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Published by The Gaudie ePaper, 2023-11-06 18:22:22

The Gaudie 28th January 2015

Vol 81

p. 4 p. 5 arts | tDjango Django - music Django Django are easily one of the most innovative bands of this decade, perfecting the indie/electronic crossover. The release of their self-titled debut album propelled them into the spotlight in 2012, resulting in them landing the headline slot on the coveted NME tour and soundtracking the initial BT Sport advert. ‘First Light’, the first single to be released from their upcoming album, gives us a taste of what’s to come this year and the outlook is promising. Their sound has been polished, preened and given a little more groove. Look out for the new album sometime in Spring. MF Monogram - music In what’s quickly becoming a saturated market, Monogram stands out from other enigmatic electro-pop producers by not losing sight of the integrity of his songs. While it’s great to have technology at your disposal that lets you create a wider range of sounds than any human being could conceivably hear in a lifetime, you still have to make something that connects with people. ‘Romance’ is just that, with its expertly layered guitar, synth and vocal samples building to an immensely satisfying climax. Unsurprisingly, it’s racking up the Soundcloud and Spotify plays. AH Prides - music Prides have been one of the most hyped bands in Scotland in the past year or so. They’ll take you to electro-pop heaven with their catchy melodies, spine-chilling harmonies and an impressive live perform- ance. From touring with Foxes to playing at the closing ceremony of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, 2014 was a big year for them. 2015 could be even bigger, with the much anticipated arrival of their debut album expected before the year is out. With them already earning Radio 1 airplay and being hotly tipped as an act to watch, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re a household name by the end of this year. MF Algernon Doll - music Having released Omphalic, one of 2014’s best indie records, Algernon Doll are set to continue their prolific run of album releases. They’ve been recording with the legendary Steve Albini, and the fact that he’s the best possible producer for them tells you most of what you need to know. They wear their Nirvana and Pixies influences on their sleeve, particularly live. On record it’s a slightly more considered process, so the prospect of hearing an Albini-produced Algernon Doll album is very exciting indeed. Last year saw them invited to play the Introducing stage at Radio One’s Big Weekend, so expect this to be their break- through year. AH Pinact - music Lo-fi punk two-pieces are pretty common nowadays, but few are as viscerally exhil- arating as Pinact. Their huge choruses fight against rampaging distorted riffs, making punk-rock sound just as important now as it ever was. As you’d expect, the main lyr- ical theme is dissatisfaction, both personal and social. However, they seem too aware of themselves to sink too deeply into their own angst. It’s self-expression that some- how feels totally inclusive. 2014 was pretty good to them: they were invited to play at CMJ: New York’s equivalent to SXSW. Look for some new releases in 2015. AH Colleen Leitch — desgner Having graduated with the First Class BA Honours in Fashion Design, Leitch is now studying an MA in Womensware at Royal College of Art and has interned at Chanel, Common People and Peter Pilottto. Her most recent achievement was at the Scottish Fashion Awards where she won Graduate of the Year for her collection of heavily sequinned womenswear which is definitely worth a look (cargocollective.com/ colleenleitch). He is most certainly one to watch in the fashion industry and en excel- lent export from Scotland. MC Jean Campbell - model Lady Jean Campbell is only 17 years old and won the award for the Best Scottish Model. The daughter of former Vogue editor Isabella Cawdor and her husband, the Earl of Cawdor, was cast for the Burberry SS14 campaign as well as the Louis Vuitton SS15 ad campaign. She was also graced the cover of the British Vogue in October 2013 and the Italian Vogue in March 2014. Though her mother’s connections certainly didn’t hurt the start-up of Jean’s career, it’s obvious the fashion industry sees more in her than just a noble name: her innocent and natural elf-like looks makes her a rising star among the British models. HK models.com The Inner Hebrides> Jonny Lyons — Artist Glasgow born and predominantly video based artist Jonny Lyons is a graduate fof Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design. He was listed as one of the RSA New Contemporaries 2014 and also reaches into performance art. His video works are then captured in both photography and sculpture and are particularly notable and memorable for their sense of humour, a quality often lacking in contemporary art. MC www.jonnylyons.com jonnylyons.com Peace Be With You and Also With Me> arts culture fashion lifestyle food gaming technology health fitness KEEPING ABREAST At The Gaudie we bring page three to page seven. Ours is a little bit more respectful p.7 NOW INTRODUCING IV. MAGAZINE New to The Gaudie is our very own arts, culture and lifestyle magazine pullout. Open up to get your hands on the first ever version of IV. p.8 Many students have been left disappointed with their degree programme after the Artificial Intellegence BSc they were studying was pulled from the curriculum for the 2013 session onwards. The Artificial Intelligence BSc was removed from the University’s programme, and the students who were already registered on this degree programme were promised that this would not affect them or their courses. Previously, class CS3523, Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games, was listed as a required course for the degree programme Artificial Intelligence. However, in September 2014, only one week after advising, an email was sent to all the students registered saying that the course would no longer be running. Initial conversations with the heads of department suggested that this was down to a poor turnout in students registering for the course, despite other department heads confirming that they would run other courses for only one student. However, despite a required course being pulled, computing heads at the University have confirmed that the students affected would still graduate with an Artificial Intelligence degree, even though they will now not have completed some of the core fundamental topics that the degree initially offered. The Artificial Intelligence students have also raised a concern that their degree will now only consist of 30 credits worth of Artificial Intelligence, even though they are still required to complete 120 credits of not specifically relevant sustained study courses potentially affecting their university transcript. This month, contact was made with the department again, and they confirmed that they would not be willing to move on their decision to cut the course. This comes after a Staff-Student Liaison Committee meeting which was held in May 2013, where they discussed the implications of this decision. 64% of the students on the course are happy with the decision, but did express concern that the course did not go into enough depth. Rather than rework the course, it was discarded, even though students were promised that there would be no change to their degree programme. None of this was communicated until 15 months after the meeting took place. Despite early discussions about the removal of the course, over the following months the department continued to advertise it online, with students making the department aware of this false advertising. The course in question was listed as an optional course as the Artificial Intelligence degree had been removed. An affected Artificial Intelligence student spoke to The Gaudie, saying that a stalemate has developed between the staff and students and as they are unwilling to move on their decision: “We are basically told to suck it up and move on. There were even talks about them advising us to do a postgraduate elsewhere if we really want to learn it.” The student went further to say that other students on the course have been expressing that they are upset as they based their choice to come to the University of Aberdeen on this course. A decision has now been taken to file a complaint with the University on the matter because the Department of Computer Science does not appear to want anything more to do with it. The complaint details how they felt they would have been “perfectly safe” and that “it would not cause any changes to arrangements.” The complaint notes: “We have been unfairly represented that we would be able to complete this course in our third year. “The class feels disappointed and demotivated that one of the most exciting courses that was advertised as part of this degree can no longer be offered to us, despite being advertised to students even applying to a very similar course this year.” In the official complaint, the outcome that the students involved asked for was for the University to run the course as it was when it was dropped, or run it in a newly revised state. The vast majority of the students in the Computing Science department, including students not taking the course, or those now in level four and therefore not affected, support the complaint. One of the students involved commented: “There was no need to remove the course as a result of this, and instead attention could have been applied to improving the course, rather than removing the educational experience and learning.” The complaint was officially submitted with ten names on 22 January, and the academic services have acknowledged that they have received the complaint in question. The University of Aberdeen now has 20 days, until 11 February, to respond to the complaint. By Rachel Clark ARTIFICIALLY INTELLIGENT UoA axes AI course Students left with only 30 AI specific credits Outraged students take action p. 12 p. 13 food | eat well, eat cheaply On a roll... When it comes to baking, don’t be afraid to cheat a little Mozzarella, cherry tomato and basil tart I f you’re looking to impress someone with your cooking prowess but lack the skills, patience and money, this dish is a winner. Don’t waste your time putting together puff pastry from scratch, using this ready made pastry that you can find in the chilled and the freezer isles will bring the dish together quickly and easily with no compromise on taste. The trick with r ten minutes before eady-rolled pastry is to take it out the fridge rolling it out into the oven dish. This ensures that it doesn’t crack or break when handling. The simple ingredients are enough to create a delicious dish, although it’s pretty necessary that you use fresh basil instead of dried. It’s sold in bunches for pennies at the supermarket and you can use what you don’t put into this dish in your salads and blitzed into tomato sou Cost: £2.50 p. Serves 4 (or two without a side dish) 1 Just Rol puff pastry sheet 150g cherry tomatoes, or around half a punnet 1 ball mozzarella handful of basil leaves 1 tablespoo cracked black pepper n olive oil 1.Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C for fan assisted ovens) or Gas Mark 7 2.Roll out the puff pastry into an oven tray 3.Bake in the oven for 20 minutes 4.While the pastry’s in the oven, slice up the mozzarella and tomatoes 5.Remove the pastry from the oven and allow it to cool before laying the sliced mozzarella and tomatoes over it 6.Sprinkle with the basil leaves, olive oil and apply liberally cracked black pepper If you’re craving a meat fix, lay a cured meat such as prosciutto or crisp pancetta strips ed along the bottom before laying on the mozzarella and tomato UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSPAPER Ed. 7. 2014 - 2015 28.01.15 PRICE: FREE www.thegaudie.co.uk


