The Print Volume 3, Issue 5

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The official publication of Maynooth Students’ Union

Tuesday 29th November 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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20,000 March Against Increases To Third Level Contribution Charges Protesters also condemn rumoured cuts to third level grant schemes KEITH BRONI Editor In Chief

On Wednesday the 16th of November, roughly 20,000 students from across Ireland marched from Parnell Square in Dublin City Centre to the front of Dáil Éireann to protest against any increases to the current third level Student Contribution Charge (formally the Registration Fee) and further cuts to the maintenance grant. The march lasted approximately two hours, beginning shortly before 2.30pm and dissolving at roughly 4.30pm following a rally on Merrion Street. Almost 200 buses were utilised to carry students from various campuses nationwide to and from the event. A sleepout protest also took place after the march on Molesworth Street.

The demonstration, entitled ‘Stop Fees, Save The Grant’, was organised by the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), akin to last year’s ‘Education Not Emigration’ campaign. However, unlike last year’s protest, this march passed off peacefully without any violent clashes between protesters and the Gardaí.

There were, however, some attempts to deviate from the main protest by Free Education for Everybody (FEE), who were marching alongside the USI. These included a sit-down protest outside of the main entrance to Trinity College, an attempt to occupy the Fine Gael Headquarters on Upper Mount Street and another attempted occupation of a teaching venue on the Trinity campus (Room 3074).

Yet these efforts were short-lived.

Speaking at the rally following the march, the President of the USI, Gary Redmond, called on the Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn to keep his pre-election promise to the students of Ireland. On Monday February 21st, four days before the public voted within a General Election, Quinn, then the Labour Party’s spokesperson for Education, publicly signed a USI pledge at the gates of Trinity College which stated that if elected the Labour Party would not increase the student contribution in any form.

Fine Gael also stated they “will not increase the student registration fee further” on page 37 of their Election manifesto.

Yet despite their pre-election committments against further increases to third level contribution chargers, it was heavily rumoured that Fine Gael and Labour were considering a return to full upfront fees.

These rumours were fueled by the President of UCC, Dr. Michael Murphy, who was quoted in the Irish Times saying he believed that student fees of at least €4,500-€5,000 per year are necessary to maintain the quality of higher education in Ireland.

“Less than nine months on, we have a government in hiding” proclaimed Redmond during his address

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20,000 students from across the country marching as a part of the USI ‘Stop Fees, Save The Grant’ protest on November 16th

Staggered €500 Increases to Student Contribution Charge Now Rumoured CONOR O’BRIEN

In a move paralleling that made by the previous government following last year’s USI protest march, the current Coalition has claimed that student fees are likely to go up by €500 next year.

This can conversely be interpreted as a success or disappointment by those who marched recently against similar issues raised at last year’s protest, as this is far shy of the gargantuan sums being considered by the Department of Education prior to the march.

Minister for Education and Skills Ruairi Quinn has “all but ruled out” hiking fees to over €5,000, a suggestion that sent alarm bells ringing for students and parents alike and culminated with the recent descending of some 20,000 or so protesters on the capital.

The €500 increase, however, may have been

intended by the Department from the get go, with rumours of a far higher hike being circulated to soften students up for the smaller blow they actually had in store.

This being the case, it now seems likely that a year-by-year increase in the college contribution charge is on the cards, given that the proposed increase would almost surely not be enough to meet the funding shortages which the Irish university sector is currently suffering from.

Recently for instance, President of UCC Dr. Michael Murphy claimed in an interview with The Irish Times that increases in the range of ten times that currently being considered by the Minister would be required to resolve the funding debacle and maintain and/or increase the quality of Irish third level education. Changes of this magnitude would see the development of a third level system more closely resembling that in the UK, where university admissions have fallen as an increasing

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number of students pursue degrees in Irish universities where costs have – until now – been lower.

Extra cash injections will prove critical for Irish universities in the coming years, with admissions expected to rise by 30% over the next decade, which would place an unbearable strain on current resources and infrastructure.

Any increase would see serious scrutiny of Mr. Quinn from within his own party, an organisation which has long stood by free education and opposed heightened fees under the previous government.

This is combined with the intense pressure being placed on the Minister by the USI in recent months, who aside from this month’s march also have an ongoing case against the Minister for increasing the criteria of the non-adjacent grant without providing provisions for students already enrolled in third level courses.

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Quinn refuses to rule out Spanish students protest cull of postgraduate grants against education cuts

KEITH BRONI

CONOR O’BRIEN

The Minister for Education, Ruairi Quinn, has refused to rule out the blanket cull of all grant schemes for postgraduate college students reported on the front page of the Sunday Business Post on the 13th of November.

Replying to Dáil questions posed Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith and independent Michael Healy-Rae, Quinn gave no clear indication of the Government’s plans for postgraduate grants, but stated that the current economic circumstances would mean “difficult choices will have to be made”. He continued that that changes to student grants “cannot be ruled out” while the government seeks “to control public expenditure and to ensure sustainability in the long run”. The minister asserted, however, that he would try to ensure that disadvantaged students were protected by the impending education cuts.

According to the Sunday Business Post, 40% of postgraduate students currently studying have had their fees paid by the state and receive a maintenance grant, for which they apply for to their local authority.

Reacting to the information reported in the Sunday Business Post, the President of the Union of Students’ in Ireland (USI), Gary Remond claimed: “This proposal has been greeted with shock and dismay by students, parents and families. The Programme for Government promises a surgeon’s

The sentiments expressed at the USI’s recent protest in Dublin were echoed on the streets of Madrid this month as students and lecturers from across Spain descended on the capital to protest the impact of austerity measures on third level education.

Friday the 18th November saw thousands of students and teachers alike from across the country take to the streets in demonstration against education cuts similar to those being considered here. Both were united in voicing their disapproval of what they interpret as the privatisation of Spanish education, joined in their efforts by others concerned with wider public cuts being implemented by the then Socialist Workers’ Party government of Jose Luis Zapatero.

The protest also opposed the then imminent general election at which the conservative, right wing People’s Party (PP) seized power with a 186 seat majority. The PP are expected to hasten commercialism within Spain’s third level sector, which will do little to ease the worries of the protestors.

Austerity measures have already resulted in sever job losses at universities across the country, with Spain now allocating one of the smallest proportions of its GDP to education of any EU member state. Both students and teachers want to see it given greater reverence, viewing it as paramount to the future of a country where 40% of

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Minister for Education Ruairi Quinn scalpel would be taken to waste and inefficiency in Higher Education. Instead a butcher’s cleaver appears to have been taken to student supports such as the Maintenance Grant. This proposal would mean that the number of students able be able to progress to Masters and Phd level would plummet, and Higher Education in Ireland would return to being the preserve of the wealthy elite.”

The government are currently seeking to reduce spending by €2.2 billion in next month’s Budget, which will deliver over two days as opposed to the traditional single day address.

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NEWS 1 FEATURES 8 WELFARE 12 ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE 14 OPINION & COMMENT 22 PROCRASINATION 25 SPORTS 26

A female protester with elaborate make-up the youth are now unemployed.

Within Catalonia – one of the nation’s wealthiest regions – an expected 3,000 university jobs will be lost come years’ end, with some universities facing budget cuts of up to 16%.

This has inevitably led to a decline in the quality of education being delivered, another point made clear by the protests.

The new government is expected to uphold an existing and unpopular initiative to run until 2015 with the aim of modernising the Spanish university sector through the reduction of public spending and increasing private investment, moves which could lead to the emergence of elitism within education.

Editor In Chief: Keith Broni Production Editor: Keith Broni Additional Formatting: Orlaith McCourt (MacWorks) Entertainments & Culture Editors: Lyndsey Farrell & Christina Murphy Opinion & Comment Editor: Kate Phelan Technology Editor: Shane Kiernan Sports Editor: Conor Phelan Additional Proofing: Naoise Ó Cearúil Contributors:

Laura Breen, Conor Booth, Cathal Burke, Feargal Clarke, Dylan Colley, Shane Colley, Edel Corrigna, Mark Dillon, Rob Gilmour, Dean Healy, Maeve Kavanagh, Shauna Louise Kelly, Ally Kerr, Aine Kirwan, Ruta Lankelyte, Sinead Lillis, Rory McCormick, Aidan McNally, Shane McNally, Maghnus Monaghan, Damien Murphy, Conor O’Brien, Megan O’Doherty, Fiach O’Neill, Cillian Shields. Mark Tierney.

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Ireland could write off 85 per cent of its debts, according to student study MARK TIERNEY

Students at an elite pan-continental business school, have carried out a simulation which they believe shows how the Irish Government could erase up to €184 billion of its national debt. The simulation, which was carried out by postgraduate students at the elite ESCP Business School, claims to show how eight of Europe’s debt heavy countries, could simply wipe out over €2 trillion in debt by cancelling out their obligations to each other. The procedure would see the five ‘PIIGS’ economies: Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain along with France, Britain and Germany cancelling out any debts owed to each other, a procedure which could see Ireland’s outstanding debt fall by over 85 per cent.

The simulation, which was carried out in May, was split into three parts. The first would see two countries that owed money to each other and, when those loans fell at the same time, cancel each other out. Likewise, the second stage would consist of three countries that owed money to each other in a ‘triangular’ fashion, and, again when these loans become due at the same time, cancelling their debts to each other. The final stage would consist of a period of ‘free trading’ whereby countries could negotiate other settlements whilst trading off loans with parties within the model.

Whilst currently the simulation is nothing more than academic conjecture, if proven correct it could see Ireland’s debt, around €215 billion at the time, reduced to around €31 billion, a drop which would reduce Ireland’s level of debt from almost 130per cent of GDP to just under 20 per cent of GDP. Other European countries would also fare well under the arrangement. France could in their own

A portion of a diagram featured in the study illustrating the various debts in place across Europe words ‘virtually eliminate its debt’ seeing it fall by €382 billion to merely 0.06% of GDP. Germanys debt would drop 81 per cent, from €536 billion to €103 billion. Spain and Italy could halve approximately half of their debts, with drops of 50 per cent and 56

per cent respectively. Despite this, Greece would struggle to reduce much of its €83 billion debt due to much of its debt being held by countries outside of the other seven The students admit that their simulation ‘raises

more questions than it answers’ however they believe that it does show the viability of debt cancellation as an economic policy option.

You can read the study at: www.eudebtwriteoff. com/

NUIM ELSA plays host to highly successful Criminal Law Week on and off campus AIDAN McNALLY

The NUI Maynooth branch of the European Law Students Association (ELSA) held a Criminal Law Week last week, kicking off with a Crime quiz in the SU bar on Monday at lunch-time in aid of Pieta House. Over a dozen teams battled it out in rounds from celebrity convictions to criminal cases. The winners walked away with tickets to The Blanks as well as a copy of the constitution.

That evening ELSA welcomed Judge Moriarty from the High Court. He was leader of the Moriarty tribunal, famous for its investigation into political corruption and expenses. He gave an informative account on the legal system in this jurisdiction in relation to criminal law. He took a variety of delicate questions well, such as that regarding judge’s pay, to the question are judges paid too much he answered “...I think 4 or 5 years ago we were…but we (well, 95% of us) are prepared to take a voluntary pay cut and have said so on numerous occasions…” The ELSA AGM followed where all committee positions were filled.

As part of ELSA criminal law week what else would be more fitting than to visit a jail? On Tuesday morning a group of about 20 members headed off to Kilmainham Jail. The jail itself is now a museum and we visited cells once inhabited by famous Irish political and military heavy-weights such as Eamon De Valera, Countess Markavich and Joseph Plunkett as well as lining up in the yard

were the 1916 Republican leaders met their maker a the hands of British bullets. A very “insightful” and “interesting” trip and we finished the morning with hot chocolate and cake!

Later that day the criminal law class held their in-class competition. Dr.Kennifick picked teams from a list of volunteers to participate and a clip of Eastenders was posted on Moodle, where Little Mo is shown to attack her husband Trevor with an iron.

The teams had to prepare arguments on the case of Little Mo and present it to the class. The winning team will receive a free trip to Galway next semester with ELSA. Wednesday saw ELSA welcome The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of crime. In CS1 a gentleman who was convicted of drug possession and sentenced to 10years in Mountjoy gave an engaging and entertaining talk on life on the inside, including such details as when a mate of his was stabbed to death with a butter-knife over drugs. He is now well-educated and is undertaking a masters in criminology. For many he was the high-light of the week. With him was the executive director of the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPFT) who discussed how to improve the penal system and prisoner rehabilitation. Following those speakers was inspector Niall Featherstone from the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit (NCPU) who educated those present on preventing crime on a day to day basis.

On Thursday ELSA welcomed RTE Crime

Members of NUIM ELSA with Judge Moriarty Correspondent, Paul Reynolds to Maynooth in their final event of the week. There were only around fifteen in attendance however those absentees were the unlucky ones: “The best speaker of the week so far, by far” one commented afterwards. He gave a brief run-through of his job and then moved on to talk about crime in Ireland, but what followed was more an open, frank and honest discussion on crime in Ireland. He has written two books, one on prostitution in Ireland and another on high-profile drug-dealer, Tony Felloni. On prostitution: “I’ve no problem with men wanting to pay 50€ for a

blowjob…but if a prostitute says that morally she has no problem with it, that’s fine…I just refuse to believe her” He also outlined that crime needs to be cut off at grass-roots level through nurturing those in socially deprived areas, right the way from when they start school until they exit their teens.

As usual, ELSA have educated and entertained with big names in current affairs. They have still to welcome the ACJRD and ex-Mountjoy Governor John Lonergan next week to top off an all-round jam-packed 7 days of events.

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Occupy UC Davis Pepper Spray Incident GRAINNE HALLINAN Shocking footage has emerged on YouTube of peaceful protesters at UC Davis being doused with pepper spray by two campus police officers.

The incident occurred on Friday 18 November to a group of students demonstrating as part of the Occupy movement and against higher education tuition hikes. The videos show an officer using the spray on a group of protesters sitting peacefully on the ground with their arms interlocked. Ten people were also arrested, nine of which were students.

The school Chancellor Linda Katehi released a statement condemning the event: “I am deeply saddened that this happened on our campus, and as Chancellor, I take full responsibility for the incident.” Despite widespread calls for her resignation Katehi refused to step down, but pledged “to take the actions needed to ensure that this does not happen again”. She continued, stating that she felt “very sorry for the harm our students were subjected to”, and vowed “to work tirelessly to make the campus a more welcoming and safe place”.

The statement also announced that two officers involved were on administrative leave. Though they were not named by UC Davis, one has been

The now infamous photo of the police force pepper spraying protesters at UC Davis identified locally as Lt. John Pike. Katehi described the use of pepper spray in particular as “chilling”.

The Occupy encampment was erected again in the days following the incident. University spokeswoman Claudia Morain revealed that the school was monitoring the protest, saying that action would be taken “step-by-step” in order to balance campus security with people’s right to protest.

She did not reveal whether the students would be

allowed to camp overnight. Medical engineering student David Buscho, 22, of San Rafael, who was among the protestors attacked with pepper spray described being paralyzed with fear as the spray stung like “like hot glass”. He recounted how they were sprayed “again and again”, and “were completely powerless to do anything”.

Meanwhile, students demonstrating at University of California, Berkeley, vowed to sleep overnight

at Sproul Plaza, though they had no plans to set up tents. A heat lamp was erected instead and students are calling the protest a “pyjama party” rather than an encampment.

Chancellor Katehi assured that the investigation into the events surrounding the arrests, including communications from the police to the administration has been accelerated with a deadline of thirty days for the task force to release its report.

Dublin Transport charges Russia to make Emo an intergrated with LEAP Card Illegal “Teenage Trend”

CONOR O’BRIEN

LAURA BREEN

Commuters in the capital will soon be able to avail of a new integrated ticketing system expected to be implemented within weeks.

The system, which has been anticipated by commuters for some time now, has been christened the Leap Card and is expected to be running by year’s end. Upon finalisation, users of the new system will be able to able to avail of Dublin Bus, Dart, Iarnrod Eireann, Luas and Bus Eireann services, although that full compliment is expected to not be accessible until midway through next year.

In the meantime, 500 commuters are expected to partake in a trial of the new consolidated ticketing system, which has been allocated a €55 million budget by the government. These commuters will be offered a Leap Card valued at €20 and were selected from the first 500 people to log on to integratedticketing.ie’s website on Friday 18th November. These preliminary Leap Cards, however, will not allow for travel via Iarnrod Eireann. Once the scheme is rolled out to the wider public, its range of applications is expected to be

A new Russian law could make being an emo teen illegal in the country.

Emos, a relatively new social group to Russia, is next to be cracked-down upon under Russian legislation. The emo culture in Russia has been coined by the social conservatives as “dangerous”, “threatening” and Russian leaders want no part of this common teenage trend ,which is apparently viewed as a threat to national stability of the country.

The new bill aimed at avoiding “dangerous teenage trends”, was put forward at a hearing held in the State Duma last month. This piece of legislation categorises “emos” as anyone 12-16 years of age with elements of the following: black or pink clothing, painted fingernails, studded accessories, ear and eyebrow piercings, and dark black hair with fringes which “cover half the face” reports The Guardian.

The bill states that young girls are especially vunerable to the social groups “worrying ideologies” and accuses the emo culture of encouraging social withdrawal, depression, self-harm and going as

The 51C Dublin Bus en route deployed in a phased basis.

The full availability of the card next year will see the conclusion of a plan a decade in the making, having first been devised by the then Minister for Transport Mary O’Rourke, expecting it to take two years for the scheme to become available. Eight years after her initial forecast, it will finally hit the streets of Dublin.

Integrated ticketing has hitherto been implemented in numerous cities worldwide, including Sydney, London and Paris, generally meeting with much success wherever it has been made available. Closer to home, commuters north of the border have been using the Smartlink system since 2009, affording them integrated access to regional and intercity bus and rail services there.

A British emo teen awaiting a gig far as saying that it even glorifies suicide. This “emo attire” is to be banned from schools and government buildings and emo websites are to be heavily censored.

An adviser to the bill sponser, Alexander Grishunin attempted to explain the point of the bill “So that by 2020, Moscow will have someone to rule it’s government”.

Dozens of emo-clad music fans held a peaceful march in Siberia, where the government is swiftly trying to introduce their anti-emo legislation. “How can you stop people from expressing themselves, from dressing how they like, from living a way of life that doesn’t harm anyone?” a protester cried on REN TV.

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Mass Unrest in Egypt, Government Resigns

FEARGAL CLARKE On the 21st of November, Egypt’s militaryappointed government handed in its resignation.

