economy, which is heavily reliant on foreign currency for the import of food and fuel, under severe pressure. The Egyptian Central Bank’s decision is widely regarded as an attempt to shield reserves as the government continues negotiations over further financial support from the IMF. Egypt, which is already the organisation’s second largest borrower, is reportedly in discussions to bolster an existing rescue program agreed last year from three billion to five billion dollars. The assistance would come at a critical juncture, given rating agency Moody’s only just downgraded the country’s credit rating to the “Highest Risk” category, citing its worsening debt affordability. The duration of the suspension, which affects customers of several banks including the three largest, the National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr and CIB, remains uncertain. Speaking to The National, the manager of a Cairo bank who asked not to be named said the suspension had been ordered directly by the Egyptian Central Bank. “We weren’t told until when we would be required to keep these controls in place”, the manager continued, “but based on private conversations I have had with government officials, it will probably ease up again once the government has secured more funding from foreign institutions by the end of the year”. The decision has raised concerns among Egyptians on social media, with many expressing fears about their ability to pay for online purchases. Those affected do have some alternatives while the suspension remains in effect, however. Credit cards are not subject to the same restrictions, although conversion fees are significantly higher. Government Brings In Debit Card Restrictions to Safeguard Waning Foreign Currency Reserves by Miles Rothoerl Photograph: IMF via Flickr Egypt has been grappling with the impacts of a severe economic crisis, exacerbated by increasing fuel and food prices. Content Warning: This article discusses allegations of sexual offences and grooming. A startling case in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has placed a wellknown Irish celebrity at the centre of serious allegations involving a minor, spanning months across 2010. The 40-yearold man, whose identity is protected by law, denied the charges of defilement and sexual acts with a child under 17, which allegedly occurred in Dublin between August and December 2010. According to the defendant’s testimony and cross examination (carried out by Eilis Brennan SC) he claimed the complainant had signalled to him at their first meeting at Oxegen festival, where they had a conversation and exchanged phone numbers. When asked about his reason for getting her number, he explained that most of the festival’s attendees were over 18, and he found her to be “nice”. Whilst never directly revealing her age at the time, the man has claimed that the festival was mostly an 18+ event, leading him to believe the 16-year-old was of a legal age. When questioned if it was fair to admit he was attracted to her at this stage, he said that the claim was “reasonable”. The defendant denied any romantic involvement at the festival and stated that the complainant contacted him weeks later, although he couldn’t recall the exact timing. He insisted that she informed him via text that she was 18, although he couldn’t recall or provide the specific messages of when this topic was discussed. He refuted the claim that she disclosed being 16 when they first met, reiterating that the festival was predominantly 18+. The defendant also mentioned that their communication via text was sporadic and minimal between July 2010 and January 2011. The defendant informed Ms Brennan that he met the complainant for lunch a few weeks after the Oxegen festival. However, he couldn’t remember who arranged the meeting. According to him, during this encounter, the complainant mentioned she was 18 and in the midst of her Leaving Certificate exams. When asked if he considered the lunch to be a date, he replied that he “hadn’t considered it”. He further stated that the complainant proposed the idea of meeting for lunch in late January 2011. It was during this meeting that he allegedly discovered she was 17 years old, a revelation that left him “shocked”. Despite this discovery, they still met at his workplace, at hotels, and texted frequently. Across these visits, sexual “incidents” were alleged to occur, some of which the defendant has denied. Either way, the man has sullied himself into the business of at least romantic, if not sexual, entanglements with a minor. There is no current release date for the man’s name, but many online are calling for the release of the accused’s identity. Twitter has been a hotspot for discussion of the case, with one user claiming “we NEED to know his name”. With his bail conditions changed to allow him to travel internationally, and no dates set for more information release, the country holds its breath waiting for further answers to these shocking questions. Irish Legal Controversy: Unravelling the Allegations Involving a Prominent Figure Unnamed, Unknown, and Unclear: Another Celebrity Added to the A-List Roster of Alleged Sexual Offenders by Amelia McGlynn Photograph: Ekaterina Bolovtsova Despite this discovery, they still met at his workplace, at hotels, and texted frequently.

p.7 How Can We Teach Consent Content warning: This article discusses rape culture and sexual assault in detail. Please read with care. What were you wearing?” “Why didn’t you defend yourself ?” “Maybe you shouldn’t have put yourself in that situation.” Victims of sexual assault are often faced with these questions when coming forward about their abuse. This attitude is indicative of a culture that prevents survivors from being understood and seeking justice for themselves. But how do we dismantle such a culture? Brief background of sexual assault on campuses According to a study by Labhardt, Holdsworth, Brown, and Howat (2017), one in seven female students in the UK experience sexual assault during their studies. These numbers could be equally large for male students but, as SurvivorsUK (2023) states, only 4% of male victims come forward. Many of them have a higher risk of substance abuse and suicide. Their situation is often made worse with hurdles that keep them from reporting the crime and their offender from facing the consequences. Many institutions lack an effective system to target these crimes and many survivors are left traumatised by the investigation process. A study by Holl, Reid, Molisso, and Pullerits (2023) shows that 37% of the survivors described the behaviour of the police officers as “not okay”. Some were also claiming that the police was demanding too much personal information, that they were making many errors throughout the investigation and that the process was taking too long. Some even doubted whether the legal system could ensure their safety at all. Some victims completely withdraw from the investigation due to the pressure that the accusations put on their own families, and being blamed for the crime by people close to them and by themselves. A brief look through these statistics may lead us to one question: Why does this happen? These statistics hide even darker truths. According to another study, only a few survivors of sexual assault will come forward to the authorities. This means that the real amount of instances of sexual assault is much larger and is being swept under the rug due to silence, shame, and trauma. Within different societies and cultures, positions on sexual assault can be problematic as well. The sexualisation of women is almost too commonplace in some instances. In my home country, I distinctly remember one of the channels being specifically marketed towards men. One of their first programmes was an iteration of sports news hosted by half-naked women. I remember being deeply uncomfortable by how light-heartedly the men and women took these programmes and how frequently they were willing to engage in sexism and unabashed sexually-charged commentary - even in front of minors, such as myself at the time. As this anecdote serves to show, women and femme-presenting individuals are often depicted as the ones who are “lusted after” and their humanity is completely erased. On the contrary, men are depicted as the ones who encourage sexual activity and are stereotyped as constantly seeking sex. This leads many to distrust and ridicule male victims of sexual assault. When Terry Crews spoke about being subjected to sexual harassment in 2018, he was mocked by his peers and met with skepticism. Rape culture therefore perpetuates stereotypes that harm all genders in our society. Taking these factors into consideration, yet another question emerges: How do we help and educate those around us? There is a wide range of charities all over the UK, such as SurvivorsUK and Rape Crisis Grampian, that offer survivors support and resources. Valuable work is being done right here at the University of Aberdeen through CASE - Consent Awareness and Sexual Education group. I have been a committee member since September 2020 and have got to host a few workshops on the topic of consent and the topic of sexual assault against men. Each time I hosted or attended one of these workshops, I was blown away by the level of discussion that they stimulated. These events were a fantastic place to voice discontent with gender stereotypes and expectations as well as the toxicity and influence of pop culture on the prevailing issues with bringing up consent. CASE was the main way I learned about the factors that promote rape culture and the ways we can promote consent culture instead. One of the most useful things that CASE has taught me, through facilitating these events, was the principles of being an active bystander. A lot of people may be inadvertently engaging in behaviour that further victimises survivors of sexual assault. This may be in the form of insensitive jokes or more overtly making excuses for abusive actions. People may not be aware of the seriousness of their words and actions and are not usually encouraged to think differently. An active bystander will confront these false ideas about the inconsequence of these actions, and educate on their impact instead. A conversation with a friend or a family member who is defending an abuser or kindly alerting someone when their behaviour is untoward can go a long way in terms of promoting consent culture. However, there are some precautions that active bystanders must take. These include taking measures to ensure their own safety from being victimised themselves, as well as respecting the wishes of the person they are defending. People may also not want to be seen as outsiders and prefer to stay quiet. When possible, simple actions or just simply not being silent can slowly challenge a system that, in reality, hurts everyone regardless of their gender. CASE organises various events from consent cafés to movie screenings, such as most recently Jennifer’s Body (2009). The enduring demand for groups like us proves that people need a safe place to express their frustrations and educate themselves. As long as we have active bystanders, one thing is sure: There is hope for the future. Most research confirms the willingness of students to be active bystanders when witnessing sexual assault take place. Our generation is therefore taking a clear stance against abuse and that can fill us with pride and optimism. I am frequently inspired by how often I meet people that speak out in favour of survivors and can confront their biases. On the other hand, necessary conversations can be hard to generate due to stigma and complicated feelings shrouding the topic. Putting the feelings and experiences of survivors first and foremost as well as selfeducation are absolutely essential for change to happen. Even if consent culture may not be compatible with a system that discourages victims legally or culturally, this system can be updated. And the first step to changing the system starts with ourselves. by Radovan Stolarik Operating Within a System Where Consent Does Not Thrive The enduring demand for groups like us proves that people need a safe place to express their frustrations and educate themselves. Photograph: Patrick Perkins via Pexels Photograph: Author

