MAGDALEN

The
DUNDEE UNIVERSITY’S STUDENT MAGAZINE • SEPTEMBER • NO.17

IN THIS EDITION:
THE LIBRARY ISSUES
MEET YOUR EXEC
NICK CAVE
MORE STUDENT DRAMA IN SKINT
METAL: THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUND
ROBERT WINSTON
AFRICAN ADVENTURES
LEIGH GRIFFITHS INTERVIEW

THE FREE MAGAZINE BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS.

 The Magdalen Logo
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 No.17
The Freshers’ Issue 3
September 2010

Magdalen
The CONTENTS
5 NEWS: Campus
6 NEWS: Dundee for Dummies

Page 25
7 EX LIBRIS
14 POLITICS: Con-Dem
15 DUSA TV: Skint
16 FRESHERS: Awe! Wonder!
Freshers’ Special!

19 INVESTIGATION: Bulgaria
20 Welcome from your Exec
24 MUSIC: Metal
Page 27
26 Art: Degree Show in
Retrospect

27 BAD SEED? Nick Cave in

Dundee

28 TRAVEL: From Africa to

Shanghai

32 SCIENCE: Winston’s Wisdom

33 SPORT: Leigh Griffiths
Speaks
Page 32
The Magdalen

Editor
Beth Shackley Editorial
Online Editor
Ruth Hunter
Greetings readers!
Assistant Editors
A very warm Magdalen welcome
Sam Longden to all students joining us this year.
Henrietta Evans We trust you’ll all become avid
readers.
Current Affairs Editor
Faye Cawood Ah, how wonderful it is to
be back. Campus is already
Graphic Designer
buzzing with anticipation at the
incredible events set to take
Hannah Graham place over the coming academic
year, and thanks to the input of
Entertainments Editor our excitable members of the
Ruth Hunter new exec. See page twenty for
interviews and introductions from
Science Editor those beauties!
Dr Jon Urch The libraries, among other
buildings, have been drastically
Sports Editor upgraded, and The Magdalen
Gary Cocker hopes it does not disappoint! We
have delved deep into the issues
surrounding these changes, so Actual size..
Travel Editor
Kirsty Fergusson
check out the library debate from
page seven.
Contributors While you’re not too busy
drinking your own body weight
Mark Bonington in Tennants, or collapsing under
Jordan Dunbar the growing piles of books and
Ellie Fraser assignments, do check out some
Emily Kane
worldly wisdom (or lack thereof)
from our features team.
Kate MacRitchie
Albert Lehzen If football is your thing, you’ll
Rory Martin enjoy our ever-expanding sports
Niall McGoldrick section, located at the back of
Jennifer Menzies The Magdalen.
Yue Min
You may have noted that The
Gabriel Neil Magdalen is available online.
Evelyn Page Thanks to the dilligent VPC,
Gary Paton each month’s magazine will be We have moved office!
Alanna Reid available on the DUSA website. Meet MIGHTY FAN.
Vicky Stevens
Ryan Swann I wish everyone a very enjoyable,
if not productive first semester!
Beth Shackley
Editor
a.e.shackley@dundee.ac.uk

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Campus News
Dundee scientists in magnetic
field breakthrough
A team of researchers from a joint project
from the school of physics, mathematics
and engineering have used a state of
the art of computer to plot simulations of
evolving plasmas at the sun’s surface.
This work allows them to explore how the
magnetic field of the sun radiates energy.
The computer simulation allows them to
predict how the plasmas will behave and
also to discover how the sun’s energy is
released.
Visible magnetic field
Freshers’ fayre
On September the 11th there will be
the annual fresher’s fayre. This is a
chance for freshers, and other students,
to come along and see what societies
the university has to offer, from Scottish
dancing to the university radio and
everything in between. The fayre gives
you a chance to come and talk to
different societies and clubs and see
what they get up to. Being involved in a
society gives you chance to meet new
No.17
The Freshers’ Issue 5
September 2010
friends and talk to like minded people.
There really is something for everyone,
and often lots of free stuff too! So why
not pop down to the union and see what
takes your fancy?
Freshers’ week
It’s that time of year again, the campus
jolts back to life as student from all over
the country, and the world, flood back to
Dundee. It also receives a new influx of
D’Arcy Thompson’s 150th
life in the form of thousands of freshers.
birthday events
This year there are many events
D’Arcy Thompson is more than just a
organised to keep everyone happy,
lecture theatre in the tower building,
from campus tours to the international
D’Arcy Thompson the man was born
students’ welcome. However there is
in Edinburgh in 1860 and this year
only one thing that we all really care
marks the 150th anniversary of his birth.
about, and that’s the epic events at the
To celebrate the renowned biologist,
Union. This year DUSA has really pulled
mathematician and classics scholar,
it out of the bag and we have some
the University of Dundee is hosting
amazing guests hitting Dundee. He had
events throughout September. D’Arcy
a full tent at T in the Park and one of the
Thompson was a pioneer of life sciences
biggest hits of the summer, but popstar
at Dundee and in the tower foyer and
Example has made time in his busy
the Lamb gallery, there is artwork based
schedule to come and perform live at
on some of his ideas and theories. The
Dundee. We are not only being treated
exhibition, called Sketching the Universe,
to one but two huge D.J.s (as well as
will be on until November. There will also
many other D.J. sets). Pendulum and
be a range of guest lectures during the
Jaguar Skills will be showing us their
first week of September ranging from
skills on the decks, it’s all going to get a
Martin Kemp’s look at how Thompson’s
bit hands in the air and promises to be
ideas are reflected in the visual arts,
two brilliant nights. As if that isn’t enough,
architecture and engineering, to lectures
we also have James Buckley from the
about his ongoing relevance in areas
Inbetweeners and Radio 1‘s Aled Jones
from biology to the arts. The events
providing entertainment for everyone.
allow students to find out more about the
The Union is really the only place to be
pioneer of life sciences and an influential,
during fresher’s week and if you want
world-renowned man.
access to all these fab nights then you
can purchase a fresher’s pass or buy
tickets for each event on the night.
 n d
Du for e e
The Magdalen
DU M M I E S
Dundee was once known
for the ‘three Js’: Jute, Jam
and Journalism. Fortunately,
times have changed and the
city’s reputation is no longer
constrained by three alliterative
areas of expertise. It has
developed into a uniquely
interesting and lively place.
It is not as large in area or
in population as Glasgow or
Edinburgh, but in spite of that,
it undoubtedly stands out as an
attractive place for young folk to
live and study in, for a variety of
reasons.
For students in Dundee, the most
important building on the university
campus – at least for evenings and
weekends – is the student union. It is the
source of food, drink and entertainment
at student-friendly prices. During
Freshers’ week, various music events
are held in two of the four union venues
(Mono and Floor 5). The chance to
join student societies and sports clubs,
of which there are more than forty
each, is offered during this time. Some
people (usually parents and religious
officials) may regard fresher’s week as
a shockingly reprehensible debauch.
Maybe it is. It depends on the individual.
Being a fresher only happens to (some of
you) you once, and for only one week.
by Ryan Swan
Running alongside the campus, from
the university botanic gardens to the city
centre, is the Perth road. It is peppered
with a diverse range of restaurants,
take-aways, cafes, shops (including one
particularly renowned independent music
shop,) and pubs. Closest to the campus,
there are a few pubs worth visiting, if
only once, and the well-known Perth
Road pub crawl will give you the perfect
opportunity to try a variety of ales and
ciders before heading on to the Union to
end your night.
The city centre, which in addition to
having a high concentration of pubs
and eateries, has some vibrant live
music venues: The Doghouse hosts
indie/alternative rock performances,
while The Reading Rooms plays a mix
of electronic/electronic dance music.
The Caird Hall in the city square hosts
orchestra performances throughout
the year, as well as theatre and opera
performances; and, contrasting with
previously mentioned acts, The Prodigy
played there earlier this year. However,
The Hall is not just a centre for arts, but
the centre of Dundee itself. Students
in first year head to the Hall to be
welcomed by the Principal, and students
in fourth year go for the graduation
ceremony; it is the welcome point and
farewell setting for every student.
There are places for culture vultures to
enjoy themselves in Dundee. Near the
campus is the Dundee Contemporary
Arts centre, which shows films, and
hosts exhibitions and workshops. Not far
from the DCA is the Dundee Repertory
Theatre (in Tay Square), which hosts
everything from drama to dance to
comedy to music. Established over 70
years ago, and asking for very little
cash in return for entertainment, it’s no
surprise that it attracts an audience of
around 70,000 people each year - this
theatre is a definite boasting point for
Dundee. In the city centre, the McManus
museum and art galleries are housed
by a prominently large Gothic Revival
style building –due to being encircled
by relatively dull tenement buildings, it
demands immediate attention of anyone
who has not yet seen it. There are eight
galleries spread across two floors with
a prodigious natural history collection,
as well as collections of decorative and
fine art. The galleries were recently
redeveloped in a £7.8million make-over
which took more than four years.
To escape the monotonousness,
concrete grey of the city centre, visiting
Magdalen Green or hiking the Law Hill
may offer sanctuary of sorts. Magdalen
Green is one of the most popular areas
in Dundee for students - it’s great for
playing sports or just relaxing (when
the sun is out). Walking from the city
centre up the Law Hill can be tiring (for
those who don’t cheat by taking the
car), but offers reward in the form of an
exceptional view to those who reach the
summit.
The idea of a ‘good time’ can differ
enormously from one person to another.
Fortunately, Dundee has enough to cater
for each individual, from the spontaneous
thrill-seeker to the scrupulous weekend-
planner. In this city, only boring people
are bored. From your first year to your
fourth you will never be short of things to
do in Dundee.
 7