Editorial Team Head Editors Online Manager News Editors News Deputy Editors Features Editor Features Deputy Editors Opine Editor Opine Deputy Editors Puzzles Editor Sport Editor Sport Deputy Editor Photography Editor Head Copy Editor Production Team Head of Production Illustrator Production Assistants Online Publishing Assistant Advertising and Publicity Grant Costello and Josiah Bircham Darren Coutts Rachel Clark and Anna Katila Aemilia Ross and Lina Nass Gemma Shields Tosca Gunn and David Paterson Richard Wood Maximilian Fischbach and Rachel McMenemy David Robertson Alistair Heather Alistair Hunter Hanna Kahlert Andrew Parker Josiah Bircham Vincent Muir Rosie Beetschen, Michael Cameron Steven Kellow Rick Brookfield For the IV. editorial team see page 2 of the supplment pullout 2 Editorial | The Gaudie 28.01.2015 Welcome back to everyone! We wish you a happy new year and hope that all your exams have gone well. When Joshiah and I took over this newspaper we wanted to take it to the next level, though this isn’t to say the editors that went before are not deserving of credit: in fact, Leo Stockford and Maria Suessmilch, both, are responsible for ensuring this institution recovered from the 2003 editorial walkout. Yet, after a few years of stability the newspaper was starting to become stale again, with many people not being surprised by content and others feeling uninspired by our image. Both of us wanted to bring something new to this great publication and so we set out a plan of action. Most of our hopes were ambitious and some we thought were unlikely to ever be achieved but we didn’t want to restrain that ambition. Had we restrained it, who knows where we might be, but through hard work and thanks to a strong team of editors, deputies and contributors, last year we achieved more than we thought possible. A new website, the launch of The Gaudie mobile app, a complete redesign, finally constituting the newspaper and the introduction of a new puzzle section are some of the headline changes that occurred. With such change, we had hoped for an increase in readership and were so pleased to see, indeed, just that. So, for the new year, we wanted to push on with our innovative plans and so, in this edition, you will see the fruition of arguably our most ambitious plan yet: the creation of our new magazine supplement IV. Named after King James IV of Scotland, who was instrumental in founding our university, it will act as a lifestyle and culture magazine, incorporating the old Gaudie favourites of Arts and Life & Style while also expanding into an array of new areas: Gaming and Technology, Food, and Health & Fitness. This won’t be the only change this year but it is our biggest and we can’t wait to see your reactions to it. By Grant Costello Innovation Wanting to advertise with The Gauide? Get in contact with our Advertising and Publicity Manager at marketing@thegaudie.com. Go to our website to download our Media Pack with all our prices, online and print statistics - http://www.thegaudie.co.uk/about/advertise. CANDIDATe statement Student politics is broken; we all know it is. Students aren’t voting in elections, children are crying in the streets, tanks are appering on campus - while yes they have been strategically placed for the glorious victory of Anders McDonnally, the point is that the establishment has let this happen and it is an outrage! You have all called for an out-of-the-box candidate; someone that is not tainted by past failures; a person that can truly lead our great Student Association. Like any minor reactionary party, we have heard this clarion call and intend to use your mistrust and dissatisfaction to our advantage by securing power for ourselves. Therefore, the Inclusive Traditional Society and Tyrannical Revolutionary Association Party, or as we like to be known, ITS-A-TRAP, is proud to announce that in these 2015 AUSA Student Elections we shall be putting forward our own candidate for Student President. Our candidate, Anders McDonally, you may think reminds you of The Gaudie’s Co-Head Editor Josiah Bircham - but you would be wrong. We strongly deny the accusation that Anders McDonally is merely a figment of our imagination and our photos are just Mr Bircham with a badly photoshopped beard. Anders McDonally is a man of the people and will be a president we can all respect and admire. THE ANDERFESTO Policies – Democratic Principles: -I promise to make all my attempts to get people interested in AUSA election look and seem genuine, all the time securing a low turnout for my re-election. -I promise I will not run for any political position or use my office to seek another position during my time in office -I promise to spend a lot of time working with NUS for YOUR INTERESTS! Totally not to ensure I can run for another paid role once I have maxed out AUSA’s earning potential - remember my other policy? Financial Stability: -I promise to make the association financially sound and stable, with all saved money going into making the student union a better place -I promise to reduce all sabbatical officers wages from £18,000 to £2,000 so that only people that truly care about our university will run for positions -I promise, in line with my promise to reinvest all saved money back into the student union, to reinvest the saved sabbatical wages into the student president’s wage. While, yes, this will increase my wage to £130,000, it’s still a drop in the water compared to Ian Diamond and let’s be honest, what does he even do? (I am proud to have the endorsement of our University Principle). Things to make me popular: -I promise I will lobby the University to set up a hyper-tech Oculus Rift centre. -I promise I will lobby the University on tuition fees and make them understand the positive effect of free tuition fees -I promise that, when the University fobs me off with the promises to ‘examine’ my proposals, I will tell you that I ‘lobbied hard’. Profile Anders McDonally, a young immigrant from South Africa, may not have any links to this University at all, but he understands the needs of students here at Aberdeen University. Having studied Hair and Makeup at Aberdeen’s neighbouring University of Wolverhampton, he not only has a strong affinity for Aberdeen but also can relate to every one of you. He has struggled with students’ hair problems for four years and now he is ready to struggle with the students of Aberdeen’s problems, be they follically inclined or otherwise. Anders has also worked his entire university life as the heavy equipment operator for the Wolverhampton Theatre, giving him the experience and ability to manage Aberdeen’s Student Association. How you might ask? Well… we all know that each successive sabbatical officer just has to carry the heavy load of the failures of their predecessors. Anders will not only add to those failures but he’ll carry them with passion and passion and more passion and even more passion, like he has all his years at the Wolverhampton Theatre. Butchart Centre University Road Old Aberdeen AB24 3UT Tel: 01224 272980 We voluntarily adhere to the Press Complaints Commission Code of Conduct (www.pcc.org.uk) and aim to provide fair and balanced reporting. ITS-A-TRAP, AUSA clique, the Illuminati, Ian Diamond, University Establishment, University Anti-Establishment (although they don’t know it), Duncan Rice Library and the Late Bishop Elphinstone. Endorsements For more exclusive, up to date and interesting student content, check out our website: www.thegaudie.co.uk @the_gaudie facebook/thegaudie The Gaudie now has an app which can be downloaded from the Apple and Android Stores.


A group of students from the University of Aberdeen have failed in their attempts to take over a castle in Perthshire worth £6 million. The group, known as the “Comrades of the Glen”, had used an online crowd-funder in order to raise money for the Dall Estate but failed to get more than 1% of their target, only raising around £4000. The group had hoped to turn the castle into a refuge for asylum seekers who were not allowed to work while they waited on a decision from the UK Government regarding their application. The Dall Estate includes an assault course and tennis courts and was intended by the group to eventually become self-sufficient and run by those living there. Lina Nass, one of the students involved, said that although the group had failed in its fundraising attempts, they knew how ambitious a project it was from the outset and that the worldwide media attention they gained from it (including an article in The Huffington Post and a radio interview for an Australian outlet) was an accomplishment in itself. She also pointed out that due to the fact that most of those involved were in the latter portion of their degrees, people often had to focus on dissertations and university work instead of raising money for the castle. The students involved, however, will continue to take part in socially conscious projects at the University such as The Corner Food Co-Op, which was recently given an award by the National Union of Students. Editors: Rachel Clark & Anna Katila thegaudie.co.uk/news 28.01.2015 News | The Gaudie 3 Dall Estate lost By Cameron Hill The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) recently published some interesting numbers related to Higher Education Student Enrolments and Qualifications Obtained at Higher Education Providers in the United Kingdom 2013/14. The new data shows a rather significant decrease in the number of students registered in part-time education. Compared to 2012/13 the recent statistics show an 8% decrease in students’ part-time learning enrolment. There was, however, a 1% increase in the number of people who started their postgraduate studies in 2013/14, compared to 2012/13. The number of full-time enrolments share the same percentage of growth during the same period of time. The total number of UK undergraduate students, who enrolled in higher education in 2013/14 is 2,299,355, but at the same time 2% less, compared to 2012/13. According to the statistics, the highest number of enrolled students was in 2010/2011 and reached 2,501,295. It is claimed that the decrease in students enrolling in part-time education may be due to rising university tuition fees. The General Secretary of The University and College Union, Sally Hunt, said: “The people who benefit from part-time study are often mature students with existing family and work commitments. Too many people are being priced out of university because they don’t want to saddle themselves with massive debt to fund their study or pay back their fees”. It is also stated that the price for part-time courses is now up to £6,750 per year, which means that part-time education is unattainable for a number of people due to their financial circumstances. Rob Henthorn, President for Education and Employability, commented: “Part-time study is a vital route into education for millions of people, and it’s shameful that tuition fees continue to shut people out of learning. Fair access to study can only be achieved with free education for all and the abolition of fees.” By Adelina Kiskyte Part-time enrolment plummets A new study has been released in Western Australia investigating the educational advantage of expensive private schools. Ian W. Li from the University of Western Australia and A. Michael Dockery from the National Centre for Student Equity, who published their study “Socio-economic Status of Schools and University Academic Performance: Implications for Australia’s Higher Education Expansion,” assessed first-year undergraduates in Western Australia between 2011 and 2013 and based their result on the students’ success in their first year at university. The federal government allocated over US$36 billion in Australia’s non-governmental schools from 2008 to 2013, up to ten times more than what the state-funded schools receive. The study found that the schools’ socio-economic status has only a slight impact on the students’ university performance. Unexpectedly, it found that students from schools with a lower socio-economic status are likely to perform modestly better than student with a higher economic status. The study also displayed that prior academic achievements were a much stronger influence on a student’s first-year scores. However, despite these findings, the results: “indicated that schools with higher socio-economic status inflate their student’s university entry scores and hence access to university.” University results show no private school bias By Marie-Claire Zimmerman Figures released recently from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that students graduating with a first class certificate are at a record high. Figures released recently from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that students graduating with a first class certificate are at a record high. Close to 80,000 students received the top certification in 2014, meaning that first class results composite a significant 20% of overall graduate marks. In 2009, the number of students graduating with a first classification sat at 48,825, showing a marked increase in the last five years. Upper second marks also continue hold a significant proportion of classifications, constituting a further 51% of degree classifications. Increasing student fees and living costs have been attributed as one source of motivation for students to make the most of their university career. Students are “working harder than ever,” according to Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK. However, with top degree marks on the increase, concerns about grade inflation are also rising. Ms Dandridge expresses that the sector has: “recognised for some time that the current degree classification system is a blunt instrument.” As a result, the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) is investigating a new system which would give a greater breakdown of the students’ grades and achievements in tandem with their overall degree grade. This new system would allow for greater recognition of individual accomplishments amongst vast numbers of top marks. Gradepoint average systems are also being considered at a number of universities. With last year’s figures also showing growth in the number of undergraduates, the need to distinguish marks further may yet become more urgent. In 2009, the number of students graduating with a first classification sat at 48,825, showing a marked increase in the last five years. Upper second marks also continue hold a significant proportion of classifications, constituting a further 51% of degree classifications. Increasing student fees and living costs have been attributed as one source of motivation for students to make the most of their university career. Students are “working harder than ever,” according to Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK. However, with top degree marks on the increase, concerns about grade inflation are also rising. Ms Dandridge expresses that the sector has: “recognised for some time that the current degree classification system is a blunt instrument.” As a result, the Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) is investigating a new system which would give a greater breakdown of the students’ grades and achievements in tandem with their overall degree grade. This new system would allow for greater recognition of individual accomplishments amongst vast numbers of top marks. Gradepoint average systems are also being considered at a number of universities. With last year’s figures also showing growth in the number of undergraduates, the need to distinguish marks further may yet become more urgent. More students achieve first-class degrees By Catrina Ball The Dall Estate. Photo: www.scotlandnow.dailyrecord.co.uk Photo: KitAy (Wikimedia Commons) Stress-related illness is one of the most significant risks to lecturers’ health and wellbeing. Dr Nick McKerrell EIS-ULA President University of Western Australia. Photo: Tama Leaver


4 News | The Gaudie 28.01.2015 Most of Aberdeen families consume ready meals weekly By Natalie Gibson The latest government figures show that 60% of families in Aberdeen have ready meals at least once a week. The survey revealed that home cooking in Scotland is declining. Families are driven towards unhealthy convenience food due to the pressures of family life. Only every second mother in Scotland thought themselves to be capable cooks. This results in more than a third of all families having a takeaway once a week and at least a third eat ready meals three times a week in Scotland. The main reasons for families turning to ready meals is due to many factors that prohibit them from cooking from scratch. 42% of families think it is too expensive to cook healthier meals, 33% say they do not have the time and a quarter say that their children are too fussy. The findings came from a Scottish Government Initiative called Eat Better Feel Better. This initiative was accompanied with a new campaign to inspire and support families with practical advice and tips to help them change how they shop, cook and eat. Aberdeenshire Council has pledged a further £1 million to extend Fraserburgh’s Conservation Area. The project will cost a total of £5 million, and it is hoped that the new funding from the Council will encourage further investment from organisations such as the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Scotland. The Conservation Area plan was revealed last month as a bid to bring improvements to the historical town centre. Benefits of the conservation status include the ability for property owners and businesses to apply for improvement grants. Important attractions that could benefit from the funding include the building that hosted the nowdefunct University of Fraserburgh and the Warld’s End building where the Jacobite ’45 rebellion was plotted. Councillor Charles Buchan said: “Fraserburgh has a number of very important buildings in terms of their architectural merit and if this can be used to lever in more regeneration funding to support this aspect of our built heritage and further bring the town centre up to standard then I fully support it.” Fraserburgh regeneration By Steven Kellow The future of the oil and gas sector is now in question after BP announced that 200 jobs and 100 contractor roles would be cut. Several other oil and gas corporations, including Shell, Chevron and ConocoPhillips, also announced that they too would be making similar redundancies. The biggest losses, however, are to be made at oil and gas services group, Schlumberger, with 9000 posts being cut internationally. A spokeswoman declined to comment on reports that about 100 North Sea jobs could be at risk due to Schlumberger’s cuts, but said: “Schlumberger is reducing headcount in line with lower activity levels and this is unfortunately impacting our North Sea operations and people.” After the price of a barrel of oil fell under $50, which is less than half its value last summer, calls for action have begun in order to prevent further redundancies, with George Osborne under particular pressure to scrap a supplementary surcharge on profits that was placed on the industry in 2011. Speaking ahead of the meeting, the GMT union’s general secretary, Mick Cash, accused oil and gas firms of forcing offshore workers to “bear the brunt of what we see as a complete failure to plan for a downturn like the one we have been plunged into due to the slump in oil prices”. The RMT said it had served BP with a maintenance improvement notice which “exposes the inherent dangers of axing staff when a backlog of essential works is being allowed to stack up”. The Scottish government has also called on Westminster to make urgent changes to the tax regime for the oil and gas sector. All hope is not lost, with help for the industry potentially coming in the form of measures possibly introduced by the Chancellor, George Osborne, in the next budget in March. Aberdeen affected by North Sea oil redundancies By Aemilia Ross Only every second mother in Scotland thought themselves to be capable cooks. Photo: Glen Beltz (Flickr) RockNess cancelled for second year running RockNess, the north of Scotland’s largest music festival, has been cancelled for the second year in a row, its organisers AEG have confirmed. The festival, which has attracted big name electronic artists such as Daft Punk, Fatboy Slim, Deadmau5 and Basement Jaxx, took place on the shores of Loch Ness every year from 2006 until last year, where the festival was cancelled to avoid competing against major events such as the Commonwealth Games and the World Cup. Despite attracting 30,000 revellers in its most recent years, festival insiders have claimed that the cancellation of this year’s festival is due to a lack of support. One festival insider has said: “A lot of people will be very disappointed but the rumours had been flying around for years that the festival wasn’t getting the number[s] it needed to thrive. “Rather than continue to struggle financially and compete for the biggest names with the UK’s other festivals, it seems the organisers have decided to take a step back and regroup.” It is unclear whether or not the festival will return next year, for what would be its’ 10th anniversary. The loss of the festival would be a “big, big blow” to the tourism industry of the area according to local industry experts. By Steven Kellow Photo: Wikiemedia Commons UK political debate stirs over student visas At the end of December 2014, UK Home Secretary Theresa May announced she backed a plan that would require all non-EU students to leave the United Kingdom after their graduation, and reapply for a working visa. Her proposal had been considered as a point on the Conservative Party’s manifesto for this years’ general election in May, but has been dropped after opposition from both within and outside the party. May’s argument was based on predictions that 600,000 international student would come to the UK by the 2020s, adding that a recent survey showed that out of 121,000 incoming international student, only 50,000 left the UK after their degree was completed. Shreya Paudel, International Students Officer at the National Union of Students (NUS), states that May’s suggestion is “discriminatory, counter-intuitive and impractical. Recent trends however, show that the number of international entrants fell for the last two years. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the total amount of international students, excluding EU students at UK universities, fell from 302,685 in 2011-12, to 299,975 in 2012-13. A 2014 report from Universities UK showed strong public support for international student migration, going as far as saying that 59% stated that the government should not reduce international student numbers; only 22% opposed this view. 75% saw no problem with international students staying in the UK after graduation, at least for a period of time. In a statement in early January, Sir James Dyson, industrial designer and entrepreneur, said that: “May’s immigration plans simply force the nimble minds we nurture to return home and create competition overseas.” Dyson also spoke about the UK losing: “very good value to our competitor nations.” Vice-chancellors of universities fear that the government’s rhetoric might send the wrong message to potential international students. Liberal Democrat Vince Cable suggested that the public debate about immigration was in danger of damaging the “economically valuable” recruitment of overseas students to the UK. By Lina Nass Photo: -epsilon- (Flickr) Rather than continue to struggle financially and compete for the biggest names with the UK’s other festivals, it seems the organisers have decided to take a step back and regroup.