p.8 As Black History Month 2023 unfolds, it's essential to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of black women to society. While often overlooked or overshadowed, their innovations and inventions have had a profound impact on various aspects of our lives. In this article, we will explore a few remarkable inventions that we wouldn't have without the brilliance and determination of black women. Our first entrepreneur is Gladys West who we are to thank for The Global Positioning System, or GPS. This has since become an indispensable part of modern life. Gladys West was an African American mathematician and played a pivotal role in its development. Gladys is definitely considered to be a pioneering mathematician and she was born in 1930 in Virginia, USA. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination throughout her life and career she continued to pursue a name for herself in mathematics and joined a team at the Naval Surface Warfare Centre in the early 1960s. Her role in developing the mathematics behind the Global Positioning System (GPS) was pivotal. Without her contributions, our navigation systems, and countless other applications reliant on GPS would not be as reliable as they are today. Haircare is a daily routine for many people worldwide, and the modern hairbrush is an essential tool. Lyda D. Newman, an African American inventor born in the late 19th century, patented an improved hairbrush design in 1898. Her invention made haircare more accessible and efficient. Her design was the first of its kind to feature synthetic bristles and a ventilated base to avoid debris making its way back into the hair. She received a patent on this design and yet she is rarely credited for this. Newman's innovation was particularly significant for black women, who sought effective ways to manage their hair. Her legacy lives on every time someone picks up a hairbrush. Marie Van Brittan Brown was a visionary inventor who lived in New York in the 1960s. She recognised the need for improved home security and, along with her husband, developed a closedcircuit television system. Marie Van Brittan Brown's invention of the home security system revolutionized the way we think about safety at home. In 1966, they patented a system that included closed-circuit television, which allowed homeowners to monitor their surroundings remotely. Today, this technology is the foundation of modern home security systems, ensuring the safety of countless families. Nowadays many would associate Ring cameras as one of the first examples of this technology, however the visionary intelligence of a black woman once again sparked the idea and is once again overlooked. Valerie Thomas is renowned for her pioneering contributions to the realms of optics and entertainment. She began her career in NASA as a data analyst and oversaw the Landsat program which is the longest running project to capture satellite imagery of earth, making a name for herself as an international Landsat expert. She would then go on to develop the illusion transmitter which was sparked from seeing an illusion of a lit lightbulb that was not in its socket. The use of convex mirrors in this exhibit sparked an idea in her mind and hence her groundbreaking invention, the illusion transmitter, became an essential piece of technology in surgery, televisions and video screens. This ingenious device, created by Valerie Thomas, projected 3D images, forming the bedrock for subsequent advancements in virtual reality and holography. Her invention not only permitted the projection of 3D images but also paved the way for the technological marvels of today's virtual reality and holography experiences. The path from wearing your blue and red 3D glasses in the cinema to playing VR games could not have progressed as it did without Valerie Thomas. Patricia Era Bath, an ophthalmologist, and inventor made a significant impact on eye care. She invented the Laserphaco Probe, a revolutionary tool for cataract surgery that uses lasers to remove cataracts with unprecedented precision. She was an advocate for blindness prevention and for a better quality of life for those who were blind. During her residency she notices that people of colour were experiencing considerably higher rates of blindness and concluded that this was due to a lack of access to ophthalmological care. She instrumented a system called community ophthalmology which included eye care in the national health system. l Her invention has restored clear vision to millions of people worldwide, restoring quality of life. Ellen Eglin's invention of the mechanical clothes ringer significantly eased the burden of household chores in the late 19th century. A clothes ringer, for those unfamiliar with the term, was a handcranked or mechanically operated apparatus used to extract excess water from freshly washed clothes. Before its invention, individuals had to rely on manual wringing by twisting and squeezing wet garments, a physically demanding and time-consuming task. Her innovation helped streamline laundry processes, making it more efficient and less physically taxing, further the convenience and practice of laundromats could not have progressed as it has without this invention. The ironing board is another household item we owe to a black woman inventor. Sarah Boone patented an improved ironing board design in 1892, featuring a narrower, curved shape that made ironing sleeves and other garments easier. Boone's invention not only simplified the ironing process but also improved the quality of finished garments. By providing a stable and accommodating surface, her ironing board design ensured that clothing items were pressed with the utmost care and attention to detail. Black women have made remarkable contributions to our world, enriching our lives in countless ways. Often these revolutions are overlooked or accredited to others and it is our duty to keep these truths alive and continue to celebrate black brilliance. From GPS accuracy to the convenience of home security systems and the reliability of hairbrushes, their innovations continue to shape our daily experiences. As we celebrate Black History Month in October 2023, let us remember and honour the legacy of these remarkable inventors whose inventions have touched and improved the lives of people across the globe. Hidden Pioneers Black Women and Their Impact on Everyday Inventions by Christine Manneh Photograph: Unsplash

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p. 2 Autumn comes when you're not yet done with the summer passing by With love, Team iV ARTS ([email protected]) Head Editors Xandra Button Emma Chen Deputy Editors Ella Haig Autumn Antonson fi eo Pieczka LIFE AND STYLE ([email protected]) Head Editor Nikola Dejko GAMING AND TECH ([email protected]) Head Editor Samer Fakhri PRODUCTION ([email protected]) Head of News Miles Rothoerl Georgia Kartsagkouli Head of IV Grace Taylor Isabelle Hampton-Zabotti COVER ([email protected]) Noemi Gottmann iV Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson - Titan Books - Published 03 October 2023 Horror | LGBTQIA+ representation | Romance After moving away from New York to escape the memories of a relationship that ended unexpectedly, Ro has settled into the rhythms of her new life as an associate professor. She has her work, her books, and her cat—she believes she has it all. That is until she meets Ash. Ro quickly falls in love with Ash, thinking she is perfect in every way. But Bloom is not a love story, and it soon becomes horrific in ways you won’t expect. A tale of pride, anger, and appetites, Bloom is the perfect book for readers who want a horror novel that will sit with them for a long time after the final page. A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid - Cornerstone - Published 19 September 2023 Fantasy | Gothic | Mystery Architecture student Effy Sayre’s most prized possession is her copy of Angharad, a fantasy epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King. When an opportunity arises to design the late author’s house, Effy leaps at the opportunity. However, the house is crumbling, and Effy isn’t alone in the decaying property—Preston Héloury, a student of literature, has also taken up residence there. Whilst Effy is there working on her designs, Preston fills his time by combing through the papers of the late author, determined to prove him a fraud. As they learn more about the house and its owner, Effy and Preston stumble onto a secret bigger than what they could ever imagine. Babel by R.F. Kuang - Harper Collins - Paperback edition published 28 September 2023 Book of the Year (Fiction) | Historical | Fantasy A standalone historical fantasy novel from the author of The Poppy War, Babel tells the story of Robin Swift who is studying DARK ACADE by Kelly McRae