Winter Exposes
Government’s Lack of Grit

Over the summer the University’s

libraries have been experiencing
updates, mainly the installation of new
electronic self-issuing machines. The
Magdalen decided to take a closer look.
The Magdalen
Luddites in the Library
Albert Lehzen
Initially, I missed the concept behind
the fully automated self-issue machines
that appear to have replaced the
Dundee University main campus library
staff. While renewing books for my
dissertation, I entered the library looking
forward to the small discussions shared
with the Librarians, the stolen glances
exchanged over the counters, the small
humilities as I struggle to remove my
library card from my wallet, and then
again, the polite smiles as my card will
not for-the-hundredth-time be recognised
by the computer scanner. The seemingly
smooth transition which has taken place
over the summer holiday has left the
Librarians outside of one of the most
important parts of Library existence— the
everyday interaction which will make
even the most sullen of Luddites smile.
My first experience of using the self-
issue machine was led by a female
Librarian who admittedly was not so
enamored with the new machines. At first
she struggled to show me the re-issuing
facility, and then, once we had worked it
out, she led me to the returns machine.
A small conveyor belt swallowed my
return and spat a receipt into the world
to thank me for my good deed. This
process, above all else has provided
an instant improvement, I freely admit.
I have had three experiences in the
past with the misplacing of books I have
returned which I have duly been asked
to pay a fine for, and told rudely and
abruptly on one occasion that my library
card would be cancelled if I did not pay
the fine, which had only amassed over
one day. This human error, of receiving a
book, but not checking it off the system
before it is returned to the shelf, has
been eradicated, as the implication of
the receipt, naming the book returned
and the date, acts as an instant article
of proof to show your innocence. Any
loss after this is easily rectified. For
this I am glad, as it was a major fault in
the returning system of the past, with
many lost books magically reappearing
on the shelves they had come from, or
being “found”, and only rarely ever being
apologised for.
The Luddite in me wants to know why
the staff have been removed completely
from the issuing process, the staff are still
very active around the library, but I still
long to have the ability to interact with
them as I issue books and return them.
To witness them watching the students
issue the books, perhaps longing too for
the interaction, and for their clandestine
power to be returned. On a more basic
level, I wish to know how this new
system has affected jobs within the
library. The library will never run itself,
but for the Librarians who checked in and
out countless books, and held witness to
long queues, angry students, confused
students, cheerful students, what have
they lost? Have hours been rectified to
justify the deficit in staff activity at the
front counter? How do the staff honestly
feel about this new system? And, what
problems have arisen due to this new
system?
Taken from the LLC (The Library and
Learning Centre) page on the University
website, the issuing machines are
explained.
“Over the summer, the LLC is
implementing a new self-service system
which will allow you to borrow and return
books and other items quickly and easily,
minimising queues at busy times. […]
 No.17
The Freshers’ Issue
September 2010

The new self-service machines are

much quicker, more intuitive and easy to
use, with touchscreen technology and
facilities for both the issue and return of
books and other resources.”
Listing the benefits of the new system, it
also states that “LLC staff will have more
time to deal with enquiries and provide
face-to-face help around the Library”,
which to me sounds unconvincing.
What was wrong with queuing, waiting
to see a Librarian, checking out books,
asking questions, resolving problems,
without first having to go to a machine,
and then ask for help? It appears as an
unnecessary link in the chain. Perhaps
the speed and innovation of the self
issuing machine is a benefit, but as a self
confessed Luddite I fear the loss of the
humanity behind this process and must
ask you all to consider the possible effect
this has on the Librarians and on the
libraries of our future.

No Victorian Luddites or
Machines were hurt in the
production of this article.
The Magdalen
A 24 hour Library for 24 hour Students
Let me set the scene for you. It’s the
day before your big essay is due in, it’s
worth a gazillion percent of your overall
grade, you’ve been stressed, distracted
by other, equally important things, your
sleeping pattern is a mess and the only
thing keeping you going is the coffee
machine and the oddly calming lighting
in the library. You have just managed to
settle your fried nerves enough to get into
your stride and at last the word count is
rising.
This is when you notice the security
guard walking towards you. You look at
your watch, it’s 5 minutes to midnight and
you are soon to be kicked out of your
haven of productivity to shuffle your way
back to the disorganisation of your room
and the temptingly warm sheets of your
bed. You get home, you might switch on
your computer half-heartedly and watch
some videos of a cat playing the piano,
but before long you’ll be tumbling into
bed, defeated, with an unfinished essay
still mocking you.
It’s a situation which has plagued many
a student over the years, and which
continues to be a major annoyance. And
so we keep asking: why can’t the library
remain open 24 hours a day?
It is a well known fact that students do
not and often cannot keep a regular
routine. Part of the point of going to
university is being able to work out your
ideal working routine, to find your peak
hours and best patterns, and for some
this means that they make mistakes and
must pull the dreaded all-nighters.
Quite a number of students take part-
time jobs to bolster their very small
income, meaning that sometimes,
alongside classes, the late evening into
the early morning is the only time vital
university work can be done.
Gabriel Neil
After our library has spent what has
probably been a substantial amount of
money installing new high-end self-
service machines, a redesign of the
reception area and for some reason,
little flashy lights on top of the security
barriers, it doesn’t look like they are
short of cash. So why not put that money
towards something many students here
have been wanting for a long time,
keeping the library open 24/7 in term
time.
I say many students, because of course,
not all students have this problem. The
Computing students at Dundee get full
24/7 access to resources in the Queen
Mother Building. So why are we non-
computing students left to go home to
possibly dodgy internet connections,
unreliable heating and the inevitable
distractions which come from working at
home? We have to be students 24/7, so
why shouldn’t the library?
There is a reason, in the working world
that most people do not work from home.
It is because it is known that it is best to
have a separate environment in which to
work than the one you spend your leisure
time in. It’s basic psychology – you’ll
just be in a cats-playing-pianos kind of
mindset if you try and work at home.
Students need the same kind of work-
appropriate environment that everybody
else in the adult world does, and the
library is best placed to provide that.
No.17
No.17
TheThe
Freshers’ Issue
Freshers’ Issue
September 2010
September 2010

Model:
Jennifer Menzies
Photography:
Vicki Stephen
Costume and Direction:
Sam Longden
The Magdalen
The Magdalen
Luddites in the Library:
Initially, I missed the concept
behind the fully automated self-
issue machines that appear
to have replaced the Dundee
University main campus library
staff. While renewing books for
my dissertation, I entered the
library looking forward to the
small discussions shared with
the Librarians, the stolen glances
exchanged over the counters,
the small humilities as I struggle
to remove my library card from
my wallet, and then again, the
polite smiles as my card will
not for-the-hundredth-time be
recognised by the computer
scanner. The seemingly smooth
transition which has taken place
over the summer holiday has
left the Librarians outside of one
of the most important parts of
Library existence— the everyday
interaction which will make even
the most sullen of Luddites smile.
My first experience of using the
self-issue machine was led by a
female Librarian who admittedly
was not so enamored with
the new machines. At first she
struggled to show me the re-
issuing facility, and then, once
we had worked it out, she led
me to the returns machine. A
small conveyor belt swallowed
my return and spat a receipt into
the world to thank me for my
good deed. This process, above
all else has provided an instant
improvement, I freely admit. I
have had three experiences in
the past with the misplacing of
books I have returned which I
have duly been asked to pay
a fine for, and told rudely and
abruptly on one occasion that my
library card would be cancelled
The organised chaos of the Textiles studio!
if I did not pay the fine, which
had only amassed over one day.
This human error, of receiving a
book, but not checking it off the
system before it is returned to the
shelf, has been eradicated, as the
implication of the receipt, naming
the book returned and the date,
acts as an instant article of proof
to show your innocence. Any loss
after this is easily rectified. For
this I am glad, as it was a major
fault in the returning system of
the past, with many lost books
magically reappearing on the
shelves they had come from, or
being “found”, and only rarely
ever being apologised for.
The Luddite in me wants to know
why the staff have been removed
completely from the issuing
process, the staff are still very
active around the library, but I still
long to have the ability to interact
with them as I issue books and
return them. To witness them
watching the students issue
the books, perhaps longing too
for the interaction, and for their
clandestine power to be returned.
On a more basic level, I wish
to know how this new system
has affected jobs within the
library. The library will never run
itself, but for the Librarians who
checked in and out countless
books, and held witness to long
The Library
Replies
queues, angry students, confused
students, cheerful students, what
have they lost? Have hours been
Evelyn Page
rectified to justify the deficit in
staff activity at the front counter?
How do the staff honestly feel
With the countless questions regarding
about this new system? And,
the changes, not least the notion of staff
what problems have arisen due to
cuts, The Magdalen scampered along to
this new system?
the library to speak to Christine Backler,
Taken from the LLC (The Library
Service Delivery Assistant Director.
and Learning Centre) page on the
University website, the issuing
The first impression given was that the
machines are explained.
library and its associated staff have been
“Over the summer, the LLC is
focusing on direct student feedback. As
implementing a new self-service
you may have noticed, there have been
system which will allow you to
surveys available on neat little touch
borrow and return books and
screens outside the café in the library,
other items quickly and easily,
which asked, for example, if students
minimising queues at busy
would prefer more PCs to be available,
times. […] The new self-service
or a greater number of sockets for
machines are much quicker,
laptops. The library has not only added
more intuitive and easy to use,
more laptop provisions, but 32 extra
with touchscreen technology
fixed PCs will soon be available in the
and facilities for both the issue
main library in addition to this, alongside
and return of books and other
8 in the Law library and 6 in Duncan of
resources.”
Jordanstone’s.
Listing the benefits of the new
system, it also states that “LLC
The new initiative in the library has
staff will have more time to
introduced 400 extra power points
deal with enquiries and provide
throughout the building as a whole –
including the silent zone. Some more
exciting additions to the library include
laptop lockers, which will be in operation
during semester one. New bookshelves
have been introduced within the Info
Zone, which allow for self-issuing of
reserved books, which were previously
held behind the issue desk. A secure
out of hours book return machine is
available outside of the library, so
students can quickly return their books
at any time without having to go inside
the building. Other updates include an
upgraded ventilation and heating system,
managed by Estates, to ensure an even
temperature, which is a direct request
from students. There is now a University
of Dundee app for Smartphones. Though
not specifically aimed at library-goers,
the app contains means to access
 No.17
No.17
The Freshers’ Issue
The Freshers’ Issue
September 2010 13
September 2010