Returning this February, the SPECTRA Light Festival takes to the city centre for its second consecutive year. First introduced back in 2014, the festival awed an approximate 17,000 people over a four day period, featuring hundreds of paper flowers fitted with small LEDs to deliver a stunning visual display. Adding a dimension to the spectacle was the fact that the flowers were crafted by local schoolchildren. Recently, organisers of the event have revealed plans to return the festival to Aberdeen due to heavy demand, promising another ambitiously extravagant display to illuminate Willowbank Road. Having developed considerably over the past twelve months, this year’s SPECTRA festival is contended to feature an impressive array of fire drawings and elaborate light installations. The event is currently scheduled to light up Aberdeen between Thursday 19 February and Saturday 22 February. New research has shown that there is a north-south divide when it comes to your chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Scientists have found that there is a link between where you live as an adult and your chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Based on two studies - the results of which were published in the journal Epidemiology - one involving more than 26,000 Swedish twins and the other more than 37,000 Scottish people born in 1921 - scientists discovered that dementia rates were higher amongst those who were living in northern parts of Sweden and Scotland. A possible link to vitamin D and sunshine levels, which are shown to be linked to healthy brain activity and dementia, therefore suggests that environmental factors could play a role in people’s risks of developing Alzheimer’s. Twins who lived in the north of Sweden were two to three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who lived in the north. In Scotland, those who lived in the north for the duration of their adult lives had a significantly higher increase in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Dr Tom Russ, from the University of Edinburgh’s Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre and the Division of Psychiatry, speaking to STV said: “If this geographical variation in dementia risk is the result of one or more environmental risk factors ... our findings suggest that it might be possible to halve dementia rates.” the festival awed an approximate 17,000 people over a four day period If this geographical variation in dementia risk is the result of one or more environmental risk factors ... our findings suggest that it might be possible to halve dementia rates. Geographical location linked to Alzheimer’s disease By Katherine Gilbert Polish students from the University of Aberdeen will be able to fly directly to their home country this forthcoming summer thanks to a new Wizz Air connection. On 19 June the airline will open flights from Aberdeen to Gdansk that will be run twice per week with an affordable starting price of £20. Wizz Air is the biggest lowcost airline in central and eastern Europe. Up until now the only connection for polish passengers flying to Scotland was to Glasgow Airport. Marcelina Musielak, a commitee member of the Polish Society comments: ”Perfect to know that finally there will be a direct flight from Aberdeen to Poland. It was very time-consuming and tiring to go to either Edinburgh or Glasgow to fly home. Gdansk is a good first step, but I really hope that in the near future there will be more cities to choose from.” New direct flights to Poland By Sylwia Slaby SPECTRA - Aberdeen’s Light Festival By Tom Cole 28.01.2015 News | The Gaudie 5 Aberdeen recognised by British Pharmacological Society The British Pharmacological Society has commended research conducted by the University of Aberdeen. Marischal College, the University’s former base, was unveiled at a parliamentary reception this year as one of four sites of special scientific interest. The University was awarded a trophy in recognition of its achievements in the field of pharmacology. President of the British Pharmacological Society Professor Humphrey Rang noted: “These sites of special pharmacological interest have made outstanding contributions to the discovery and development of medicines, and undeniably also to the health and economy of the UK. By learning from our rich history, we can ensure that the UK remains at the cutting edge of research.” The Society honoured the work of Professors Hans Kosterlitz and John Hughes, who exhibited the release of endorphins from nerve endings in the brain and discovered how the body copes with pain, addiction and analgesia. Work carried out by Professor Roger Pertwee at Marischal College, who pioneered research in cannabinoid-based medicines, was also acclaimed. His work is continued at the Institute of Medical Sciences at the Foresterhill Health Campus. Heather Wallace, Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Aberdeen, said: “The University of Aberdeen has been at the forefront of research and innovation throughout its 500 year history. Pharmacology has been part of that history for over 50 years and the University can claim the rare distinction of two British Pharmacological Society Wellcome Gold Medal winners.” She further added: “We are delighted the importance of that early, and indeed continuing, work has been recognised in this way.” By Amanda Connelly Photo: Osterson Photography (Flickr) Photo: Brian Forbes Children’s hospital fundraising on track It has now been over a year since the ARCHIE Foundation and the Press & Journal began their joint venture to raise more funds for the maintenance and enhancement of the Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital (RACH). So far the RACH has received money through fundraisers and local business investments. The ARCHIE Foundation believes that they are well on their way to making RACH “one of the best children’s hospitals in the world”. However, the charity says there is still much to achieve before the plans for the hospital can be realised. The foundation is making another push for donations. In their bid to make RACH one of the best, the Foundation have gone on visits to other leading children’s hospitals. These institutional visits have been wide ranging from the UK to visits as far away as the USA. The group has also done substantial research online looking for ideas that could improve the facility. David Cunningham, the chief executive of the ARCHIE foundation, was optimistic that their goals would be reached and was left in no doubt that, when complete, the RACH would be a world leading institution. The work done in the first year of the fundraising push has impressed Mr Cunningham. He said: “When the hospital celebrated its tenth birthday last year, one million patients had passed through its doors to receive specialist treatment. The hospital has done a wonderful job, but now we have an opportunity to transform it once again for the next one million children.” By Thomas Danielian Aberdeen Childrens Hospital. Photo: Ragazzi00 Aberdeen scoops top farming award On 15 January, the University of Aberdeen won the prestigious ‘Practice with Science’ Award. The award, run by the Oxford Farming Conference, was presented to Aberdeen’s Environmental Modelling Group (who worked in partnership with the Sustainable Food Lab and Unilever) for the Cool Farm Tool. The Tool is a free-to-use calculator used to measure the carbon footprint involved in livestock and crop production. Dr. Jon Hillier, who led the research and development of the Tool, accepted the award on behalf of the Environmental Modelling Group. In a statement following his acceptance, Dr. Hillier said: “We are extremely happy that the research and research translation work we have conducted is helping informed decision-making in the supply chains of global businesses.” The award backed up Aberdeen’s recent first place ranking in the REF14 for research in the field of Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science research. Only a quarter of the research submitted by the university for the ranking was not rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. In winning the award, Dr. Hillier and his team gained a grant of £10,000 from the Oxford Farming Conference and the Royal Agricultural Society of England. The money comes from the event sponsors AB Agri. The new funds will be used to further develop the product. This will include making an economic assessment module for those in the agricultural industry to gain a greater understanding of where profits and losses may arise with different sustainability solutions. By Thomas Danielian We are extremely happy that the research and research translation work we have conducted is helping informed decision-making in the supply chains of global businesses.