p. 3 arts| books at Oxford University’s prestigious Royal Institute of Translation. Here he learns the arts of translation and magic but soon realizes that the Institute of Translation serves to expand the empire rather than to pursue knowledge. As Robin learns more about the Institute and its secrets, he begins to wonder if change is ever possible without the violence of a revolution. Now available in paperback, Babel is worth the hype, and was the winner of the Nebula Award for Best Novel and was also Blackwell’s Book of the Year for Fiction. The Witches of Vardø by Anya Bergman - Bonnier Books 28 September 2023 Debut | Historical | Fantasy The 1600s proved a dangerous time to be a woman, as even the smallest indiscretion or deviation from the norm could get you accused of witchcraft. Z i g r i i s grieving and finds some solace in an affair with a local merchant. For this indiscretion, she is sent to the fortress at Vardø to await her trial for witchcraft. The Witches of Vardø follows the journey of Zigri’s daughter as she braves the Norwegian wilderness in the hope of b ring ing h er mother home. Fiction steeped in fact, The Witches of Vardø is inspired by the 1662 and 1663 witch hunts on the island of Vardø and is an inspiring and heartbreaking tale of familial love, injustice, and what it means to have power. The Spirit Bares its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White - Peachtree - 05 September 2023 Horror | LGBTQIA+ representation | Historical In the late 19th century, the veil between the living and the dead has thinned and violet-eyed mediums are able to communicate with the spirits of the dead. Silas is one of these mediums, under the strict governance of the Royal Speaker Society. Silas himself exists across two worlds, the boy he is and the girl his mother sees him as. Sent to Braxton’s Sanitorium and Finishing School, it isn’t long before the ghosts of its former inhabitants begin reaching out to him. A gory read, The Spirit Bares its Teeth is not for the faint-hearted. But behind the blood and guts is a moving story with a beating heart that will stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. The Professor by Lauren Nossett - Flatiron - 14 November 2023 Thriller | Crime | Mystery Ethan Haddock has been discovered dead, seemingly by his own hand. The suspected suicide quickly gathers media attention, sparking discussion on the epidemic of depression and poor mental health among students. Only, perhaps it wasn’t a suicide? Ethan’s professor, Dr Sobek, is being questioned and rumours are circulating that Ethan’s death was the result of a soured romance. It’s up to a retired detective- turned-researchassistant to uncover the truth of the case. The second in the Marlitt Kaplan series, The Professor is a thrilling read exploring the dangers of social media and the trolls that lurk within it, the power dynamics within academia, and how institutions often fail their most vulnerable members. you’re wanting to watch, you can catch it on Amazon Prime Video, and stay tuned for season three! MIA VIBES M u s t R e a d B o o k s f o r A u t u m n 2023 Images courtesy of Kelly via Pexels, photos courtesy of Xandra Button

The Nun II | Review 3.5/5 p. 4 arts | shows Ruxy Cantir is a talented performer who was born and raised in Moldova and is currently based in Glasgow. She is the face of the extraordinary new solo tragicomic show, Pickled Republic. The show ran on 5th October at the Lemon Tree. Cantir invites the audience to peer into the eerie world known as ‘The Jar’ where we encounter the dismay, disillusionment, and despair of various pickled vegetables, including a sexy potato, a dashing pickle, a poignant tomato and, of course, the formidable carrot prophet, Eric. The show, although at first glance seemingly silly, is rooted in the search for life’s purpose, poses existential questions, and shares experiences that I am sure most people can relate to. The show seeks to answer questions about life in the most hilarious and absurd manner possible. I was fascinated by the focus on the ever-present dread of becoming mouldy. At one point, a psychic baby carrot warned the audience that we ‘Cannot escape the mould!’, bringing to mind many people's fear of ageing. The show suggests that once we are old, or mouldy, we are no longer desirable because we no longer possess an appearance that aligns with societal beauty standards, much like how we find damaged tomatoes less appealing than plump, fresh ones. Later in the show, a sensual potato lay on the floor and sang, “Things are fermenting much faster than expected”, presenting the idea that life moves faster than expected and that it is important to live each day to the fullest. The audience began to feel bitter about being stuck in ‘The Jar’— a metaphor for feelings of entrapment and confinement in one’s mind, similar to Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar. Another section of the show that a-peeled (excuse the pun) to me was when Cantir sat on the floor by a table and we were shown something resembling speed dating. There were two tomatoes (real ones this time) dancing together and, following a pause, the first tomato told a joke to the second. “Hey, what did the bigger tomato say to the smaller tomato?” “What?” “Ketchup!” Cantir then suddenly splattered the second tomato with her hand, abruptly cutting off the audience’s wild laughter. This act stunned the audience with its forceful nature, whilst also evoking a ripple of laughter. There was a moment of silence before Cantir brought out another tomato, and the cycle repeated five or six more times. Eventually, the tomato lost hope in the fruitless quest to find the perfect companion and expressed its desperation by continuing to dance and dance, showing that finding people in life who truly understand you can be difficult, but we must keep trying. There’s a tomato out there for everyone, you will find your tomato companion eventually! I was fortunate enough to have met Ruxy after the show to ask her some questions. I was dying to ask why she chose to create this project.“I really enjoy absurdist theatre,’ she said, [...] It was an impulse, I think, to make sense of certain things in my world. This piece was born at a time when I was trying to find some purpose, or I felt like I lost purpose… I want to give adults an opportunity to have a brain massage and think about [life] in a stupid way.’ Pickled Republic does an excellent job of bringing these experiences to the spotlight. I was in awe of Cantir’s exuberant and haunting facial expressions throughout. Her eyes were wide and infused with passion, and her face contorted in manic and exciting expressions. The audience, myself included, was captivated the entire time by how profound and unsettling the performance was while also finding it rather amusing. On multiple occasions, members of the audience exploded into laughter, which made the event all the more enjoyable. Perhaps after watching Pickled Republic, or reading this article, you’ll consider picking up the fruit or vegetables at the back of the crate — they too might be feeling a bit lost in life. Pickled Republic: A Cocktail of Tragedy and Chaotic Wisdom Photo by Andy Catlin Photography by Itzel Durazo-Encinas Pickled Vegetables and Existentialism

The Nun II | Review As Halloween approaches, does The Nun II have what it takes to cast a spell on us? T he Nun II is the sequel to the original The Nun movie, continuing the story of Sister Irene (played by Tarissa Farmiga), the female protagonist. Sister Irene played a crucial role in defeating Valak (played by Bonnie Aarons), the malevolent nun and the primary antagonist in the first movie. At the start of The Nun II, it is now 1956, and Irene is hiding from her past in an Italian convent. Meanwhile Maurice (played by Jonas Bloquet), another key character from the first movie, works at a French boarding school. Their peace is short-lived, however, as Valak returns, claiming more victims along the way. As the story unfolds, Irene (along with new characters), uncovers new mysteries about her past. Together, they face Valak once more, relying on their faith to defeat the malevolent force. To begin, the movie’s recurring motif appeared to revolve around one single element: doors; doors, more doors, and well, even more doors. The endless repetition of the same image (creaky doors swinging open to reveal… you guessed it… darkness) felt far from surprising; rather, it came across as blatantly unoriginal. So when the protagonist is told to “send that thing back to hell”, you can’t help but wonder if the movie belongs there too. However, there are definitely a few moments that stand out amongst the monotony; the moments when silence prevails, tension builds, pace quickens… and a jumpscare is on the horizon. These moments, full of anticipation, hit you gradually and stay with you. The more cliched and predictable jumpscares, on the other hand — you know, the ones where the music grows louder and the character’s movements slow down right before a jumpscare hits you — are more than forgettable. They serve as a reminder that the overuse of loud sounds does not always equate to more fear: loud sounds ≠ more fear. As a whole, the actors delivered strong performances and the plot is okay — excluding the moments when the story becomes a little muddled and confusing (sometimes, less really is more!). That’s not to say the plot isn’t good in general; it follows a very clear and consistent line, especially as the stories of the two main characters intersect near the end of the movie. More importantly, the cinematography, including the lighting and visuals, is truly exceptional! The interplay between light and darkness, combined with the 1950s settings, creates an outstandingly eerie atmosphere. I must add that the first and second movies are shot in a similar style; the atmosphere is sinister, dark, and quite tense, so it is definitely recommended if you want to get into the spooky Halloween spirit. It does, however, follow a narrative structure similar to that of many contemporary horror movies - you know, when the story starts with a dramatic beginning, slows down, and steadily builds up to a central climax until it reaches a ‘happy ending’ - making it quite predictable. So, while it may not be the scariest movie to cast a spell on us, it is still a worthwhile choice if you enjoy a classic jumpscare every now and then and a solid horror storyline - ideal for this Halloween season! by Jolanta Gajewska 3.5/5 p. 5 arts | film Image by Abdur Rehman Afridi from Pixabay