information about it, as well as a campus

map. With new technology, ICS also plan
toface-to-face helpprinting
introduce wireless around nearthe
the
Library”, which to me sounds
beginning of September, so students can
unconvincing.
print from their ownWhat
laptopswas
whilewrong
inside
with queuing,
the library. waiting to see a
Librarian, checking out books,
We asking questions,
discussed our fear ofresolving
machines, and,
problems, without
though laughing, Chris Backlerfirst having
said that
to had
this go to a machine,
been and then
taken into consideration.
Theask“Just
for Ask”
help? It appears
service is still in as
operation,
an unnecessary link
giving the Luddites constant inassistance
the
if chain.
required.Perhaps the speed
Chris explained the and
significance of removing theissuing
innovation of the self help desk,
machine
which is areplaced
has been benefit,bybut the as“Infoa
self confessed Luddite I
Zone” – the square pink bit! This allows fear the
loss of the humanity behind
a collaborative space for staff to interact this
process
with studentsand
andmust
provide ask
more you all to
flexibility
consider the possible
for dealing with requests. effect this
has on the Librarians and on the
libraries of
Incidentally, weour future.the viability
discussed
of a 24 hour library. Libraries that have
pioneered this system have noted a
significant period of desertion, between
two o’clock and six. Chris exclaimed that
students should also be encouraged
to at some point go home! Often, the
library’s closing signals a time to stop
working and go home to sleep (perhaps
sleep, perhaps watch videos of belching
dogs), which surely leads to a healthier
and less manic student. The library has
extended its opening times in order to
meet students’ requests; it is now open
until midnight every Sunday and saw an
increase in hours during the re-sit period.

As we broached what I thought would be

the sore subject of staff cuts, a little worry
welled up. Ms Backler was soon to put
our minds at rest, “No redundancies have
been made!” The staff, instead of being
sacked, have been redeployed and in
some cases retrained in order to provide
a better type of user-support. Instead of
being required for issue transactions, staff
can provide more assistance e.g. with
electronic resources. The new system
does not seek to replace us humans, but
instead allows more flexible use of library
staff’s time, and encourages the correct
use of their expertise.
The Magdalen
100 DAYS IN CON-DEM-NATION
Well, that wasn’t too bad was it?
They did get rid of ID Cards...
and that George Osborne didn’t
cut half as much as I thought he
was going to... and Mr Cameron
was awful statesman-like when
reporting on the Savile Enquiry...!
Now, usually I’m a glass half-full person,
and I’ve done my best to convince
myself it’s not been all that bad since I
watched that most bizarre of moments
as Clegg and Cameron joshed on
the Downing Street lawns. And to be
fair, some positive steps have been
taken. The entirely unnecessary and
ridiculously expensive ID card system
Labour attempted to batter through
Parliament has been scrapped, and the
first baby step towards reforming the
wholly unrepresentative First-Past-The-
Post system has been taken through
the promise of a referendum on the
Alternative Vote. Let’s face it, whenever
the Tory Right are grumbling, you
know somebody somewhere’s doing
something right.
But, at the end of the day, I know
that very soon the harsh reality of
a Conservative-led Government is
going to kick in. The public sector is
already feeling the pinch, with my own
University pushing ahead with a very
controversial Strategic Review and police
forces across Scotland being forced to
impose a recruitment freeze in the face
of budget cuts. The tax relief scheme
that was dropped for the computer
games industry, a key emerging sector
in the Scottish economy and a major
employer in Dundee, looks to have
claimed its first casualty with the collapse
of Realtime Worlds, a company that
employed some 210 staff including
friends of mine. With no support being
offered by the Government and little in
the way of alternative employment in
the current climate, Cameron’s brand of
‘compassionate conservatism’ has been
shown to be a sham.
Another ‘compassionate conservative’,
former U.S. President George W. Bush,
was well-known for his numerous
gaffes, a trait that seems to come with
the territory. In the space of 100 days,
Cameron and his team have impressively
managed to insult or infuriate Israel,
Pakistan, WW2 veterans, Boris Johnson,
the Scottish Government over Lockerbie,
their own backbenchers and (thanks to
Ken Clarke’s proclamation that prison
doesn’t work) the Daily Mail and the rest
of the right-wing press. Whilst some of
this, such as his assertion that Gaza
is like a prison camp, is refreshingly
honest and blunt, it also betrays a lack of
political nous and a hint of naivete with
regards to his foreign policy.
The cuts being pursued so relentlessly
by an ideological cabal with a passion
verging on bloodlust are not only a threat
to public sector, they’re a threat to us
all. Cameron and his team are poised
to push us off the tightrope of economic
recovery into the abyss of a double-
dip recession and even the supposed
economic Messiah Vince Cable won’t be
able to stop them. With Labour engaged
in the political equivalent of a gap year
spent travelling to “find themselves”,
it’s unclear who if anyone can stand in
the way of the impending blitzkrieg. The
phoney war of this coalition is almost
over; when the bombs start dropping,
we’d all better take cover.
by Gary Cocker
 No.17
The Freshers’ Issue 15
September 2010

DUSA TV Wants You!

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

As part of Dundee University Students

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

The team have even managed to get film

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

The project got even bigger with the

involvement of Hollywood Filmstar
Brian Cox, who recently filmed with the
students on location in Dundee. “The
attention has been phenomenal, to have
this much coverage for just the first two
episodes is great and it’s only going to involved and Dundee College gave us
get bigger from here! To have the chance their fashion and make up department for
to work with Brian Cox is a once in a life the night!” Jordan tells us. “That’s not too
time opportunity” said script writer and mention the bands who have contacted
actor Jordan Dunbar us to try and get their work showcased on To watch the soap check out:

Initially the project was just made up

from Dundee University students but with
the success of the first episode, young
people from across the region have been
getting involved;
“I got asked by Abertay and St Andrews
University students if they could be
the show, we have a great title song by
Make Sparks a local band” www.skint.tk
jrjdunbar@gmail.com
Whether you want to act, write, produce
or even get behind the camera get in
touch.
Freshers’ Intro
Things we wish we’d known in first year.
Whilst we know that this article is ridden with
patronizing overtones and besmirched with
subjectivity, it is important for you, the (first year)
reader to understand – we genuinely wish we knew
the following in our first year.