This decision came as mass unrest had once more returned to the streets of Egypt. The protestors in Tahrir square, numbering over 10,000, cheered but quickly began to call for Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi, head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), to follow suit.

The chaos which led to the government’s resignation began on Saturday (19/11/11), when police attempted to clear protestors from Tahrir square. Many were killed as the police battled to clear the square using teargas, rubber bullets and live ammunition, but failed repeatedly. Protests spread across other Egyptian cities, as the death toll rose to twenty-four.

Many of the protestors have no faith in the military introducing democracy, regardless of the parliamentary elections set to take place on the 28th of November. The military have said that they’ll concede power only after presidential elections, but the date for this election has remained vague.

On Tuesday (22/11/11), SCAF accepted the resignation of the government, and proposed that

Egyptian protesters march with a huge flag during a rally at Tahrir Square in Cairo Kamal el-Ganzouri become the new prime minister.

The 100,000 protestors who had amassed in central Cairo were quick to brand him “illegitimate”.

Ganzouri was previously a minister in Mubarak’s government from 1996 to 1999, and people lack faith in his ability, or his promise, to separate civil government from the military. The US has called for the military to concede power to a Ganzouri led civilian government; changing from their position of support for SCAF, which receives $1.3 billion from the US, yearly. While Ganzouri gave his press conference, Mohamed ElBaradei prayed with the protestors in Tahrir square. ElBaradei: a prominent

figure throughout the revolution that most protestors would like to see in government.

Despite the government handing in its resignation on the 21st November, chaos still raged throughout the week. On the Wednesday, following the resignation, a 16 year-old boy was killed when a bullet hit him in the chest, after he left school to join the protests in Tahrir square. Since the beginning of the most recent unrest, 40 protestors have been killed and an estimated 7,000 injured.

Countless protestors have been partially blinded by the firing of birdshot (shotgun pellets) by state forces.

Parliamentary elections are set to take place on Monday (28/11/11), with Ganzouri and SCAF planning to form a new government, but the future is uncertain. Numerous parties are dropping out of the elections, many mid-level army personnel are defecting, and protests continue to grow on the streets. Unrest breeds uncertainty, but the protestors in Egypt have certainly proved they are resolute in their demands for change. Like Mohammed Sayyed who proclaimed, with a bloody and bandaged head: “I will keep coming back until they kill me. The people are frustrated. Nothing has changed”.

UCC Eng Soc disbanded Saif-Al-Islam Gaddafi after mystery tour madness captured fleeing Libya MEGAN O’DOHERTY

The UCC Engineering Society or the ‘Eng Soc’ as it is known amongst students has been disbanded as a result of incidents that took place during a mystery tour to Mallow organised by the society. A Garda report which was given by the safety officers who worked on the mystery tour is circulating online. It gives an account of the behaviour of some of the students on the tour. Incidents described include one student ‘exposing himself in the bar’, students smoking on the bus and another pushing and spitting on a member of the safety team. One of the members described students on her bus as ‘acting like animals’. The Gardai had to be called after a fight broke out on one of the buses. The report also states that some of the members of the safety team admitted they would never work on an event run by the Engineering Society again.

Similar behaviour that may have taken place in the past was hinted at in the email sent by the society’s committee to its members about the disbanding. It reads ‘It is with deep regret that we inform you of the UCC Guild’s decision to formally disband the Eng Soc. In making this decision the have Guild considered the recent behaviour during the Mystery Tour, along with the tainted history of previous Engineering societies.’ The president of the Societies Guild, JD O’Connell branded the behaviour of these students as ‘disgusting’ but believes it was a ‘minority’ group on the tour that took part in the incidents described in the report. Despite the disbanding, the committee are organising an Engineering Ball and have proposed

CONOR BOOTH

donating the proceeds to ‘fund private Safe Pass Courses, AutoCAD Courses and various Industry Speakers to help all those involved in Engineering to be fully ready for the working world’.

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Celebrations erupted yet again in Jubilant Tripoli as news broke that the last remaining key figure of the Gaddafi regime, heir aparant and son to the dictator Saif-Al-Islam Gaddafi had been captured after attempting to flee Libya towards bordering Niger. Saif al-Islam, who was wanted by the International Criminal Court for an alleged role in killing civilian protesters, was captured near Ubari in southern Libya.

The 39-year-old, was on the run since Libya’s National Transition Council won power from his father Muammar Gaddafi was detained alongside two aides and was arrested according to Libyan militia commander Bashir al-Tayeleb who spoke to Al Jazeera about the capture. Saif-Al-Islam was moved to Zintan in western Libya where pictures emerged of the wanted criminal leaving a plane in custody and being placed inside a vehicle. A crown gathered at the plane and got close enough to him to aim kicks and punches at his head.

Libyan interim Prime Minister Abdurrahim el-Keib who spoke in a press conference in Zintan

announced that Gaddafi would not be tried at the international criminal court in the Hague but would instead be tried in Libya for crimes against Libyan people. “I would like to assure the Libyan people and the world that Saif Al-Islam will receive a fair trial and that the rights and the international standards would be guaranteed,” The International Criminal Court welcomed news of Gaddafi’s arrest. A spokesperson for the court said that its chief prosecutor Luis MorenoOncampo would travel to Libya to engage with officials over the trial. The ICC in The Hague issued arrest warrants on June 27 for Saif al-Islam, his father and military intelligence chief Al- Senussi, accusing them of involvement in the death, injury, arrest and imprisonment of hundreds of civilians during the revolt. Although, the interm primeminister announces that Gaddafi would be tried in Libya, the Libyan government must cooperate with the ICC and hand over Saif al-Islam, the court said yesterday. If the Libyan government wants to hold a trial in Libya, it will have to demonstrate to the ICC that a “genuine and capable national prosecution” can be carried out, Nato have also called for Gaddafi to be treated humanly whilst in custody.

Jubilant Crowds swamped Libya’s Martyrs’square chanting ’a free Libya’ as news of the capture emerged. Drivers sounded their horns and guns were shot in celebration of the capture, There was without doubt similar celebration to that of his father’s capture and similar to his father Saif Al Islam may face death if he is convicted as the maximum sentence in Libya is the death penalty.

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20,000 March Against Increases To Third Level Contribution Charges (CON.) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 to those gathered outside the Dáil. “A government that is failing to live up to its promises, and today we are sending a message to that government: shame on you.”

Smaller, localised protests took place across the country on Thursday the 24th of November. These included members of the Maynooth Students’ Union picketting Fine Gael TD Anthony Lawlor’s constituency office in Naas and a symbolic funeral procession through Dublin City Centre.

Departing from the Department of Education on Marlborough Street to Leinster House, members of the USI Officer Board were joined by other students in wearing funeral attire and aided in carrying a large banner emblazoned with the words ‘RIP The Death of Education 1922 – 2011’, all while walking behind a hearse. Upon reaching Kildare Street, a coffin was removed from the hearse and carried to the gates of Leinster House.

Budget 2012 will be delievered over two days: Monday the 5th and Tuesday the 6th of December.

Congradulations to Julia McMahon from the NUIM Creche who won a 50 One-For-All Voucher for her colouring skills in the AIB Hallowe’en Colouring Competition! Well done Julia!

World Leaders ‘Kiss’ in Benetton Unhate Campaign

KEITH BRONI On Wednesday the 16th of November, Italian clothing firm Benetton launched its new UNHATE ad campaign, sparking controversy across the globe.

The campaign features six digital manipulated images of world leaders kissing one another. These images include American President Barack Obama locking lips with Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu smooching Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and President of France Nicolas Sarkozy cuddling up to German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The White House has publicly denounced Benetton’s advertisement campaign for its’ poor use of freedom of speech. “The White House has a longstanding policy disapproving of the use of the president’s name and likeness for commercial purposes,” said White House spokesman Eric Schultz.

However, perhaps the most ill-received images is one of Pope Benedict XVI kissingAhmed el Tyyeb,

imam of the Al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo. A statement said the Vatican had told its lawyers in Italy and around the world to “take the proper legal measures” to stop the use of the photo, even in the media. The statement said the ad was “damaging to not only to dignity of the Pope and the Catholic Church but also to the feelings of believers.” Benetton said that it was withdrawing the ad, part of the firm’s latest shock campaign, in which a number of world leaders are seen kissing each other on the mouth in photo montages.

The withdrawal came after the Vatican issued an initial protest which called the unauthorised and “manipulative” use of the Pope’s picture in the photo montage totally unacceptable. In its statement announcing the withdrawal of the ad, Benetton said the purpose of its campaign was “exclusively to fight the culture of hate in every form” but said it had nonetheless decided to withdraw the image.

“We are sorry that the use of an image of the pontiff and the imam should have offended the sensibilities of the faithful in this way,” it said.

According to the Benetton press release regarding the launch of the UNHATE camapign, the company “seeks to contribute to the creation of a new culture of tolerance, to combat hatred, building on Benetton’s underpinning values.” And despite the controvery, they do not plan to remove any more of the advertisements.

“The images are very strong, but we have to send a strong message,” United Colors of Benetton executive deputy chairman Alessandro Benetton stated. “We are not wanting to be disrespectful of the leaders… we consider them ‘conception figures’ making a statement of brotherhood with a kiss.”

Benetton’s UNHATE ad featuring Barack Obama and Hugo Chavez

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Deireadh leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga tré comhnascadh le hOifig an Ombudsman

JOHN O’LIODÁIN D’fhógair an Rialtas le deanaí go bhfuil sé i gceist acu Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga a dhúnadh mar oifig reachtúil neamhspleách, agus a chuid feidhmeanna ar fad a chur isteach faoi Oifig an Ombudsman mar chuid dá phlean athchóirithe don earnáil poiblí. Bunaíodh Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga ar an 23 Feabhra 2004 de réir Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla 2003. Leagtar dualgais teanga ar chomhlachtaí poiblí atá ainmnithe faoi Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla ar thrí bhealach – trí dhualgais dhíreacha a chur ar chomhlachtaí poiblí, trí rialacháin a dhéanamh a bhfuil stádas reachtúil acu agus trí “scéimeanna” nó pleananna teanga a chomhaontú maidir le soláthar seirbhísí i nGaeilge.

Seo cinneadh a ghlacadh gan dul i gcomhairle leis an bpobal ná leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga féin, in ainneoin nach mbeidh sábháilte airgid ar bith le déanamh as agus in ainneoin go bhfuil athbhreithniú poiblí maidir le hAcht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla díreach tosaithe, athbhreithniú go bhfuil ról agus feidhmeanna Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga ag a chroílár.

Dúirt Julian de Spáinn, ardrúnaí Chonradh na

Gaeilge, go raibh fógra an Rialtais “ar an gcinneadh is cúlaithí, is meathlaí dá bhfuil glactha ag Rialtas ar bith i dtaca le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge le blianta fada anuas”. Dúirt sé go ndeachaigh an cinneadh Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga a nascadh le hoifig an Ombudsman glan in aghaidh an deachleachtais idirnáisiúnta sa phleanáil teanga agus D’fhág cinneadh an Rialtais go raibh an baol ann go mbainfí an bonn den bhorradh atá tagtha faoi infrastruchtúr na gceart teanga in ainneoin go ndéantar talamh slán de sa straitéis 20 bliain go mbeadh infrastruchtúr láidir reachtaíocht teanga ann.

Bhí slua de nach mór 100 duine a dtacaíocht d’Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga agóid tobstailce arna eagrú ag Conradh na Gaeilge agus Guth na Gaeltachta lasmuigh den Dáil ar an 17 Samhain 2011. Dúirt Peadar Tóibín, Teachta Dála ó Shinn Féin, gur threisigh an cinneadh “an tuairim atá ag go leor daoine go bhfuil an Rialtas i gcoinne na teanga, agus i gcoinne chearta Gaeilgeoirí”. Dúirt Éamonn Mac Niallais, urlabhraí ó Ghuth na Gaeltachta nach raibh “bun ná barr” leis an gcinneadh: “Fiú nuair a bhreathnaigh an Bord Snip ar an cheist seo, mhol siad an oifig a fhágáil mar atá. Tá roinnt ceisteanna le cur mar sin. Cé a rinne an moladh seo?” Ní raibh aon amhras air ach go lagódh sé “seasamh” an choimisinéara a bheith lonnaithe “in oifig bheag laistigh d’oifig mhór”.

Tá dearcadh iomlán difrúil ag an blagarthóir mór le rá Concubhar Ó Liatháin faoin chinneadh seo a theann glán in aghaidh an dearcadh atá ag Pobal na Gaeilge. Creideann sé go bhfuil mionlach substaintiúil a aontóidh liom ós íseal gur bogadh sé treo ceart é seo. Duirt sé “Níor chuir sé faic leis an nGaeilge ach leibhéal eile maorlathais”.

Men’s ‘Impulsivity Gene’ Linked to Addiction

KATE PHELAN

Opinion & Comment Editor Psychologists at the University of NebraskaLincoln have claimed to have revealed a genetic link between impulsivity and addiction, but only in men. Their recent study involved examining cheek swabs from 439 white college-aged people and cross checking the results against their answers to a questionnaire which sought to analyse their personalities, particularly propensity for alcohol abuse, drug use and smoking. Their levels of patience versus impulsivity were also measured by performing a task to estimate the passing of time.

The small piece of DNA called NRXN3 that was being studied has already been linked to a range of addictions and obesity in the past. What this new research has uncovered, according to study researcher Scott Stoltenberg, is that there is also a direct connecting link between NRXN3 and impulsivity among men, which may contribute to addiction problems. In some cases the presence of a certain form of NRXN3 related to impulsivity was said to more than double the risk of alcohol abuse problems. Stoltenberg stated “Impulsivity is an

important underlying mechanism in addiction. Our finding that NRXN3 is part of the causal pathway toward addiction is an important step in identifying the underlying genetic architecture of this key personality trait.”

Speaking to LiveScience, he explained that the gene is associated with maintaining connections between brain cells, controlling how a specific protein is made. He argued that the amount of this protein that is made could end up influencing the brain and ultimately behaviour.

However, Stoltenberg also argued in this interview that the links between genes and behaviours are far from being absolute, rather there is a complex relationship between biological, environmental and social factors at play that influence how people act. He claimed, “You almost can’t paint a complicated enough picture of how genes are associated with behaviors. There are a lot of factors out there that influence our behaviors, and genes are just one of them.” He pointed out that the presence of absence of certain variants of the NRXN3 gene could not therefore be reliable predictors of impulsive and addictive behavior in all cases, it simply increases the risk of developing these traits.

The researchers were unsure of why the results suggested that there was no similar link between the gene, impulsivity and addiction in women. Their results will be published in the next edition of the journal ‘Drug and Alcohol dependence’.

“Masturbation Notices” crop United States Congress deems that Pizza is a Vegatable up across college campuses

AINE KIRWAN

CONOR PHELAN

In recent weeks, signs have been erected in the Waterford Institute of Technology library, but they are not the only things that have been erected.

The signs which have been headed, “Masturbation Notice”, have caused a comical stir across Facebook and Twitter, catching the attention of University and College students across the country, leaving them wondering if their own campus facilities are facing the same problem.

In order to tackle a cleaning problem in W.I.T., students have been kindly asked to “Please go home to masturbate if you are bored”. The signs mention how there is an excessive amount of semen stains in the library toilets which have “cost the college thousands in cleaning costs due to having to be professionally removed”, but then welcome students to approach the front desk at the library if they have any suggestions in tackling the problem.

With the signs attracting such attention, it is worth questioning if semen really does stain a hard surface like tiles, and is this sign legitimate.

After countless hours of checking chat forums headed “cum stains” and repeated changes to word fragmentation in the google search engine, The Print can confirm that semen does not stain hard surfaces. It may be a feasible explanation that the increasing numbers of males masturbating in W.I.T. library are dealing with high levels of stress and/or low self esteem, both of which can become common factors of the student lifestyle. Best Health Magazine notes how masturbation can not only relieve stress, but can help with lowering insomnia and blood pressure.

As humorous as this sign may be, it has been

Ever think you’re not eating enough vegetables?

Well according to the US Congress, you can now grab a slice of deep-dish and count it towards one of your five a day.

The US lawmakers have declared that foods containing two tablespoons of tomato sauce can be labeled a vegetable meaning that Pizza can now be included in the category.

The law comes after serious lobbying by frozenfood giants ConAgra and Schwan to the republican lawmakers. These companies supply schools with their school lunches, lunches that are partially funded by the Government.

The Obama administration have been fighting to force schools to have healthier lunches as the obesity problem grows in America, and this law flies right in the face of that plan.

The school lunch menu makes up a large percentage of frozen food companies’ revenue and this law means that they will still be able to serve pizza for lunch. Not only that, but they will be able to sell it as a healthy food.

Although this issue seems funny, it does bring up some serious questions, firstly, and most obviously, about the state of children’s health in US schools, and secondly about whom the members of Congress actually represent. If a political party can make a law as outlandish and ridiculous as this to protect the interest of companies, what does that say about how they represent the people that voted for them?

The new laws also included sections that would not allow for the restrictions President Obama had

Sports Editor

seen before. In America, the University of Michigan has also seen a similar sign appearing the male bathrooms, explaining how “pipes in the halls are not meant to handle semen”. Closer to home in St Andrews University, the same identical sign has been used, dated 10th November 2011. When the library board in St Andrews were addressed with the situation, they confirmed it was “an elaborate prank which has appeared recently at Durham and Lancaster universities and a number of universities and the states”. As the W.I.T. sign has been dated 15th November 2011, only five days after the St Andrews sign being released, it is certain to say that this was yet another college prank, but a successful one none the less due to the attention it created.

planned for corn and potato products, allowing schools to continue providing low-grade chips and pizza crusts at lunchtime.

In a country where 1 out of 5 four-year-olds are now obese, the outraged Huffington Post writer Kristin Wartman declares, “Congress defies logic and betrays our children.”

The Republicans on the House Appropriations Committee in a vague attempt to justify the new law, said that bringing in this legislation would “prevent overly burdensome and costly regulations and to provide greater flexibility for local school districts to improve the nutritional quality of meals.”

What they didn’t mention was the $5.6 million the food companies spent lobbying Congress to not allow Obama to bring in measures suggested by the US Department of Agriculture.

Aside from the blatant stupidity of classifying pizza as a vegetable, isn’t it widely known that tomatoes are classified as a fruit, not a vegetable?

Not in the US Congress apparently.