Editor: Gemma Shields thegaudie.co.uk/features 6 Features | The Gaudie 28.01.2015 Pegida: this is the German acronym for ‘Patriotic Europeans Against Islamisation of the West’, an association founded in 2014 in the state of Saxony, Eastern Germany. On 20 October 2014 they started their weekly Monday rallies in the city of Dresden. There are also many related branches in several other cities of Germany with similar names like ‘Legida’ or ‘Bagida’, as well as smaller branches in Denmark and Norway. As the name suggests, followers fear the ‘Islamisation’ of Europe and the disappearance of national identity and Christian values. Statements by Pegida supporters reveal that many do not feel at home in their own country anymore due to rising numbers of immigrants and asylum seekers. Pegida’s original goal was to protest against arm shipments to the PKK, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party which is recognized as a terrorist organisation by many states, however ironically tries to fight the Islamic State in Syria. Pegida has experienced a dramatic increase in supporters from around 350 to an estimated 20,000 demonstrators on the Monday rally after the Charlie Hebdo attacks in Paris. Around 150,000 people sympathize with the organisation on Facebook as well as German right wing parties like the ‘National Democratic Party’ (NPD) and the ‘Alternative for Germany’ (AfD). Pegida itself is not a party but a group of people clearly dissatisfied with German politics, especially regarding immigration policies. Until recently their leader was Lutz Bachmann who runs a PR agency and has a criminal record. However on 21 January he resigned from his position when photographs of him posing with a Hitler moustache were published online. Certainly numerous sympathisers are from a right-wing extremist background, nevertheless Pegida officially tries to distance itself from those accusations. Misusing the slogan “Wir sind das Volk” (We are the people) from former Monday demonstrations against the East German government before the German reunification, they claim to represent the heart of society. German broadcasting station ‘Das Erste’ interviewed several protesters on one of their Monday ‘evening strolls’ in order to get an understanding of who they are and what they actually want. Even though there are only approximately 0.1 % Muslims (around 4000 people) living in the German state Saxony where demonstrations started, the general problem seems to be ‘the foreigners’ and in particular immigrants with a Muslim background. Voices include pensioners feeling that they have too little money to live off whilst immigrants are cordially welcomed and well supported in Germany, as well as younger people stating that they feel alienated in their own country. Some statements referred to the ‘islamisation of Germany’ as a threat to Christian culture, for example the celebration of Christmas. On one of their rallies Pegida members therefore decided to sing Christmas songs. Others accused the German media to be ‘lying press’, a term frequently used in the Nazi-era. Initially, politicians widely ignored Pegida’s success but with the media covering more stories and the organisation constantly gaining more support, several politicians have now agreed to enter discussions with Pegida members and talk about their problems. Pegida became better known internationally after the Charlie Hebdo attack on 7 January 2015 in Paris. Members felt that their worries about Muslim immigrants were confirmed. One of their demands is a ‘zero tolerance’ strategy towards criminal asylum seekers. On their Monday rally after the attack, Pegida appealed for showing solidarity by carrying banners saying ‘Je suis Charlie’ and changing profile pictures on Facebook to a black ribbon saying ‘With our deepest sympathy for the families of the Paris terrorvictims’. In response, Charlie Hebdo published a leaflet featuring a cartoon of Pegida members resembling Hitler carrying those signs while demonstrating. From the beginning of Pegida’s existence there have also been numerous counter-demonstrations. On 12 January 2015 nearly 100,000 Germans demonstrated against Pegida and for an open and cosmopolitan Germany in various cities. So what does Pegida actually want and why? Is disenchantment with politics the main reason? On 10 December 2014 Pegida published a position paper online featuring 19 points. Pegida asks for the exclusive acceptance of war refugees and compliance with stricter deportation laws of those not accepted. Other points refer to delinquent asylum-seekers and migrants, who, according to Pegida, should have to leave Germany immediately. They also specifically argue against an anti-female and violent ideology in order to guard Christian values. Other points read less problematically. For example, they ask for a decentralised accommodation of refugees, shorter duration of proceedings for asylum applications and better assistance in order to achieve better integration. They ask for more money in the police sector and speak out against radicalism in general. However these words do not stop supporters from raising their voices about more controversial issues. A lot of them seem frustrated with German politics. They do not feel represented by politicians. One of their demands is a movement towards a direct democracy. Although there are direct democratic elements on the regional level they do not currently exist on Germany’s federal level. The phenomenon of Pegida becomes more present and challenges an entire political system. Voter turnouts in Germany have been at a low 70% for the last few Bundestag elections and even less in Britain in the last general election. Problems include too little transparency in often very bureaucratic processes and a general discontentedness with life circumstances. Other reasons could be growing gaps in education and income as well as failed integration. This does not only imply that integration of immigrants has been difficult in Germany but also the integration of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) after the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Saxony being one of the new federal states is not only the birthplace of Pegida but was also home to the so-called National Socialist Underground (NSU), an extremist right-wing terrorist group, which planned and carried out a series of migrant killings remaining undiscovered for over six years. Many Germans would like to stop Pegida’s weekly rallies, however the freedom of opinion and the freedom of assembly are important basic rights in the German constitution. For the moment, counter-demonstrations are the most influential way of objecting. To prevent the differences and gaps in society from growing, German politicians have to rethink and find a way to include this part of society in political events and processes. What Pegida started could evolve into a crisis of democracy. More people might be looking for reasons why their voices are not heard which might eventually end in them blaming ‘the others’ – in this case the Muslim immigrants for their situation. Certainly there are many problems, not only in Germany but everywhere in Europe: poverty among the elderly, demographic change and a tense economic situation. Extremist right-wing groups have become more popular in several European countries and now this calls for not only politicians but also society to fight for the place we actually want to live in; hopefully this is a diverse and colourful place where people can accept differences and live together peacefully. Qui est Pegida? By Friederike Wipfler The phenomenon of Pegida becomes more present and challenges an entire political system. Photo by Caruso Pinguin (flickr) THE PROTEST SERIES


I can appreciate a nice pair of breasts, but this week I was exposed to one set too many. Just when it looked like brutish tabloid newspaper The Sun had finally got the message about sexism and equality, there was an uproar on twitter as the Sun’s PR guru, Dylan Sharpe, tweeted an inflammatory message accompanied by a picture of a winking, topless Nicole 22, from Bournemouth, her unwitting smile and perkiest assets aimed directly at some of the countries most respected journalists and Labour’s Deputy Leader Harriet Harman. It had been reported in the last week that the page had finally sagged into times gone by, after all, it is now middle aged at forty four. However, it seems that the paper just could not let it go. Emboldened by the media frenzy over the apparent success of the No More Page Three grassroots campaign, they felt the need to once more shoehorn a naked woman on to the third page of their Thursday edition, basking in the outrage and disgust of many women, not to mention the supposed embarrassment of every other news organisation that had been fooled into reporting it had finally come to an end. Dylan Sharpe’s point was reminiscent of a small child that has managed to deceive their parents into thinking they eaten all their vegetables, when in fact they have just scraped them onto someone else’s plate whilst they were not looking. The paper has been criticised in the past for encouraging sexism and the objectification of women. Many have argued that Page Three suggests that the only way women can be worthy of press attention is when they are half naked and being viewed by men as an object of sexual desire. effectively suggesting that the female population is worth nothing more than the lust of men. I do not think this campaign amounts to the suggestion that women should not be able to pose for nude or semi-nude photos; this is not an attack on freedom of expression. Anyone that really believes this is an affront to the girls who profit from their image being bolstered by this particular paper is perhaps not paying enough attention. Many women, myself included, would say that feeling comfortable in your own body and ‘owning’ your body is hugely important and anything that encourages that is always positive. However, in the context of page three, a paper that is accessible in newsagents and newsstands through-out the country to all ages, it’s perhaps not the correct forum. Page three, by so boldly and persistently publishing images of women in a sexual context, perpetuates a message (that is widely available to an impressionable youth) that the measure of a women’s worth is in her sexual appeal to men; that this is all we can hope to achieve and what we will ultimately be valued for in society. The self-styled ‘people’s paper’ claims to be representative, and yet manufactures an image, quite literally, of gender inequality. To poke fun at the very people who campaigned for something that could have great ramifications in the future. By directing a jibe at the No More Page 3 campaigners and like-minded supporters of gender equality, The Sun only helped to highlight what a difficult battle it is. Having such a vast readership, The Sun lamentably has the potential to be a diving force in a battle to finally deliver equal rights, or not. Some argue Page Three has become a British institution of sorts and therefore should be left alone. There’s Doctor Who, Harry Potter and a pair of boobs, or to give them their actual names: Dylan Sharpe and David Dinsmore. They have managed to alienate and anger an entire corner of society. At one point Page Three was accepted as something that just was, or at least given in to. There are so many reasons that Page Three now seems out-dated, originally a product of the seventies when it was still considered okay to pat a female colleague’s buttocks as she walked past. Surely by now we should have moved on or walked faster past that particular colleague’s desk. As No More Page 3 states ‘boobs aren’t news’. Arguably the page is simply soft-core porn. Campaigners against the page have argued that it is completely inappropriate in a ‘family’ newspaper to have images that depict women in such a suggestive light. What kind of picture does it give out to young boys and men to see their dad roaming his eyes over a halfnaked women every morning over breakfast? Does it suggest to young girls that the only way to get attention is by being an object for men? The campaign has gained prominence in recent months with the huge media attention given to the He for She campaign. Its launch reinvigorated the debate surrounding gender equality. Ironically, it is as the He for She campaign announced their new initiative that The Sun mocked the very people celebrating gender equality, you may see a trend emerging. In her recent speech in Davos, Emma Watson said, “There is a greater understanding than ever that women need to be equal participants in our homes, in our societies and in our workforce.” Of course she is right and this calls in to question whether or not Page Three serves any such purpose. After all, it is a woman taking possession of her body to further a career. Yet The Sun is effectively promoting a career for women that revolves solely around their looks, and giving it such dominance over the representation or inclusion of any image or story of a women undertaking or succeeding in any other tasks, in politics, culture or otherwise. It is simply about the pleasure a man can get from a woman’s body and you can hardly call it an advocate of gender equality. Arguably Page Three is a personal affront to equality. Perhaps if Page Three is here to stay then maybe it just needs to be reworked. Let’s add a little something for the girls. Alongside the picture of a scantily dressed young lady there should be an equally as revealing a picture of an attractive young guy. Giving us the breast of both worlds, so to speak. Hello David 46, from Glasgow. From the point of view of trying to create equality and as The Sun and its girls would have us believe, ‘own our bodies’, then let’s bring men in on it too. Have men show off their unmentionables, be gawked at day in and day out, feel uncomfortable in the staff room as their female colleagues discuss the proportions of a young fit guy. After all, if Page Three isn’t going to be disbanded then why not expand its repertoire. Become a newspaper with something for everyone to look at. In light of the huge backlash, The Sun’s PR chief has attempted an apology for what has been deemed his harassment tweet. He claims it was a ‘cheeky dig’ at those who thought the page had gone a bit limp. Everyone loves a joke, but tweeting a picture of a half-naked 22 year old to some of the countries most respected journalists and politicians? Perhaps not the best PR move. In reality, probably few of us are really that upset about the page. It’s more about the message its revival sent and the way in which it was done. It was pointing the finger at the people, not just women that have fought for equal rights. It was Dylan Sharpe’s withering self-pity in a pseudo-apologetic note to Huffington post, not for having insulted and jibed prominent figures that stood for equality, but that he received some hostility for doing so. This childish breast retraction seems to push gender equality back. The Sun’s antics over the last few days show just how far away British society really is from achieving true gender equality. Or perhaps the public will be exposed to the true colours of those at the helm, and The Sun has unwittingly launched it’s own campaign for change. Either way, lets all cross our fingers for Page Three to go culturally bust. 28.01.2015 Features | The Gaudie 7 Tabloids: breast we forget By Rachael McMenemy