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

• Learn how to cook – would
have saved the torture of mince
korma, dodgy combo meals with
unrecognisable ingredients or the
malnutrition- inducing fajita diet.
• A night never ends just because the
club throws you out, bring on the
after party!
• Don’t bother taking down numbers
of random people. They are not your
real friends, just as their real name is
not “hot irish guy.”
• Make the most of your first year by
getting involved with things you care
about, groups you might be unsure
about or just anything that takes
your fancy. A friend of friends took
it upon themselves to play every
computer game there was going
during first year – it goes without
Enjoy.
saying they are no longer a friend of sound. One of my best uni memories
a friend. come from painting giant cardboard
Rubix cubes for a night my friend
• Use the library to talent spot, take put on.
limitless coffee breaks and enjoy the
free heating. And read. • Get to know Dundee. There are
loads of beautiful parks in and
• You will be poor. A lot. Even if you around the city centre, which
have a job. And rich parents. demand ball games and general
shenanigans.
• Get to know someone with a car.
• If you have a car, don’t trust
anyone’s motives for befriending
you.
• You’ll make countless plans to do
things with random people when
you’re drunk; don’t get your hopes
up – they’ll never happen.
• Throw yourself head first into a
project no matter how daft it may
Freshers’ Outro
Stuff what I know...
Ah yes, I remember first year.
Not really though. The post
communal bantering amongst
one’s peers would indicate
that if you had a good time,
that you do not remember it.
It’s like an inadvertent fight
club, you do not talk about
first year, because you can’t
fucking remember first year.
But also it’s less like fight club
in that it contains sex that you
are consciously participating
in instead of listening to your
alter ego Brad Pitt doing it from
a room downstairs. And there
are more parties.
It can be argued that memory makes
up our reality, so if your memory
of your first year at university are
a blank, then why not paste in an
atmosphere of fun and gaiety that
everyone can enjoy hearing about! It
certainly does improve the story to
be told. Who wants to engage with
third level education when you can
fill yourself with alcohol and touch
strangers? No one. Is the answer.
The question was supposed to be
hypothetical, I think, actually I don’t
remember but I’m sure I enjoyed
myself.*
So much of what I know now seems
so incredibly obvious that I think that
‘surely I did know that in first year’
but just in case I will relay a quick
summary of partially sincere advice:
Disclaimer! This article is in no way
representative of The Magdalen or
its writers! Or students. Or people.
• Basic number one: no matter
how hammered you are, you are
capable of using a condom.
• If you’re really broke, go to
Skint. The drinks are cheap, so
everyone’s obliterated and it’s
free in. My point is Mono on a
Skint night is the best place in
Dundee to find money on the
ground, though if you spend the
whole night looking at your shoes
you may come off as a tad anti-
social… or emo.
• Look in to my eyes, The Union is
the only pub in Dundee, I repeat,
the only pub.
• The smoke alarms in halls will
go off at any given opportunity;
hair straighteners, cigarettes, the
dulcet tones of Eamon Holmes,
steam from the shower and farts.
• If you get locked out make
enough noise and someone will
let you in
• Don’t spend all your money on
eating out! Stock up and go home
to eat.
• Spend all your money on alcohol,
it’s fun.
• If you come from a religious
background or one with any
upbringing full of propriety and
morals, never feel guilty for your
sexual exploits, guilt is for gays.
• Don’t be a homophobic twat
• It takes 6 years to digest anything
from Clarkes’ bakery that has
cheese on it
Medical students are sexually
frightening, they know too much.
Making lists of stuff you should do
never works.
This brings me to the concluding
paragraph and the end of my caffeine
buzz. I do not look forward to seeing
all the new faces this year as I am
going in to fourth and you are at
this stage let’s face it (particularly
for those in the less employable
arts subjects), just the competition.
Nonetheless I wish you a sportsman
like good luck and being neither a
man, nor much of a sports player, you
may imagine that this mainly entails
me giving you the finger. Welcome to
Dundee University.
*Please help me.
*This asterisk isn’t attached
to anything in the article
wooooooooooooooo! (That’s a scary
ghost noise)
By Ruth Hunter

Comment:
The truth of Bulgarian Roma children.
Imagine that education is your only
way out of a life of poverty, deprivation
and crime, but you can’t get to school
because it’s too far to walk, your
parents can’t afford the bus fare, and
the government won’t pay either. This
summer, five Dundee University students
from the DARE society travelled to
Bulgaria to volunteer at a summer camp
for impoverished Roma Gypsy children
who face this exact situation. At the
summer camp, the Dundee students
saw first hand the plight of the Roma
people in Bulgaria. Although Bulgaria
has been a member of the EU since
2007, many children are still suffering
as a result of deep-running prejudices
against the Roma people. The appalling
conditions of Bulgaria’s institutions,
where even mildly disabled children are
imprisoned, have been well publicised
by the BBC documentary “Bulgaria’s
Abandoned Children”. The prejudices
the Roma minorities face are much
more poorly documented. Compared
with other Bulgarian children, a much
greater number of them live below the
poverty line and are not fully immunized.
The under-five mortality rates of Roma
children are twice the national average.
The summer camp the students
volunteered at is run by The Lora
Foundation, who seek to “better the life
No.17
The Freshers’ Issue
19
September 2010
By Niall McGoldrick
of the destitute children of Bulgaria”. The
Lora Foundation was created in tribute to
the adoptive daughter of a South African
couple, who found her close to death
one of Bulgaria’s institutions. Lora is now
a happy and healthy teenager who has
thrived under their love and care. The
Lora Foundation aims to train staff and
improve facilities in institutions, supply
food and clothing, and help address
some of the children’s emotional needs.
One of the ways they do this is by
running the annual summer camp. The
children who attend the summer camp
are Roma from a slum outside the town
Now back in the UK, the students are
of Kyustendil. Terrible living conditions,
hoping to continue to support The Lora
poor sanitation and violence all weigh
Foundation, specifically by raising
heavily in the children’s lives. Many of
funds to support the transportation of
the children are orphans or their parents
the children to and from school. Three
are in prison. The annual summer camp
quarters of school drop-outs in Bulgaria
provides something for the children
are Roma children and education is
to look forward to when life is difficult.
essential in order for the children to have
It also allows the children to witness
any hope of overcoming the prejudices
moral and caring adult behaviour, and to
their people face when trying to find
relax while away from the hardship that
employment and better living conditions.
shapes their daily lives.
The students are also hoping to support
other charities working in Bulgaria,
and to continue to raise awareness of
the suffering still occurring in many of
Bulgaria’s institutions. Look out around
campus for events happening throughout
the year.
Lora, the inspiration for the project
The Magdalen

Vice-President of Student Activities

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

What kind of music/artists do you listen to:

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

Interesting fact about yourself:

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

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

Honorary Secretary
Name: Brett Capstick

Age: 24

What do you do in your role?

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

What kind of music/artists do you listen to?

I like most music really, everything from classical to hip-hop. For hip-hop
see: The Roots, or Hilltop Hoods. For Classical, see: the larger part of
the 18th century. But my all-around favourites would have to be The Who
and Bowie.
 No.17
The Freshers’ Issue
21
September 2010

In other news, Canada apologises for Justin Bieber

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

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

Vice President of Welfare

Name: Amy Waldron
Age: 20
What do you do in your role?
I’m responsible for the output of student welfare material. Running campaigns
that offer benefits to your wellbeing and providing a supportive ear for any
niggles you may come across during your time here. Working closely with
other members of the Exec we will provide information that is targeted at you
as a student body and your requirements so please get in touch if there is
anything that you feel strongly about or want us to look into for you.

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

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

What are you most looking forward to:

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

Vice-President of Communications
Name: Natalie Coupar

Age: 22

What do you do in your role?

I support DUSA's three media outlets: Discover Radio, DUSATV and The
Magdalen, ensuring they are running smoothly and are visible on campus.
I also administer www.dusa.co.uk, which underwent a major overhaul
over summer. In addition I monitor DUSA's communications strategy and
provide support to societies and groups in running exciting campaigns.

What kind of music/artists do you listen to?

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

Interesting fact about yourself:

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

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

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

Deputy President
Name: Chris Browne

Age: 22

What do you do in your role?

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

What kind of music/artists do you listen to?

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

Interesting fact about yourself:

I do a mean spaghetti Bolognese – away to do that now actually.

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

Vice-President of Campaigns
Name: Gary Paton

Age: 19

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

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

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

What are you most looking forward to in the next year? – The speakers that we are getting lined up and just generally having a
good time on the Executive
 23

DUSA President Welcome

For some of you this will be your first time living away from home. You might be coming from elsewhere in Scotland,
the EU or the world. Some of you will already know Dundee well, for others this will be a completely new experience.
For all of you, I welcome you to Dundee University Student Association (DUSA).

From now on Dundee is your city. It’s your University. DUSA is your student association. Every facet of the
association, from the Executive to the bar staff, are here to serve you. DUSA is one community, with shared values
and purpose, where all of your advice and support will be delivered. Any issue you might ever have as a student of
Dundee will be dealt with by DUSA.

DUSA is run by the student Executive team who are elected each year by you, the students of Dundee. We are here
to fight for your interests, provide quality advice and support services, and represent you within the University and
society. There are seven members of Executive who each have specific remits. From the President who is the figure
head of the Association and project manages the team, to our Vice President of Student Welfare who runs campaigns
and delivers all the advice and support you will ever need.

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

We believe that at University you aren’t a passive consumer, you are a shareholder in your education and the services
you receive. Rather than the cinema customer, it’s much more like being a football fan. You can go to the odd game,
sit quiet and take a passive interest in what goes on. You won’t get much out of it that way, when your team loses
you won’t be too bothered, and when the team win it won’t have much effect on you. To get the most out of DUSA’s
student community you must become a player in the team. The more you shout, take part in fund raisers and get
involved, the more you’ll get out of our successes and the more you’ll feel you truly belong to Dundee University and
DUSA.