p. 6 arts | review At the end of September, we had the privilege of attending a Murder Mystery Night hosted at His Majesty’s Theatre. Put on by The Amateur Dramatics Society in association with Right Here Productions, it was a wonderful night full of live music, a cabaret production, and (of course) murder. The night started with a glass of prosecco that we drank leisurely at the HMT entrance before we were led upstairs, where we got to enjoy the view f r o m T h e Terrace, HMT’s restaurant which opened in December of last year. With an entire wall being made of glass, The Terrace gave us a great view of the newly renovated Union Terrace Gardens, as well as the skyline surrounding Rosemount Viaduct. The inside of the restaurant was decorated nicely with fairy lights, giving it a modern feel, which is a rare find in Aberdeen. We went into The Terrace completely unsure of what to expect and were surprised when the production began almost immediately. The actors didn’t introduce themselves before the show; instead, they opted for a sense of realism by introducing themselves as their characters, and they stayed in character the entire production. We quickly learned that the premise of the evening was that we were there to witness a cabaret and pre-dinner musical numbers. However, before even getting to the appetisers, one of the actors ended up murdered, and it then became the audience’s job to help find the killer before the end of the show. The over-the-top acting, combined with the amazing voices of the actors, gave the dinner a unique feel. In between songs like ‘Almost There’ from Disney’s Princess and the Frog, ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ from Funny Girl, and ‘Somebody to Love’ by Queen, we would be invited to look over evidence. This evidence ranged from text messages between the victim and the other actors, to voice recordings, to the actual murder scene itself. After looking over the evidence, we would be served one course of the meal, which gave audience members t i m e t o discuss their thoughts with their table members and deliberate. Perhaps the best part of the evening was the cabaret performance. We were led to the dress circle at HMT, where we watched drama between the actors unfold on stage as they attempted to perform, despite the murder that occurred earlier in the evening. The actors did an amazing job at allowing us to discover the motivations, personalities, and secrets of the six suspected murderers, so much so that we audibly gasped as more was revealed after each course. There were characters we truly ended up caring for and others who were (purposefully) insufferable. The connections we felt to the characters made it much more difficult to decide who the killer was. The night concluded with each table writing down their guesses for who the murderer was. Actually doing the guesswork made us feel fully immersed in the investigation and performances. Although we ended up guessing incorrectly, it was a fantastic, funny, and twist-filled evening, which is all we could have asked for. Tickets were a bit pricey for a student budget at £60 a person, so the crowd was mostly made of middleaged people with us being the youngest ones there. However, i n o u r opinion, the price is worth it for what an enjoyable and unique experience it was. It would definitely be worthwhile to go with a group the next time The Amateur Dramatics Society performs. Or, if you can’t do that, just pay a visit to The Terrace next time you’re near Rosemount. A Production to Die For A Review of Amateur Dramatic’s Murder Mystery Night by Xandra Button & Jana Neimanns Photos courtesy of Xandra Button & Jana Neimanns

p. 7 arts | review Looking for events to occupy your time in Aberdeen? Want to do something different, but don’t know what to explore or where to start? Well, look no further, as today we’re discussing all things happening in Aberdeen! Lots of fantastic events are happening at the end of October. Firstly, a special event is happening a little way outside the city. From tomorrow (the 26th if, like me, you often lose track of what day it is) until the 29th, you can head out to Crathes Castle near Banchory to enjoy the annual pumpkin patch and take part in their other Halloweeninspired activities. To get there, you can take the 201 Bus from Union Square to the Crathes Castle bus stop. As for the events taking place in Aberdeen City, on the 26th there’s a concert at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., where you can enjoy three short performances in the museum hosted by Sound Festival. If you can’t make time that day, on Friday the 27th Harbour Film Nights is screening The Hermit of Treig at Fittie Community Hall. According to the Aberdeen City website, the film is about “Ken Smith [who] has spent the past four decades in the Scottish Highlands, living alone in a log cabin nestled near Loch Treig, known as ‘the lonely loch’... Filmed over 10 years, director Lizzie Mackenzie poetically captures Ken’s profound, spiritual relationship with the wilderness.” This sounds like a film you won’t want to miss! Saturday will also be eventful, as Aberdeen Art Gallery is hosting Con Anima Chamber Choir, a group that has been performing for over 30 years. The show is only a half-hour long, so be sure to arrive on time! At 7:30 p.m., you can make your way to the Tivoli Theatre, where Hotel California will perform songs by The Eagles, which is a concert that is bound to remind you of summer days. Any Eagles fans are sure to enjoy this concert, and tickets are not too expensive from £22 to £27. If you think October will go out with a bang (or spook! #HalloweenHumour) event-wise, wait until you hear about the November lineup. November is jam-packed full of concerts, movies, and even a fantasy ball. On the 8th of November at 7 p.m., King King is performing at the Lemon Tree. The cost to attend their Where It Began Tour is £27, but you’d have to get your tickets fast because King King has often sold out in the past. If you want a more unique event, Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight will be at the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom on November 9th. This travelling group is in Aberdeen for one night only, so don’t miss it if you’re interested! Surrounded by candles, this magical show brings many of Fleetwood Mac’s hit songs to life, and it sounds like a mystical event any fan would enjoy. Tickets start at only £20. From the 9th to the 11th of November, you can head to the Aberdeen Arts Centre to watch the hit musical The Little Mermaid performed by St. Margaret’s S cho o l for Girls. The show begins at 7 p.m. each night except for Saturday the 11th, which has a 2 p.m. show. Tickets are £15 (plus a booking fee). Don’t miss out on their version of this classic tale! Finally, on the 25th of November, head to the Chester Hotel for the Goblin King Fantasy Ball. This event starts at 6:45 p.m. and goes well into the night with a three-course meal, music, and dancing. The dress code is formal, and you have the option to dress up in fantasy costumes. Make sure to book tickets in advance! Now, what are you waiting for? So much is taking place this autumn in Aberdeen. Make sure to get out there and see it before these events are over! Crathes Castle; photos and image courtesy of Pixabay by Haleigh Keil

p. 8 life and style | fashion Did you happen to wait till the lastminute and now you have no clue what to be for Halloween? Don’t worry, most of us have been there (myself included) and no one is here to judge you. What I want you to do is take a deep breath and once more go on a scavenger hunt through your closet. And never mind the mess you’re leaving your clothes in; they can be folded later. Right now, you’re on an important mission to find a last-minute outfit that will make you stand out amongst your friends. Let me extend a helping hand and walk you through a few options you might want to consider. It’s best to start off with current trends. At this point, all of us are aware of the popularity surrounding the recent Barbie movie that was released this year. The movie, alongside its promotion of empowerment for girls and an egalitarian society, provides us with a multitude of amazing outfit ideas for this Halloween. However, if you don’t particularly happen to have a pink cowboy outfit hiding somewhere in the back of your closet (a shame, really), then any sort of pink clothing will do. If you’re anything like me, there might be that one pink dress that’s been shoved to the deepest parts of your drawer and has served its lonely prison sentence there for the past few years. Style it with some flashy jewellery and a pair of heels to complete the look. Now your outfit is pretty gorge! And if you’re more into the Ken aesthetic then don’t fret; all the same rules apply. Be as pink and flashy as possible. But, if your closet lacks those things, simply look at Ryan Gosling in the Barbie movie for inspiration and pair some denim together. It will work just as great. Now, let’s move away from the pink and onto some darker shades, mainly black. And to me, nothing screams Halloween and black outfits more than The Addams Family. An alltime favourite in both style and humour. While The Addams Family never went out of style, the release of the Wednesday TV series last year brought further popularity to this famous fictional family and inspired many Halloween looks. If you aspire to be the main character, I recommend going as Wednesday this year. All you need is a white button up shirt, a black dress, a pair of tights, and black shoes. Personally, I think a pair of boots fits the best, but if you have some black heels then don’t let me stop you from wearing them instead. To top it all off, don’t forget to style your hair into two braids, add some black lipstick, and make Wednesday’s sullen attitude your whole personality for the night. And aside from Wednesday, her brother’s outfit would be easy enough to replicate too. Search your closet for a long-sleeve striped shirt or jumper and some black shorts, and now you have yourself a Pugsley Addams costume. I’ll leave the choice of whether you want to impersonate his personality too completely up to you. To further continue with the black colour theme and make you the most fashionably dressed for Halloween, my next suggestion is Men in Black. This works great if your goal for the night is convincing people that you have seen things their brains could never imagine (and don’t forget the poker face while you’re at it). However, I will say that even if this outfit idea can easily be done alone, it would look more intimidating if done in a group setting instead, so I recommend getting your friends involved. The simplest way to go about achieving the Men in Black look would be a white button-up shirt, some black trousers, a tie, and a blazer (though this can be optional). And if you happen to have a Nerf gun lying around somewhere in your room, don’t be afraid to bring it along with you for additional fun. Now, as a finishing touch, you just need to put on some black sunglasses and be sure to keep the top-secret information about aliens existing to yourself for the night. We don’t need anyone finding out about them. Lastly, if you are still undecided on a Halloween costume, remember that we always have the safe options of Witches, Vampires, and Zombies to fall back on. Thankfully, all you need for those is a pointy hat, fake fangs, or some fake blood. And hopefully, next year we’ll think about our Halloween outfits long before the 31st of October comes around. Images courtesy of Pixabay by Nikola Dejko a multitude of amazing recommend going as Wednesday this year. All fits the best, but if you have some