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USI ‘Stop Fees, Save The Grant’ National Protest in Photos

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Lessons from the Beasts: Dr James McInerney’s “Survival of the Sexiest” LAURA BREEN Animals can be friendly, fierce, cuddly, cute.

They can intimidate us, comfort us and sometimes fascinate us. We have many uses for animals; keeping them as pets, using them as transport, eating them, making clothes out of them, we use them for hunting, scientific research and we even use them to describe people (stallion, bitch, cow etc). I never thought I’d see the day when we could look to them for example! Not until Science Week that is. While its true that in many cases we can’t follow their examples, but its noted that lessons can still be learnt from observing their behaviour. As is common knowledge (well...for the sober student anyway), Science Week has recently came and passed us. Various talks were given, held as public events from Monday to Saturday of the week in question, during which, I managed to attend one; a lecture in JH2, titled “Survival of the Sexiest”.

I’m assuming the large crowd which attended was partially students with a genuine interest in Science and then those, like myself, whose interest was evoked when seeing a variation of the word “sex” on a vividly coloured poster heading. Impressively, the talk facilitated the non-Science student to engage in the material of the talk, due to Dr James McInerney’s charismatic demonstration of material

in an absolute, uncomplicated manner but one of which was still enthralling for the audience.

Attending the talk made me realise how ridiculously similar animals are to us humans, more specifically, us students. Obviously, our ancestral roots are thought to be the same as that of chimpanzees, and there are many recognised resemblances between our lives and theirs like social order, dominance etc. But surprisingly, I have to hand it to them, although inferior to humans in almost every aspect of life, I’m impressed with the way in which animals approach the relationship and mating aspect of life. Those beasts have it sussed!

Let me elaborate.

Lesson One: Some birds have class When on the topic of inter sexual selection a quick example was given on how a male peacock competes for a mate by fanning his feathers, providing a beautiful and ornate display, encouraging females to choose him as a mate. This instantly reminded of and contrasted with some of the peculiar shapes thrown on Mantra dance floor, the lekking ground for 3rd years, sweaty and prone to grinding, with no plumage to flaunt, this display is designed to entice the female. Oh dear.

Perhaps the male student could take a leaf from this egotistical bird’s book.

today’s society with plenty of variations within self-identity, we’re lacking an abundance of these.

When specie numbers are low among snails, there is an increase in the popularity of hermaphrodites. So if you’re wandering about with two sexual organs, this doubles the chance of meeting someone to have sex with. Decent if you ask me. It would definitely stop girls acting like frigging’ jacanas -wetland birds which the female aggressively attacks fellow females in a battle for partners, a similar scenario to when the last song’s being played in Bradys.

Lesson Two: The “It’s half two, you’ll do “ rule can be underrated Moving on, something which could be useful in times of drought or despair: hermaphroditisim, a normal condition within many taxonomic groups of animals. For those who aren’t familiar with this term, a hermaphrodite is an organism which has both male and female reproduction organs present. Okay so within snails, there’s plenty of hermaphrodites sliming about the place, even in

Lesson Three: Big isn’t always best Standing over 6ft 9in tall, bulging upper body muscles, strong and sturdy stance, no I’m not describing the Nuim Rugby Team lock! I’m referring to the poor elk who was driven to extinction due to sexual selection. One undeniable similarity between today’s woman and the female elk (cow) is that we both like our men to be well endowed. Now before you jump to conclusions let me explain! Just as women are strongly attracted to muscularity and

A wild elk largeness in males, cows also preferred their males to have their superior asset to be of a considerable size -the antlers. Along with this preference leading to male elks prancing round with an astounding 14ft long rack of antlers, it also, ultimately, conducted this profoundly handsome creature to be but a thing of the past. Guys, big racks aren’t always good. Especially when due to their gigantic span they end up immobilising their carrier, disabling the elk from moving smoothly through the the woodland and ultimately trapping them between trees. Horrifically, leaving the stranded elk to starve and succumb to predators. This coupled with the immense energy needed to grow a set that size led to their tragic distinction.

Although we may have “stewardship over animals”, when faced with an unfamiliar or stirring situation with the opposite sex perhaps contemplate -if I was an animal what would be appropriate, that is, before you write that all too familiar letter to the Dear Deidre column.

The Controversy of Sexual Marketting

LYNDSEY FARRELL

Entertainment & Culture Co-Editor Those of you who read The Independent via Facebook, will have come across the article concerned with an anti-smoking campaign in France and the controversy it has caused. Aimed at teenagers to prevent them from smoking, the campaign uses rather disturbing sexual images as a deterrent. For those of you who have not seen this campaign, a brief description is in order: One of the posters shows a teenage girl on her knees in front of a man’s crotch. She has a cigarette in her mouth, which is meant to represent the man’s genitalia, while his hand is on her head, appearing to force her towards him. The title for this poster reads: “Smoking is to be a slave to tobacco.”

The leader of this project, Marco de la Fuente, stated “The message here is that tobacco is a form

of submission. In the popular imagination, oral sex is the perfect symbol of submission.” Those running and organizing the campaign believe that these shocking images will help teenagers to see sense and ultimately encourage them to stay away from cigarettes. However, the images used for this campaign have caused uproar across the country, particularly among feminist and pro-family campaigners. Christiane Terry, who is a member of the conservative group Familles de France believes that combining an addiction to smoking with sex is “ridiculous and scandalous” This anti-smoking campaign is just one of many that has been penalized for its use of sexual images. In the last few days alone Largo Foods, who runs the Irish crisp brand Hunk Dorys, has received nearly one hundred complaints for its new campaign, which features pictures of women in short tops and hotpants posing suggestively as Gaelic footballers. According to the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland, the campaign has breached at least five codes of advertising, including widespread offense, the exploitation of sexuality and lack of respect for dignity of all persons. The most common complaint, according to the ASAI, was that the images were “sexist towards women.”

The GAA insists that they were not consulted on the campaign, and therefore have no comment.

This isn’t the first time Hunky Dory campaigns have been targeted for their misogynist advertisements.

In 2010 there were nationwide complaints for their

Irish Rugby campaign, which contained suggestive pictures women playing rugby including slogan, ‘Are you staring at my crisps?’

Club Orange were also in the radar this summer thanks to their television advertisement which featured women in bikinis wobbling around the ‘Squeezing Room’ along with the line “We know you buys can’t wait to get your hands on our bits!”

The short commercial featured on YouTube before hitting our screens and racked up two hundred and fifty thousand views in just a few days. Publisher of the Irish Marketing Journal John McGee was one of the first to defend the commercial: “It’s funny. It’s a little provocative. The acting is done in such a way

that it is a piss-take. I don’t see what the ballyhoo is about.” I think it’s fair to say that none of us really mind a bit of tongue-in-cheek humour when it comes to advertising. Although the Hunky Dorys and Club Oranges campaigns did cause controversy, the majority of people found them to be funny. In a way, they were celebrating the female anatomy! But the French anti-smoking campaign appears to be comparing the independent decision to smoke with becoming a victim of forced sexual actions. Those running the campaign argue that it is for the public’s best interest, and this may well be true, but is this right? Is this a fair comparison to make?

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Caitlin Murphy: A Case Study of College Fees in the United States of America CONOR PHELAN Sports Editor

“I’m all for a raspy voice,’ says 20 year old Caitlin Murphy. “But this is just unattractive” as she smiles and snuggles into the couch in her tenth-floor apartment. Wearing gray Boston College sweatpants and a bright green shirt, she apologises and curses her minute coughs as they interrupt her sentences.

Caitlin lives in Brookline, a suburb of Boston with her family and now lives with three other students in an apartment on Commonwealth Ave. She is a third year in Boston College, and she does all the things a second year usually does; has class, goes to parties and attends college sporting events, oh, and she works a 35-hour week.

“All my classes are evening ones so my time during the day is pretty flexible” she says. “So when people need subs, I can usually sub in.” Caitlin pushes her shining black hair behind her ear and is clearly comfortable, sitting with her legs tucked up to her chin and her shoes laying on top of one another on the beige carpet. “It’s really not that bad” she says. “Like sometimes I’d rather sleep or watch TV, but I have stuff to do.”

For a person that works as much as she does, she doesn’t have the air of someone who has too much on their plate, in fact, she shys from the idea that her 35-hour week plus her 10-hour class schedule impacts on her that much. “I suppose it does affect me to a point,” Caitlin admits, “but I think I’ve done a pretty good job of keeping up.”

Caitlin works five separate jobs to make up her week; the campus Residential Life Office , Human Resources on BC’s campus, her part-time high school job as a lifeguard, working in a Real Estate office and finally some irregular hours of babysitting.

“Yea, I mean, I would have loved to go to the day school,” says Caitlin. “But I wouldn’t be able to work as much then.” She pays for nearly all of her own bills, only leaving her phone bill to be paid by her Mum, “I think she wants me to pay it as well, but I don’t want to” she giggles.

Some days are busier for Caitlin than others, on Wednesdays she works from 9 to 12 in the Residential Life office and works in HR from 12 to 5. “I usually get something on the way and eat at my desk” She says. “I’ve answered the phone with my mouth full a few times.”

Caitlin is quick to dispel the idea that she has no time to do school work- “I kinda have Monday and Saturday off so I get most of my work done then,”

Caitlin (left) with her friends Jordana and Lexi she says. “ But sometimes I get subbed in for shifts then as well.” Caitlin says that some people ask if I’m always working. “I guess I’m there a lot,” she says.

“Or maybe I’m just really memorable.”

Many students work a part-time job while in college, but in Caitlin’s case we see that she has a job and does part-time college. Last year, on average, University fees rose by 5 percent nationally in the US so fewer and fewer people are going to be able to afford a four- year college program that can cost upwards of $50, 000 a year.

Even in colleges that are partially funded by the State, students can expect to pay between $10,000 and $15,000. We have to wonder, as the Irish government continues cutting funding to students and raising registration costs, will we find ourselves in this situation in the future?

Students are most definitely aware of how the downturn in the economy has an affect on where they decide to study. A study conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute in The University of California, Los Angles found that almost two-thirds of incoming Freshmen reported that the “current economic situation significantly affected my college choice.”

This report shows that students worried about economic factors were just as likely to get accepted into their first choice university as those not affected, but lack of funding from their first choice university was often the deciding factor.

Although almost three- quarters of students are receiving grants or scholarships of some kind, over 50 percent of students are using loans to pay college bills. So if a student is not able to attain a loan, he or she may not be able to attend the college they earned a place in.

In Ireland we don’t have the same scholarship system, or the easily accessible student loan structure as they do in the US, so if 50 percent of students need loans along with their scholarship, imagine how catastrophic the introduction of fees would be here.

It is hard not to notice the rise in college fees and compare it to the fall in what the report calls the “emotional health” of students, which is at its lowest level in 25 years. The stress of expectation and economy is weighing more heavily on US students now than ever, with many saying that they felt “overwhelmed” by their workload. It’s often the case that students feel that because they are paying so much for their education, they must work themselves to the point of exhaustion.

“Sometimes I leave one job and forget that I’ve left,” says Caitlin. “Like, one time I answered the phone in HR and said ‘Hi, this is ResLife’ so I got really confused when they asked to be transferred to HR. I was like, ‘Eh, this is HR.’ I think they were a bit confused, but it was funny.”

Even with all her hours, Caitlin manages to keep her grades up. “I mean after working a long day,

the last thing I want to do is study,” she says. “But sometimes I get up early and study if I have to.”

Her attitude of “it has to be done” really shows the strength of her character- she’s not going to let a lot of work bother her, and she makes sure to leave room to enjoy being a student. “On Thursday I have work from 9 to 5 and class from 6.30 to 9,” adding with a smile, “Then I have to run home and get ready to go out.”

Caitlin’s resilient and upbeat attitude makes her a valuable and important asset to her employers.

When she’s signing up for hours, she has to balance her classes along with her other work schedules.

“This semester, my HR supervisor was like ‘Yes! I got you first,’” Caitlin giggled. “I guess I’m their prize possession.”

Although some students are able to maintain the balance of a full working life with a college education, is that a viable option for the majority of students? Apart from the fact that some students feel they have enough on their plate already with classes and assignments, it’s simply not feasible that every student would be able to get a job, let alone make enough to sustain themselves including fees, rent and living expenses. In a country that was once hailed as an “information economy,” this government doesn’t seem to think too much about who can access this information.

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Understanding Eating Disorders

+ obsessive weighing + getting cold easily + irregular (or absent) menstrual cycles + feeling or talking about being fat even when very thin + nails and hair become brittle + dry and yellow skin + preference to eating alone or only eating around other people + feeling depressed and irritable + Lanugo, or fine body hair, on the trunk and face If you are experiencing a number of these things, FIACH O’NEILL talk with someone you trust, like a family member, MSU Vice President for Welfare & Equality teacher, psychologist or local doctor. Look in your local phone book to find details of people you can The term ‘eating disorder’ refers to a complex, approach for assistance in your local area. You can potentially life-threatening condition, characterised also ask a doctor to refer you to someone who can by severe disturbances in eating behaviours. Eating help you. disorders can be seen as a way of coping with Eating disorders such as anorexia are a emotional distress, or as a symptom of underlying combination of physical and mental health issues. difficulties and there are usually a number of factors Eating disorders are not primarily about food.

People can and do recover. Eating disorders can affect that contribute to its development. These factors anyone. Eating disorders are characterised by a variety could include any or all of the following: + physical, emotional, or sexual trauma of disordered eating behaviours such as: Self-starvation + cultural emphasis or preoccupation with body – by fasting and/or food restriction, Purging – by selfimage ideals induced vomiting, over-exercising, or laxative abuse, + relationships with peers and family Bingeing – by consuming quantities of food beyond + loss and grief what the body needs to satisfy hunger + brain chemistry An eating disorder can be very destructive, both + physiological effects of dieting physically and emotionally, and people can get trapped + stress or coping styles into a destructive cycle without knowing how to cope + genetic factors with it. An eating disorder is not just about food and + a feeling of lack of control over one’s life weight, but also about a person’s sense of who they are. + an inability to cope with and manage emotions/ Treatment of an eating disorder will require feelings in a more positive way attention to both the physical and the psychological/ It’s often impossible to identify one single cause of emotional aspects of the person. Treatment must always include respect for and sensitivity for the overall a person’s eating disorder. Rather, eating disorders are usually a result of a combination of factors working well-being of the person. The distress of a person together. For some people, it’ll be easy to identify experiencing an eating disorder, whether or not it is what some of the reasons may be, but for others it acknowledged, may have a considerable impact on can be very difficult. family and friends.

Regardless of the causes or reasons, it’s important Although the term ‘eating disorder’ is applied to a to remember that people with anorexia can and do wide range of disordered eating behaviours, there are three main classifications: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia recover.

Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder.

Anorexia

Anorexia Nervosa is a type of eating disorder. Eating Disorders is the term given to a group of illnesses where a person has a distorted view of body shape and weight, and they have extreme disturbances in their eating behaviour.

Anorexia is characterised by: + extreme concerns about weight + intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat + deliberate maintenance of a very low body weight + often absent menstrual cycles People with anorexia have an intense desire for weight loss and to be thin (often unhealthily so). Although people with anorexia are usually underweight, they generally believe that they are ‘fat’.

Food, weight, and appearance often become the main focus for someone who has anorexia.

Concentrating on food and weight becomes a (conscious or unconscious) way of dealing with or managing intense emotions or emotional difficulties that they are experiencing.

Both guys and girls from any social or economic background, can suffer from anorexia. Although the disorder usually begins in the late teenage years, it can manifest at any age, and its onset is often associated with a stressful event or a period of dieting.

Some of the common signs of anorexia may be: + being afraid of putting on weight + calorie counting and/or obsessively avoiding high fat food + marked weight loss + not wanting to eat + being hungry but not wanting to admit it + over-exercising

Bulimia Nervosa

People experiencing bulimia go on regular eating ‘binges’, which involves consuming large amounts of food in relatively discrete periods of time whilst accompanied by feelings of being out of control of one’s food intake. The binge eating is usually followed by feelings of guilt and anxiety about becoming fat, and this results in a need to get rid of the food.

Common ways of getting rid of food may include: + over-exercising to burn the calories + throwing up + taking laxatives, diuretics or diet pills + not eating for several days after the binge Bingeing may be used as a way of coping with anger, depression, stress and sadness. Some of the common signs of bulimia may be: + eating unusually large amounts of food + being secretive about what is eaten and when + visiting the bathroom straight after eating (perhaps preceded by drinking copious amounts of water) + over-exercising + being very critical of one’s self + being moody + depression + being regularly tired/lacking energy + sore throat + decaying teeth If you’re experiencing a number of these things, or if you notice them in a friend, it may be helpful to go and talk with someone you trust like a family member, teacher, counsellor or local doctor for some advice.

Also, check out BodyWhys for helpful advice and support around this issue, as well as a directory of

services nationally that can help you or a friend deal with bulimia.

Like other eating disorders, bulimia is a combination of physical and mental health difficulties and the cause is not clear. However, a number of factors may be associated with bulimia.

These may include: + physical, emotional, or sexual abuse + cultural emphasis on slimness + preoccupation with body image ideals + relationships with peers or family + loss and grief + brain chemistry + physiological and psychological effects of dieting + stress or coping styles The reasons that people experience bulimia may differ from person to person and the options for treatment may also differ from person to person.

Your local doctor, nutritionist or counsellor should be able to talk with you about what options are available and which may be best for you. If necessary, they can also refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

A counsellor or psychologist will talk with you about your food and weight beliefs and behaviours.

They may also explore the reasons why you may have developed these beliefs and behaviours. This can be done in a group situation or in a one on one situation. It is a good idea to talk with your counsellor as to which is the best option for you.

More About Anorexia and Bulimia

Both anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders, but the characteristics of each are different. Anorexia is characterised by a desire to lose weight, and selfstarvation (severe restriction of the amount of food consumed). People who experience bulimia also usually share the intense desire to lose weight and

be thin, but instead of starving themselves they are prone to episodes of eating large amounts of food in short spaces of time (binging), which they then feel the need to rid themselves of via various means of purging (such as vomiting, starving, over-exercising, or abuse of laxatives).

Many people with eating disorders feel that they’re not ‘sick enough’ or ‘thin enough’ to warrant receiving help for their disorder. It’s important to remember, and keep reminding yourself, that eating disorders are psychological disorders that cause great suffering.

The bodily effects of an eating disorder are merely a symptom of deeper issues. Anybody whose life is being affected by an eating disorder, regardless of its perceived severity, deserves access to support and treatment. Everyone with an eating disorder deserves to have their eating disorder taken seriously, regardless of what they weigh or of how much or how little they eat.