What if I told you faceless, global corporations had the power to sue your government in secret courts with judges they chose? What if I told you that whomever you voted for in the coming election couldn’t protect your job, your education, your health and safety or your healthcare? What if I told you the NHS and all other public services could be opened up for privatisation and that that privatisation would be irreversible? Welcome to the world of TTIP, coming to the EU later this year. The Transatlantic-Trade-andInvestment-Partnership (TTIP) offers to do all these things and, by the EU’s own admission, take over a million jobs while it’s at it. The negotiations for TTIP began in 2013 and since then the only people who have had their say on the deal has been business lobby and the European Commission. So insidious is the deal that The Economist, who usually champion corporate power and market liberalisation, has unequivocally stated it’s opposition to the deal calling it “a way to let multinational companies get rich at the expense of ordinary people”. TTIP will give companies the right to bypass any attempts by your government to protect you, the environment and basically anything that could cause the loss of profits to business. This secret weapon that the European Commission is handing over to multinationals is called the Investor-State-DisputeSettlement (ISDS), a title so boring it may well ensure it’s continued secrecy. First introduced in trade agreements between two countries, they allow investing companies to sue the state they are investing in through a clandestine court adjudicated by a tribunal of their choosing. It is more than fair to say that ISDS replace the basic rule of law and this begs a question: if a court is good enough to decide whether you or I get sent to prison, why is it not good enough for companies? Indeed, before ISDS existed, companies could happily go through the court process like any other wronged party and have their claim heard with due process and equality before the law. But there was the problem. When a company’s claim wasn’t enough to sue a government or a claim they made was found out to be illegitimate they would often lose the case, so these companies, and their supporters, decided to change the rules. They decided that equality before the law wasn’t in their interest and neither was due process and so they made up the ISDS. In May 1999, Ecuador signed a 20-year contract with the US based company, Occidental, to explore and extract oil in Block 15, a segment of Ecuador’s Amazon. Occidental was to take 70% of the profits and Ecuador the other 30%. In the contract it was laid out quite obviously that Occidental could sell the oil they extracted but certainly could not sell on their production licences to third parties without Ecuadorian approval. So of course that is what Occidental did. The Government of Ecuador then terminated the contract as per the agreement. But Occidental didn’t like this and initiated an ISDS, which was provided for in the initial contract. Occidental won and Ecuador paid a colossal 2.4 billion for daring to call Occidental up on their gross breach of international law. When the Ecuadorian government terminated a contract with Occidental Petroleum for their “sale to another firm of 40% of its production rights without government approval” they managed to successfully sue Ecuador for 2.4 billion dollars. This was done “despite a provision in the concession contract stating that sale of Occidental’s production rights without government pre-approval would terminate that contract”. The ISDS “rejected the relevant Customary International Law (CIL) analysis of the Fair and Equitable Treatment part of the US-Ecuador Bilateral Investment Treaty”. After being forced to admit that Occidental broke the law and should have expected the termination of the contract, the tribunal then changed the terms of the Fair and Equitable Treatment part of the US-Ecuador Bilateral Investment Treaty to include a requirement for Ecuador’s response to breach of the contract to have been ‘proportionate’. What is worse is that now Chevron seeing how easy it was for Occidental to win their ISDS has initiated its own case to reverse a fine they accrued for the horrifying environmental and public health problems caused by dumping waste into another part of Ecuador’s rainforest. If Chevron wins this they will not just be brushing aside international law, they will be rejecting the legitimacy of eighteen years of litigation in Ecuador’s actual courts. A chevron lobbyist summed up their view on why they should be entitled to sue governments for calling them up on malpractice: “We can’t let little countries screw around with big companies like this – companies that have made big investments around the world”. Perhaps you’re thinking that, as terrible as it is, companies can get away with treating poorer countries badly, but they wouldn’t dare initiate an Investor-State-DisputeSettlement in the developed west. Not so. After the 2011 Fukushima disaster in Japan the German government decided to phase out its nuclear power industry. Shortly after that, Vattenfall, a Swedish energy provider that operates two nuclear plants in Germany, demanded €3.7 billion through an ISDS. Of course we have no idea how the case is going because ISDS are done behind closed doors, out of sight of public scrutiny. Lets say this coming general election you voted Green, SSP or SNP who all support phasing out nuclear energy; let’s say these parties managed to secure the phasing out of nuclear as a policy. I0f TTIP goes ahead the threat of an energy suppler like Vattenfall initiating an ISDS could well be enough to force the government to completely ignore the policy that you voted for, even if it managed to get through parliament by your elected representatives. What if you vote Labour with the intention of bringing parts of the English NHS back into public ownership, do you think delightfully public-minded companies like Serco are going to hand back their £175.2 Million contracts? Moreover, if TTIP goes ahead even the Scottish NHS may be opened up for privatisation, as companies will be able to sue the Scottish parliament for denying their right to bid for contracts. Although no major party in the Scottish parliament is pursuing the privatisation of the NHS, in international law the NHS belongs to the UK and thus discrepancy in treatment of companies between regions may be grounds for an ISDS. They replace national sovereignty with corporatocracy. In essence, to take your democracy and throw it out the window. It’s like giving a loaded gun to someone who is liable to shoot you. Why, given all these horrendous threats, are the EU and the USA jumping headfirst into this? Well the reasons are complex and different for different political agendas across the diverse European and American political landscape. But, for it’s advocates, this has mainly to do with the hope that European economic output might rise by a measly 0.5% by 2027. The hope is that this 0.5% increase in productivity will lift Europe out of the Eurozone debt crisis. A substantial majority of economic forecasters have actually come out against TTIP, whilst it’s advocates cling to four reports published before anything of what TTIP would cover was decided and not a single one of these papers the European Commission point to in their defence suggest an increase in the labour share of GDP and at least one of them points to job losses of anything between 1.3 million and 680,000. Economist Jeronim Capaldo, published a paper entitled: Transatlantic Trade And Investment Partnership: European Disintegration, Unemployment and Instability, in which he applied a more reliable Computable General Equilibrium model United Nations Global Policy Model and found “that TTIP will lead to a contraction of GDP, personal incomes and employment. We also project an increase in financial instability and a continuing downward trend in the labour share of GDP”. Opposition to TTIP has managed to unite the traditional supporters of free trade with the anti-capitalist left, the Economist with trade Unions and peoples from across Europe and the USA. Finally after a solid year of growing opposition the European Commission are having to address the lack of democracy and transparency throughout the negotiations. They have graciously agreed to let our elected representatives look at the negotiation papers in a secure room where they are legal bound not to share that information with the public. They have even published some of the less compromising documents. Whilst the fact remains that most of all we know about this deal has been through leaked documents, the European Commission now recognises us as a threat, they have been forced by the ombudsman to postpone the negotiations on the Investor-StateDispute-Settlements, and they have to be seen to be letting the public into the negotiation room. They have held a public consultation specifically about Investor-StateDispute-Settlements and where forced to conclude “the collective submissions reflect a wide-spread opposition to investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) in TTIP or in general. There is also quite a majority of replies opposing TTIP in general” But the attitude at the European Commission is very much summed up by the report following the consultation that dismissed the responses on account of the fact that “only a small number of the respondents indicated that they have made an investment in the US”. Just like the Chevron lobbyist, we who have not invested, who are merely citizens of a country, should be thanking multinationals on bended knee for investing in our country. The European Commission, who are overseeing our end of the deal, have gone so far as to deny a European Citizen’s Initiative launched against TTIP when they found out that enough people from enough countries had signed it to legally force the European commission to put a stop to this. Not just were they acting against international law, they where acting against their own law. Attempts to force greater transparency from both inside and outside the European parliament have been met with stony silence. That is, until recently, people are starting to talk about TTIP, and talk is bad for business. We’re finally getting through to the European Commission, by making these token concessions to transparency, by initiating that consultation they are showing us that they are starting to get scared, scared of democracy. Attempts to force greater transparency from both inside and outside the European parliament have been met with stony silence. That is, until recently, people are starting to talk about TTIP, and talk is bad for business. Photo by Mehr Demokratie (Flickr) 8 Features | The Gaudie 28.01.2015 Unfairly traded By Sam Lowit


Government censorship around the world has recently come under fire. David Cameron, speaking on encrypted messaging in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, questioned whether “we want to allow a means of communication between people which we cannot read?” The centrality of freedom of speech as a fundamental human right has become marked by a dichotomy between expectation and reality. For a large proportion of the world internet sites, journalists and media publications have some, if not complete restrictions on content and perspective. In a recent report compiled by the Committee to Protect Journalists, Eritrea, North Korea and Syria topped the pile of a concernedly large proportion of states that exert control over international and domestic media and employ internet restrictions. These constraints are not only on freedom of speech, but they put a limit on thought and purport protection for the ruling, and often dictatorial, government. Fear of reprisal is an essential facet which works in the favour of media restricting governments. Eritrea, placed first in the CPJ’s ’10 Most Censored Countries’ list, engages in controlling both journalists entering the country and the perspective with which articles written can be approached from as well as interview subjects. President Isaias Afewerki’s 2001 press crackdown, which targeted and arrested independent journalists, eliminated all self- regulating media. As well as disregarding freedom of speech, which journalist Aaron Berhane claims is as deep rooted as preventing groups of seven or more meeting, the country has also been criticised for its religious persecution, preventing other political groups from organising and the arrest and holding of critics without trial. Marred by years of warring for independence, Eritrea’s censorship is marked in questions of self-legitimacy. Through the prevention of criticism, free thought and restriction on those that are able to enter the country, Eritrea is able to validate its claim as an independent country. On 23 January, it was reported that six journalists, originally arrested in 2009, had been released from prison. It is suspected that sixteen other journalists still remain incarcerated, although some are believed to have died from the terrible prison environment. Despite no government comment, this could mark significant progress in a heavily censored country. Neighbouring Ethiopia has become at the centre of heavy media crackdowns as well as monitoring NGO’s and think tanks which are active in the country. These events highlight the instability of the North-East African region and the difficulty of residents in understanding the true proceedings within their countries. Free speech here represents more than a right to discussion, it is a right to understand current political events and criticise them. Brought to public attention most recently by Seth Rogen’s ‘The Interview’ saga, North Korea’s high level of internet, press and media censorship has been widely documented. Now second on the CPJ’s list, mass surveillance of regular citizens, prison camps in which abuse and execution are practiced and the prevention of residents leaving the country are central to ensuring dictatorship. Freedom of speech is amongst several basic human rights which North Korea chooses to disregard, amongst ignoring the right to food, the right to life and has been accused of forced prostitution and forced abortion. Events which actually occur are prevented from surfacing by preventing any information or people leaving the country. Interestingly, the North Korean constitution does give the right to the freedom of speech but this is overridden by the importance of maintaining a socialist way of life as well as not criticising the government. Shin-Dong Hyuk, an escapee from Camp 14, a severe grade prison camp, has become central to voicing the atrocities which occur in North Korea. His story recounting violence and starvation highlights the importance to him of following rules in any circumstances. Despite several elements of his story recently being retracted, his tale is important in understanding what little can be taken from the highly secretive regime. What is clear is that freedom of speech when restricted enables several other basic rights to be restricted. When unable to criticise the ruling powers, it becomes easier for human rights atrocities to be committed as any that disagree can be imprisoned. Speech is what allows us to not only express our inner selves but to understand and effect the political climate in our country. The removal of this power in countries which employ high levels of censorships, ensures large proportions of the globe are kept in physical silence as well as remaining unknowing of the atrocities happening in their own countries The right to the freedom of speech in a growing global community is one which should be ensured. 28.01.2015 Features | The Gaudie 9 By Tosca Gunn Speaking out against censorship When unable to criticise the ruling powers, it becomes easier for human rights atrocities to be committed as any that disagree can be imprisoned. Speech is what allows us to not only express our inner selves but to understand and effect the political climate in our country.


10 Puzzles | The Gaudie 28.01.2015 Editor: David Robertson thegaudie.co.uk/puzzles I t’s been an interesting week. Not least because I have to defend myself against more parties than just Sillyband and his group of ridiculous communists. That’s right, it looks like I’ll have to battle the might of Plaid Cymru as well. I’ve never liked Dandelions. Or is it Daffodils? Anyway, the only time I’ve ever found Plaid Cymru useful was when I worked out that an anagram of Plaid Cymru was “I’m duly crap”. I don’t care what the Green party say either, I’m not changing the laws on cannabis. No matter how much Caroline Lucas enjoys the ganja, it’s illegal. End of. At least I’ve got time to prepare for that; right now I’ve tried to make sure every flag within a thousand mile radius is flying at half-mast to signify the death of the King of Saudi Arabia (who until yesterday I genuinely believed was Sacha Baron Cohen). In my haste to make sure no flags were flying over Britain even an inch over half-mast, I may have conveniently forgotten the fact that he was a tyrannical, dictatorial, homophobic basket case from a family that controls everything in an absolute monarchy that resembles the time that Henners (Eighth Edition) was on the throne in jolly old Blighty. At least King Henners only beheaded a couple of women that were notable. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia it’s probably closer to two an hour. You know what the Middle East says: if they’ve got no head, then they’re no threat. Never mind. The tobacco industry surely has some good news to cheer us up, right? Enough tax to pay for a few more billion dollar sports days? Oh toss, looks like even my own party and the farce we call a coalition want to take away branding on packets. Labour say it’ll help children. What children, exactly? When I bought my first packet of cigarettes, it genuinely took me twenty minutes to decide, umming and ahh-ing over the different colours of them all. The only good thing this move will produce is the reduction of queue times in supermarkets and newsagents behind nervous eighteen year-olds trying to tell the difference between the red ones and the blue ones. Oh well, I’ll let the lawyers settle this one out. I reckon most of the judges, the amount they smoke, would be more than happy to settle in favour of the tobacco companies in return for a four-hundred carton and a packet of those special cigars that Nigel Farage is so fond of. I call them prig-ars. CLASSICCROSSWORD By David Robertson Down 1. South American drum (5) 2. Catchy song or melody (7) 3. Complicated (9) 4. Sanskrit title for high king (8) 5. Temporary trend (3) 7. Clumsy individual (4) 9. To exceed (7) 12. Zero or nothing (3) 13. Feeble (4) 17. Roman Emperor (4) 18. Oral sensation (5) 20. To nullify or make inefficient (6) 21. Eradicate (7) 22. Member of the Leporidae family (9) 23. Iron and carbon alloy (5) Across 6. Addicted to your vocation (10) 8. Appalling (7) 10. Slightly open (4) 11. Expendable infantry (6,6) 14. Populous city in Bolivia (2,3) 15. High-level sporting participant (8) 16. Member of organised crime (8) 19. Famous Richard (director) (9) 23. Anxious (8) 24. Festive, dairy drink (6) 25. Through second hand (10) 26. Brightest celestial body in night sky (5) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 2 3 9 3 1 5 4 6 2 5 4 9 7 6 3 4 5 7 2 3 4 1 8 2 8 1 ADVANCEDSUDOKU 8 5 4 9 2 1 5 1 3 8 1 4 6 5 4 3 1 6 9 2 1 7 5 4 9 1 8 6 STANDARDSUDOKU Overheard by Christopher Wood