p. 9 by Haleigh Keil Before I joined its university, I had never set foot in Aberdeen. I didn’t know what kind of restaurants were popular, what cafes had the best coffees, where people chose to spend their time; I was truly just winging it. Now, going into my third year of living here, I have a lot of favourite places and I’m ready to share my top picks with everyone. My first restaurant experience in Aberdeen was at Amarone (found on Union Street) at the suggestion of a relative. I’m an avid lover of Italian food, and although Amarone isn’t a place I go to often, I thought it deserved an honorary place here. Another one of my favourite Italian restaurants is Rustico, which personally feels like one of the cutest restaurants I have ever been to. Additionally, they have extensive gluten free options, which is amazing if you love Italian food but happen to be GF. This next restaurant I have only been to on special occasions, but boy, does it deliver. Every. Single. Time. Yorokobi by CJ has mouth-watering, divine sushi dishes, and although the last time I dined there was almost a year ago, I still get hungry just thinking about it. So if you have a special occasion coming up and love sushi, I definitely recommend you check out this little gem. There are also more affordable options. As most uni students will agree, I think all of us have made a pit-stop at Grub once or twice, and I can honestly say it’s a triedand-true favourite of mine. At this point, I’ve tried a majority of their sandwiches. My personal top choice would be King Kong, but Kevin Bacon and the Hangover deserve a n h o n o r a r y mention for hungry afternoons. As an added bonus, Grub’s chai lattes are absolutely amazing (at least in my humble opinion). Books and Beans is another cafe I thoroughly enjoy. If you haven’t been, I suggest you do yourself a favour and plan a trip there ASAP. What more could you want than to be surrounded by books with a delicious menu in front of you? It’s truly fantastic. Belmont Street as a whole is one of my favourite places to visit in the city. The number of cute cafes is great, plus the overall street has such a relaxing vibe. Not to mention, the Aberdeen Art Gallery is just down the street and they’ve recently put out a few new collections, which is worth a visit! I’ll wrap up the food picks with another one of my favourite cafes, The Craftsman Cafe & Bar. They have the best French toast. Trust me, that is a dish you don’t want to miss out on. Out of places to go on a walk, one of my favourites would certainly be Seaton Park, but furthermore, the Brig o’ Balgownie. It’s such a scenic area of Aberdeen, and a great place to bring a book to read or a coffee to sip on while you sit and enjoy nature. I’m from an area with plenty of woods and parks, so I find it quite relaxing to get out of the city a little and be surrounded by trees. Additionally, heading to the Donmouth Nature Reserve is another one of my top picks, and one I frequented my first year when I lived closer to the beach. We may not have a tropical beach in any respect, but it’s beautiful in its own way! I adore walking down the seashore during wintertime and feeling the wind on my face; it’s definitely one of my go-to things to do in Aberdeen. Another place worthy of a nice walk is, of course, the beach esplanade. I personally think the best view of Aberdeen (and the North Sea) is from the top of Broad Hill, which is right next to King Links Golf Centre. Just imagine the wide expanse of the sea in front of you, nothing else but this peaceful piece of nature. There are so many other fantastic places around Aberdeen that deserve a spot on this list, but for now, these are my top picks. I hope you get around to visiting some of them! Discoveries of Places in Aberdeen From The Last Few Years; My Personal Opinion. Which Ones Shall Make The List? Photos courtesy of Haleigh Keil life and style | review

p. 10 Microsoft has finally completed the Activision-blizzard acquisition at a cost of 57 billion GBP on the 13th of October 2023. Now meaning that massive IP’s such as Overwatch, Call of Duty and Diablo are now going to be a part of Microsoft's gaming studio after 20 months of battling regulators in both the US and the UK. Microsoft had successfully won over the Federal Trade Commission in the US federal court and successfully appeased the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in the UK a few days ago. Phil Spencer, Xbox’s chief said “Today is a good day to play. We officially welcome Activision Blizzard King to Team Xbox.” However, this Acquisition has come with a few restrictions imposed by the CMA, especially in regards to cloud gaming and exclusivity rights to pc and console games. Microsoft is planning on adding a lot of these new IP’s into their Xbox Game Pass, but games such as Modern Warfare and Diablo IV will not be coming to the Game Pass this year. One of the biggest challenges Microsoft has had to face is the concerns the CMA had over Microsoft's dominance in the cloud gaming industry if they had the rights to stream Activision-blizzard IP’s exclusively on their cloud platform. Instead the CMA wanted to push for preserving competitive prices and the opportunity for other game companies to develop better services. Microsoft's solution to this was to pass the rights of streaming BlizzardActivision IP’s on to Ubisoft as the CMA can enforce its terms better without concern. This means that World of Warcraft, Call of Duty and Overwatch won’t be featured on Xbox’s cloud gaming service but rather on Ubisoft+ cloud gaming. However, the FTC wants to continue to appeal the merger as “Microsoft and Activision’s new agreement with Ubisoft creates a whole new facet to the acquisition that will affect American consumers.” Spokesperson Victoria Graham stated, to the Reuters and that the “FTC continues to believe this deal is a threat to competition” Microsoft will be turning into a publishing powerhouse through this acquisition due to them gaining more than 8.500 Activision employees and will be adding more than nine different game studios to its Xbox Game Studios portfolio. Microsoft through this merger has stated that they will “stay affirm to their labor principles and innovative approach to union partnerships for both current and new employees regardless of whatever choice they make about their workplace or their representatives” as said by Brad Smith, Microsoft’s Vice Chair and President. This is all to uphold Microsoft’s neutrality agreement it struck with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) back in June 2022, 16 months before the finalization of the merger. This merg er resulted in Activision Blizzard’s CEO Bobby Kotick to step down from his position in December after being in power for 32 years. While his last few years have been met with scandals, including allegations of a toxic work environment. Bobby Koltick has stated in an email to Activision Blizzard employees that “I have long said that I am fully committed to helping with the transition” and that “Phill and I both look forward to working together on a smoother integration for our teams and players”. means that World of Warcraft, Call of Duty Photo courtesy of Pexels by Samer Fakhri gaming and tech | news