It’s a good idea to try and find help sooner rather than later. The longer someone has experienced anorexia, the more difficult it is to start the recovery process. It might also be a good idea to remember this if you are starting treatment. If you’re having difficulties reaching the goals set in your recovery process, try not to be too hard on yourself. It’s important to keep trying. Persistence and courage are the keys to recovery. Remember that recovery is possible.

Everybody with anorexia is different, so the same treatment approach won’t be suited to everyone.

What works for one person might not work for you, so it’s worth investigating and trying out various options and approaches. Your local doctor, or BodyWhys – The eating Disorder Association of Ireland will be able to help you find out about what options are available, and which one could benefit you the most.

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People get lots of help from counsellors, nutritionists, psychologists, psychiatrists, or other health professionals. And remember, if you try one thing and it hasn’t worked, it doesn’t mean that you failed – it just means that you may need to try a different approach!

What you talk about with people that are helping you will vary depending on the individual you see and their field of expertise. However, common things that are often talked about are what your beliefs and behaviours about food and weight are, how you feel about yourself, and how you came to develop these things. You will also be guided to learn better ways of managing your feelings and difficulties, and to have a healthier and more positive approach to yourself, food, and weight.

Sometimes, to help you get better, you may spend some time in a hospital so that your nutritional or psychological needs can be looked after in an environment that offers a more intense level of support. This may include having your weight returned to a level that will not cause immediate danger to your health. Some people also find it easier to learn to eat healthily again in a more structured and supportive environment that a hospital can provide, regardless of whether they are at a medically unstable weight or not.

Asking for help with an eating disorder can be a daunting prospect and requires a lot of courage, but it’s worth it.

Speaking to someone about your eating habits honestly and openly may be hard, and it’s particularly important to trust the person you’re speaking with. If there’s a family member you feel comfortable telling, the simplest way might be to sit down with them and just say it (eg ‘I need to tell you something – I think I have anorexia/an eating disorder).

It’s fairly likely they’ll already be worried about you and be relieved at having the opportunity to listen and help. If you don’t get a positive response though, try to remember that it’s not because you’ve done something wrong, but because the person you told may not know how to respond to what you have told them, or understand much about eating disorders.

Don’t give up – either try again or maybe speak to someone else who you think you might receive a more supportive response from. You might find it easier to talk to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist (someone who’s outside the situation).

Like any relationship, building up this trust may take time and it’s important you find someone you feel comfortable with (this may mean seeing several people before finding one that you ‘click’ with).

If talking about it with someone is too overwhelming, an alternative is to email or write down what you want to say.

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is similar to bulimia except that the person does not get rid of the food after eating.

Some of the characteristics of binge eating include: + feeling that eating is out of control + eating what most people would consider to be a large amount of food + eating to the point of feeling uncomfortable + eating large amounts of food, even when you are not really hungry + being secretive about what is eaten and when + being embarrassed by the amount of food eaten feeling disgusted, depressed or guilty about overeating If you think you do one or a number of these things, speak to someone like a doctor, nutritionist, psychologist or counsellor.

Binge eating is caused by a number of factors that often affect one another. These include social and cultural factors (including the thin body ideal), dieting, and negative mood states, and sometimes physiological factors (such as our brain chemistry).

Dieting is also a common cause of binge eating.

Dieting involves setting rules about what to eat and when. If those rules are occasionally broken, for example, by eating a food you are not allowed or eating more than you should, some people think that their diet is ruined. As a consequence, they eat all they want and plan to start their diet again the next day.

THE

welfare@nuimsu.com Facebook.com/MaynoothSUWelfare Negative emotions are also common causes of binge eating. People often overeat as a way to make themselves feel better or to distract themselves from their problems.

There are a number of physical and emotional effects of binge eating disorder. Some of these may include: + not getting enough vitamins and other nutrients – often the food that is eaten during a binge is high in fat and sugar and low in important nutrients, and this may lead to other health difficulties + depression, which may occur as the bingeing can heighten feelings of guilt, anger, and sadness It’s not uncommon for people who have binge eating disorder to be overweight or obese, although it is also possible for people to be within their healthy weight range. Being obese may contribute to the onset of: + Diabetes + gall bladder disease + heart disease + various forms of cancer + bone and joint problems You might need to speak to a professional to work out how best to manage your eating habits. However, you can still do some things yourself in order to get your eating under control. Suggestions for managing your binge eating: + eating regularly – it may be helpful to eat small meals regularly, so that you are giving your body enough nutrients throughout the day + avoid skipping meals – if you can, try to avoid missing meals, as missing out on a meal may make you hungry later on in the day, which may result in you bingeing + eating a balanced diet – look at the food pyramid to see if you are getting everything you need on a daily basis – if possible, avoid going on diets which suggest that you leave out certain foods or only eat at certain times of the day + have a distraction – having something else you can do when you feel like bingeing may be helpful. This may be going for a walk, hanging out with friends, reading or listening to music + exercise – doing a little bit of exercise each day may be helpful. It may be a good idea to talk with your local doctor about what exercise would suit you best The reasons for bingeing are complicated and it may be hard to manage your bingeing on your own.

Try not to be too hard on yourself if you don’t reach your immediate goal. It might help to talk with a dietitian or psychologist. They should be able to help you work out the best way to manage your bingeing.

There are a number of options for doing this, and by talking it through you can find the best one for you.

Your local doctor, hospital, community health centre or youth worker should also be able to help you find information.

EDNOS – Eating Disorders Not Otherwise Specified

“Eating disorders not otherwise specified” (EDNOS) is the term applied to a wide range of disorders that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa.

The criteria for diagnosing mental health conditions are all listed in a manual called the DSM-IV. Included in this manual are conditions like anorexia and bulimia. The EDNOS category is included to represent people who don’t match every part of one of the other diagnoses. This might mean that a person matches most criteria for anorexia nervosa, but has not lost as much weight as is required for a formal diagnosis. It may also mean a person who meets most of the requirements for a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa, but their bingeing and purging behaviours aren’t as frequent as is required for a full diagnosis.

It’s estimated that as many as 50% of those affected by eating disorders fit into this ‘grey area’ of diagnosis. As a result, the organisation who develop

the DSM are currently reviewing the criteria to make it easier for both doctors and their patients to understand their diagnosis.

If a person receives a diagnosis of EDNOS, it’s important to acknowledge the validity of their condition. The behaviours associated with EDNOS, and the potential impact of those behaviours, are as serious as with any other eating disorder and should be treated as such. The emotional background or causes will also often be very similar, so the treatment routes would be the same as those for one of the other possible diagnoses.

Eating Disorders in Men

It’s a common misperception that eating disorders only affect women. The reality is that eating disorders are serious conditions that can affect both men and women, guys and girls, at any age and from any background.

When trying to understand and/or support a man with an eating disorder it can be helpful to be mindful that eating disorders can present in different ways in males and that there are certain risk factors to be aware of that are more ‘male-oriented’ . However, in terms of treatment and the recovery process, anyone experiencing an eating disorder needs help and support to embark on, and continue with, the journey of recovery.

It’s estimated that 10% of cases of anorexia and bulimia are male, though more recent studies suggest this figure could be as high as 25%. Cases of binge eating disorder are much more equally divided, with up to 50% of cases occurring in men. There has been a 67% increase in the number of men treated for eating disorders in the UK in the last five years.

There are many reasons why people develop eating disorders and often the combination of events, feelings and pressures is what leaves a person feeling unable to cope. For men, specific risk factors include: Being overweight for their height and age as children, and/or being teased or bullied about their weight.

A history of dieting is one of the most powerful eating disorder triggers for both men and women Being excessively concerned with fitness, which in turn can lead to over-exercising Men may become pre-occupied with developing a particular physique (and this may begin to take over from concerns about their health) Participation in a sport that demands thinness.

Runners and jockeys may be at particular risk A job or profession that demands thinness. Male models, actors and entertainers are at higher risk than the general population

Some men may experience severe distress due to a form of body image disturbance known as Muscle Dysmorphia. A person with this disorder may become obsessed with the belief that they are not muscular enough, despite the fact that they may in fact be above average in terms of muscle mass.

Often the person will engage in intensive overexercising and other harmful behaviours in an effort to develop their physique. Muscle dysmorphia is a very specific type of body dysmorphic disorder and should be addressed with the support of a medical professional.

The misconception that eating disorders are a ‘female issue’ can sometimes make it harder for a man to acknowledge to himself or others that there is a problem of this nature. This in turn can mean that a man is less likely to seek support and help for an eating disorder or related issue.

Combating this stigma with an understanding that an eating disorder is a serious mental health issue that develops for numerous reasons and is not just about food, weight and appearance, is the first step to being able to encourage and facilitate a man seeking out the help and support he needs to let this disorder go.

It’s important to remember that the earlier treatment is sought, the earlier a person may move towards recovery. All eating disorders involve physical, psychological, behavioural and emotional aspects and as such for treatment to be effective for both men and women, all of these need to be addressed in some way.

If you’re concerned about taking the first step towards recovery, the non-judgmental support provided by BodyWhys services could be a helpful starting point. Check out www.bodywhys.ie for information on the issues, how to deal with them and details on their email service, helpline and support groups.

Fiach is Maynooth SU’s Vice President for Welfare & Equality, elected to deal with all issues related to the well-being of students, including mental health.

You can contact Fiach via the phone number and e-mail address below.

You can also add him on Facebook to stay up-to-date will all welfare-related news.

01 - 708 6070 welfare@nuimsu.com Facebook.com/MaynoothSUWelfare

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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“The Foundation Level of the Bird World”: An Interview with Neil Delamere

LYNDSEY FARRELL

Entertainment & Culture Co-Editor Irish comedian Neil Delamere hit the SU stage once again on Wednesday 16th November, as part of his 2011/2012 tour of Ireland. I got the opportunity to speak to Neil before the show, who told me about attacking a small Danish man, looking like a turtle and his new DVD Implement of Divilment.

So what have you been up to since you were last here in Maynooth?

“Well I’ve done another series on The Panel. I’ve done a documentary about Vikings (‘The Only Viking in the Village’) which will be on RTE One. It’s a two-part documentary which involves me going to Denmark and dressing up like a Viking, fighting and wading across ponds and lakes, and having an apple fired off my head by an arrow, which the director and producer didn’t tell me was going to happen! So you see me freaking out and abusing a small Danish man on camera. I’ve also been touring and I did the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Loads of stuff really!”

Your new DVD The Implement of Divilment came out on November 11th, tell us a bit about that.

“I didn’t do [a DVD] in 2010, so it’s the shows from 2010 and 2011. We combined the two and made a kind of ‘Best Of ’. It’s probably the best DVD so far, in my opinion, that we’ve done. This is the third DVD. It was filmed in May or June in Vicar St. and I’m pretty happy with it. I think it is an exceptionally good Christmas present I must say!

And I would like people to know that all proceeds go to a very good cause: which is I’d like a gazebo and a Porsche. So that’s where all the money’s going

to go.”

So you’re touring around Ireland for the next few months…

“Yes, all the way up to April.”

Do you prefer touring and doing the stand-up gigs or do you prefer doing TV shows like The Panel?

“Stand up is my first love. You see, comedians control everything when we’re on the stage; we perform it, edit it, direct it, choreograph it, everything! And on TV you have to relinquish a certain amount of control. But on a really good show, what you lose in control you gain in comradery and having a bit of craic with Andrew Maxwell, Colin Murphy and all those boys. So stand-up was always the first love. But I’ve been very lucky because any television I’ve done has involved a live audience, such as The Panel. Even the Viking show, it is a serious documentary but there are times when there is stand-up threaded through it. So I’ve been very lucky that the television I’ve done is as close to stand-up as you can get. But if I had to choose, if you were to put a gun to my head tomorrow morning, it would always be stand-up.”

Good choice, Neil.

“I’m glad you approve!”

So who are your three favourite comedians?

Not including yourself now Neil!

[Laughs] “Imagine if I said me three times!

How up your own hole would you have to be?

Let’s see who do I like? I like Gearóid Farrelly, he’s excellent. And not just because he’s in the room right now. I go through periods of liking different people, I suppose. But at the moment, Dara O’ Briain’s last show was pretty excellent. A guy called Humphrey Ker, who won the Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. He was just amazing! And in terms of television it would be Paul Merton, with what he does on ‘I’ve Got News For You’.”

You’re about to go on stage in a few minutes.

Are you going to be doing any strange superstitious regimes beforehand? Like licking walls or licking feet or something?

“Licking walls and feet? I don’t know what kind of circles you hang around in! But no, I turn up, ring Gearóid and ask how I get into this place, and that’s about it really. I mean the longer you do stand-up the less nervous you are, you’d be nervous if you

Our intrepid interviewer with Neil Delamere hadn’t done a gig before. But I’ve been to Maynooth many times and I’m from just down the road, so I’m not too nervous today.”

As you’ve mentioned, you’re just from down the road, Edenderry. So as my fellow BIFFO, did you know that Kinnitty has its very own pyramid?

“Kinnitty has a pyramid? Is that not just a Toblerone you’ve seen from a distance? What do you mean Kinnitty has a pyramid? What’s it made of?”

Who’s doing the interview here Neil? It’s made of stone.

“And when was it made?”

Lt. Col Richard Wesley Bernard of Kinnitty Castle built it for his family after his return from Egypt in the mid 1800’s. All of the Bernard family are inside it. Fact!

“So it’s like a crypt then. Which is what all pyramids are, I suppose. Wow! No I didn’t know Kinnitty had a pyramid. But I will drive down to Kinnitty and look at your pyramid!”

I’ll give you the guided tour!

“I’ve actually been in Kinnitty a few times. I’ve done falconry up in the Castle there. I was bored so I did falconry in Kinnitty Castle! [laughs] It was good craic, actually. The best bit was when the

man running it said to me “You know, kids love owls because they’re in the Harry Potter films. The thing about owls is, they’re thick as f*ck! Everyone thinks owls are really clever, you can’t tell an owl to do anything!” They are the Foundation Level of the bird world… he didn’t necessarily say that bit but…”

I see. So last week we had Ryan Sheridan performing in the Venue, and I asked him had he ever received fans’ underwear in the post. Have you?

“In the post? No, I have had them thrown on stage at me.”

Did you keep them?

“They didn’t fit. So I didn’t keep them no. I once had a girl make a t-shirt for me as well. We did a tour of The Panel Live without any cameras, it was just a theatre show. And some girl had written on a t-shirt “We love Andrew Maxwell, but Neil is our turtle!” We were going through what animals we look like on The Panel once, and apparently I was a turtle. John Bishop was a horse, and Maxwell was some sort of bird of prey or vulture or something!”

Neil Delamere’s DVD Implement of Divilment is in stores now and the first episode of ‘The Only Viking in the Village’ airs Tuesday 29th November at 22:15 on RTE One!

Why you need to start watching ‘Community’ SHAUNA LOUISE KELLY

If you are a fan of smart, quirky comedies such as Arrested Development, then there is a rather large chance that Community is right up your street. A comedy based on the personalities who make up a study group at Greendale Community College, Community has garnered a rabid cult following since it began airing in 2009. The recent news that the show was not going to be included in American network NBC’s mid-season schedule was met by dismay and hostility from fans, and has led to the initiation of an internet-based fan campaign similar to the one that saved spy-based sitcom Chuck from cancellation in early 2009. Although Community has not actually been cancelled, the dropping of it from NBC’s schedule has caused some worry for the show’s devotees due to the possibility that its rather poor ratings may dissuade the network from renewing the show for another season. NBC have said that the remaining episodes of season three will air at some point in 2012, but it is unsure when exactly the show will return.

Famous for its themed episodes, which have included ones based on zombie invasions and Dungeons and Dragons, the show has also been noted for its creativity and especially the metahumour which makes a frequent appearance, usually from the mouth of film student Abed Nadir, who relates to the world via his minute knowledge of pop culture and TV shows. Abed is joined on his escapades by his best friend Troy Barnes, a former high-school football quarterback now turned quasi-nerd. Troy, played by comedian/ rapper Donald Glover, is one of the stand-out characters of the show, with his evolution from senseless jock to all-round nice guy being one of the show’s main focuses during the first season. The other members of the study group include snarky ex-lawyer Jeff Winger, anarchist cat-owner Britta Perry (who dropped out of high school to impress Radiohead), devout Christian and obsessive baker Shirley Bennett, preppy pill-popper Annie Edison, and racist old man Pierce Hawthorne, played by none other than renowned sketch show Saturday Night Live founder Chevy Chase. The main cast is complemented by a diverse group of secondary

characters including a Dean who wears fabulous outfits, an extremely odd Spanish teacher, and a student known only by his star-shaped sideburns.

Community, which is now in its third season, has also received glowing reviews from critics, with recent articles from The AV Club and The Guardian saying why they believe it to be one of the best comedies currently airing. Articles such as these have been warmly received by the cast and crew of the show as well as fans, and they are being used as examples of why Community should stay on the air. Show creator Dan Harmon has also been very vocal in his wishes to continue making the series, and even quipped to Arrested Development head honcho Mitch Hurwitz on Twitter that he should give Harmon’s details to Netflix, the internet streaming service which is planning to air a new series of Arrested Development, which was cancelled by Fox in 2006, sometime in the next two years.

Season one of Community has just been released on DVD in Ireland and the UK, so now is the perfect time to begin watching the series if you have been considering it. Shows with this level of

Abed. He’s just awesome. hilarity and heart really don’t come along that often.

If you would like to keep up with what’s happening with the Save Community fan campaign on Twitter, search for the hashtags #savecommunity and #sixseasonsandamovie.

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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From Generation Terrorists to National Treasures: the Manic Street Preachers ALLY KERR Welsh rockers, the Manic Street Preachers have gone from a four-piece to a three-piece, from mock “military men” to glamorous gender-benders and from working-class boys to worldwide stardom.

After twenty-five years of their rollercoaster life together, the Manics are currently planning their ‘final phase’ as a group.

In 1986, James Dean Bradfield (lead vocalist), Nicky Wire (guitarist), Sean Moore (drums) formed the band alongside original bassist Miles Woodward who left in 1988. Wire later replaced Woodward as bassist and they recorded their first single, “Suicide Alley”. Richey Edwards joined the band on rhythm guitar. The Manics later signed to indie label Heavenly Records and recorded their first single “Motown Junk”.

In 1992, they had an interview with the NME that soon became legendary: Edwards (who was no stranger to self-harm) carved the phrase “4REAL” into his arm with a razor blade to prove the sincerity of the band. Columbia Records later signed the band and then released their debut album – Generation Terrorist which features the fantastic singles “Motorcycle Emptiness” and “Stay Beautiful”.