At University you are free to think about new ideas and challenge your preconceptions. Nothing should be safe from
this new inquisitive approach. DUSA will be there to aid this process. We provide speaking engagements and lectures
from famous politicians, intellectuals and cultural figures. Last year we had George Galloway and we co-hosted Arun
Gandhi. This year keep your eye out for the ‘DUSA:Live’ events which will be bigger and better than ever.

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

Every aspect of your life whilst you’re a student of Dundee University is

affected by DUSA. You can go through your time at Dundee and not get
involved, let others lead your student association, or you can make sure
DUSA does what it is supposed to do. Represent you.

We believe in a student association led by the majority of students,

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

Craig Kelly
DUSA President
 Music:
Aesthetics
and Hate
by Gary Paton
Now I don’t know about you, but
when someone asks me, “what
springs to mind when I say Rap?”
I tend to think as much about
the culture that goes with the
music as the music itself. Usually
I’d respond with “Gangs, Guns,
Drugs and how many times 50
Cent has been shot”. That was
until I recently began thinking
about the prejudices people have
against the musical culture that
goes with my own taste.
If you just so happen to be amongst
those that have read the DUSA Exec
Bios online you will know that I just
so happen to spend much of my time
listening to Metal. Now think “Metal
culture” and let me guess it goes
something like this: “Devil Worshipping,
Angry, Smelly, Hairy, Bearded, Gothic
Nutters”. If any of those came to mind
then read on, If instead you thought,
“hmm, I fancy listening to Black
Sabbath,” go and do that or read another
article because I’m about to tell you stuff
you already know.
To those that are unfamiliar with the
sound of Metal music it can be an
intimidating thing to try to understand.
Much like a hungry wolf during a
harsh winter, it comes across as rabid,
threatening and dangerous. However,
if you take a step back and look at it
again, it’s a sophisticated, intelligent and
beautiful animal, you just have to view
the whole picture which can be a very
hard thing to do especially when faced
with what can seem like a wall of noise.
Metal itself is more often than not a very
complicated musical piece accompanied
with brutal yet sophisticated lyrics. These
often discuss complicated issues such
as politics and human rights to personal
issues; such as revenge and love;
through to historical events and people,
mythology and, yes, even going out and
getting drunk with your mates (something
most students are familiar with). You just
have to look at Machine Head’s album
“The Blackening” and this becomes
apparent.
Track by track, the album covers many
issues, “Clenching the Fists of Dissent”,
for example, is about war in the Middle
East and a government conspiracy
theory to get more oil: “They say that
freedom isn’t free, It’s paid with the lives,
Of sons and families, ‘Cause blood is
their new currency, And oil pumps the
heart of money”; or “Halo” a song about
religious conspiracy, “Halo over our
demise, Following a god so blind” and
“This is a right to life, Not the Religious
Right’s act”.
My final example from the album is the
song “Aesthetics of Hate”. The original
Aesthetics of Hate was an article written
for a hard-right website in the wake of
the shooting of heavy metal guitarist
Dimebag Darrell, the guitarist for Pantera
- one of the most significant metal bands
of all time. The point of the article was
to direct the blame of his shooting to
himself. The author pointed to how
Dimebag and fans of metal in general
were “ignorant, semi-human barbarians
who were filthy in attire and manner,
intellectually incoherent and above
all else, hideously ugly to the point of
physical deformity” which is completely
and utterly untrue. The song itself is
a response to the article, detailing the
anger felt by Robb Flynn (vocals and
guitar for Machine Head) upon reading
it. To this day it is one of the most
aggressive songs I listen to and a true
Thrash Metal masterpiece.
Much like the music we listen to,
“Metalheads” follow the same general
rule. If you happen to have at some
point in time found yourself at a Slayer
concert, Floor 5 during Distorted or
even in the middle of the crowd whilst
the Prodigy play TITP you will have
witnessed moshing. Depending on the
intensity of the music it varies in intensity.
What you probably don’t know is that
there are a loose set of unspoken rules
when it comes to moshing, an etiquette,
one could say. Basically if someone
falls you pick them up, no fighting in the
middle of it; all everyone is there to do is
have fun.
Looking once more at the culture, if there
is one thing that makes metal stand out
is the style of dress. Most of the time
it has nothing to do with their “beliefs”,
it’s simply to represent what style of
metal one listens to or more frequently
what they themselves feel is cool (much
like my own leather coat which regard
as very cool). You may go on and say
“but all that black clothing, do they not
worship Satan?” simply, nope, not at all.
Metal “fashion” is actually derived from
Military clothing and Biker culture.

Before I finish up here I’ll leave you with
a few albums I’d recommend you look
out next time you’re browsing through
Spotify. Firstly Metallica’s “Master of
Puppets” is hailed as one of the greatest
Metal albums ever recorded and a
must for anybody who listens to metals’
collection. Secondly Machine Head’s
“The Blackening” (yes, the one I was
referring to earlier) - best Metal album
of the past decade, the Blackening is
Classical Corner:
Maria Callas: La
Divina – EMI
Records, 1992.
by Mark Bonington
If you only ever choose to listen to
one opera singer in your lifetime,
make it Maria Callas. At her height,
this woman was bigger than Mariah
Carey, Celine Dion, Madonna and the
Beatles combined, and the reasons are
exemplified in this compilation album
by EMI (available to listen on Spotify).
Callas, unlike her contemporaries,
favoured real, dramatic intensity in her
No.17
The Freshers’ Issue 25
September 2010
a true taste of Metal. Thirdly, Opeth’s So just remember that next time you hear
“Watershed”. For the braver ones among a Metal song being played, don’t turn
you, Watershed is a perfect mix of the your iPod up and ignore it, listen closer
technical and the brutal. Finally, Judas and try to understand it. You never know,
Priest’s “Nostradamus” album, is one that you may like what you hear.
I feel has been overlooked. The album
intelligently takes you on the journey
through the life of Nostradamus (the
French Apothecary and Seer) and the
persecutions he faced.
operatic roles, and was the diva of all
divas, with the Italians dubbing her
La Divina - the Divine One: one of her
greatest fans was also the late Freddy
Mercury. She stretched her 5-octave
voice to its limits, singing the heavy
operas of Wagner alongside the mastery
of the bel-canto repertoire.
Her dramatic belt is used to thrilling effect
which eventually she severed altogether.
in Puccini’s ‘Un Bel Dei, Vendremo’
Her devotion to her roles was such that
aria from Madama Butterfly, in which a
she dropped 80lbs in order to appear
heartbroken Geisha sings of her longing
more convincing onstage, with one
for the sailor who has abandoned
rumour stating she achieved this by
her. We can hear a lighter side to her
swallowing a tapeworm. In bitchier circles
normally dark dramatic coloratura voice
she was known as ‘La Tigress’ for her
in the ‘Ah, Je veux vivre’ aria from
fiery temper, and in 1957 had a highly
Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet opera, in
publicised affair with shipping-merchant
which Juliet sings of the thrills of being in
Aristotle Onassis, who eventually left her
love. Her acting skills are brought to the
for Jacqueline Kennedy. She died alone
fore in her take on possibly the sexiest
in her Paris Flat in 1977, posthumously
aria ever written, Bizet’s ‘Habanera’ from
being crowned ‘The Greatest Soprano of
Carmen (which I’m willing to put money
All Time’ by the BBC.
on ALL of you having heard before in
some form), in which the gypsy Carmen
If you liked La Divina try Spotifying:
tells of how easy men are to seduce and
manipulate (I’ll leave that one up to you).
_ Dame Joan Sutherland: La
Other highlights include the classical
Stupenda (Decca Music Group, 2001)
standard ‘O Mio Babbino Caro’, Rossini’s
‘Una Voce Poco Va’ and the ‘Sempre
_ Anna Netrebko: Opera
Libera’ from La Traviata (the inspiration
(Deutsche Grammophon, 2006)
for Baz Luhurman’s Moulin Rouge).
_ Sarah Brightman: Classics
Outside of the opera house, Callas led
(Nemo Records, 2006
a wild and troubled lifestyle. She had
a difficult relationship with her mother,
The Magdalen
Degree Show:
In Retrospect with Ellie Fraser
The Degree Show 2010 spanned
a wide variety of courses and
media. Everything from Fine
Art to Product Design and
Architecture were represented,
providing a range to suit all tastes
and interests.
As a Fine Art student myself, I was
particularly interested in the work of this
department, as every year the degree
show sets a standard to be matched
the following year. Within the Fine Art
department itself, there was an incredible
spread of work ranging from beautifully
articulated paintings and drawings to
powerful sculptures, energetic drawings,
controversial photography, film and
installation works. It was also fascinating
to see work by departments that I do
not know as well, such as Animation,
Illustration, Time Based Art and Graphic
Design, all of which rely on a high level
of technical skill and imagination.
The work of several artists stood out
in particular for me. Daisy Cooper’s
fantastic photo-lithography pieces
based on flamingos were extremely well
executed, and Rachel Rebus’ large scale
architectural paintings were incredibly
atmospheric and powerful. Nuala Early’s
wire sculptures were intriguing as, at a
first glance, they appeared to be abstract
but at a closer look it became clear
that they were figures. They were not
detailed, but human gestures and poses
were effectively conveyed.
With less than a year to go until I will be
involved in the show directly, it was very
useful to see the work that goes into
putting on a Degree Show and then to
compare that with the very professional
looking end result. After the show being
held at Vision in 2009, moving back to
the art college meant that this year’s
recently graduated 4th year had a hard
act to follow, but it was encouraging to
see the studios where we work every day
looked so impressive and polished.
The show would also have provided
prospective students or those just
completing 1st year a chance to witness
what can be achieved in four years at
Duncan of Jordanstone. Immediately
after handing in your portfolio to apply
to art college it can be hard to imagine
how you are going to reach such a high
standard in just a few years, but seeing
a whole year group having achieved so
much, would put it into perspective and
make it an attainable goal.
Everyone that I have spoken to
enjoyed this year’s show, regardless
of whether they had an active interest
in art or design or not. I think that the
Degree Show is an integral part of the
atmosphere of the University of Dundee,
and of the city as a whole.