p.9 Local scientists got a firsthand taste of climate change's direct consequences for ecosystems when a rare winter heat wave surged through Brazil at the end of September. Water levels of the Amazon were dropping 30cm daily, making the waterway impassable and cutting off important food supply routes; Lake Tefé, connected to the Amazon, reached record temperatures of 39°C. On the 29th of September, the Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development (IDSM) informed the public of an unusual die-off; thousands of dead fish were floating on the lake's surface, and more than a hundred freshwater dolphins had been washed ashore. Two species were identified from the carcasses: pink river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) and tucuxi river dolphins (Sotalia fluviatilis), which are IUCN red-listed as endangered. Although local researchers have considered both disease and contamination of the water as possible causes, they strongly suspect that the extreme heat, a consequence of the combination of El Niño (a period where natural sea level temperatures are increased) and human-made global warming, has caused water temperatures beyond the animal’s tolerance threshold. Extreme temperatures are weakening the dolphins and causing disorientation, which can lead them to suffocate. A declining population of the two species of endangered dolphin, which are slow to reproduce, live in Tefe Lake. It is thought that 1,400 of the two species of endangered dolphins live in Tefe Lake, although the population was decreasing due to their slow reproduction. Dr. Miriam Marmontel, the emergency response coordinator, has explained, “In one week, we have already lost around 120 animals between the two of them, which could represent 5% to 10% of the population.” Percentages this large could have unknown effects on the local ecosystems and the species' survival. Scientists from the Mamirauá Institute, along with numerous conservation groups and support from national authorities, are trying to exert as much damage control as possible. Steps are being taken to monitor the live animals, search for and collect carcasses, collect samples for disease and water analysis, and monitor the waters of Lake Tefé. By examining the deceased animals, the team hopes to gain total clarity about the causes of death. With external support from several institutions and NGOs, an emergency dolphin rescue mobilisation is taking place, searching for live animals in the shallow areas close to shore and moving them to deeper water, where their survival chances are higher. Additionally, artificial ponds have been set up to aid in observing and rehabilitating sick dolphins. Still, relocating animals is always risky; stress and pathogens in these new habitats can increase mortality. There is also concern that even if we can prevent the worst outcome this time unless we start fighting climate change, another heat wave will definitely come. Biodiversity Crisis Meets Climate Crisis At Least 125 Amazonian River Dolphins Die in Heat Wave by Anastasia Goelitz I t is often taken for granted that every day, new leading technology is born in the Oil and Gas field, especially with the fast development of exploration devices. However, this latest step means we could soon launch previously unimaginable Oil and Gas explorations in deep-water environments. China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has completed a map and collected data for the first 3,000-meter stratigraphic structure. The map covers an area of 2,500 square kilometres, located about 500 kilometres from the south of Zhuhai city in Guangdong (a Chinese province). This map is a significant breakthrough in developing deep-sea coring and mapping ability, as it has allowed CNOOC to do a preliminary determination of the area’s oil and gas potential despite its depth. The company achieved this by using revolutionary technology, developed and manufactured in China, called "Haijing". This exploration technology can record accurate stratigraphic maps for seabed geology up to 3,500 meters deep, with a higher degree of identification and reliability than ever. How does the system work? The secret is the new cables. During a one-month offshore trip, a giant deep-water geophysical exploration vessel, Haiyang Shiyou 720, deployed ten submarine cables of the "Haijing" system. Hydrophones have been developed to have ultra-high sensitivity, which can detect even weak signals reflecting from the seabed for up to ten thousand metres under sea level. Components have also been developed and changed for the cables, so they adjust the distance between themselves to avoid collision and maintain the balance under the sea - increasing the data’s quality. For example, using substantial technology, they have included an ultra-low noise acquisition circuit and a vastly improved signal detector. The hydrophones were, therefore, able to capture the acoustic energy transmitted by seismic waves through the water, which, after being transformed into electric signals, were used to successfully collect the seismic data of the seabed, which was then developed into six-metre segments of stratigraphic interpretation maps. China's breakthrough core equipment has been nicknamed "sea pulse" by its benefactors, and this new technology will undoubtedly allow China to dominate the Oil and Gas field’s deep-sea exploration for decades. China Set to Dominate Deep-Sea Exploration China’s New Leading Technology is Set to Revolutionise Oil and Gas Deep-Sea Exploration by Eslam Emam Photo courtesy of kees torn via Flickr Photo courtesy of Lucia Barreiros via Flickr Hydrophones have been developed to have ultra-high sensitivity, which can detect even weak signals reflecting from the seabed.

p.10 I love a night in; fluffy socks, a film or TV show, a snack assortment… It was during my latest cosy evening that I started thinking about how much the production industry has changed since its inception in the 1880s. Previously silent works with the likes of Charlie Chaplin, now there is colour, noir, and just about every genre imaginable. But it’s not just the range - production sets as a whole have evolved exponentially. One of the most fascinating additions are intimacy co-ordinators, something I hadn’t heard of until Jessica Steinrock (a US-based intimacy co-ordinator) popped up in my feed six months ago. Intimacy co-ordination was first established in the US in 2016 by actors Alicia Rodis, Tonia Sina, and Siobhan Richardson with the creation of Intimacy Directors International, now known as Intimacy Directors and Coordinators or the IDC. It was born out of Sina’s graduate thesis, combined with the actors’ negative personal experiences on sets. The IDC defines this role as “…a choreographer, an advocate for actors, and a liaison between actors and production for scenes that involve nudity/hyper-exposed work, simulated sex acts, and/or intimate physical contact.” Directors focus on theatre and live performance, while co-ordinators work within TV and film. The aim was to make sets safer, more ethical places, and improve communication within the realm of sexual scenes. Nudity and sex have been on screen since the 1930s, with a notable example being Ecstasy in 1933. However, this aspect of films was quickly curtailed with the introduction of the 1934 Motion Production Picture Code - also known as the Hays Code - which banned any sexual content. This did not last long, with its abolition in 1968. In the aftermath, directors re-engaged enthusiastically with explicit content, causing controversy with films such as 1973’s Last Tango in Paris. At the time, the only issue people held with it was a particularly graphic scene involving sexual assault, but in the cold light of post-production we see another problem - the way Maria Schneider was treated during the filming. She reported not being informed or prepared prior to filming; the scene felt violating. It sounds archaic, but this is not a thing of the past. Much more recently, actors Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos spoke out post-production to describe the - in my view degrading - treatment they received on the set of Blue is the Warmest Colour (2013). Intimacy co-ordination works to prevent this by independently re-enforcing boundaries. Previously, sex scenes were choreographed and managed by the director, making it almost impossible to speak out, and reinforcing the ‘yes’ attitude some actors report experiencing. That’s the primary reason Heartstopper has an intimacy co-ordinator: a 12-rated show with no spicy scenes in its first two seasons (besides that iconic hickey), the co-ordinator David Thackeray wanted to prevent the ‘yes’ attitude from taking hold in a group of young actors, many of whom were just starting out. Though its need was clear when the system was established in 2016, it took nearly two years for the role to be taken seriously. In fact, it took one Weinstein Scandal. It was in the wake of this horrific chain of events and the subsequent #MeToo movement that intimacy co-ordination really took off. Working within the entertainment industry should never just be about ‘managing’ - everyone should be able to thrive in a healthy working environment. Though it is definitely important to protect the actors on set, it is equally vital to look out for the production members. Having an intimacy co-ordinator ensures that everybody involved in the shoot has consented to what is being filmed that day and are comfortable with seeing hyperexposed work. For the actors themselves, there are plenty of protections available. Besides using barriers and coverups during the shoot itself, the scene is choreographed and rehearsed in advance with a co-ordinator present, much like a physical stunt. Additionally, the SAGAFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) guidelines stipulate that any scripts for sexual scenes cannot be changed 48 hours before the shoot. These are just some of the protections for the people involved in filming spicy scenes. So, how do you become an intimacy co-ordinator? The IDC runs workshops through seven organisations accredited by SAG-AFTRA, two of which are based in the UK. They are reviewed biennially to ensure they continue to meet the Guild’s standards. Certification is an option, though interestingly, this is not a requirement - SAG-AFTRA wants to avoid unnecessary boundaries. While they do recommend that there is an intimacy co-ordinator on these types of projects, they only require proof of training, not certification. Yet the employment of an intimacy co-ordinator remains just that - a recommendation. Currently there are no laws requiring that they be present on set. However, companies such as HBO are making it an internal requirement for intimacy co-ordinators to be hired. Time’s Up UK (a charity set up in the wake of the Weinstein scandal) are also campaigning for the recommendation to become a legal requirement. There is hope: in the wake of recent and ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes, the 2023 Agreement states that producers must make a “good faith effort” to engage intimacy co-ordinators where appropriate. Also, the 48-hour rule will now extend to background performers as well as principal cast members. As we continue to watch production set evolution, I wonder how much this area will develop. Hopefully, the use of intimacy co-ordinators becomes commonplace rather than a novelty. If larger streaming companies could adopt HBO’s thinking, I believe it would encourage others to follow suit. Netflix comes to mind - while big name shows like Bridgerton and Sex Education have used intimacy co-ordinators, they still do not require it. In fact, Sex Education was the first Netflixproduced show to employ a co-ordinator, and that was only in 2020. If this changes, the safety of both cast and crew can only continue to improve. Watch this space - this is just the beginning. Quiet on Set Please! The Impact of Intimacy Co-ordination on Production Set by Durga Sharma Having an intimacy co-ordinator ensures that everybody involved in the shoot has consented to what is being filmed that day and are comfortable with seeing hyperexposed work. But it’s not just the range - production sets as a whole have evolved exponentially. One of the most fascinating additions are intimacy co-ordinators, Photograph: cotton studio via Pexels