Edwards soon began to play a more dominant role in the band. Their second album, Gold Against the Soul which featured the single “From Despair to Where” was considerably less political and much more melancholic and introspective. It received mixed reviews but was relatively successful.

In 1994, Edwards’ personal difficulties became worse and began to affect the band. He was sent to a psychiatric hospital shortly before the release

The remaining Manic Street Preachers of their third album, (musically and aesthetically beautiful, but commercially disastrous) - The Holy Bible. Written during the peak of Richey’s depression, The Holy Bible is regarded as the one of darkest albums in rock history.

February 1st 1995, the day before the band were due to tour America, Edwards disappeared from the Embassy Hotel, London. His car was found abandoned at a petrol station near the Severn Bridge, which is now a notorious suicide spot.

Edwards was never seen again. With their prime figure head missing, the rest of the band were distraught and seriously considered disbanding.

However, with the blessing of Edwards’ family, they continued. Richey Edwards was declared ‘presumed dead’ on 28 November 2008.

Their first album without Edwards, Everything Must Go included the hit singles “Australia” and “A Design for Life”. It also contained songs co-

written by Edwards before his disappearance. It was released to overwhelmingly positive reviews.

This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours was even more successful and gave the band their first #1 hit single “If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next”.

The album also included the hit singles “You Stole the Sun from My Heart” and “The Everlasting” Their greatest hits album Forever Delayed was released in 2002, containing two new songs, “Door to the River” and the single “There by the Grace of God”. Lipstick Traces, an album of B-sides, rarities, and cover versions was released in 2003.

The band’s eighth studio album, Send Away the Tigers was released in May 2007. Critical response to the album was largely positive, with some critics hailing the album as the band’s best for a decade.

The ninth Manics album, Journal for Plague Lovers, was released in May 2009 which features lyrics left behind by Edwards. Wire commented

that “there was a sense of responsibility to do his words justice.” The album was released to positive critical reviews. Their tenth album, Postcards from a Young Man, was released in 2009 to mostly positive reviews.

Their singles collection National Treasures (released on 31 October),includes most of the band’s singles from 1991’s and also their latest single “This is the Day”- the music video plays tribute to Edwards with footage of him and the band in the early days. The first 16 tracks also feature Edwards’ songs. The band admits that there was a “seismic shift” after Edwards vanished and that they felt there was always a gap without him. Wire said he doubts that they will ever release a single again and that the band will never release their material solely on digital formats.

Black Sabbath to reunite with Ozzy Osbourne

DYLAN COLLEY On the 11th of November 2011, with much rejoice from the heavy metal world, the band many consider to be the originators of the genre as we know today, Black Sabbath, announced that they would be reuniting with original lead singer and icon Ozzy Osbourne for a world tour and to record new material for 2012. On the 11/11/11, a video of 3 minutes and 31 seconds in length was posted to the bands official YouTube page, which was then posted on their website and Facebook page detailing the achievements Sabbath received since its birth in

1968, building the suspense leading to the words: “2012. Black Sabbath reunites”.

Speculations and rumours concerning a reunion have been rampant for years. In the past, Osbourne has reunited with his band to headline Ozzfest, the last instance of this being in 2006. Since then, Ozzy has stated that he would like to get back to work with Sabbath, but he did not think it would be possible as they had attempted to record new material in the early 21st century, but it didn’t work out. In August of this year, a journalist from Sabbath’s hometown of Birmingham claimed that guitarist Tommy Iommi told him the band were back in the studio on the 15th of August “getting the show back on the road”. Two days later, Iommi sent out a statement from his own website stating that this was a complete exaggeration and it was untrue.

On the day of the official announcement, all four members of Black Sabbath held an event at Hollywood’s Whisky-a-Go-Go, hosted by punk icon Henry Rollins of Black Flag. At this, the band gave the news for the first time of their planned tour and album. They also suggested that the new material will be similar to the sound Sabbath began with. This sound is synonymous with slow heavy

A solo Ozzy performing live riffs, fuzzed guitars and plenty of uses of the tritone (or the diabolus in musica, the Devil’s interval) and dissonance. It is the sound that became known as heavy metal and, even further down the line, doom metal, particularly in their 1971 LP Master of Reality with Iommi’s ominous riffs and Ozzy’s melancholic vocals. This album would directly influence doom artists such as Sleep or Electric

Wizard in the 90’s.

Some Scandinavian and Russian dates planned for Black Sabbath’s world tour in 2012 have been released on their website. The band will also be headlining Download Festival, held in Donington Park, England, usually sometime in June. More dates are expected to be released.

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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The Flaming Lips: A Skull Too Far? DEAN HEALY To describe The Flaming Lips as an oddity of a band; it would be a gross, gross understatement.

Yes they have consistently reinvented their eclectic musical sounds throughout their entire career, but they are essentially a rock band. A rock band that just so happens to push the limits through genre defining eccentricities; alt-rock, pshycedelia, spacerock, groove-pop and pretty much experimental anything. They have churned out thirteen albums since their formation in 1983, under the guidance of their mental musical maestro Wayne Coyne.

The constant use of mind altering drugs, however, is never too far away when one thinks of their musical output (even the album names scream of illegality); In A Priest Driven Ambulance, Clouds Taste Metallic, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, At War With the Mystics, Flaming Lips... Do Dark Side of the Moon etc. In 2011 though, Wayne Coyne decided to abandon the album format for a year and instead release a series of EP’s with the strangest possible artists and in the strangest possible formats.

In February, they released their first oddity entitled “Two Blobs F***ing”. The song consists of 12 separate songs (available on YouTube) that must be played simultaneously to be heard as intended.

So go get eleven of your friends for that one! They followed up in March with a collaboration EP The Flaming Lips with Neon Indian, a four track effort which contained the spazztastic effort “David Bowie Is Dying?!” April then brought us the four track Gummy Song Skull which was essentially a memory

stick embedded inside a skull-shaped mass of jelly.

You had to eat your way to the music. Through over 5,000 calories actually. A four track EP with Prefuse 73 followed in May as well as a live version of one of their most famous early albums The Soft Bulletin.

They reached the half year mark by releasing Gummy Song Fetus, a bubble gum flavoured fetus with music just waiting to be birthed from the jelly.

This was followed up with an EP with Lightening Bolt and the promise of more collaborations to

come.

As if all of this madness was not enough to keep up to date with, the band then ventured down previously unexplored routes. A six hour long song entitled “I Found a Star on the Ground” appeared. Pre-recording, the band offered fans the opportunity to get their name placed in the song for the price of $100 which then was donated to the charities Oklahoma City SPCA and Academy of Contemporary Music at University of Central

Oklahoma. Now that must go down in history, right? Immortalisation by song. On Halloween the band finally released the craziest effort of its entire career; a 24 hour song called “7 Skies H3” inside a skull. A full days worth of music inside an actual human being’s skull. Surely this must be a case for ethical discussion? Whatever you feel on the matter though, you cannot say The Flaming Lips do not push boundaries in the music industry. November and Decembers outputs have a lot to live up to.

A Spotlight On Sligo’s Myles Manley DYLAN COLLEY On the 13th of November, I saw Sligo musician Myles Manley take to the stage for the Grand Social’s Saucy Sundays. After tuning up, Manley, without his backing band, performed an acoustic set of 30 minutes, which consisted very bravely of mostly material he has never performed live. Myles is not at the moment signed to any record label, but he grabs this with much optimism, glad of the creative control he has in independently recording and distributing himself. Previously having recorded as a solo artist with just his acoustic guitar, Myles has just finished recording a 7-track CD with his backing band, which is the direction he is looking to pursue in the future. At the present time, Manley is over in New York for some time playing gigs while he’s there, but he is looking to release his recordings in January/February of 2012 when he

will be once more playing the Dublin circuit.

At 7.30, Myles awkwardly stood at the microphone and started to play. As soon as his voice entered the room silence fell and eyes looked to the stage. It was an extremely unique, unusual voice, but mesmerising all the same. This is where Manley’s strong Neil Young influences can be best understood. His guitar work started very open, turning to a muted strum; Myles uses dynamics to the most effective degree in both his voice and guitar playing. The chords themselves are very open and dissonant, creating some discords. As the song finished, Manley awkwardly but graciously accepted the applause and started into the next song. This had more of a folky, very fluid melody in the guitar, with the rhythm pounding out. He sentimentally began “First time I met you, I thought you were a genius”. The bass in the guitar droned through, the atmosphere in the room was both calm and rigid, not knowing what was to come until we got some relief with the line “Jesus, he met John, John met George and Paul”. He then rounded off with a soft adagio.

In the next piece, Manley offered defiantly the line “I’ll find a way to make you mine again”, which returned through the song again and again. On the “mine”, he gave a wonderfully unsettling harmony with the notes from the guitar. The imperfect harmony became more and more haunting and twisted as the dynamics became more intense through the song and at one point, one man in

the club exclaimed “He’s on something that guy!”

With the next song, Manley threw out a childishly playful insult to someone – “He’s impotent, that’s why he’s raising his voice”. However, his pop hit masterpiece came at the end of the show, with the very memorable “I Fuck Your Wife”. Manley sang as though taunting, telling of what he does when

you leave the house. He even wears your clothes. At the end of this, Myles coyly thanked the audience and stepped down for a pint. He was the most memorable performer of the night and well worth a look. Check him out here: http://soundcloud.com/ mylesmanley

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

PRINT ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE

THE

theprint@nuimsu.com Facebook.com/ThePrintMSU

“BROADWAY!”: Banter with The Blanks LYNDSEY FARRELL

Entertainment & Culture Co-Editor On Monday the 21st of November, students of Maynooth were simply blessed with the opportunity to witness a fantastic performance by The Blanks!

For those of you who don’t know them (shame on you!) The Blanks are a four-man Acapella group, most famous for their appearances in the US Sitcom Scrubs starring as ‘Ted’s Band.’ I was nothing less than honoured to get to interview the lads (sigh!) and I must say, as the students who got to meet them after the show will agree, they are the four nicest guys you will ever meet. Throughout the interview there was nothing but genuine smiles and laughter… and pizza!

Hey guys! So tell us a bit about how the Blanks came to be? How did you guys meet and form this group?

Phillip: “ Well, I’ll tell you!”

Paul: “We were created in a laboratory.”

Phillip: “Test-tube Acapella!”

Paul: “An experiment gone horribly wrong.”

Phillip: “But it feels so right.”

George: “Next question!”

Sam: “George Paul and I went to University together –“ Phillip: “I didn’t go to school.”

Sam: “Phillip was Canadian so… anyway we were out in LA and George met Phillip doing improv.”

George: “It’s because of me we have Phillip!”

Sam: “That’s right, IT WAS YOU!” (Sam dives towards George! In a loving way.)

(At this point in the interview, disaster strikes as Sam almost destroys a roll of toilet paper.)

Sam: “It’s alright! It’s alright!”

Phillip: “Before every show, Sam spends half an hour writing up a contract [on toilet paper.] We need a contract for-” Paul: “A Xerox machine that takes toilet paper is what we need!”

Phillip: “Maybe a student from the Engineering Department here could invent something for us.”

George: “Yeah like a roller of some kind to create the contract!”

Paul: “Can we take suggestions? Submissions for inventions?”

George: “To save Sam from writing for a whole hour before the show. That’s dedication ladies and gentlemen! That’s dedication!”

Sam: “Please give generously! So anyway, George had a lead on an audition for a cruise ship.

Singing on a cruise ship, it was our dream!”

George: “Oh baby!”

Sam: “So we learnt some four-part harmony and some music and we went to the audition-” (Paul starts making music with his nose) Sam: “That was what we dreamed of. Two of the mics didn’t work so we flunked the audition.

So we were depressed. We were kind of like Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys. He locked himself in a room for two weeks and took drugs and slept all the time. We did that too.”

George: “With Brian Wilson.”

Sam: “Yes with Brian Wilson, who was a smelly man… but when we got out of that funk we would get together and sing silly songs once in a while.

And we’d sing them at parties and stuff.”

The Blanks performing live in Your Clubhouse Paul: “How long did that go on?”

Sam: “I don’t know, a few months probably.”

Paul: “I meant singing songs at parties, we were doing that for about seven years.” Phillip: “We were the type of cool kids who hung out in the kitchen at parties and we’d do a little harmonizing. You know, the super cool kids!”

Sam: “Then we’d leave the party and people would beat us up.”

Paul: “If you can’t stand the Acapella, get out of the kitchen.”

Sam: “That’s right!”

Phillip: “Girls think it’s really cool, so we did that.”

George: “It’s fact, chicks dig Acapella!”

We do, I can vouch for that, guys!

Phillip: “Then Sam got onto a little television show that rhymes with Dubs, and he said “Hey, I’ve got some guys who are not working, would you hire them for the Christmas party?””

Sam: “Which you didn’t get paid for. Yeah we sang at the cast and crew Christmas Party for the first season of Scrubs, and they decided to write us onto the show!”

That was actually my next question!

Phillip: “See I knew that!”

It’s all telepathically done here, Phillip! What’s my next question?

Sam: “I’m married sorry.”

Phillip: “I could never do that!”

That was a bit forward of me, I’ll admit.

Phillip: “Yes it was!”

So as you’ve mentioned, you guys appeared on the TV show Scrubs. And Sam, you played the role of the lovable hospital attorney, Ted Buckland, who is my personal favourite! Not just because you’re sitting in front of me.

Sam: “Great taste, you have great taste!”

George: “What about Crispin? Didn’t you like Crispin?”

Paul: “And Roy?” Phillip: “Yeah I’m Roy in Scrubs!”

You’re all my favourite!

Sam: “Wait, you guys had names? I didn’t know that!”

So with your whole barber shop quartet vibe, is it fair to describe you guys as a modern day Boyz II Men, but sexier?

George: “I couldn’t have said it better myself!”

Sam: “That ended very well.”

Phillip: “Don’t you mean Backstreet Boys but sexier?”

Are Backstreet Boys better? Boyz II Men had better harmonies.

George: “Boyz II Men are far better, Phil, what are you talking about?”

Sam: “Yeah Boyz II Men were huge!”

Phillip: “Oh, I guess they were.”

George: “He guesses they were?!”

Sam: “We would have been that big if not for Scrubs. We were on our way to that!”

Do you guys work out all your harmonies yourselves?

Sam: “We hire people to do that, we don’t bother with that. Actually Paul is our arranger, he arranges all of our music.”

Phillip: “Emmy nominated Paul F. Perry!”

Sam: “That’s right, Emmy nominated.”

Phillip: “What was that for again? Oh yes, Guy Love!”

Congratulations Paul! So you guys are on tour around Ireland and England at the moment, and we’ve noticed all the nice food over there on the table. Are any of those part of crazy backstage diva demands?

Paul: “Next question!”

Phillip: “Well you guys have been drinking the wine, so you know how good it is. Right Lyndsey?”

George: “Mwahaha! Yes you have!” …Yeah that’s for the blooper reel.

Sam: [Laughs] “That’s edited out!”

Your debut album Riding the Wave was released in 2004. Any signs or talks of a new album?

Sam: “Yes, we talk about it all the time.”

Phillip: “Major talks, we always say we should do a new album. We’re planning negotiations to talk about it.”

Sam: “We’re planning on talking about it for another two years at least. We’re going to talk for the next two years and maybe after that another few years, and then we’ll talk about it some more!”

Phillip: “There will be a study commissioned.”

Paul: “We will commission a study to negotiate to talk about it.”

Sam: “We’re actually going to have a CD out,

hopefully, in February or March.”

Will it be the same kind of concept as Riding the Wave with a mixture of covers as well as your own material?

Sam: “Absolutely!”

Paul: “Can we shoot a bunch of things where Sam says “Yeah it’s going to be out February or March” then shoot another with him saying “Yeah it’s going to be out March or April” and then put them together?”

George: “April or May!” Sam: “June or July. 2015!”

You have lots of different genres of music in your performances. There’s songs by Katy Perry and Rihanna, and then there’s the likes of Charles in Charge and The Facts of Life; they’re all very different. So what kind of music do you guys listen to yourselves?

Phillip: “It’s Irish Country Western music for me.”

George: “Of course!”

Sam: “That’s what we all listen to.”

Paul: “Nothing but that, that’s what unites all of us.”

Sam: “We were going to be on an Irish cruise ship, that’s what it was. All of our material was going to be Irish Country Western.”

Phillip: “Sailing over the four-leaf clover!”

Sam: “Our tastes are actually as eclectic as the songs on the album. If music is good, we like it.”

Phillip: “Hey could you bring that over?”

(A guy has just walked into the room with pizza from our very own Chill!)

So is your show more about the comedy for you, or is it more about the music and the voices?

George: “It’s more with chemical engineering wouldn’t you say?”

Phillip: “Obviously not comedy, George!” [laughs] Paul: “We’re trying to have a serious interview here!”

Sam: “We thought there could be nothing worse than an hour and a half of Acapella music, so we thought we might make it funny.”

Phillip: “It’s a fact, the League of Nations has declared Acapella music an illegal form of interrogation.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

THE

PRINT ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE

theprint@nuimsu.com Facebook.com/ThePrintMSU

A Blog from Abroad: “BROADWAY!”: Banter Amsterdam, Holland With The Blanks (CON.)

We ask this question in all of our interviews.

Have you ever received fans’ underwear in the Sam: “It’s torture.” mail?

Phillip: “It’s that painful, generally. So we George: “Always!” intersperse it, we try to make some laughs.” Paul: Sam: “We got a bra.”

“It’s like that scene in Marathon Man, where those Phillip: “I got underwear. I got used underwear.” little soothing cloves are what the comedy is. You Sam: “We got underwear and a bra!” know when Dustin Hoffman is getting his tooth Phillip: “And a diaper. That was not a good time.” drilled by Laurence Olivier. He drills his tooth and Sam: “Yeah that was strange, I didn’t know kids then puts some soothing numbing agent could throw that far!” on it. Then he drills his tooth again.”

Phillip: “Well the diaper has a sort of slingshot Sam: “…that’s what our show is like.” effect.”

I have been informed there are some subtle Sam: “Yeah but I’ve never seen a little kid costume changes in your show. Is there any chance throw that far!” of a sneaky striptease for us tonight?

Phillip: “Oh I see, because it was a baby.”

(Phillip starts to seductively remove his hat and Sam: “Yeah the baby was just like, (insert extreme scarf) throwing motions) totally naked. And it hit the Sam: “Oh of course!” stage, it had to be like thirty feet away!”