28.01.2015 Opine | The Gaudie 11 Editor: Richard Wood thegaudie.co.uk/opine The future of energy is something that I believe should be on the majority of people’s minds. We should all know that the oil in the North East will not run forever. It has been up and down in price for many years and is not a sustainable energy source to continue to help our country and eventually the world. Wind and solar power is something I strongly believe in. We have seen, particularly along the North East coastline, a significant increase in wind turbines and I believe this has helped sustain our economy. The main benefit of this has been seen in South Australia, as each turbine provides enough electricity for one thousand homes, not to mention how much more environmentally friendly this could potentially make our country. If the United Kingdom used this power, we could potentially be up there with the world leaders in wind power. According to the Danish government, Denmark is the world leader in wind power, with 39.1% of electricity production generated by wind in 2014 with South Australia right up there with them. Renewable energy is how I envision the future of energy because we could produce amazing targets to ensure that it is the reason for our electricity supply. South Australia and Denmark are fantastic examples as noted by the increase of wind energy in these countries. The Australian Energy Market Operator says wind and solar power accounted for around 27% of South Australia’s energy in 2012-13. However, in the past year, several new wind farms have started operation, meaning on an average day wind power now accounts for almost 40% of South Australia’s delivered energy, according to Gus Nathan, professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Energy Technology: “On a good day, when the wind’s really blowing, it can account for all of the energy in our network.” Not only is wind power significantly increas- ing over the world, solar energy is becoming increasingly popular. For this to work the sun does have to shine the majority of the year, but I have spotted a few houses here and there in Aberdeen with solar panels. In some ways I find it amazing that more do not have this system. Australia is once again a prime example of how solar energy can work when oil is no longer a completely safe option. Perth, the capital of Western Australia, and the country’s sunniest big city, enjoys an average of eight hours of sunshine per day, rising to eleven hours in the height of summer. Sydney is not far behind, with the sun on show for more than seven hours each day, and the even cloudier and cooler Melbourne gets five and a half hours. With such enviable weather conditions, one knock-on effect is that Australia leads the way when it comes to the number of homes that have solar panels. More than a million residential properties in the country now have the systems installed - more than one in ten houses, which Prof Martin Green, from the University of New South Wales, says only Japan can currently rival. Why can’t the UK become a rival to these countries? Solar panel energy could lead the way, along with wind power, to ensure a safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable future for us and everyone else’s future. As mentioned, Aberdeen City Council when build- ing new homes have introduced these solar panels for heating and I think it is something homeowners and landlords should consider for their homes. It could be revolutionary to provide alternative methods for energy. Wind and solar power are not, so to speak, a grasp in the dark, and have been implemented in other countries. They have been tried and tested, and have proved to be highly influential in terms of the environment. I think this would be a great step in the right direction, and not a wrong turn. For years now, nuclear power has been developing in the background of developed nations, waiting for a time when it will be needed to provide the majority of the energy and power that the modern world requires to continue functioning in the way it has become accustomed to. There will come a day when oil runs out and we will have to turn to other sources for power, energy and fuel, and when that day comes, it should be nuclear power that we turn to. For many, nuclear power is something that sparks fear and dread when thought of, with visions of nuclear disasters coming to mind. However, the world has moved on from the days of Chernoble. New technology, new ways of creating nuclear power safely, have been developed by scientists around the globe. Indeed, many developed countries already use nuclear power to generate at least part of their energy consumption. France, currently gets 75% of its electricity supply from nuclear power, due to a long-standing policy on energy security - producing the majority of it’s own power instead of importing it like the rest of Europe. 17% of this nuclear electricity power is from recycled nuclear power. Coupled with this, France is also one of the top energy exporters in the world due to its very low generating costs, and makes about €3billion a year from this. Combine this with its export market for reactors and fuel products and services, due to its investment in developing nuclear energy, then you have a very profitable industry. However, without sufficient investment in nuclear energy, or indeed any form of renewable or alternate energy sources to oil, then this will not only fail to be a profitable industry, but also a viable alternate means of generating energy and power. Governments around the world, especially those who already have nuclear plants and capacity to generate substantial amounts of nuclear power such as American and Britain, need to encourage and invest in nuclear power now if it is to one day take the place of oil. By looking to the examples of France, and even Japan with its investment in nuclear energy, then governments can begin to create the infrastructure and investment needed in the alternate power supply industries. In Australia, an unclear energy policy from the government is stagmenting what should be a booming renewable fuel market, creating underdevelopment. Speaking to the BBC, Ian Lees, engineering manager for Trustpower, said “We’d like to see some indication that renewables are a favourable option to invest in. Unless there’s a stable economic platform for development then there will be no development.” Whilst governments talk about investing in alternate energy sources, they do not actually invest enough money, or even set out long-term goals that are achieveable. That oil will run out eventually is an undeniable fact, and that global warming and greenhouse gasses are slowly damaging the planet and the environment are also unavoidable facts. However, what is avoidable is a lack of alternative power sources. Solar and wind power are already being invested in small-medium scales, but they alone cannot produce the massive energy and fuel needs of the world. Nuclear power, on the other hand, can. Nuclear power has the potential to be big enough to replace oil, if not completely, then combined with solar, wind and wave power. Large scale investment is needed in all kinds of renewable energy sources from governments. Nuclear power is the obvious solution to the increasing oil shortage crisis that the world will soon be facing. Improvements in safety, technology, regulations from governments and disposal methods have rendered it a relatively safe method of producing the large scale energy supplies the modern world demands. Whilst I cannot deny that solar and wind power are also growing sources of alternative energy, they simply cannot cope with the scale of the demand that the energy sector will put on them. Nuclear power is already used around the world, and with sufficient investment, and clear long-term energy policies by governments around the world, it can replace oil in the future. Shona Duthie argues that future of energy lies in wind and solar power, whilst Katherine Gilbert makes the case for nuclear power. Oil is running out, where next for energy? Solar panel energy could lead the way, along with wind power, to ensure a safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable future By Shona Duthie By Katherine Gilbert


What do you think about the changes made to this semester’s schedule? Emily Gordine 3rd Year Economics and IR “I actually found the changes that have been made quite helpful! Who doesn’t want a prolonged vacation and an exam-free return to Aberdeen?” Zabrina Renfrew 2nd year Accounting and Spanish “I’ve found that my learning experience here has been improved by the changes that were made. I liked the fact that we had exams before the holidays, but find it daunting that teaching already ends in April.” Alex Eisner 3rd year Economics “I don’t think that the changes that were made will have a significant impact on my performance in class – I’ve been relatively indifferent to semester-rescheduling.“ 12 Opine | The Gaudie 28.01.2015 COMMENTAIRE INTERNATIONALE the scrutiny which has fallen upon the lack of diversity brings to the surface obvious disproportions This month everyone seems to be talking about the Oscars for all the wrong reasons. The most prestigious event for the movie industry caused speculation last week after the nominees were announced, and many media outlets have been questioning the fairness and diversity of the Academy Awards. The debate has even sparked a social media hashtag, #oscarssowhite, which was trending worldwide, and many insist there is a connection to the current undercurrent of discontent flowing after some serious racial tensions arose in the United States in 2014. While the nominees and winners of the past are legitimately worthy of the accolade in many respects, the scrutiny which has fallen upon the lack of diversity brings to the surface obvious disproportions. Famous directors such as Spike Lee and Alexander McQueen have made comments which suggest the Oscars are political, and the controversy which now surrounds the event will bring both public attention and criticism to the ceremony in March. My opinion, however, is that while the lack of racial diversity amongst Academy Award Nominees in the acting categories cannot be ignored, the use of the word diversity makes me cringe a little bit. The problem goes deeper than the fact that the Martin Luther King blockbuster Selma wasn’t nominated for more than Best Picture and Best Song. The problem lies in the fact that the movie industry in America seems to typecast actors. For example, blogger Edward Hong describes how it is hard as an Asian actor in America to get cast in a leading role - usually the roles he gets are for ‘Asian IT reps with only three lines’. It seems that there is change to be had in the demands of movie producers and casting directors before we can tap into the changes needed amongst the 7000 members of the Academy who vote for the winners of the Academy Awards. Yet again, the word racial diversity springs to mind. Diversity is defined in the dictionary as noticeable heterogeneity, but somewhere along the trail of newspaper headlines white became the epitome of nondiverse. Is Bradley Cooper Italian, Irish, or even American? No. He is white. Is Lupita Nyong’o Mexican, Kenyan, or a female artist? Nope. According to the focus of the media, each actor and actress is stripped of all other layers of individual identity and thrown under a racial umbrella. My point is not to question identity or race (something so solidified yet so fluid in meaning), but to question where we get the notion that we, as members of the public, can lump actors into these totally arbitrary categories. There are indeed changes to be made in Hollywood which could allow more movies to get made which challenge and transform the issue of typecasting actors. However, the 20 actors nominated for the Best Leading/Supporting Actor/Actress categories should be recognised for their versatility and talent, and accepted as diverse in style and technique. For example, funnyman Steve Carrel who is known for being typecasted in trivial comedy roles, has been nominated for Best Leading Actor this year. I do feel that Ava DuVernay, the director of Selma, should have been nominated for the Best Director category, but the movie is the favourite to win the overall Best Picture Award in March. The Oscars is a slow mover when it comes to diversity and change, with only one female to ever win Best Director in 85 years of the Academy Awards and now an infamous hashtag to remind Hollywood how far is yet to go before questions of diversity and inclusiveness are outdated. Outrage at onerous Oscars? Exploring what race and gender have to do with academy awards Davidlohr Bueso (flickr) By Ashley Sevadjian The hypocrisy of Saudi public relations Examining what the flogging of Raif Badawi says about the ‘House of Saud’ under Saudi law insulting Islam or even trying to start a petition is now an act of I terrorism. n the wake of the recent tragedy in Paris at the Charlie Hebdo offices, which saw twelve people killed and several others wounded, the national community rallied in Paris in memorial to the victims and to defend free speech, using the now famous phrase ‘Je suis Charlie’. Several world leaders also came to Paris on 11 January to condemn the attacks and protest against terrorism, among them Nazir Mandani, the Saudi Arabian Minister of State. This smacks of hypocrisy, considering that while all this goes on, a Saudi Arabian blogger by the name of Raif Badawi faces a thousand lashes for ‘offending Islam’, fifty of which he has already received in front of a jeering crowd, two days before Mandani flew to Paris to show his support for freedom of speech. So what was it that Raif said that was apparently so offensive? He didn’t actually attack Islam itself directly, rather he was critical of the power religion can hold in state matters, stating that “[n]o religion at all has any connection to mankind’s civic progress” and that “[s]tates which are based on religion confine their people in the circle of faith and fear”. He also spoke of the benefits of liberalism, which he felt the Saudi government were trying to demonise. His statements are available online if you wish to read them. While he seems to be advocating dramatic change in his country, he never directly attacks Islam like the cartoonists of Charlie Hebdo did. We can only imagine what the punishment of the cartoonists would be if they had worked in Saudi Arabia rather than France, though it’s likely it would more extreme than a lashing. With this in mind, it seems rather unlikely that the Saudi Arabian government is especially concerned about the values of free speech, and unfortunately seems to be hijacking the tragedy in Paris to use as a kind of PR event for their state. What makes this even worse is that Saudi Arabia is supposed to be one of our allies in the Middle East, and yet the West constantly turns a blind eye to what’s going on there. Saudi Arabia has had a terrible human rights record for years. For example, eleven members of ACPRA, one of the few human rights organisations in the country, are currently imprisoned for supposedly ‘inflaming public opinion’, or, more accurately, for protesting peacefully against the state’s other actions, such as imprisoning Raif’s lawyer Waleed Abulkhair for fifteen years, as well as cracking down on woman who dare learn to drive. Despite Saudi Arabia’s attempts to distance itself from Islamic extremists by joining the Je suis Charlie march, and joining America’s coalition against IS, the fact remains that the country remains a dangerous place for anyone who attacks the state or Islam. In fact, under Saudi law, insulting Islam or even trying to start a petition is now an act of terrorism. But what can we actually do about all of this? Other than calling them out on their hypocrisy, which many people have already done, our governments need to do more to make it clear to Saudi Arabia that, as an ally, these actions just aren’t acceptable. The American Government, to its credit, did demand that Raif be spared from a flogging the night before his punishment but their appeal seems to have been ignored. We need to start caring more about attacks on human rights and freedom of speech further afield from Europe – after all, it is a universal human right, and thus should be protected everywhere it is under threat. The fact that according to the Saudi Arabian government Raif is a ‘terrorist’ really shows up how little they care about freedom of speech in their own country – even as they travel to Paris to show opposition against the terrorists who brutally attacked it there. #jesuisraif By Jamie Smith