p.11 The current climate of the idealised ‘sigma male’ is hard to ignore on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, with countless videos dedicated to the mimicry or downright worship of ‘sigma-coded’ characters such as Ryan Gosling in Blade Runner or Brad Pitt in Fight Club. Whether it is tutorials on new fads such as ‘mewing’, bizarre male fantasies, or downright misogynistic tropes against women it is very clear that there is toxic underbelly to sigma culture. Whether in jest or not, we cannot ignore its bleed into the terrifying ‘incel’ culture that manifests in the darker spaces of the internet. Perhaps one of the most ‘iconic’ figureheads of this culture is the character of Patrick Bateman from novel and adapted film, American Psycho. Countless TikTok edits feature the rampant serial killer through the idolised masculine lens, backed up with the angry thumps of ‘Phonk’ music and subtitled with over-masculinised scenarios (some which are quite extreme to the point of hilarity). It is understandable why disenfranchised men within this community would look towards Bateman as a ‘godhead’, so to speak, due to the nature of his character; his physique, his job, his sex life - all caters towards the goals of those within this brazen internet community. What I would like to argue, however, is the irony of using Bateman as the sigma ‘poster boy’ when in actuality, American Psycho has more queer undercurrents than some would like to admit. Look towards the progenitors of the film; written by a gay man, Bret Easton Ellis, and later directed by a woman, Mary Harron - the media which birthed Patrick Bateman was produced by those who hardly align with attitudes of this rowdy, masculine club. Despite the sheer contents of sexual violence, murder, and the depraved attitude towards women in the novel and film, Patrick Bateman and his world has a ‘campness’ and ‘queerness’ to it that disables the imposition of a ‘sigma lens’. What does makes American Pyscho camp, however? I already know such a sentence may cause a few eyebrows to raise. If we investigate this definition of camp from writer and critic Susan Sontag, it is the ‘love of the exaggerated’. The obtuse lives of Bateman and his colleagues in the ‘glitz and glam’ of 1980s New York (hiding the ugly details of political and social discourse such as the AIDS crisis) indicate this type of exaggeration. Perhaps it is the overtly ridiculous scenes of violence and sex. Or even the humorous cognitive dissonance Bateman and his friends have of the rather camp world around them, with scenes of the men entering a club with a drag queen at the door, or the male go-go dancers inside. Whatever it is, camp can and does bleed itself through the pages and screens of American Psycho. Just look at the opening scene of the film when Bateman details his rigorous morning routine, going through about twenty steps to upkeep his ideal, male physique. But for whom is this physique for? The women whom he seeks, or the male peers whom he covets. Perhaps the most appealing argument against Bateman as the iconography for the disenfranchised heterosexual man is the allusion to his homosexuality. Bret Easton Ellis litters a plethora of suggestions throughout his novel. From his self-care routine, his keen eye for fashion, his obsessive detailing of his favourite artists and music (one could totally see Bateman running a ‘stan’ account on Twitter and arguing over like-minded, crazy fans) Bateman is altogether ‘queer-coded’. Whether he likes it or not, he is the ‘Other’ amongst his peers. This is already so due to his serial killer nature, but the subtlety of his othering lies within this hidden queerness. The most expletive references to Bateman’s homosexuality are two instances in which he is met with it head on. In the novel during a U2 concert, Bateman’s heightened moment between himself and the lead singer Bono leaves Bateman with an erection; In the film, the confession of love from his colleague, Luis, in the bathroom sends Bateman into a spiralled panic attack. Yet interestingly, it also halts Bateman from strangling Luis to death. This becomes a regular occurrence for Bateman throughout the narrative, in which it seems like people who truly love and see Bateman for who he is are thus spared from his rampant killings. Such is the case for Evelyn, Jean, and in this instance Luis. Furthermore, Bateman’s idolisation of his body, especially during sex, can be read as way of attending to his homosexual desires rather than sheer narcissism. Bateman stares and flexes at the mirror during his threesome with sex workers, visibly turning himself on due to his strong, male physique rather than the women he is sleeping with. When observed through a queer lens, what seems to be media for the straight male fantasy is quickly turned on its head, and a rapid dismantling of its alarming use in internet culture takes place. Fight Club received similar treatment when theories began to appear suggesting that the fighting was an entire euphemism for gay sex. Reclaiming Bateman as a character for the ‘gals and the gays’ is already a process that is underway in various spheres of the internet. Whether reclaiming such a depraved character is irrational or not, it takes away the power that Bateman has over disenfranchised men who may feast upon his darkest traits, within the depths of the internet. Obviously, there are many who engage with this internet trend of Bateman’s image ironically, for satire, and there are many who use it merely for the humour it can conjure. However, there are the small few that take things to the limit and genuinely believe in the contrived, masculine ‘edginess’ that comes with the character. The blurred line between sigma and incel cultures elevate their dangerous, misogynistic attitudes when ‘role models’ such as Bateman are used as the blueprint. To queerify Bateman is thus to dismantle this kind of culture, that gets fed into the impressionable man - and interestingly pulls a ‘sigma icon’ out from the closet. Queer Eye for the Psycho Guy by Jordan Stead It’s Time to Dismantle the Icons of Toxic Masculinity What I would like to argue, however, is the irony of using Bateman as the sigma ‘poster boy’ when in actuality, American Psycho has more queer undercurrents than some would like to admit. Perhaps the most appealing argument against Bateman as the iconography for the disenfranchised heterosexual man is the allusion to his homosexuality. Photograph: Alex Eylar via Flickr When observed through a queer lens, what seems to be media for the straight male fantasy is quickly turned on its head, and a rapid dismantling of its alarming use in internet culture takes place.

p.12 DISCLAIMER All opinions expressed in the satire section are written primarily for the sake of comical value and therefore do not necessarily represent the honest views held by the author, The Gaudie, AUSA, or any company which advertises in The Gaudie. There seems to be a movement lately encouraging people with periods to talk about them openly, to destigmatize them, to commiserate about them, and to normalise them. I would like to make it very clear that I do not subscribe to this bull****. My own discussion of my period has a higher calling in mind: I exclusively talk about my period to make men uncomfortable. I only have one goal when I wax philosophical about my monthlies, which is a targeted attack. It is unequivocally intended to make you very uneasy, and to challenge your assumptions of the world. If you have ever been around me when I go into heavy detail about the trials and tribulations of menstruation, just know that it was on purpose. Even if it appeared that I was talking to fellow women, or if they brought it up first, or you didn’t know me, just know that I had the singular aim of making you feel slightly grossed out. Certainly, I would never speak about my period just because it’s the most pain I’ve ever been through (and I’ve broken my leg). That kind of thing should be kept to oneself. In detailing how I’ve nearly fainted and actually vomited from the pain of cramps, I am trying to make you feel ill, not air my grievances. Why would I feel the need to mention it otherwise? When me and my friends discuss leaking blood everywhere, we’re not trying to make sense of the complicated tapestry of womanhood and bond over a shared experience. Or at least I’m not. It’s exclusively about making men in earshot feel icky. When I criticise the medical system for ignoring my heart-attack levels of pain for years, just know that you should take it as an indictment of every single man who has ever been a doctor or wanted to be a doctor or watched Grey’s Anatomy, because that is how I intended it. Having period products available in stores and in bathrooms is also intended to make you uncomfortable. Making you confront the reality that bits of uterine lining and blood clots come out of people’s bodies is kind of a passion project of mine. Not many people know this, but I am actually singlehandedly behind the movement to have free period products available in Scotland. And I did it all with men in mind. Imagine what I could do if I had more funding and power. I could take over the world!! As long as my cramps didn’t get too bad, I suppose. I would like to confirm for you that learning about periods in school and online is a huge conspiracy run by me too. If you’ve ever had to sit through a class about menstruation and been like “wtf ”, at least now you know who made you do that. It was never about understanding the biology of reproduction, or building empathy for others. It was about making you upset! This article is here to reaffirm the fact that everything in the world is centred around your experience as a man. So if you’ve ever had a sneaking suspicion that you could make women talking about their periods about yourself, I’m here to help. Please remember that there is no other reason that anyone with a period could possibly be doing so. Just because an experience is had by roughly half the population (not even just women!) does not mean that it cannot be successfully ignored in the service of making men comfortable. In fact, you’ve been doing it for years, and I intend to help you continue. I’m Talking About My Period to Make You Uncomfortable, Not Because I’m in Excruciating Pain Don’t Worry, It’s Still All About Your Experience by Maggie Johnson Now that the Barbie movie has left theatres, I feel my place in society as a woman is called into question. Is feminism even real, or was it just a marketing ploy? Why was it so wrong for little girls to imagine themselves as mothers and nothing else? Because of this, I had to look inward to decide what being a woman means to me, and I realised that I don't want to make decisions anymore! I needed to return to the way of life that our ancestors lived and become a Trad Wife. I now know exactly what I was put on this Earth to do: submit to my husband. Nowhere do I feel as fulfilled and useful as when I am wearing a grey floorlength dress and apron while I make TikToks about how liberal women don’t love their husbands. I start every morning by drinking coffee, making breakfast, and going on TikTok live to tell my followers that women who don’t obey their husbands’ every command are going to Hell. I have quite the following and have been able to convert many women to the Trad Wife lifestyle! Some people have told me that I’m “damaging society” and “insane” but I don’t let the hate get to me. I understand that some people are simply on a path to eternal suffering in the fiery depths of Hell and I am unable to stop their sinning. I’ll wave at them as they go. There is true freedom in homeschooling my children Maverick and Ashleigh (I recently renamed them to fit my new aesthetic) and teaching them about the Amazon Prime-edition Bible. I get to choose their educational needs instead of letting the woke liberal agenda teach them about science and sodomy (god, I miss sodomy). Little Mavy just learned how to assemble a shotgun! The Barbie Movie never mentioned how fulfilling life could be from simply making three meals a day for my husband and children, doing his laundry, burping him after he eats, raising the toilet seat for him, and looking out my windows because I’m not allowed outside! Previously, issues of inequality and sexism stressed me out, but now that my husband does the thinking for me, I’ve never been happier! My marriage has been perfect ever since I realised that, as the man of the house, my husband is closer to God than I am; disrespecting him would be disrespecting God. I’ve never been more relaxed and sure of myself in my life! I feel connected to my ancestors and I know I am doing right by them and by God. Oops, I just heard my husband get home! Don’t tell him about this, I’m not allowed to write anymore. Womanhood After Barbie Now That Feminism is Over, What’s Next? Photograph: Saranya7 via Pixabay Photograph: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels This article is here to reaffirm the fact that everything in the world is centred around your experience as a man. Is feminism even real, or was it just a marketing ploy? by Marlee Silverman