Nick Cave:
Cave’s Dundee Literary Festival reading
By Kate MacRitchie
It must have
been hard
to ignore
the celebrity
authors flocking
to Dundee this
summer as
part of Literary
Dundee’s
annual festival,
yet none of them created quite
as much of a stir as the anarchic,
effortlessly cool author and Bad
Seed Nick Cave.
In addition to being awarded an
honourary degree by the University of
Dundee, Cave was also here to read
from his latest literary offering “The
Death of Bunny Munro”. At the reading
the audience was treated to a unique and
rare set-up; the opportunity to listen in
on an interview between Nick Cave and
his publisher, Jamie Byng of Canongate
books.
Entering the lecture theatre the
excitement in the air was palpable like
a gathering of the devout awaiting their
idol. Indeed, Nick Cave has often been
likened to an inverted Bible-belt preacher
man, and looking around the room,
the extensive variety of Cave’s flock
became apparent – a strange carnival
of goths, academics and celebrities
(the university’s rector, Brian Cox, was
in attendance). Catching a glimpse of
the ringleader himself in the doorway,
there was an awed hush, but the excited
applause could not be restrained when
Cave, characteristically head-to-toe in
black, entered the lecture theatre.
Sitting silently in a chair opposite
as Byng gave a brief introduction,
Cave appeared reserved, unwilling
to touch on themes within his book,
enigmatically shielding his gaze behind
No.17
The Freshers’ Issue 27
September 2010
dark glasses. One wondered how he
would address the expectant audience
when his replies to the publisher were
constrained to monosyllables. Then he
arose for the first of three readings and
his demeanour visibly changed – before
a rapturous audience Cave was in his
domain. Delivering his words with infinite
charisma and manic enthusiasm, hand-
waving and hollering, Cave cast the
audience under a dark spell.
Professor of Creative Writing at Dundee
University, Kirsty Gunn, likened his work
to that of an alchemist and claimed
no author ever gave such a dramatic
rendition of their own work. After
the reading Cave warmed up to the
interview, even letting slip that there
Cave never gave a straight answer to,
were plans to dramatise the novel for
and after he recounted a gruelling scene
film, with Ray Winstone as Cave’s
towards the novel’s climax perhaps the
preferred choice for the role of Bunny
answer is “No”.
Munro. And after playing a few troubled
or ‘dark’ characters it is no stretch of the
I don’t believe Nick Cave set out to
imagination to picture Winstone in the
tell the story of a man sunk so low he
title role.
has to claw his way back to light; he
wants to unflinchingly paint the bleak
Throughout the interview and while
and depraved journey of a human soul
taking questions from the audience, the
speeding towards the underworld at 90
idea of ‘redemption’ was continually put
miles an hour.
to Cave, who remained elusive on the
subject. If Cave was withdrawn in giving
an analysis on the subversive themes
contained in “The Death of Bunny Munro”
it is because he wants to let the words
speak for themselves, confirmed when
Cave rhetorically booms the exploits
of vice-ridden, sex-obsessed, amoral
salesmen Bunny.
Written with Cave’s trademark wit and
lyrically wry humour, the novel charts the
last road-trip of the libido-fuelled lothario,
who is without argument the worst father
figure his young son could wish for.
Again the question arose is there even
the faintest glimmer of redemption for
our antagonist Bunny? It was a question
The Magdalen
Travel:
To my fellow Dundonian student;
my name is Alanna and like
you, I study here at this exciting
Scottish city. Yet today (and
hopefully for a few further
instalments) I want to talk to you
about Africa- South East Africa
to be precise. This summer I
was lucky enough to spend 3
months in 6 African countries-
South Africa, Zimbabwe,
Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi and,
albeit briefly, Mozambique. I
am writing the story of 7 young
adults (3 Brits and 4 South
Africans) and their budget
adventure on the continent. I
want to share with Dundee my
images of each African nation
not to invoke a stereotypical
picture of the country, or attempt
to broaden your horizons on
African livelihood. I write because
Africa was hilarious, vibrant and
welcoming – yes it has been
trashed by economic and political
problems and yes, we westerners
really don’t understand it, yet in
the wake of South Africa 2010,
I think it has been proven that
African nations really aren’t what
they seem. Africa surprised me;
and it has become my upmost
desire to let it surprise everyone
else.
ZIMBABWE
I will begin at the Zimbabwean border,
where I am standing in queue. I and my
new friends have driven all the way from
Cape town, stopped off for a brief stay in
Kruger National Park, and have driven
to the SA/Zimbabwe divide; a border
post called Beitbridge. I should offer a
little back story here (probably to explain
why we are heading to such a recently
‘shunned’ nation anyway); I am on this
trip with South Africans I lived with and
met on my gap year. My friend Kim, who
is an exciting and exceedingly driven
young law student at the prestigious and
well-known university of Stellenbosch,
is part Zimbabwean and we are off to
Alanna Reid and some fruits.
visit her family. Jono, had also spent his
gap year doing a similar, church based
programme in Zim, yet his was decidedly
different from mine. He and his girlfriend,
an architecture student studying at Bath,
had met when Zim was in the clutches
of an economic free fall. We are driving
towards the border accompanied by their
stories of 4 hour crossings, endless car
and luggage checks and of course, the
standard bribing of any official or police
officer.
I have been in the continent for less
than a week and I have definitely not
found my ‘African legs’ (I suppose
by this I mean ‘an understanding or
tolerance of the nature of the African
continent’) so I will admit to being slightly
apprehensive of what I was going to find
in Zimbabwe. As I stand in the queue
to pay my extortionate $70 British visa
entrance I get little flashes of myself,
drink in hand in some pub, ranting about
how the terrible economic situation like
I knew exactly what I was taking about.
Yet looking up at Mugabe’s self portrait
behind the booth, I realised that I knew
nothing about Zimbabwe.
Despite the horribly long queue, the
million and one hoops you have to
jump through in order to get the right
documentation to let cars into the
country and the one hundred million
polite smiles and ‘thank you’s’ to scary
looking officials, we passed through. The
difference on the road was noticeable as
soon as we got driving again. In South
Africa the roads had been smooth and
civilised but in Zimbabwe, although
I am told there has been significant
improvement, driving became this
ridiculous game; swerve to avoid pothole,
stop car at police blockade, pray they do
not find a reason for a bribe, start car,
swerve at next pothole, stop for police. It
was exhausting.
However later that day we arrived in
Harare. The city itself, from the second
we entered it, was ridiculously confusing.
Despite popular thought, there is now
much evidence of an emerging first
world presence. This is probably due to
injection of the US dollar at the inevitable
redundancy of the Zimbabwean
equivalent (what’s that? 6 billion for a
Coke? Don’t be ridiculous). From the
passenger seat I could see this country
had both money and potential- as our
GPS lady, who I had affectionately
named Louise because of her comforting
British prose, freaked out and abandoned
us in rush hour traffic and repeatedly
insisted ‘turn left’, ‘turn left’, ‘turn left’,
whilst Kate from Bath drove our massive
bright yellow truck into a local’s bumper.
We did however, in our exhaustion and
fatigue, forget to visit the local bus station
and check the ‘scheduled’ departure
of our bus to Blantyre- Malawi’s capital
and our next destination. This, we would
soon find, was an error fatal to the
organisation of our entire trip.
My few days in Zimbabwe were
surprisingly pleasant. Kim and I stayed
with her family whilst the rest stayed
with friends of Jono and Kate. I wish
I could describe the ethos of the white
Zimbabwe – I think it’s something you
just have to see. Kim’s family lived a
lifestyle fairly similar to some in SA;
privileged but rather outdated and
noticeably numb to the inequalities of life