A common myth now exists that a degree is the only ticket to a job. It’s become expected that if we want to achieve anything with our lives it’s off to uni we go. When I was younger I genuinely believed that to forgo university would mean a life of deep unhappiness being employed only by McDonalds. Although after nearly three years of university I can’t say I’ve learnt much that makes me terribly qualified for anything. Will an employer really care that I can write 5000 words on class dealignment in Britain and its greater meaning for the future of British politics? That I can recite virtually verbatim the lyrics to Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake It Off’ from long nights in the library trying to write said essay? Probably not. After four years I won’t really be qualified to do anything other than learn, interpret and repeat. Unless you’re a medic, a lawyer or a vet it’s unlikely that after you do your degree that you will naturally fall into any one career. If we were all to do what our degree qualified us for there would just be thousands upon thousands of economists, biologists, historians and political analysts. There would be few journalists, PR people, and silly though it seems when have you ever heard of a degree in wedding planning? A degree doesn’t necessarily equal a job. In fact, in the case of many careers, people don’t hold degrees at all: oftenpeople in professions that none of us could cope without. Builders, plumbers, beauticians: all of them have relatively well-paying careers and haven’t had to pull all-nighters writing about something that will most likely never come up in the real world However , that does not mean that the pressure to get a degree and the lack of one doesn’t still hold a stereotype of failure. If you don’t spend four years getting into masses of debt that you can’t pay off because you’re not qualified for anything it ironically means you’re not actually employable in any field that asks for a university degree. Unlike electricians or physio’s, those of us doing humanities or science degrees aren’t actually trained in anything practical for the real world. Nowadays even having a degree isn’t enough. Now that so many people hold undergraduate degrees, we’re told that we all have to have a Masters or some other postgradudate qualification if we want to stand out from the crowd of graduates all clamouring to get a job. Not only do we have to spend four years to be completely useless in a work environment, but we then have to spend another one or two becoming arguably more unqualified and in debt. I’m not suggesting that we shouldn’t have degrees and that none of us are capable of getting or indeed succeeding in the job market. However, the degree isn’t what makes us employable, it’s all the little extra bits. Socialising in societies and sports teams are what give us the skills to work with other people and communicate ideas. Having a timetable means we (mostly) learn time management, and finding organisations where you can try and test aspects of a career you’re interested in, such as writing in this paper, provides relevant experience. Even having a part time job where you get to ‘appreciate’ what it’s like to work for someone else, and learning to be held accountable for your actions and learn the practicalities of managing money and filling in tax forms help. These are the aspects of university and getting a degree that mean most of us can and will be employed by someone after essentially studying to be qualified in nothing. The recent oil crisis has been particularly notable in Aberdeen - a city where, up until now, the effects of the recession have gone relatively unfelt. Whilst it would be unfair to say that it has caused an outbreak of shock and panic, it has made the population of the city and all those employed in energy much more wary about the future of their sector. In June of 2014 the price of oil was $115 per barrel. By the end of December it had fallen to around $70 - a 40% drop in the price and it has continued to fall even further since. Now there are numerous things that have affected the fall in the price of oil. One of the key issues is the simple rule of supply and demand: due to increased efficien- cies in key sectors and a switch to other forms of energy demand for oil is not as high as it once was, meaning that a price drop in oil is only natural. America has also become the largest oil producer in the world which means that it is now importing less from other countries, creating less demand and therefore facilitating a price drop. Arab nations like Saudi Arabia are also deflating the oil price as they have not decreased oil production despite the price drop. The reason for this is it only costs them between $5-6 to get out of the ground and will have little impact on their economy due to the large $900bn oil reserve fund they have. Of course it is not just Aberdeen that is feeling the effects of the so-called ‘oil crisis’. Russia is the nation that has felt the most crippling effects of the price nosedive. The value of the Rouble has plummeted, putting the entire economy at risk and devastating people’s savings. A far cry from a few job loses in Aberdeen: the Oil Capital of Europe. What has become apparent though is that the Nationalist arguments in the referendum have been proved to be null and void. Had we voted for independence, we would have immediately started with a £7bn black hole in our budget. No doubt the oil price will recover soon, but to pretend that a drop in oil is a bad thing for the wider UK economy is complete nonsense. It benefits the average citizen, who can now afford to fill up his car for much lower prices. Those who have oil heated homes are in a much better position. Stemming the flow of job losses and securing the future of those working in the sector in Scotland and the wider United Kingdom can be facilitated by a tax. A tax break for North Sea oil and gas companies would prevent further job losses and could very well restart the miniature boom that Aberdeen has been experiencing for well over a decade now. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has highlighted the crucial role that the North Sea oil and gas sector plays in the British economy and has hinted at such a tax break. Whilst recent development in the oil sector are no doubt causing concerns at the highest levels, the reality is that the sector will likely continue on as normal and, des- pite a few job losses, the sector will continue to play an important part in the local North East economy and will still be the main source of employment. 28.01.2015 Opine | The Gaudie 13 Degrees matter, but there’s more to University than direct education The upshot of a nosedive - oil in Aberdeen By Rachael McMenemy COMMENTS CLOSE TO HOME The Student Viewpoint Oil prices have fallen. Are tax cuts the way forwards in the industry? Will an employer really care that I can write 5000 words on class dealignment in Britain and its greater meaning for the future of British politics? xianrendujia (flickr) Exploring degrees and other routes to getting noticed by employers Arguing that a tax break in the oil industry could fuel a boom By Aarran McPherson Should a degree guarantee a job? *Sample size 28 Jonny ...on and off (flickr) YES NO UNSURE When oil runs out what should be the main source of energy in Scotland?


I n December 2014, YouGov released a poll result that would shock many. Among 18-24 year olds in the UK, 22% of those asked said that they would vote for the Green Party in the upcoming General Election in May 2015. This was the same percentage as those who said they would vote for the Conservative party, making the Greens tied second place behind Labour (of whom 32% of those asked said they would vote for) amongst the youngest generation of voters within our country. This brings to question a few things. Firstly, are we as the younger generation, becoming more engaged in politics? I believe that the there is a growing interest in politics amongst young people. However, I am not sure I believe that it is because of some new astounding urge within our generation to get more involved with politics that no generation before us has ever had before. No, in fact, the reason why I believe that more young people are getting involved with politics is because the political parties are targeting us – especially university students. It is safe to say that at present, there is a stalemate within British politics, with a high likelihood for another coalition of some sort resulting from the General Election this year in May – and this is most definitely not what any of the major political parties want. It is already becoming strongly prevalent that some of the further left and right parties i.e. the Greens and UKIP are gaining great popularity amongst the students and are doing so because they have been making a point of becoming a prominent image on campus. This was shown clearly when leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, Natalie Bennett said that ‘young people would be absolutely critical to making a big breakthrough in the general election’. The Guardian reported further and stated that the Greens had ‘high hopes for several seats in university towns, including Norwich and Bristol’. With the fact that over the past year the Greens have increased their membership by more than 150% to more than 4500 members, it is clear that their tactics are working. UKIP are also doing their best to make themselves known within the University sphere of Great Britain – attracting as many euro-sceptic and Conservative defectors as they can. UKIP students, a youth group led by 21-year-old Joe Jenkins, now has 18 societies in universities and more than 2500 members. So again, it is clear that their plans are working. Within the press and media, there has not been much said about Labour, the Lib Dems or the Conservatives in terms trying to reach out to the younger generations of this country. However, I would be inclined to argue that this was due to the age and history of these parties – meaning that they already have strong and well-found youth wings not just within Universities but within communities as well. A great example of this being the ‘Liberal Youth’ movement – the youth and student faction of the Liberal Democrat party, that not only allows the younger generation to get involved with the party but also allows them to partake as active participants in policy formation. Youth movements are part of the reason explaining increased involvement. The more radical and smaller parties are clearly making successful pushes to capture the interest of those who are disillusioned with the current political system and believe that it is time for something new. In this general election, I believe that if you have your vote and you are between the ages of 18-25, you have to use it. This election will shape our future, and now more than ever we as the younger generation will be needed to help in securing a solid and controlled environment for Great Britain. Now is the time to have your voice heard in politics. Break the stalemate that exists amongst the older population of voters in this country who are too stuck in their ways to even considering changing the party they vote for. Read up on party manifestos, don’t listen to what your parents have told you all your life, and vote for the party that you believe will lead Britain into the future you want for it. Recent figures show a record number of Scots, and people all over the UK, are using food banks. Food banks, naturally, are designed to help those at the bottom, those with no other options, those for whom the welfare system has not been enough. These individuals often work and contribute to society. These individuals are not the benefits scrounging caricature which has been played on by the British Government and media in recent years. These people have been failed by society and as such have been forced to turn to charity to feed themselves, to keep themselves alive in 21st century Britain. I’ll repeat. These individuals have been failed by society and as a result have been forced to turn to charity to feed themselves, to keep themselves alive in 21st century Britain. For those who defend the current setup, reread that last part. Be ashamed. I am ashamed. I’m ashamed this is the subject of an Opine piece in 2015. Why should we be ashamed? Put simply: there is enough money and there is enough food in our country to go around. There is no excuse for people to have to use foodbanks. None. Not one. Food bank usage has increased dramatically since the coalition government took power in 2010. It is true food banks did exist prior to this, however benefits sanctions and slashes to welfare have resulted in figures for foodbank usage skyrocketing. The majority of the cuts, we are told, are still to come. What a horrifying prospect. The problem we have now is this: in a country where sales of Bentleys have increased by 9% in the last year and our chancellor, George Osborne, went to great lengths to save bankers bonuses from EU legislation, we are also seeing increasing reliability on food banks. This is a problem also because in governmental terms it is difficult to see where an alternative will come from. The Tories will cut more, increasing inequality and harming those at the bottom. Labour will do something similar - just a week ago a number of their MPs voted with the Government on a continued austerity policy. The LibDems will die in May. The Greens will grow but not enough and UKIP are, quite frankly, not a credible option. We can vote SNP here but they won’t get into government, the most they will do is support a Labour Government on certain votes in return for more power. A few months ago, we had the chance to make a difference, to leave this system behind and we, as a nation, democratically, chose to reject democracy by voting ‘No’. A magic wand was never offered by independence campaigners. Food Banks would still have been an issue, poverty would still have been present. The difference is, we would have had the chance to change it in a more dramatic way, free from the outdated, City of London obsessed cesspit that is Westminster. We could have spread the cost of society more evenly; we could have created a fairer society. This would not have happened overnight but with a change as dramatic as leaving the UK, it’s possible we just might have begun to see some light at the end of the tunnel. As it stands, I don’t see where that light is going to come from. What we are dealing with is an ideologically driven attack on the poor, on those who rely on the rest of society for support. The heartbreaking part is that the propaganda machine of the Government has begun to turn the people against each other as well. There is more anger in the public over a benefits scam worth a couple of grand (which I don’t condone) than there is over a tax evasion scheme used by a company worth a few hundred million. How do we curb the use of food banks? We take a step back, we look at the situation we face in this country, and we begin to realise who the real enemy is. Believe me when I say, the real enemy is most definitely not a middle age full time worker who is having to rely on food banks to feed their children. 21st century Britain: food-banks and attacks on the poor All opinions expressed in the Opine section are those of the authors of the articles, and do not necessarily represent views held by The Gaudie, AUSA, or any company which advertises in The Gaudie Disclaimer 14 Opine | The Gaudie 28.01.2015 With the use of food banks on the up, society has failed thousands of citizen Arguing that younger voters should have their say in the election POLITICAL CORNER The rise of political youth engagement across the country What we are dealing with is an ideologically driven attack on the poor, on those who rely on the rest of society for support. The more radical and smaller parties are clearly making successful pushes to capture the interest of those who are disillusioned with the current political system By Steven Graham-Smith By Cameron Hill 401(K) 2012 (flickr)