p.13 I n a tale of persistence, skills, modesty, Scott MacTominay, and a bit of the legendary Scottish spirit, Scotland has triumphantly secured their place in the upcoming Euro Championship 2024 in Germany. Steve Clarke’s side has showcased resilience and football prowess in a journey that has left fans delighted and their opponents in awe. Spain’s victory over Norway on matchday 8 sealed the Scottish fate as they ensured Scotland’s presence in the finals in Germany next summer with 2 matches yet to be played. After the heartbreak of missing out on the FIFA World Cup, Scotland was determined to bounce back, and they did so in some style. Steve Clarke when asked about his take on Scotland’s direct qualification to the next summer’s competition said: “The players made sure that I didn’t break a promise. After the draw I had to have a board meeting. I told them that this group would directly qualify for Euros 2024. No playoffs, I said they would go straight there. So I made it.” Scotland’s journey to Euro 2024 was akin to a finely orchestrated Highland reel. From nail biting fixtures to games that left the Tartan army on the edge of their seats, the squad displayed their mettle throughout the qualification round. Although, Scotland was faced with a nervous wait after they were beaten by Spain on Matchday 7 when Scott MacTominay’s goal was controversially disallowed for Offside, an outstanding start to qualification, with five wins in five games, throttled Scotland to their second consecutive competition since 1998. Scotland’s performance in the Euro qualification rounds was a harbinger of exciting things to come. The Scots have a talented squad at their disposal, and they will be hoping to make their mark at Euro 2024, the team has a good mix of experience and youth, and they have shown that they can compete with the best teams in Europe. This qualification has not only the team but also the entire nation. Supporters from the highlands to the lowlands rallied behind the team, demonstrating the unity and strength of the Scottish spirit. Scotland having made things difficult for them in the last edition of Euro qualifiers kept things fairly subtle and simple by automatically qualifying for the championship rather than taking the back door of playoffs. With qualification sealed and boarding passes ready for Germany, it will be crucial for Scotland not to get ahead of themselves and manager Steve Clarke is all about one step at a time and precision, when asked about the morale in the team and plans for the championship he said: “We can start planning but we do not want to get too far ahead of ourselves. There are still challenges that I have set my players; can we finish on the same points tally as Spain?” Scotland is set to play another important match against France before the players resume club duties until November. Scotland’s final fixture a friendly against France will be without their star man Andy Robertson who left the team camp halfway after picking up a shoulder injury in their defeat to Spain, when asked to comment on Scotland’s direct qualification to the championships said: “mission accomplished.” He also added “Euro 2020 was a great experience and the objective for us next summer is to build on that previous experience and improve on our last overall tournament performance.” There are still 2 games that both Scotland and Spain have to play in the Euro qualifiers before curtains fall on the most exciting European qualifiers. Scotland plays away to Georgia and then at home to Norway whereas Spain finishes their qualifying campaign with a trip away to Cyprus followed by a home game against Georgia, for Scotland to be a top seeded team in the draws they need to win both the games but nevertheless the Scottish boarding passes are ready for Deutschland. With this round of international duties coming to an end on Wednesday we can now see the Euro 2024 teams taking up shape as Scotland and Spain join Portugal, France, Belgium, and Turkey in reaching the finals next summer as Germany have automatically qualified as hosts. Scotland’s absence from the big stage for 23 consecutive years now comes to an end as Steve Clarke’s side has managed to be a part of 2 consecutive European championships and they will be all ready to build up on this. nevertheless the Scottish boarding passes are ready for Deutschland. With this round of international duties coming to an end on Wednesday we can now see the Euro 2024 teams taking up shape as Scotland and Spain join Portugal, France, Belgium, and Turkey in reaching the finals next summer as Germany have automatically qualified as hosts. Scotland’s absence from the big stage for 23 consecutive years now comes to an end as Steve Clarke’s side has managed to be a part of 2 consecutive European championships and they will be all ready to build up on this. Scotland’s Triumph – Securing a Spot in Euro 2024 Scotland punches ticket for Euro 2024 with hardwork, modesty, and MacTominay by Jyotirmay Chitale The Qatar Grand Prix saw newly crowned champion Max Verstappen claim his fourteenth victory of the season. Yet post-race celebrations were marred by the worrying condition of many of the drivers. Aston Martin’s lance Stroll was seen stumbling towards an ambulance seconds after emerging from his car, while Alex Albon was taken to the on-track medical centre for further check up’s. Albon’s teammate Logan Sargent failed to make the chequered flag, retiring on lap 41, with Williams later describing him to have suffered “severe dehydration”. Throughout the weekend temperatures often exceeded forty degrees Celsius with the humidity only adding to the physical challenge. The external heat coming from the engine helped make the conditions inside the cockpit like that of a sauna. Resulting in drivers suffering symptoms of heatstroke. McLaren’s Lando Norris described the conditions to Sky Sports post-race: “I think we probably found the limit. I think it's sad we had to find it this way. It's never a nice situation to be in. Some people are ending up in the medical centre or passing out”. While also speaking to Sky Sports Esteban Ocon revealed that he had been sick in his helmet during the race but managed to make it to the finish. The Qatar Grand Prix made its first appearance on the F1 calendar in 2021, but its later running date of November 21st meant that the extreme heat did not pose an issue. Additionally, the 2024 Qatar grand prix is set for early December, again eliminating the problem faced this year. The addition of other unique factors only served to worsen the already challenging conditions. The infamous ‘pyramid kerbs’ of the Losail International Circuit caused worries of tyre failure in the race, with Pirelli instructing teams that tyres should be run for no more than 18 laps. As a result, drivers were pushing these tyres harder and faster than they normally would during a race. Track limits were again the subject of debate in Qatar, as they have been for a number of races this year. Several drivers had lap times deleted in both the Saturday sprint and Sunday race, with an astounding 51 track limits infringements being handed out, the second highest this year only behind Austria. Other sports that have visited Qatar have been wary of the searing temperatures and taken appropriate measures to combat this. The 2022 FIFA World Cup saw the first ever winter edition of the tournament in stadiums that were equipped with air conditioning to cool both players and spectators. The Qatar MotoGP which takes place at the same track is scheduled for late November allowing cooler race conditions. This is also not the first time that F1 have faced teething issue with a new circuit in a hot country. The Bahrain International Circuit, which has gone on to become the illustrious F1 season opener, was first held in 2005 and faced similar obstacles. With similar temperatures upwards of forty degrees Celsius, it resulted in eight mechanical failures due to overheating. Formula one acted following this race and ensured Bahrain joined the likes of Singapore and Abu Dhabi as a night race. Following this year’s grand prix, the governing body of Formula one (FIA) released a statement vowing to make changes to the event in future stating: “While being elite athletes, they should not be expected to compete under conditions that could jeopardise their health or safety”. With over a year until the next Qatar Grand Prix the FIA have ample time to implement some clearly needed changes to both the track itself and the way in which the event is run. Hopefully resulting in a safer event, for both driver and spectators. Desert Heat Pushes Drivers to the Limit Formula One Drivers Raise Safety Concerns Following Scorching Qatar Grand Prix by James Kinnaird “There are still challenges that I have set my players; can we finish on the same points tally as Spain?” “I think we probably found the limit. I think it's sad we had to find it this way.” Photograph: RedBull

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