George: “It’s a given.”

Was it a clean diaper?

Sam: “We do a number called The Full Monty.”

Phillip: “No. And the baby was dirty too.”

Phillip: “Oh right yeah.”

Did you guys keep any of the underwear?

Sam: “…have you done this show before, Phil?”

Paul: “Yes we did.”

So there will be a striptease tonight then!

Sam: “I’m wearing it now.”

Sam: “Oh yeah!”

Nice! Is it lace? Cotton?

George: “It’s called The FULL Monty!”

Sam: “Oh I’ll never tell.”

Sam: “That’s what The Full Monty is!”

We’ll find out tonight in the striptease!

You’re going to be butt naked on the stage!

Phillip: “Yes we shall!”

Sam: “Yes.” Fantastic! Okay, I think we’re done! Thanks George: “This is why you have to come and see guys! the show!”

(The Blanks applaud) Paul: “In my mind’s eye, Heratio… in my mind’s George: “SUCCESS!” eye.”

Phillip: “You guys were really sweet. Are you Phillip: [Whispers] “What does that mean? I going to send it to us when it’s done?” don’t know what that means.”

Sure! Where should we send it to?

Sam: “Sometimes Paul likes to quote Paul: “123 Main St., Any-town, USA!” Shakespeare.”

Paul: “Your mind’s eye, it’s your imagination.”

The Blanks debut album Riding the Wave is in Phillip: “Oh! Oh, well no we’re going to be totally stores now! nude. I am anyway.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

SINEAD LILLIS

gotten rid of the bike I bought there. My second bike was double the price, and although I bought it at the market again, I did what I had been advised, I’ve spent three months living in this wonderful city, and what a crazy three months it’s been. There and bought a brand new one, and made sure I got a have been many assignments, even more nights out, receipt (you must have legitimate documentation for your bike in Amsterdam). Things went pear-shaped and plenty of bruises from my less than graceful yet again, and I had to bring the bike to the shop it attempts at cycling (it’s a little more difficult after had originally come from. After a long story, which a drink or two and, truth be told, I’ve felt the involved a screaming match outside the bike shop, I hard hit of the cobbled canal roads more than eventually ended up with my current bike, which has once).

Having established a great group of friends, I can served me well so far.

Bringing up biking related stories among a group safely say that I love calling the city of Amsterdam of friends in Amsterdam will always result in a very my home. I’ve had visits from both my parents and a friend from home. These visits meant long cycles long conversation, in which everyone tries to better into the countryside, and around the city, as well as the previous story with one of their own. This game of one-upmanship brings up many funny stories visits to museums. They allowed me to do things of silly falls, and encounters with the ‘angry Dutch I would never think of doing in my every day life cyclists’, who will pass you out no matter what the here. cost is to your own safety.

Despite my original good intentions to learn Cycling everywhere, every day, becomes a major Dutch, I know disgracefully little, but if truth consideration for your wardrobe. It may be cold be told, the moment a native speaker hears your attempts at their language they automatically switch outside, but cycling makes you warm – the very particular calculations it takes to choose the correct to English. Dutch is perhaps the most bizarre outfit is something only learned in time, with many language ever heard. Spoken Dutch genuinely mistakes along the way. Anyone that knows me, sounds like the speaker has a constant throat knows that I always wear skirts, which is something infection, and is trying to clear their throat with every consonant they cough up. I must say, if I come that (I’m sure you can well imagine) leads to some difficulty. Thinking that my knee length skirts away from Amsterdam with very few words of the would be the best, resulted in one handed cycling Dutch language, it won’t keep me awake at night! where I did my best not to flash every passerby – it When it comes to college work, I have a tonne was a lesson learnt by trial and error, but I got there of it! There are constant essays, readings. and eventually! presentations to prepare for. Speaking to other The nightlife here is amazing! There is of course, Erasmus students, it’s a general consensus that the Amsterdam version of Coppers – a bar called you do have more work in universities outside of Coco’s where we inevitably end up on nights we Ireland, but I have to say it is preparing me for have no plans for, which has a tendency to play 90s, my final year. I have not done one single essay, and early naughties classics, such as Five, Christina or presentation where I haven’t chosen the topic.

Aguilera and, of course, Mambo no. 5. I have yet I have written essays on Stanley Kubrick, David to go to a Dubstep night (and there are many) and Lynch, Lars Von Trier, and have studied the also a salsa club (which supposed to be amazing). I commercialisation of news media in the U.S. and the biases displayed in Fox news, and also the works have even considered Karaoke, but only after a few drinks! of Pina Bausch. I could not have asked for better Verdict so far on Amsterdam? It is a city you can’t subjects this semester, so fingers crossed for next. help but love! Even angry Dutch cyclists and black When it comes to bikes, I have learnt some knees can’t put a dampener on the good time I’m valuable lessons. Being on bike number three will having here, je ne regrette rien! do that to you. I bought my first for fifty euro in Waterlooplein, a large flea market near the centre of the city, and I am not the only one to have long

The Student Wine Guide ROB GILMOUR & SHANE McNALLY Domaine Duffour Blanc

€7.99 in O’Briens Wines; Score (89) ASick of Sauvignon? Well all the critics say you should be, but in reality we all still love a nice fruity Sauvignon. However a change is nice sometimes, and a cheaper change (see what I did there?) is even more palatable for us Students. Based around the Colombard grape, this wine is easily as good as any of the so cold new world wonder from New Zealand. Intense aromas of peach, herb and some zesty lemon, which is all present on the palate.

Extremely refreshing and all for only €7.99 in O’Briens Wines.

Cetena Chardonnay

€14.99 Mill Wine Cellar and the Corkscrew Wine Merchants; Score (90) A I know, I know. Chardonnay, I can hear everyone groaning, but this grape is misunderstood. While there are still plenty of examples of over-oaked travesties available, when a wine a Chardonnay is oaked with care and subtly it can add layers of complexity to an already complex varietal. At a recent tasting I tried this Argentinean Chardonnay as it is from a vineyard that produces very good reds. On the nose, apple, apricot, almond, vanilla and some cinnamon followed by a delicious palate of tropical fruits complimented by a vanilla filled finished. A delicious wine, that is also one that will go well with the Christmas dinner. Available for €14.99 in the Mill Wine Cellar and the Corkscrew Wine Merchants.

Devil’s Elbow Cabernet Sauvignon

€17.99 Mill Wine Cellar and the Corkscrew Wine Merchants; Score (93) A This is a devious monster, presenting itself in an Inky black cloak, with intense aromas of blackberry eucalyptus, chocolate, cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. These flavours present themselves on the palate in a delicious blackberry jam, smothered in chocolate and a hint of spice on the finish. If you think that any of the major brands in Australia produce nice wines, try this single vineyard wine and have your eyes opened to what an individual winemaker can do. Not convinced yet? This was blind tasted way back last February by MSU Long Legs along with five other Cabernets. Guess what won … The Devil’s Elbow.

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

PRINT ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE

THE

theprint@nuimsu.com Facebook.com/ThePrintMSU

The Rise of the Male Fashionista?

SHANE KIERNAN Once upon a time, men could go into a clothes shop and purchase an entire season’s worth of clothes while his girlfriend simply decided which shoes to try on; what simpler times these were...

Nowadays it is a laborious task for a somewhat fashionable man to choose what shop to buy from, let alone what clothes to buy. From chinos to jeans, low cut to hi-top, in this day and age men must consider the most up to date and stylish way to present themselves to the outside world, and, given the current state of the country, it often is not cheap.

Prime locations for trendy young men are the obvious, Topman, River Island, and Burton, but

this is only if your money is burning a hole in your pocket. It is much easier to scout the cheaper shops for good deals on clothes that look legit, but are just good replicas. These shops are primarily found in the form of Penney’s, Dunnes Stores, and, yes, Tesco. Most people would not be shock in the slightest about the first two, but the latter may surprise people. The quality of Tesco brand clothes is quite high, with many of their men’s hoodies coming fairly close to the standard of the Jack and Jones vintage line, as well as their t-shirts being at a low price, but frighteningly similar to that of the ones in Topman. So, the main point to gather from this article is to shop around, look for the replicas, and, for the love of god, don’t always run into the designer shops with cash to burn.

Shoes, my weak spot, are somewhat of an oddity when it comes to shopping for men. With so many different styles and preferences, the quality one shoes vary from shop to shop; personally speaking, I cannot wear shoes from River Island, whereas a pair from Penney’s will last me for quite a long time.

On the scale of what’s in style now, classic Vans Off-the-Wall lace-ups are pretty much everywhere, with Schuh ruling over the range of styles, available fabrics and limited edition pairs.

Just a few ideas for the coming cold months are

leather boots (just in case that pesky snow decides to come back), striped t-shirts, vintage hoodies, and chinos (my one guilty pleasure that cannot be bought anywhere but Topman).

On the whole, men’s fashion has become an

Tips from the Make-Up Fairy 6.

7.

8.

MAEVE KAVANAGH After getting the opportunity to work with the amazingly talented Make Up Fairy, I wanted to share it with you guys. So here are the results from our shoot for Seka Cosmetics, and the step-by-step guide on an essential make up look for this winter: navy smoky eyes, with nude lips.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Apply a good coverage matte foundation using a flat foundation brush.

Make the fish face, and contour the hollows of the cheeks, and temples of the forehead using a matte bronzer and defined contour brush.

This creates the illusion of a slimmer face, and adds dimension. I always contour heavier than normal on shoots so that it really shows up under the lights in the studio.

Apply a matte peach blush to the apples of the cheeks, and blend upwards.

Apply a highlighter to the upper cheekbones, and ensure it’s well blended above the blush and contour. This is especially important when working on a professional shoot.

Apply a good coverage liquid concealer under the eye. If you’re working with strongpigmented shadows, and are worried about shadow fallout, then skip this step until you

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

complete the eyes.

Using a flat angled brush, apply some powder to fill in the eyebrows.

Apply a lid primer. This step is essential if you want crease free eye shadow, with strong pigmentation. I used a navy paint pot base for this look to create drama.

Using a flat, and firm eye shadow brush, apply a shimmery navy shade colour all over the lid, blend upon reaching the crease and apply what’s left on the brush upwards towards the highlight.

For the definition on this shoot, I added some colour to the inner corners of the eyes also.

Using a fluffy blending brush, work up into the crease and blend.

Using a fluffy blending brush, apply a shimmery deep plum shadow up into the crease and blend.

Using a smaller more defined fluffy blending brush, apply a deep dark shimmery black in the same manner. Work in a letter C motion, back and forth through the crease and around a down towards the outer corner of the eye.

This brings the colour down towards the lash line giving a lovely smoky effect.

Apply the same black under the eye using a small definer brush. A medium defined line is perfect.

Using some lash glue, and shimmery silver loose pigment, apply the product to the inner corners of the eye to draw attention to the area and attract light.

Apply a medium slick of black liquid liner to the upper lash line and flick outwards depending on your preference.

Apply some black kohl pencil to the lower lash line. Blend using the same definer brush that you applied the black to the lower lash line with.

Go over your concealer if necessary having

cleaned up any fallout.

18. Apply a set of natural looking false eyelashes that have more length on the outer corners.

19. Apply two coats of black mascara to blend your own through them.

20. Apply dusty peach lip liner, and lightly feather the lip outline, and blend inwards.

21. Fill in the lips using a brownish nude lipstick with a hint of peach.

22. Because the focus is on the eyes for this shoot, I skipped lip-gloss leaving the lips matte.

Visit Joanne’s Blog for make up tips, tutorials, product reviews, fashion ideas and giveaways! http://www.joannelarby.com/

extraordinarily complex part of young men’s lives today, not quite as bad as women’s and let’s just hope it will always stay that way.

Christmas Jumper Competition Winner

And the winner of our amazing Christmas Jumper Competition from Issue #4 is...

Aislinn O’Connell!

Congratulations! You are now the owner of the Christmas jumper shown above! Please e-mail theprint@nuimsu.com to organise collecting your lovely new jumper!

And of course many thanks to the folks of ChristmasJumpers.org for sponsoring this brilliant prize!

You can find more fashion tips and tricks via Maeve’s blog and Twitter account.

Check them out via the links below:

Maevekxxx.wordpress.com/ Twitter.com/maevekxxx

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

THE

PRINT ENTERTAINMENT & CULTURE

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN

Film. 107 minutes. Directed by Steven Spielberg. Starring Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig. Released 22nd October 2011.

Steven Spielberg turns his eye back to the adventure film, following the underwhelming Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The classic comic books, created by the Belgian writer Hergé, have been a childhood staple for generations. Now, at last, Hollywood presents its star-studded adaptation of the saga. With Peter Jackson as a co-producer, Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish and Steven Moffat on writing duties, and boasting a cast featuring Jamie Bell, Daniel Craig and Simon Pegg, it has summer blockbuster written all over it, yet it is inexplicably being released in the winter.

Don’t let the budget fool you, there is no executive meddling here, and Spielberg sets the tone perfectly with the opening credits: a silhouetted sequence of Tintin and co. getting themselves into all kinds of scrapes, set to an uncharacteristically jazzy John Williams tune. This scene immediately allays any fears about the authenticity of the adaptation, the animation is spot on. The picture was shot using motion capture suits, previously utilised in The Lord

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

Film. 112 minutes. Directed by Lynne Ramsey. Starring Tilda Swinton, John C.Reily. Released 21st October 2011.

Director Lynne Ramsey presents a masterful adaptation of Lionel Shriver’s novel, We Need to Talk about Kevin.

The film tells the story of Lara (Tilda Swinton), a mother quaking in the aftermath of her son, Kevin’s (Ezra Miller) crimes. She attempts to find the reasons behind his behaviour, questioning her own role in his upbringing, while coping with the everyday reality of having being cast in the role of the local pariah. The audience are taken on a rollercoaster ride, as Lara’s memories crash down on her. Kevin captivates from the get-go, and drags viewers through a spectrum of fear, anger, laughter, and sorrow, all the while kneading a knot of tension in their bellies.

We Need to Talk about Kevin showcases the talent of its ensemble brilliantly. Tilda Swinton is truly phenomenal in the role of Lara. Her performance is fresh, fearless, and shows the hardship, and alienation that comes with

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of the Rings and King Kong, and the mo-cap veteran from both, Andy Serkis, returns here as the peerless Captain Archibald Haddock. Firstly, the visuals on display are astounding, and the film necessitates repeat viewings, just for the sheer detail in every scene. The 3D effects are not used for the sake of it, rather they are there to bring the viewer into and through the many action sequences, all of which are faithfully preposterous. It is fitting that Spielberg first discovered the quiff-haired Belgian while shooting his Indiana Jones series, as the canon allows him to indulge in the absurd side of the genre without antagonizing those seeking a more realistic experience.

The performances here are memorable, with Bell perfectly cast as the boy wonder. Unfortunately for purists, Snowy does not speak as he does in the comic, yet the pup manages to engage with the audience in a way, which reinvents the character for the better.

Pegg and his Spaced chum Nick Frost are excellent as Thomson and Thompson, two near-identical detectives who are oddly unrelated. I spent far too much time trying to work out who was voicing whom, but to their credit I simply couldn’t figure it out. Andy Serkis once again demonstrates the physicality of his acting chops, portraying Haddock exactly as I had envisaged the character as a child, and I find the lack of institutional recognition of his consistency (animated or not) to be one of the minor outrages within the industry.

Hergé, dissatisfied with previous adaptations, believed that Spielberg was the only director capable of filming Tintin. Good call.

RORY McCORMICK

motherhood. She is by no means the star of this movie however. Up-and-comer, Ezra Miller does not allow Swinton to eclipse him. He delivers a shadowy, powerful, and at times, unnerving portrayal of Kevin. With this role, Miller could have very easily allowed the character of Kevin to fall into the realm of pantomime and farce. He and Swinton deliver electrifying tension, and captivate audiences. The entire ensemble deserves merit.

In particular the young actors who portray Kevin in his early years, Rock Duer and Jasper Newell, and Ursula Parker who play’s Lara’s daughter, Lucy.

From a visual perspective, We Need to Talk about Kevin is truly astounding, causing the viewer to flinch, and be awestruck. This is a film, which manages create art without alienating its audience. Nowhere do the more abstract shots appear out of place, or reek of pretension.

Kevin is the rare type of film, which manages to combine art, and entertainment, whilst keeping its audience enthralled. Music and sound are also used to great effect, helping to gel the non-linear plot together with ease.

We Need to Talk about Kevin has been receiving rave reviews since its release. It truly lives up to its hype, and is a strong competitor for the best film released so far this year. Although the Oscar Buzz has not been as loud as that surrounding Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, this film will win big at award season. It deserves as many accolades as can be bestowed upon it.

CHRISTINA MURPHY

TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN

Film. 117 minutes. Directed by Bill Condon.

Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner. Released 18th November 2011.

I was not expecting much when I went to see Breaking Dawn, and for all intents and purposes, it certainly managed to live up to my expectations. Although I had felt that the Twilight movies had gotten better with each release, the storyline of this particular instalment was not particularly noteworthy, even compared to the rather lacklustre plot of the series as a whole. The main focus of the movie was on Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) wedding and adjusting to married life with the perils of having a half-vampire/half-human baby, which led to large periods of inaction throughout the film. This inaction caused the film to seem slightly stale and boring in parts, although there were a few redeeming features, the main one being Robert Pattinson’s handsomeness. The acting, while not amazing by any stretch of the imagination, had certainly improved from previous incarnations. Bella presented with more than one facial expression, and Jacob even had scenes which did not solely focus on him walking around shirtless. The star of the film

in my opinion was Bella’s father Charlie, played by Billy Burke, who, along with having a fabulous moustache, threatened Edward with a gun during his wedding speech.

As was expected, the movie was laden with special effects, most notably in the form of werewolves, the main opposition of the vampires in Breaking Dawn. The two groups had been living in peace, or a state somewhat close to it, for centuries, but the news of Bella’s pregnancy changes this as it means the treaty between the two tribes will be broken (they had agreed to live in peace with each other as long as neither group harmed a human).

The movie, which was given a 12A certificate, also had quite a few gory moments, something which had not been overtly present in the earlier movies. Scenes such as Bella’s dream where she and Edward stand before a pile of dead wedding guests, and also when Edward performs a caesarean section to stop the baby from killing Bella, were quite graphic and it is easy to imagine that a young teenager (the film’s main fanbase) could be easily scared during these passages. And that is not even mentioning the state Edward leaves Bella in after their first night as a married couple, which led to their bed being destroyed.