African Articles: Part One
around them. There is no way to criticise
their indifference to racism- we Brits have
not experienced what they have- but the
little world they have created- their white-
only shopping centres and restaurants,
gyms and supermarkets- was both
bemusing and stifling.
So when Kim and I eventually dodged
round the local bus station to find our
bus to Blantyre- I was glad of a way
out. It was expensive to do anything
fun, (I could barely afford a beer at
a comfortable bar) unsafe to drive
anywhere at night and quite frankly a
million miles away from the rural Africa I
was at this time desperate to experience.
In Africa, no white person- unless you are
an adventurous or naive tourist- takes
the bus. So at first I was startled to finally
find myself in the minority but I would get
very used to this in weeks to come. After
a bit of hunting around Kim and I found
a little dude sitting at a wooden desk that
resembled a ticket booth, who informed
us that the bus only left twice a week and
we would have to wait for the next bus
in two days. Annoyed that we couldn’t
leave sooner but happy to see an out we
agreed with our ‘reputable source’ that
we would buy our tickets on the morning
of travel. He assured us that as long as
we got there early there would be plenty
of space.
We did get there early; the day before
to be precise. But on the night before
travel our ‘reputable source’ told us that
he was ‘sorry’ but the bus was full. Kim,
with a look of aggravated desperation
that I would come to know so well in
the weeks to come, begged the guy to
let us on the bus somehow- ‘we’ll sit on
someone’s lap’ she told him. Sounds like
a ridiculous idea as the bus to Blantyre
was like 15hours long and through
another country (the Tete corridor
of Mozambique) but honestly, that
sounded appealing to another 5 days in
Harare. We were refused lap space (not
surprisingly) so we would make a plan.
These plans included hitch hiking, taking
local taxis or eventually reversing the trip
and going to Zambia first.
So at 8 o’clock that night we broke the
news to the others in the group who
were sitting down to a family meal that
we were taking the 9pm train that night
to Bulawayo and that they had better
pack quickly. They did and within the
hour we had boarded the overnight
train. After the fairly stable few days of
driving and visiting family in comfortable
surroundings we were finally out on own
and into unpredictable and unreliable
African transport. Boarding the overnight
sleeper train to the west of Zimbabwe
No.17
The Freshers’ Issue 29
September 2010
at dark was quite a scary experience,
but for me, it was one that launched
me straight into my African legs. After
considering sleeping with Kim’s new
bush knife- who we would eventually
come to know and love as ‘ninja’ – and
waking up to intense shouting outside
our cabin door at 3am, Kim woke us up
and rushed us to pack.
We pulled up at the next station but we
weren’t in Bulawayo. We were nowhere
near. Kim, all desperate and aggravated,
checked the map. We where half way
there- it had taken us 12 hours to travel
200km. Oh my goodness, we were going
to be in Zimbabwe forever.
So, because the trains had decided
to travel that much slower that day we
spent another 6 boring hours in our little
cabin. My new friend Jo, Kate’s sister,
was chronically sick and unfortunately
there was nothing we could do but pile
her sick bags in the toilet down the hall
- by toilet I mean hole onto the tracks!
After an eternity of staring at the ceiling,
games of cards and, perhaps a little
insensitively, laughing at my friend throw
up out the window of the moving train,
we at last reached Bulawayo.
It was that morning, as we left the left
the train to search the decidedly more
The Magdalen

rural and ‘African looking’ town for a

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

We spent another eight hours on this

bus and I watched with trepidation as
the locals gasped at the sight of the roof
bouncing inwards under the weight of
all our luggage- ‘jings’ I thought; ‘If they
are worried, perhaps I should exercise a
little concern?’. Predictably ignoring this
danger and sitting on half a seat thanks
to the rather large African lady sitting
next to me, I watched as we stopped
to pick up local school kids and return
commuters to their local villages and
laughed as the woman in front of me
hurriedly bought a cabbage through the
window- she simply leant across what
seemed like a million people to drop a
dollar to the ground and then proceed to
sit with her cabbage for another 4 hours.
I would however come to see much
more peculiar items bought in this very
unique take on window shopping. Just
as the sun set we made in to Victoria of Victoria Falls and the humble nature
Falls- a town on the border of Zimbabwe of the Zambian nation. And I will also
and Zambia so named because of its explain how we ended up in an empty
majestic and historically significant but huge train station in the north of the
waterfall. country with more strange Americans
and how I inadvertently end up flirting
The next time I write and you read with the ticket man.
I’m going to tell you all about the two Until then…
travellers we picked up for our next
two countries; Eric, the ukulele playing
American from the Peace corps and
Georgie (or who we called Georgie for
weeks only to discover his name was
actually, Joris) the rather awkwardly
mannered yet rather attractive dutch boy,
who we where certain pedalled drugs
and had the most enormous crush on
Kim. I will tell you about the mightiness

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Travel:
Shanghai EXPO Experience
When I came back from Scotland
in May, I went to my home
University, which is located in
the economic centre of China,
Shanghai. Even though I grew up
in Beijing and spent only three-
years of undergraduate life here,
I love Shanghai. The city is made
even more elegant by the Expo
events. Expo is considered to be
a huge and important activity for
not only the city of Shanghai, but
also the whole of China. It took
the government over two years to
build the Expo pavilions.
There are two choices for visiting Expo
Park, day or night. I preferred a night
tour! There are several reasons: fewer
people, shorter queues, much more
comfortable and beautiful! Since the
obvious longer length of a day trip and
relatively expensive ticket of night one,
many tourists prefer to start the visit
No.17
The Freshers’ Issue 31
September 2010
By Yue Min
in the morning and leave around the
sunset. Every time I went to the park,
I stayed the whole day from 9am to
10pm and I think that after 6pm is more
enjoyable. That means travelling at night
could save time and allow you access to
more pavilions in comparison to the day
tour.
The summer is hot in Shanghai,
especially during the daytime from 9am
to 5pm. Imagine standing outside the UK
pavilion under the blazing sun, and the
speed of the queue is twenty minutes for
fifty people and there seems to be more
than two hundred people before you!
Now you may think about going to the
other pavilions first, and you quickly give
up this idea when you find the queue
outside the pavilion of Saudi Arabia is Yue inside an Expo Pavillion
three times longer! Truth is 5-8 hours is summer in Dundee, the sunset will not
quite common waiting time for tourists. last until 11pm, the temperature drops
Then you would rather wait in the breeze quickly after 6pm here. Most importantly,
than under the sunshine. Not like the the view at night is amazing!
The Magdalen
Bad Ideas:
Dundee University’s latest
evening lecture brought
the renowned scientist and
parliamentary peer, Lord Robert
Winston to full house in our very
own Dalhousie Building.
He is best known for his BBC
documentary television series ‘‘Child of
Our Time’’ which documented the lives
of several children born at the start of the
millennium. As well as being a leading
geneticist, Winston is also famous for
his television work and involvement with
the Labour Party. Winston is a pioneer
in IVF treatment and has been credited
with making science more accessible to
the public through his hugely successful
books and television series.
Winston delivered an informative and
entertaining lecture, discussing how
science has the potential to change the
world for better and often for worse. His
lecture promoted his new book “Bad
Ideas” which examines the history of
scientific discoveries and discusses how
many have been used for the detriment
of humanity. The book explains how
our finest inventions nearly finished us
off! Professor Winston takes a fresh
look at man’s greatest discoveries
and innovations and asks whether our
dependence on science and technology
has led us into a precarious situation –
perhaps even doomed to become worse
before it gets better. As well as tracing
the history and fall-out of our very worst
ideas, the book also advocates the
merits of scientific progress: for our drive
to invent and improve the world around
us is what, after all, makes us human.
Winston’s lecture was based on some of
the theories presented in his book.
Winston is engaging and enthusiastic
in his television series and did not
disappoint the audience in maintaining
this reputation. He started the lecture
by discussing the invention of the
laser; when it was first invented its
multiple uses were underestimated.
He explained that it is now used for
experimenting with nuclear power in a
California research facility. Ironically,
its funding was only guaranteed by the
facility’s nuclear weapons division.
Winston went on to explain that this is
the method by which many discoveries
were developed during wartime. Winston
listed Penicillin as a major development
in medicine attributed to the Second
World War, 1939 to 1945, in spite of
its discovery in 1928, suggesting that
military funding into weapons technology
can sometimes lead to important
scientific breakthroughs. He provided
insight into contemporary scientific
research and development, which could
shape the future. He also additionally
addressed current issues such as
climate change and suggested they
have their origins in the most primitive of
technologies, for example, in the area of
farming.
As a whole, the lecture was informative
and commendable, even to the “non-
science-boffin”. A charismatic Winston
presented us with evidence to back up
his “Bad Ideas” theory therefore I predict
that everybody would believe ‘‘Bad
Ideas’’ is worth reading.
Rory Martin
 No.17
The Freshers’ Issue 33
September 2010