28.01.2015 Sport | The Gaudie 15 2014 2015 Last year was a belter for everyone keen on sport. An unlikely alliance between the people of Glasgow and the British establishment supported the Commonwealth Games. A lot of questions were asked in the months running up to the summer event. Could a competition that ignores the United States, China and Russia, the biggest winners at the Olympics, serve a purpose in the modern age? Would people be interested in competition that was demonstrably not worldclass? Politically too, could a country like Scotland really be a good host? Scotland is a nation that tends to shuffle its feet awkwardly whenever the Empire is mentioned, yet here it was hosting a celebration of the Empire’s cultural inheritance; a nation too that in 2012, when England was going as stiff as a Maypole for the queen’s Jubilee, affected a meticulously observed universal lack of interest. Could we become loyal subjects for a fortnight of sport? The controversial and often-ill judged opening ceremony seemed to indicate that all the fears would be realised. A strange dance involving product-placement for self-proclaimed Scottish dietry staples Irn Bru and Tunnocks Tea Cakes were followed by an embarrassingly poorly performed ‘God save the Queen’. The athletes then paraded out, and there is no denying that some of them looked as fit and sporting as my gran. The very names, let alone locations, of several countries were utterly unfamiliar, and hadn’t been named in Glasgow outside of tricky pubquiz tie breakers. The first day arrived under a glorious blue sky and blazing sun. Scotland hadn’t expected too much; their previous best medals tally had been a humble three golds subsidised by 30 silvers and bronzes decades ago. A flurry of baffling oriental wrestling in the Judo, however, led to our first gold. People inside the stadium gave it absolutely laldy. People outside pricked up their ears. Maybe this could be fun after all. Hard at the heels of the Judo gold Scotland took a one-two in the swimming pool. Scotland, up against the aquatic giants of Australia and England, took gold and silver. The games hit top gear that first day, and the pace never slowed. Medals were rolling in like it was an ‘everyone’s a winner’ school sports day, and crowds were turning up in vast numbers, cheerfully sunburnt in the unfamiliar weather. The games dominated the city itself on a festival scale. Huge teles and outdoor drinking areas were established on Glasgow Green. The city centre, slick with the spue, sweat and spilt kebabs of a Saturday night was shut down for a Sunday morning cycle race. The success of the games was a victory of the fun, respect and innocence of sporting competition over the cynicism of party politics and professional elitism. For those who like their sport more cerebral and stripped of spectacle, there was also the Ryder Cup. Golf is an acquired taste. Those who enjoyed it know the achievement. The rest of us let it pass by. The rest of us had the fitba in Brazil. Here we witnessed some thrilling upsets, truly world-class competition, and a total pumping early doors of our friends south of the border. Something for everyone. Local sport also had an incredible year. We saw a disruption of the Glaswegian domination of Scottish football. Aberdeen lifted the League cup after a tense final with Inverness. In doing so they set a world record – a world record, mind you – for the largest away attendance in the modern era in world football when 45 000 Aberdonians made the journey south to see the team snatch glory at Hampden. Stuart Milne, who has gone through a torrid 16 years as chairman of our local club, summed it up nicely in an expletive-laden radio interview afterwards. “19 years, 120 minutes and then fucking penalties! I’ve ne’er been mair emotional in ma life.” Wee Saint Johnstone broke this writer’s heart by beating Dundee United to win the Scottish Cup. That one was noted for the Saints’ away support. 15 000 made the trip from Perth, which is 1/3 of that city’s entire population. All those empty houses must have allowed the Perthshire thieves to have a free-for-all of burglary day. Doubtless St. Johnstone were not the only Perth lads getting their hands on undeserved silverware that day. In rugby, Edinburgh sank as usual without a trace, stubborn in their refusal to go down fighting. Glasgow, however, spurned expectation and spent the year marauding through the league, clattering the heavyweights and generally putting Scottish rugby back on a map from which it has been long absent. They reached the cup final and in the words of John Beattie, the BBC man, had the chance to “secure the greatest achievement by any Scottish team in any sport since the move towards professionalism.” Sleazy riders by Stephen Bloe After all the excitement of last year, surely 2015 can only be a dud? International events are thin on the ground. Sports followers may be inclined to shuffle through this year, hands in pockets, awaiting the big deals of 2016: the Olympics in Rio de Janero and the Euro Championships in Paris. No need for anything so downbeat. This year we are blessed by the prospect of revitalised competition in all spheres. With a nod to our dearly departed Listings Section, Gaudie Sport runs down just three of the years’ big sporting events to look forward to. RUGBY 7 February The Six Nations is nearly upon us. Through February and March Scotland will play host to Italy, Wales and Ireland at Murrayfield in Edinburgh. The games will be sell outs. Usually this is a cue for rugby fans across the nation to hide themselves inside nine pints of heavy. They usually resurface, hungover and sad, only after all the other national teams have finished their demolition of our flimsy boys in blue. This year we have cause for optimism. The conveyor belt of youth development is finally delivering tough, swaggering young guns to the frontline of our national team. They built up a good head of steam in the latter half of 2014 and look ready to impose themselves on the competition. A new coach, and some strong performances – and even some wins – at the tail end of last year indicate some hope for our national team. If you have never been to Murrayfield, then do so. It’s an experience I cannot recommend highly enough for native and international students alike. You can drink all through the game thanks to the bars throughout the ground, and even if Scotland are their usual plate of cold mince, you will get to sing ‘Flower of Scotland’ with 55 000 half-cut Scottish folk. It is a spine-tingling feeling you will carry with you to your grave. FITBA 29 March Scotland are right in the mix for qualification for Euro 2016. We face European giants Gibraltar, followed by the Irish in the first half of 2015. The Germans, Poles and Georgians visit later in the year. Even to non-football supporting people, this should be exciting, as next years’ championship finals are to be held in Paris. Qualification would therefore guarantee a week long binge in Paris, and some unforgettable scenes. Thousands of cheaply kilted men and women, unwilling to pay the exorbitant rates of Parisian hoteliers would form a new underclass in the shanty towns around gay Pari. The tartan army would team up with Shelter to hastily construct tenements out of Tennents cans for the tipsy refugees. So even if your couldnae give a toss about the ‘beautiful game’ get down to the Bobbin and cheer on Scotland, and cheer on the dream of a tartan wave engulfing Paris next year. The last time the Tartan Army made it to Paris, their central point was around the Eiffel Tower. Lacking an opposition to heckle, they turned the wit of their derisory chants on the built environment. They came up with this beezer, amongst others: Only a Pylon, it’s just a big fucking pylon Only a pylon The Eiffel’s just a big fuckin’ pylon! In other fitba news, the stars seem to be aligning for Aberdeen to win big this year. This year is the Chinese year of the sheep. Also, the film ‘Back to the Future’ tips Aberdeen for greatness. The film travels from 1985 to 1955. Aberdeen won the league in both those years and in no other. The films sequel throws Marty McFly deep into the future, and he lands in 2015. Surely this is as good as a celestial guarantee. FORMULA 1 This non-sport is stretching patience worldwide even further this year. It has expanded out to a 20 race calendar, so that it can hopscotch between such despot hotspots as Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Russia. Gaudie Sport understands that F1 bigwig Bernie Ecclestone is in negotiations with Satan himself, hoping to agree terms for a race in Hades for 2016. Save yourself the numbing sight of tax-dodging drivers in identical cars parading around in a preordained order all year. Instead tune in for only the first race of the season. This year, that’s in Australia in the middle of March. Whoever has spent the most money on their hypercar this year will win it, along with every other race in this season. Get down to the Bobbin and cheer on Scotland, and cheer on the dream of a tartan wave engulfing Paris next year. Photo from Jock McHavish


16 Sport | The Gaudie 28.01.2015 Editor: Alistair Heather thegaudie.co.uk/sport You might’ve noticed rugby-playing Murray about campus. He fairly hulks up and out in all three dimensions, standing a good few inches above six foot, and weighing a staggering 120kg. That’s chapping on the door of nineteen stone in old money. He has earned a call up to represent the Scotland in the under-20 Six Nations this coming February. This is a natural progression for a player whose youth is littered with trophies and distinction on the park. Having already lifted the under-15 Caledonia Bowl with Dunfermline RFC, McCallum captained the Caledonia regional side at under-16 and U17, and played at under-19 level, before being brought into the international age-grade set-up for the 2013/14 campaign. Murray had scarcely arrived at Aberdeen before he was in the first team, winning the big games. His performance was integral to the recent win over Loughborough RFC in the BUCS trophy match. He is in the first year of a Geology degree, so we can look forward to this muckle Fifer battering seven shades out of all visiting rugby teams for many happy years into the future. Murray will have his work cut out for him, however. Scotland’s first under-20 match is away to France in Burgandy. They will be playing in front of a partisan crowd in a stadium with a 14 000 capacity. A win would be more than an upset. Scotland were utterly dismal last year, losing every single match in the competition. There is a slim ray of hope in that the French beat us with the smallest cushion, beat- ing us 18-13. The same year saw us lose to England by 43-15. Doubtless the fearless Fifer will step into the breach and prop Scotland up in a good performance and, hopefully, a win. Gaudie Sport will be following the tournament with interest. Best of luck to the big man in the upcoming competition! Fifer favourite for fighting French By Andrew Mustard Foes feart fae facing Fifer Sat 7 Feb 2015 20:45 France U20 Scotland U20 Fri 13 Feb 2015 18:00 Scotland U20 Wales U20 Fri 27 Feb 2015 19:30 Scotland U20 Italy U20 Fri 13 Mar 2015 17:30 England U20 Scotland U20 Fri 20 Mar 2015 18:00 Scotland U20 Ireland U20 Rowing rivals ready to rock ‘n’ row! The 2015 Aberdeen Asset Management Universities’ Boat Race looks set to be the most hotly contested yet. Top student rowers will be going oar to oar in all-out battle to win the coveted rowing race, which takes place on the River Dee on Saturday, 21st March at 2.20pm. Reigning river champions Robert Gordon University (RGU) have thrown down the gauntlet to Aberdeen University to try and beat RGU’s record-breaking win of last year. RGU won in seven minutes and 47 seconds, beating Aberdeen University by two lengths. Despite losing the race, Aberdeen University also broke the original race record of eight minutes and one second with their time of seven minutes and 54 seconds – so there’s everything to row for in the 2015 event. Now in its 20th year, the event also includes alumni, second crew and media team races and with all this action on the water it will be a real spectator attraction, and the public are urged to come along and cheer on the teams. RGU Boat Club president Emily Geddes (20) hails from Aberdeen and has been rowing since the age of 13, winning double gold medals at the British Rowing Junior Championships. Applied Sports and Exercise Science student Emily believes that RGU could be on course for its fourth win in a row. She says: “Last year we made it a hat trick and we are going all out to make it four in a row. We won’t be taking anything for granted and are working hard to hold onto the title.” Her Aberdeen University Boat Club counterpart, Tom Coles (21) is from Callander and aside from his computer sciences studies, rowing and the presidency of the University’s boat club takes up most of his free time. Tom says: “We may not have won last year, but we came very close and we also succeeded in breaking the previous boat race record. We are confident that we will see the title return to Aberdeen University in 2015. We’re full of fighting spirit and will be going all-out to achieve victory.” The race takes place over a 3.5km stretch of the River Dee in Aberdeen, between the Bridge of Dee and the Aberdeen Boat Club. In preparation of the 2015 event, both crews are undergoing gruelling training, including early morning starts on the river. Each of the 18 rowers and accompanying coxes will take just under 300 strokes to compete the race, pushing their physical and mental endurance to the limit. Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Aberdeen University says: “This is a fantastic event for both universities and the city as a whole and is always contested in great spirit. The fact that both teams broke the course record last year shows how the standard of our student athletes continues to rise and I’m sure this year’s race will be another exciting spectacle.” Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal of RGU adds: “The rivalry of the Oxford and Cambridge boat race is nothing compared with the competitive determination of our crews, not to mention the passion of our supporters, and we hope that students, families and the general public will turn out in large numbers to support this great sporting occasion.” Follow the 2015 Boat Race at www. facebook.com/AAM BoatRace and at http://twitter.com/2015Boat Race By Beverley Tricker Photos supplied by Beverly Tricker


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