All in all, Breaking Dawn – Part 1, while not the best movie out at the minute, was an enjoyable enough way of passing a few hours. I do believe that there was no need to split the film into two parts as this film suffered for it, but the true effect of this will become clear when Part 2 is released in November 2012.

SHAUNA LOUISE KELLY

SHAME

Film. 99 minutes. Directed by Steve McQueen. Starring Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan. Released 13th January 2012.

The London-based filmmaker Steve McQueen follows up his highly-acclaimed 2008 film Hunger, about the 1981 Irish hunger strikes, with this accomplished film about Brandon, played by Michael Fassbender, who is struggling to cope with sex addiction in contemporary Manhattan. His damaged younger sister Sissy, a lounge singer played by Carey Mulligan, arrives from L.A, causing Brandon’s carefully separated professional and personal lives to completely unravel.

Here we are taken on a journey through the seedy underbelly of Manhattan life, much like Taxi Driver and American Psycho, though Fassbender’s Brandon is a thoroughly more sympathetic character through which to view New York. Though this city never quite sleeps, it snoozes, drained of all its glamour and dazzle, with much of the story confined to neutralized, and sparsely furnished Midtown interiors. Everything vital to the plot can be said here with no more than a look, such is the pedigree of the cast. Until the third scene of the film, when Brandon’s work computer is confiscated, in order to be wiped of all the porn “his intern” downloaded, there is no conventional dialogue.

The opening scene on the subway, where Brandon tries wordlessly to seduce a married woman, sets his character up, and is a superb suspense builder. As demonstrated in Hunger, McQueen is happy to let the camera linger on his actors, allowing the plot to unfold visually rather than through dense scripting. He is apparently uninterested in explaining the behaviour of characters, save for an implication or two. There are no scenes here to rival Hunger’s now-legendary 17-minute scene between Fassbender, and Liam Cunningham, though Mulligan’s strikingly adept, and heartfelt rendition of “New York, New York” runs it close.

In a scene towards the end, the shot moves in on Brandon’s face during one of his trysts, distorting the rest of the scene around him. His expression contorts from pleasure and ecstasy to torture and pain, becoming a slave to sex and appearing to punish himself with it. In Shame, Fassbender variously elicits envy, disgust and sympathy from the audience, often within the same scene. Having won the Volpi Cup in Venice for his performance here, an Oscar nomination would not be undeserved, though its controversial NC-17 rating in the States could hurt the film come awards season. One cannot truly claim to enjoy Shame in the conventional sense, but its nerve-shredding approach to addiction will be remembered as a watershed in the careers of its principals.

RORY McCORMICK

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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SNOW PATROL FALLEN EMPIRES

would be the sweetly nostalgic (though woefully titled) ‘Lifening’. It contains some rather charming lyrics, and though there isn’t anything terribly insightful, that isn’t the point of the song – it is merely a sentimental meandering his hopes for life. Lifening is a song, which feels like it Album. 57:17 minutes. Fricton, Interscope. into should be tackled in its simplest, most innocent of forms; that is, Lightbody and the acoustic guitar, but there is so Released 11th November 2011. much thrown in that the sensitivity of it becomes completely lost and neither the lyrics nor the music are strong enough to justify that.

The first three tracks on this album bring the band into Before releasing their newest LP, ‘Fallen Empires’, an electronica style, which works incredibly well for them. both singer Gary Lightbody and lead guitarist Nathan The opener, ‘I’ll Never Let Go’, is probably the strongest as a Connolly of Snow Patrol claimed it would not only be their song on the album and is reminiscent of LCD Soundsystem longest album to date, but also their best. And they were and early U2, while ‘Called Out in the Dark’ is a playful, fun not wrong... Oh wait – yes they were! Fallen Empires is pop song, leading into ‘The Weight of Love’ which feels as less an album, and more a collection of songs. The whole though parts were layered on top of each other precariously, thing is very disjointed and feels like an amalgamation with very unusual, though interesting, harmonies. The title of 2 or 3 half-formed records. Though it has many strong track itself is wonderfully produced, like a cacophonous points, overall it has just too many forgettable tracks to wall of sound which later collapses to a choir and Lightbody be considered their best. It is, however, most definitely leading the revolution. ‘The Symphony’ also is electronica their longest, and certainly feels that way when listening based and is a wonderful ending to the album, almost right through. It’s not at all an excruciating listen, nor is it sealing it. However, it doesn’t end there, but goes on into the incredibly disappointing, just altogether OKAY. rather boring ‘The President’ and drags on further with a Part of the problem with this album is the teaser for their next album. overwhelming production for some sadly underwhelming With regard to style, Fallen Empires jumps around quite tracks. For example, the single ‘This Isn’t Everything a bit, with songs similar to their previous work, electronica You Are’. The mix and the instrumentation make it and the country twangs of ‘The Garden Rules’. Although huge and anthem-like, but on closer inspection, it really it can be interesting, this sometimes makes it easy to drift lacks substance or any sort of a hook. It is just not very off during. Overall Fallen Empires can be a tad boring, but memorable, but does seem impressive at first and is a worth a listen for Snow Patrol fans. pleasant, albeit, throwaway track. Perhaps a better example DYLAN COLLEY

CHRISTY MOORE FOLK TALE

Album. 57:17 minutes. Fricton, Interscope.

Released 11th November 2011.

Christy Moore is an Irish institution, but he also has a universal fan base in folk, and country music circles. He still continues to entertain on his travels and has cemented himself as an Irish icon from anymore between County Kildare, and El Salvador. Interestingly earlier this year he made his first appearance at the Oxegen music festival collaborating with Coldplay on inspirational hit “Ride On” to 80,000 fans to close the weekend off. The legendary musician certainly has nothing to prove anymore, but here he returns with Folk Tale a collection of eleven up to date short folk stories and tales. This record contains the usual mixture of tragedy, poetry and humour.

Opener “Tyrone Boys” jumps straight into current cultural problems with the topic of emigration making a horrific comeback to the Irish consciousness. The people who have left “the island” are championed here and the

THE FALL - ERSATZ G.B. Album. 45:41 minutes. Cherry Red Records.

Released 14th November 2011.

It is literally almost an annual event that The Fall release a new studio album, and with their 29th LP to date, they have yet again found a new sound. For 35 years, The Fall has never remained stagnant in the one sound, always fresh (though that is possibly to do with Mark E. Smith’s constant rotation of the band’s line-up). This album is no different in that respect, but on the other hand, it does not offer the sharpness and intrigue that almost all of their back-catalogue does.

The album opens with the rather gripping ‘Cosmos 7’ – a racing, Cramps-like track, with hypnotic guitar and bass work and the unusual ramblings of Smith himself. A wonderful opener, Cosmos 7 makes the listener expect quite an interesting album, but when it ends, pessimism does start to grow. For the next few songs, the album frankly becomes incredibly boring. They feel like filler tracks with no real inspiration behind them other than the sake of writing a song. Even Mark E. Smith’s signature spoken style of vocals seem almost like they’re just placed on top, not really fitting into place here. I had just about given up hope for the album during the 4th track, ‘Mask Search’.

lyrics are very touching. “My Little Honda 50” has the charm of the usual Christy Moore skit. You will laugh as much as you will sing. Christy when discussing the song commented “The arrival of the Honda 50 into the Heartland of Kildare changed our world forever.

Overnight the world became our cloister.” The song is in the vein of earlier hilarious hits such as “Lisdoonvarna”.

Another lark comes in “Weekend in Amsterdam” in which Christy spills about spending his redundancy on some wild things in Amsterdam, “I took one pull, and hit the ground”.

This record was again produced by Declan Sinnott and is the latest result of Christy and Declan’s unique musical alliance throughout the years. Their long collaboration has gained a loyal and ever increasing following from their early days as the founding members of the pioneering band Moving Hearts.

The production here allows the instrumentation to rise to the forefront with all the intricacies from the guitar clearly distinguishable. Other notable songs delivering powerful messages are “Haiti” an ode to the environmental disaster, “On Morecambe Bay” a song about the drowning of Asian cockle pickers and “God Woman” closes the record off with another hymn to Christy’s innate maternal instinct (and a few laugh out loud moments).

DEAN HEALY However, by far the most vocally interesting track, ‘Greenway’, came right after. In this, Smith growls over a mock-heavy metal backing, lyrically reminding us of the MES charm we all know and love as he explains “I had to wank off the cat to feed the fucking dog”. There are plenty of false-endings in it, but it never really seems overdone or too long. The album from then on takes a welcome turn and becomes extremely enjoyable. Number 6 on the track list, ‘Happi Song’, is sweetly sung by his current wife Eleni Poulou and is reminiscent of the better side of the German underground Indie-Pop scene.

The Fall briefly return to their post-punk origins in the ever so slightly Devo-esque song ‘I’ve Seen Them Come’, showing the strengths of the rhythm section, which is incredibly tight on this album. They even go so far as a shockingly doom metal like sound with Monocard with slow drums and bass line, hypnotic guitars and swirling synths. The album ends strongly with the pulsing punky ‘Age of Chang’, as Smith seems to rally for revolution.

Ersatz G.B. is well worth a listen, though perhaps not quite as memorable as The Fall’s past work.

DYLAN COLLEY

JOY ORBISON @ THE TWISTED PEPPER

Live performance. The Twisted Pepper, Middle, Abbey Street, Dublin.19th Novmeber 2011.

Where better than to see Joy Orbison than the basement of the Twisted Pepper, I thought to myself, slugging from a can of Carling a la 66 en route to Dublin on that cool, November night. And I was right, the basement served as the ideal location for him and his supporting act Floating Point. Having went with no prior knowledge of Floating Points music, and hear tell of a three-hour long disco set, I can safely say, he blew the crowd away with his collection of disco records. The supposed crowd of nearly eight hundred which flocked to the event for acts like psychedelic rock band The Field, and TrOne who played upstairs flocked afterwards to the basement to catch the last of Floating Points disco set which ended with him upping the tempo to more dubstep oriented beats.

Then, at half one Joy Orbison took to the decks. And he did not fail to amaze. Weaning us into his set with some eighties oriented house songs, he had the basement grooving along to his music in no time. He then progressed into more

bouncy, garage influenced house with tracks like his own ‘Ellipsis’ just before his set began to get deeper. One thing to be noted was that he wasn’t heavily reliant on his own tracks during his set, with a vast array of vinyl in his crate he wasn’t short of great tunes. At half two, the lights went out and something strange happened in that basement.

Amidst the darkness, the intense heat, the sweat, the strange old couple who must have been in their late fifties who had just earlier on been looking for “hash”, and the dark techno which Joy Orbison was banging out a strange sense of inertia had been unleashed upon the crowd: the melodic synths of his track GR Etiquette had the crowd at its mercy as he brought the show to its climax. And that was it, the track was over and the lights went on. What had happened for the past hour, no matter how surreal or real it had felt, was over and we were all unleashed upon Middle Abbey St., dazed, and content.

TADGH HOEY

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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The Terrors of the Twilight Movies DAMIEN MURPHY ‘Are you real excited?’ my girlfriend turns to me after an ad for the latest Twilight film comes on the television.

‘Yes,’ I lie, feigning enthusiasm. I’ve yet to break it to her that I don’t actually like the films.

I have a feeling she knows, though. It’s the third time she’s asked me in the last couple of months, and I get the suspicion she’s sussing me out. Like a parent asking their child if they’re looking forward to Santa coming but having an inkling that little Johnny no longer believes.

Hate is too strong a word to use for the vampire saga, and if I’m honest about it, I liked the first book (tell no one), but after that it’s can of piss stuff really.

I mean, I wouldn’t watch any of the films if they came on the television and I certainly wouldn’t be forking out a tenner and the rest to go see one in the cinema. If I was single, that is.

It’s not entirely her fault, though. She has reason to believe I like Twilight because, well, I told her I did.

She’s a friend’s cousin; that’s how we met. I was living with him at the time and she had just broken

up with someone and had started popping in regularly. Instead of doing the obvious thing and simply ask her out I took the cowardly option and pretended to have a curiosity about these Twilight books she and everyone else was banging on about.

She loaned me the books and the first two films.

I read the first book, watched the second film which gave me opportunity to talk to her about them, and before I had to read the third we were together.

Magic.

The repercussions of my cunning plan, however, came back to bite me (ha ha). A few months later when the third instalment of the series, Eclipse, came out she surprised me with tickets to see it.

And there I was, sitting in front of a giant brooding Robert Pattinson, cursing the bastard as my girlfriend and the majority of the audience ogled him for two hours.

I really don’t want to go through that again.

‘If you want to go with Tracy,’ I say, ‘I don’t mind.’

‘Why? Do you not want to go?’

Her defensiveness throws me off.

‘No. No, it’s just I know she’s a big fan and I thought you might like to go with her instead.’

‘No I want to go with you. She’ll be going with Mark, anyway.’

‘Does he like Twilight?’ I ask ‘I don’t know,’ she says, as if Tracy’s boyfriend liking the film had anything to do with him going.

Normally, I would just refuse to go. I shoot down chick-flick after chick-flick. I have a good chuckle at some of the suggestions. But if I admit to not liking Twilight now, I’ll seem stupid, a bit creepy. So I keep schtum.

The queues for the tickets and food are bulging.

It’s opening night and as expected the ratio of

women to men is equivalent to a Westlife concert.

We join one of the snaking queues. Standing in the queue beside us is a couple our own age. His expression tells of a man who knows he is about to squander two hours of his short life. A mirror of my own, probably. In the line in front of us is a group of girls wearing ‘Team Edward’ and ‘Team Jacob’ t-shirts.

Ten minutes later we get to the counter.

‘Two please,’ I say to the skinny, purple haired teenager behind the counter.

‘For what film?’ He asks, as if it wasn’t obvious.

‘Twilight,’ I say.

The corners of his lips turn upward in a mocking smile.

‘Would you like a key ring?’ He asks holding up the locket sized picture of Robert Pattinson inches from my face. If I was a vampire myself I would gladly end his mortal ass right there.

‘Enjoy the film,’ he says as we walk away, my girlfriend’s keys already out and rattling as she slips the new one on. Last year’s Eclipse key ring scraped and scratched but still there, still glaring at me.

We squeeze into the middle row. My girlfriend has gone quiet now—the excitement getting the better of her. Sitting next to me is a group of four girls. They’re all on team Edward. They chat loudly bar the one sitting right next to me. Her unblinking eyes focus with great intensity to the screen. She hogs the arm rest between us and I can see the strain in her hand as she clasps it. They are a scary bunch, these Twilighters.

I’m restless and irritated. I wish I had have come forward, owned up and just admitted it—I DON’T LIKE TWILIGHT. I want to shout it right now. It’s too late, though. A strange whimpering sound is

From UC Davis’ own policing policy; “Arrestees and suspects shall be treated in a humane manner… they shall not be subject to physical force except as required to subdue violence or ensure detention.

No officer shall strike an arrestee or suspect except in self-defence, to prevent an escape, or to prevent injury to another person.”

There is plenty of video evidence showing those who were pepper sprayed didn’t carry half an ounce of a threat to the officers. Yet, another quotation from the UC Davis policing policy states, “Chemical agents are weapons used to minimize the potential for injury to officers, offenders, or other persons.

They should only be used in situations where such force reasonably appears justified and necessary.”

The California Penal code also shows us that John Pike broke laws. “Any person who uses tear gas, or tear gas weapons, except in self-defence, is guilty of a public offence and is punishable by imprisonment in state prison for sixty months or two or three years in county jail, or by a fine not to exceed $1,000…”

John Pike broke the rules. There will be investigations into the incidents of November 18th, but in the mean time Pike, and another officer who used pepper spray have been put on paid administrative leave.

John Pike isn’t capable of being a police officer, university campus, or otherwise. The obvious wrong choice of pepper spraying students having a sit-in shows a lack of reasonable judgement.

If the investigations into the pepper spray incidents result in are anything less than Pike and the other officer losing their jobs and facing criminal charges, then it will be a loss for humanity and free speech, and a victory for police brutality.

SHANE COLLEY

coming from the girl beside me; it’s starting.

I suck it up. I’m here, nothing I can do about it, let’s get it over with. I zone out the little shrieks that occur every time R-Pats comes on the screen and I try not to think of what’s going on in my girlfriend’s head when he does.

When it’s over I feel tired but relieved. And for some reason I have the strong urge to shower.

My view of Twilight hasn’t changed, if anything, I dislike it even more.

‘Did you like it?’ she asks me, in the car on the way back.

‘Eh...’ I shrug.

I can tell she’s not sure if she liked it herself.

‘Part two will be better,’ she says.

Now would be the time to come clean...

John Pike and the Original Sin: My Little Occupy Davis Incident Sister and the State CILLIAN SHIELDS

Who exactly, were the police force of the University of California, Davis, and specifically Lieutenant John Pike, protecting? Who exactly were they serving? I fail to see how this traditional police motto was upheld, when I see the videos of peaceful protesters having their eyes burned by their own university police.

Students, in solidarity with the worldwide Occupy movement, were demonstrating in their college, University of California, Davis in the form of a sit-in. Seemingly, one particular campus police officer somehow misconstrued the group of people sitting down, peacefully, strictly non-violent, as a threat to his own safety and decided that pepper spraying the students was the best course of action to take.

Following this disgusting act, the UC Davis police, dressed in full riot gear, then took to using batons, and other physical force against the group.

Funny, I always had it in my mind that riot gear was for riots, rather than students sitting, not moving at all.

The many YouTube videos of the incident show Lt. Pike using pepper spray as a first resort to removing the protesters. Pike even immediately stopped one of his colleagues trying to drag one of the protesters away in order to create the space Pike needed to use the spray.

This is simply disgusting. It’s an inhumane act of police brutality, for which Pike and other offenders should not only be fired from the police force, but also charged, in my opinion. Not only was there no need to exert such force, they didn’t even have the right to do so.

On Oct 26th 2010, my little half sister Robyn Maye Coffey came into the world. With pale Irish skin, blue eyes and ruddy cheeks you might think she was just another child born in the baby boom.

The only difference being that instead of being born to her own biological mother, she was born to a surrogate mother. Her parents (my father and stepmother) weren’t able to conceive naturally and so resorted to the last option they had left after repeated failures with IVF treatment. And what’s the problem with that you might ask? Surely just another happy child born to doting parents (even more doting after years of yearning for her)? The problem lies with the fact that the Irish state refuses to recognise her existence, refuses to grant her Irish citizenship and refuses to acknowledge her parents as legal guardians. The reason the Irish state refuses to recognise parents of a child born via surrogacy is down to a few different reasons, none of which take away from her constitutional right to citizenship.