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

GC: Leigh, thanks for speaking to us.
LG: Not a problem!
GC: At the time you were signed from
Livingston there was interest from SPL
clubs such as Hearts; why choose
Dundee?
LG: Had I signed for Hearts I felt I wouldnít
have got enough first team experience.
I knew that if I signed for Dundee I
wouldnít be stuck on the bench or playing
for the reserves all season.
GC: Has playing for Dundee met your
expectations?
LG: Last year me and the boys were
gutted to fall short and miss out on
promotion but hopefully weíll manage that
this year!
GC: How have you found the city in the
year youíve been playing for Dundee?
Could you see yourself staying here for
some time to come?
LG: I really enjoy staying in the city at the
moment and I also met my fiancÈe here,
so even if I do move away Iíll be back a lot
to see her and her family.
GC: Obviously promotion is the aim for the
year ahead, but do you or the team have
any other personal targets or ambitions for
this season?
LG: To be honest as long as I score the
important goals to get us promoted then Iíll
be happy. Like I said, promotion is all the
team, the board and the fans want so weíre
entirely focused on that.
GC: The free-kick you scored in the Cup
against Rangers was an absolute belter,
but what has been the most important or
special goal you feel youíve scored in your
career?
LG: My favourite goal is definitely the goal
I scored for Scotland B against Northern
Ireland B at Broadwood, but I feel I scored
quite a few important goals for Dundee last
season. The one that sticks in my head is
when we played Dunfermline at Dens and
were 2-2 going into the last minute having
been 2-0 down; I got a shot in on goal
which the goalie saved, but I managed to
volley it back in to send the fans crazy!
GC: Having played for Scotland Under-
21s are there any other young Scottish
footballers you feel will become key players
in the full national team in years to come?
LG: You can already see quality players
like Goodwillie (Dundee United), Murphy
(Motherwell) and Maguire (Aberdeen)
pushing for a place in the full squad
and it wonít be long until they get their
chance!
GC: Where do you see yourself in 5
yearsí time?
LG: In 5 years Iím hoping to be playing
at a very high level somewhere down in
England.
GC: Do you or any of the squad read the
Alternative Leigh Griffiths blog, and if so
then whatís your feelings on it?
LG: A few of the boys have mentioned
it to me in the dressing room and I
occasionally hear the fans say some
things but to be honest I just laugh it off
and get on with the job at hand!
Gary Cocker
The Magdalen
Sport:
Should Pavin Pick Tiger?
Tiger Woods is one of those rare
figures in sport, an athlete whose
public persona extends beyond that
of their chosen sports’ fans and
whose name ultimately becomes
synonymous with their profession.
His list of achievements really has
to be seen to be believed; having
won 14 Majors, 3 career Grand
Slams, and being number 1 in the
world rankings for 613 weeks in
total (including a 5-year consecutive
streak and not relinquishing the
position at all during 8 separate
calendar years), Woods has
revolutionised the world of golf and
challenged the supremacy of the
legendary Jack Nicklaus as the
sport’s pinnacle.
However, such a career has not been
without its problems. Difficulties with
his coach Butch Harmon and changes
made to his swing resulted in a slump
in form in 2003/4, with his recovery in
the following years cut short by surgery
on his troublesome left knee halfway
through the 2008 season. Just as Woods
was finally beginning to return to winning
ways, trouble struck once more as news
of his infidelity hit the headlines. Having
announced an indefinite break from the
Tour to attempt to salvage his marriage,
Woods returned to action at the Masters
in April, tying for fourth. Nevertheless,
patchy form over the course of his
stunted season was to cost him dearly
as he finished 12th on the qualifying
list for the Ryder Cup USA team. With
only the top 8 qualifying, this has left
the once-dominant giant of golf relying
on a wildcard pick from USA Captain
Corey Pavin to play for his nation against
Europe in October.
To most casual observers, Woods would
seem an obvious wildcard choice; as well
as being an inspiration to many of the
younger American players breaking into
the side, there is little doubt that Tiger
still has the talent and determination to
succeed, as demonstrated with his top-
four finishes at both the Masters and the
US Open this year. Yet for many pundits,
such blasé remarks betray a lack of
knowledge of Tiger’s idiosyncracies.
Despite being a Tour colossus, Woods’
Ryder Cup performances leave a lot to
be desired, having only won 10 of his
25 games. Indeed, Team USA’s best
performance in the past decade arguably
came in the last tournament (2008), a
year when Tiger was unable to compete
due to his knee surgery. Some argue
that Woods’ presence adversely affects
the performances of others who feel
somewhat in the shadow of the man who
has dominated their profession for almost
15 years.
Of course, there are many Americans out
there whose form and pedigree poses
Pavin a real headache when it comes to
wildcard picks, preventing Woods from
being a shoo-in. The veteran Stewart
Cink, who won the Open in 2009, is seen
by many to be a solid pick that could help
to settle the nerves of the rookies; Zach
Johnson also appears to have hit a rich
vein of form, having tied for third in the
US PGA in August of this year. Lucas
Glover, despite missing the cut at the
same tournament, cannot be dismissed
out of hand either with a 5th-place finish
in the USPGA last year and a victory in
the US Open in 2009 to boot.
With all things considered, it would be
a very bold move for Pavin to not give
one of his wildcard picks to a player
he himself admits is “high on my list”.
However, it would not be a decision
without foundation; if 2008 taught the
Americans anything, itís that there is no I
in team. Perhaps, once more, itís time to
decide that thereís also no Tiger.
 No.17
The Freshers’ Issue 35
September 2010

Sport:
Fitba’s back. Let’s Perty.
A Season Preview with The relegation battles in each league
Gary Cocker. may seem straightforward on paper but
appearances can be deceptive. In the
SPL, although St. Mirren and Kilmarnock
For those of us who have been
play both the weakest and ugliest
enchanted with the Beautiful
football, it’s a system that has kept them
Game from an early age, the
in the top tier for many years; any one
beginning of August is a magical
of the surprisingly solid Hamilton, stodgy
time. No more do we have to
St. Johnstone or even everybody’s
endure the incest-fest of upper-
‘love to hate’ team Aberdeen could yet
class Wimbledon or the dressed-
be dragged into a relegation dogfight.
in-the-dark antics of the golfing
Blackpool’s annihilation of Wigan in the
greats; nor do we have to put up
opening weekend led some pundits to
with those biannual fair-weather
suggest that Ian Holloway’s men would
football fans who appear at the
be the surprise survival of the season;
major tournaments, questioning
however, as shown by Burnley last
why England aren’t playing
season and Hull the season before, the
Seaman in goal and that are
EPL is a marathon and not a sprint. For
shocked when France don’t
the more pragmatic fans of seven or
win. It’s the start of 9 months
eight teams this season, consolidation of
of agonising home defeats, throwing away an automatic promotion
their position in the top flight and fixtures
infuriating managerial tactics and place in the final weeks and then losing
against Chelsea rather than Coventry is
the inevitable burst coupons, but the playoff final to QPR.
the aim.
you know what? We love it.
Since I’ve covered practically all of my
bases so far, it’s only fair that I make
This season is shaping up to be one of
some solid predictions so you know what
the most intriguing in years. In Scotland,

Upcoming
not to stick your money on and have
Dundee United are (sadly for this Dee-
some tangible evidence to mock me with
supporting lad) emerging as a possible

Football
come May. Here goes....
remedy to the vice-like grip the Ugly
Sisters (sorry, Old Firm) have had on

Fixtures
SPL Predictions: Celtic champions, with
the top two positions for what seems
Rangers-Dundee United-Motherwell
like time immemorial, with teams like
taking the European spots. St Mirren
Motherwell and Hearts also snapping at
to finally be relegated, much to the September 4th: International Weekend
their heels. The aforementioned three
delight of every other SPL team and the September 11th: Dundee Utd v.
teams did well to maintain a consistency
chagrin of every 1st Division team. Mark Aberdeen
in their squads, with United in particular
McGhee to continue to be barracked by
having to fend off interest in players such
an Aberdeen fanbase still living in the September 18th: Dundee v. Raith Rovers
as Craig Conway and David ‘Mindcripple’
1980s. Dundee to finally return to their
Goodwillie. A similar situation seems to
rightful place at the top table of Scottish September 25th: Dundee United v. St
have emerged in England, with Spurs
football after a tough promotion race with Johnstone
and Man City boasting their strongest
Dunfermline.
squads in years and both pushing for
a top four finish; Hodgson’s arrival at October 2nd: Dundee v. Greenock
EPL Predictions: Manchester United to Morton
Liverpool may yet prove to be pivotal
sneak the League from Chelsea on the
for the seemingly fallen giant, with the
final day, with Arsenal and Liverpool both Tickets cost £10 for Dundee games and
retention of the services of Gerrard and
missing out on Champions League spots. £12-£15 depending on opposition/stand
Torres and the addition of Joe Cole
West Brom, Blackpool and Wigan to go for Dundee United games with a valid
showing the former Fulham manager’s
down, with Sunderland narrowly missing student card. For enquiries, call Dundee
worth. However, the gulf between the
out on European competition. Arsene on 01382 889966 and Dundee United on
‘Big Two’ of Chelsea and Manchester
Wenger to not see/defend one of his 01382 833166. For directions, Google
United and the likes of Arsenal and
players committing a foul that leaves its Map Dens Park Stadium (Dundee) and
Liverpool may yet again prove to be too
victim crocked for life. Middlesbrough to Tannadice Stadium (United).
big.
continue to drive their fans to despair by