Due to the fact that she is the first child to come to the passport office with this situation, they’ve been left in something of a flop.

The passport office, as well as the Minister for Foreign Affairs, should be used to cases coming to their attention that fall between the cracks of previous legislation. A few years ago, a Lebanese woman claimed she had become pregnant to an Irish soldier who had since died. Her child was granted Irish citizenship on the back of DNA evidence of paternity (and rightly so). And yet the Minister has not seen fit to grant a passport in little Robyn’s case, due to the fact that his office views the case as contentious and a dividing point for the

public. In a time of intense political scrutiny they don’t want to rock the boat and do anything to upset the conservative rural vote, the “Dana brigade” if you will. The minister, after numerous face to face discussions with my father and stepmother has washed his hands of the issue, leaving them no option but to go through the expense of the courts in order to get what should constitutionally be granted to their child at birth. I personally think that it is a failure of the government to avoid the issue, especially the labour party which has built a reputation as a defender of human rights. Their impotence and timidness in avoiding little Robyn’s case has left a one year old child unable to be registered with a doctor (practically denying her health treatment) which is especially troubling as she was born with an eye defect that is normally treated shortly after birth but has since been steadily deteriorating. Also, if anything were to happen to her father, she would have to be taken into care as the state does not recognize anyone else as the legal parent or guardian. These anomalies have led to a heartbreaking tense standoff between a couple who have tried for years to have a child together and a government that won’t acknowledge or deal with the situation. If the political will was present, Gilmore could grant a passport in the morning, but he won’t. This is not only irresponsible but also unjust and discriminatory on a child whose only crime was to be born via surrogacy. I can’t understand why the government feels there would be criticism of granting a surrogate baby citizenship, she is as perfect and as happy as any other child in the world. If anyone had any holy-joe ideas about the practice being wrong they should have a look at her gummy smile and rosy cheeks before deciding.

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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Beyond The Quota

SHANE McNALLY

There are many words in which to describe politics in this country; inept, infuriating, grating, vacuous and certainly laden with testosterone.

Controversy erupted earlier this week when Joanna Tuffy TD boycotted the ‘first ever, women-only meeting of TD’s’, which took place in Leinster house.

The meeting centred on how to increase female participation at the highest level in politics, in what was certainly an important week for Mná na hEireann, one which debated the introduction of gender quotas for political parties, a 30 per cent quota for either side of the gender divide will apply to all political parties if this comes to pass, and a week that saw the end of the final presidential term of Mary McAleese.

The announcement of the ‘women only’ invite for this meeting certainly struck a few chords and garnered a large amount of negative reaction. These reactions ranged from ignorant, misogynistic comments on various websites to Joanna Tuffy TD boycotting the event as it was, ‘a meeting about segregation of public representatives on the basis of the gender and that that is a backward move, whatever the issue to be discussed.’

Eoin Murray, the first male employee for the National Women’s Council of Ireland, responding to the criticisms on the Journal.ie cited numerous examples of how a change in the gender imbalance can have very positive effects. Murray cited the example of Rwanda, a country with a complex and troubled history, where as recently as 1994 violence against women in the form of rape was a widespread policy of war coupled with genocide. Now over 53

per cent of the political representatives are women and gender based violence is being addressed at the highest levels of the state. Other examples are that of the recent pledge by companies in Germany to increase the number of women in top managerial positions and recent events in Iceland that have seen a gender shift in key roles in government from male to female. Halla Tomasdottir and her partner Kristin Pettursdottir who run one of the few, if only, profitable banks in Iceland, are striving to create a ‘new equilibrium for the country. That’s got nothing to do with feminism … I want to do things not for women, but for all of society.’

It is clear that the notion of a gender quota evokes intense debate within society, but there is something much bigger to consider, far bigger than the concerns of Joanna Tuffy. The political spectrum, from individual TD’s to political parties, have missed the point of striving for equality. Rather than these issues being of a ‘female concern’ should they not be concerns of society at large, in which a better, fairer society strives to eradicate divisive and exclusive policies and trends?

Michael D Higgins, in his campaign for the presidency continuously stressed the importance of social solidarity. This message was unfortunately lost in the miasmic mire of politics and media.

Fortunately he has had a chance to bestow this message upon the Irish people once more, stating; ‘I wish to acknowledge the immense contribution of those who have previously served in this office, particularly the two great women who have immediately preceded me. They have made contributions that developed our consciousness of human rights, inclusion, and the important task

of deepening and sustaining peace within and between communities in every part of our Island …

We must seek to build together an active, inclusive citizenship; based on participation, equality, respect for all and the flowering of creativity in all its forms.’

Ireland has certainly come a long way from a

rigidly Catholic mindset, but we have a long way to go before archaic moulds are broken. An equal society should not have to rely on quotas, but should challenge the broken foundations we reside on.

Focusing on Grants A Response To ‘Stem

Cell Development Regarding Brain Tissue’ MAGHNUS MONAGHAN

MARK DILLON In a speech outside the Department of the Taoiseach building, Union of Students in Ireland (USI) President Gary Redmond made the following statement, “I pledge to you students of Ireland that I will not allow us to return to a situation where only the wealthy and the elite get the opportunity of an education”. Unless Redmond and USI change tack, it seems inevitable that this pledge will be broken. It is a year since the EU-IMF bailout. The fact remains that Ireland is in massive debt. The draft proposals for December’s budget, leaked to the German Bundestag, show that the Government’s continuing determination to tackle the debt crisis is going to further impact many people’s lives. For example, VAT looks set to rise to 23%, child benefit may be cut by 10% and the dole could be cut by €8.

Under these circumstances, the slogan and aim of the student protests, ‘Stop Fees, Save The Grant’, is too broad. It gives the impression that students want to be spared all hardship at the expense of the rest of society. The public would undoubtedly be more empathetic towards USI’s cause if there was more of a focus on grants, rather than fees. Grants are essential to most of their recipients being able to attend third level. Fees are a huge burden, but those who cannot afford to pay the fees should be

(and are, in the case of the ‘Student Contribution Charge’) protected from them. A reasoned proposal, accepting a large rise in the Student Contribution Charge (for those who can afford to pay it) in exchange for maintenance of the grants scheme as it currently stands, should be considered. It would surely keep more people in third level than what looks certain to be proposed in the budget, a €500 increase in the Student Contribution Charge, scrappage of postgraduate grants and cuts to undergraduate grants. Also, it would sit better with the Government, the media and everyone else, showing that students are willing to take some pain as long as the most financially vulnerable among them are protected. It is inevitable that, as citizens of a country in such a financial mess, we will have to take some sort of hit. Focusing on maintaining grants, rather than adhering to an aim which seems too general to be fully achieved, will ensure that as many students as possible will be able to continue their studies in the midst of these hits.

It was reported in the last issue of The Print (November 15th) that new developments in the field of Stem Cell Research may pave the way for a cure to Parkinson’s disease. While the story will surely give hope to all who are affected by degenerative diseases, Mr O’Brien is misleading in his report. The area of stem cell research is admittedly a complex one. It is important that we make the distinction between embryonic and adult stems cells, rather than speaking about “stem cells” in general.

Stem cells are a type of cell which is undefined.

This means that they are scientifically useful if they can be manipulated to become a type of cell needed for regenerative treatment. Embryonic stem cells, taken from human embryos, have the potential to become almost any type of cell in the human body, and so very useful. A problem arises however when we learn that the process of experimentation results in the destruction of the embryo; a human being at its earliest stage. Adult stem cells on the other hand provide no ethical dilemma. They can be safely taken from adults and manipulated albeit in a more limited way.

Thus far embryonic stem cells have provided zero cures due to the erratic behaviour of the very young cells and their tendency to produce tumours.

Adult stem cells have been used to treat hundreds of sick people including patients with Parkinson’s. Mr O’Brien’s statement regarding the EU decision also

requires clarification. The case in question saw the German wing of Greenpeace challenge patentability of embryonic stem cells because it was tantamount to paying for permission to experiment on humans, something which understandably is a sensitive issue in that country. It is worth noting that increasingly pharmaceutical companies are supporting research into adult stem cell research because of the lack of success in the area of embryonic stem cells. Geron, one of the first companies to begin clinical trials and receive government funding for embryonic stem cell research, have abandoned the endeavour.

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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EASY

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AMSTERDAM BENETTON BLACK SABBATH BLUE BALLS CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY EGYPT EMO FLAMING LIPS GARY SPEED GENDER QUOTAS MANIC STREET PREACHERS MASTURBATION PIZZA PROTEST RUBBERBANDITS THE BLANKS TINTIN TWILIGHT UC DAVIS

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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Keane victorious in MLS Cup and what next for David Beckham CILLIAN SHIELDS Robbie Keane, fresh from captaining his country to the finals of the 2012 European Championships, also helped his club to glory in the same week.

LA Galaxy won the 2011 MLS Cup with a 1-0 victory over Houston Dynamo. Landon Donovan, a name familiar to many in this part of the world after his stint with Everton in 2010, scored the only goal of the game on the night of Sunday, November 20th.

Irish interest in the MLS grew quite a large deal in the summer, when Robbie Keane unexpectedly signed for the Los Angeles club, who he always supported as a boy, to play alongside Mike Magee, Adam Christman and AJ DeLaGarza. And when the Galaxy reached the final of the MLS Cup, Keane was eager to round off a stellar week by lifting a trophy in his first season with the club.

The game was a scrappy affair, not helped by

the awful state the pitch was in, but Galaxy did create a number of chances to score early on. David Beckham, a name that keen soccerball enthusiasts may recognise, pulled the strings from midfield for his side. Striker Adam Christman was given plenty of opportunities to break the deadlock in the first half, but it just seemed the occasion got the better of him as he fluffed his efforts.

However, our Robbie did manage to make the ball hit the back of the net in the second half – only for his boyhood dream of an MLS Cup Final goal to be wrongly chalked off for offside. David Beckham saw the striker with acres of space and put the ball in his path. Replays showed that Keane was in line with the last defender and the goal should have stood.

The game was decided by a goal that Keane created though. Assertive running at the heart of the Houston defence drew some space in behind the centre halves, which Donovan ran into before collecting a neat pass from the former Spurs forward. A deft finish from Donovan left the Galaxy with the one goal advantage that ended up as being all they needed. In truth, it was quite an impressive goal.

Since the victory, speculation has been rife that David Beckham is to be leaving America, with Paris Saint-Germain looking interested in his services.

Staying at LA Galaxy is the second favourite option in the bookies, but a move to Tottenham Hotspurs comes in third with odds of 4/1. Returning to Serie

A with AC Milan is priced at 20/1.

Beckham has since come out and said that he’ll be taking a little time to think about what’s best for him and his family, and then he’ll decide the next path in his career.

The MLS Cup victory could be the Hollywood ending to what started off as a huge shock move to LA for Beckham. A team that nobody had heard of, playing in a league that nobody ever really thought of, Beckham has certainly raised the global

awareness of the MLS. That global awareness has since turned into something a lot more concrete, with many other stars such as Thierry Henry, Rafael Marquez and Robbie Keane all moving to Major League Soccer since.

Whatever lies ahead for Becks, the priority for the former England captain remains to earn himself a place in Great Britain’s team for London’s Olympics.

Fakes and Frauds of Professional Football ALAN FINN

In this article we take a look at the fakes and frauds in football in the last 15 years or so. This list includes players who’ve been signed by or linked with clubs who were actually con men or didn’t even exist! So yeah, I suppose this also pokes fun at certain managers and tabloids gullibility as well.

Ali Dia

We start with Ali Dia, a BOIP icon and one time Southampton player.

Ali is definitely the most (in)famous ‘Fake Footballer’ there ever was, and deservedly so. The plan that landed him at Southampton was as simple as it was stunning. George Weah (yes, former World Player of the Year George Weah) phoned up manager at the time Graeme Souness and recommended his 30-year-old cousin who had been capped 13 times for Senegal, played for top French side Paris St. Germain and his most recent club was an unnamed German 2nd Division side.

In actual fact, not one bit of that was true. The man who phoned him was not George Weah, it was Dia’s agent doing his best impression of the former Liberian International. Dia never represented Senegal at any level whatsoever nor did he ever play for PSG, or any top side for that matter. The biggest club he played for prior to Southampton was actually Conference side Blyth Spartans.

Despite all this, he took his word for it without doing a bit of research or scouting. Dia arrived at the training ground shortly after, presumably dumbfounded that Souness fell for it, so went along with the story and told him the exact same things ‘George Weah’ told him. He even added another part to the story, claiming he scored 2 goals for Senegal days earlier.With that CV and ‘George Weah’ recommending him, its no wonder Souness signed him up.

Dia was due to play a reserve game the week he joined, but due to weather conditions the game was postponed. So rather than waiting around, Souness put him straight into the match day squad for the match against Leeds United. Matt Le Tissier was forced off the pitch early in the first half, cue the introduction of their new signing. Dia made his entrance, and from that moment on it would prove to be a day no Saints’ fan will ever forget. It took 43 minutes for poor ol’ ‘Souy’ to realise he had been taken for a fool. Dia did manage a shot on target, but aside from that, his performance was shockingly bad, with Le Tissier himself comparing Dia to ‘Bambi on Ice’.

News soon reached George Weah, who quickly denied contacting Souness and said he never even heard of Ali Dia, however, Ali still stuck to the story as he revealed what he was told by his manager: “He told me George rang him, and I said I’m a good player, I’m gonna prove I’m a good player”. Then when asked if George Weah really did ring the manager, he simply responded with: “Personally, as I told you, I don’t know.”

Peter Harrison, who managed Dia while he was with Blyth Spartans, even spoke of his shock when he seen his former striker playing against Leeds: “Next thing I knew I was watching him on Match of the Day, playing for Southampton, which was pretty unbelievable at the time.”

He played for 43 minutes, and although he was brutal in that time, he was also living the dream of every football fan for those 43 minutes, so perhaps we should even feel a little envious of him.

We here at BOIP refuse to believe he was a bad player, we put it down to a combination of lack of match fitness and a terrible manager. Dia is, and always will be, an icon and inspiration to us.

Alessandro Zarelli

Alessandro Zarelli isn’t as famous a name as Ali

Dia, but he is possibly the best Confidence Trickster in football. When I say best, I don’t mean it in a good way either.

Alessandro first came to light when he joined Welsh side Bangor City on a ‘Loan Deal’. He met the fans and was happy to have his photo taken and give interviews. He was like a marquee signing and there was great hope he’d add a little bit of Italian panache that would see Bangor surge up the table. After all the hype, ‘Sandro “pulled a runner” after just a month with the club, with money in his pocket and was provided with accomodation for free.

It turned out he had actually pulled the same stunt months earlier with Lisburn Distillery in Northern Ireland, but was let go after an underwhelming performance in a friendly against Finn Harps. After Bangor City, he made the short trip to Connah’s Quay, but this club thought there was something fishy about this Zarelli character.

When he discovered the manager was talking to Bangor manager Peter Davenport, he quickly left the club. It’s believed he even pulled it off back in Italy as well.

To uncover the truth about the Italian aristocrat, a TV crew set up a ‘sting operation’ of sorts when he was called for a meeting with a scout, but little to his knowledge, the man was actually just posing as an scout. Zarelli was remarkably calm and collected as you like as he lied through his teeth about playing with Sheffield Wednesday, Rangers and MK Dons.

When cameras came through the door, he stuck with his story and still remained very calm without as much as a drop of sweat, a stunning performance from the Italian, it must be said.

What they discovered about Allesandro was that Matteo Colobase, was actually Zarelli himself and that Colobase didn’t exist, as well as an Italian FA official who didn’t exist either. They contacted the three British clubs and two Italian clubs he claims to have played with, all of whom never heard of him.

He also claimed his brother played for AC Torino, but the club have no record of him playing for them.

Faxes made by Zarelli were also traced back to a shop located around the corner from his parents house. He also gave some phone numbers in which clubs could contact him and his agent at. The other phone number was actually the number for the phone in his mothers house.

Allesandro was finally caught, and was given a number if he wished to contact the TV crew. The next day, sure enough, he rang them, and left this message: “Thank you for the big story, you have made me famous, you’ve helped people know about me.....and you are big son of a bitch!”

As a League of Ireland fan, the one thing that annoyed me most was the fact he went to clubs who could ill-afford to pay his wages, especially a man who hardly even plays a game for you. I see clubs struggle as it is here, and they could do without an Allesandro Zarelli type character.

He more than likely wanted to emulate the achievement of Ali Dia, but was forced to do it on a much smaller scale. It is an intriguing story, and surprisingly he was rumoured to have been training with Halifax Town in 2009! To be honest Allesandro was hardly what you’d call a footballer, if there was a ‘Balls Out in Public’ 7-a-side team and he was in it, he’d probably still struggle. He’s such a mysterious character, Alessandro Zarelli may not even be his real name!

This article is an extract from a larger post on football blog Balls Out In Public, of which Alan is a regular contributor. You can find the blog and read the rest of the article via the link below: ballsoutinpublic.wordpress.com.

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November 29th 2011 - Volume 3, Issue 5

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NUIM Barnhall “Blue Balls” defeat Armagh 31-11 in AIL Division 2 Match CONOR PHELAN Sports Editor

The NUIM Barnhall “Blue Bulls” rugby team maintained their winning record on NUIM campus last Saturday with their emphatic 31-11 victory over Armagh in their AIL Division 2 clash.

Indiscipline and some clumsy handling by Barnahll allowed Armagh the opportunity to take three shots at goal, however they were only able to convert on the third attempt after 20 minutes of play.

It was only after this score that Barnhall began to venture into Armagh’s half, using their stronger pack to keep the ball tight in the windy conditions.

However a line-break by the Barnhall captain and number 10, Hogan gave the team the forward momentum they needed. Support came from flanker Riddle who showed great awareness to see centre Micheal Brown coming inside him to score the game’s first try. Barnhall centre Gillespie slotted the conversion for the extra two points on the half hour mark.

Five minutes later Armagh went on the offensive again and looked dangerous. The Armagh pack picked and went for several phases Their efforts of

were rewarded by a penalty from outside the 22, which the Armagh kicked to dissect the posts and bring the game to 7-6.

Barnhall launched an attack through fullback Hopkins who kicked to the corner forcing Armagh to take it out of play on their five-yard line. Armagh were be offside after the lineout and Gillespie kicked over to bring the game to 10-6.

After the halftime break, Barnhall only needed two minutes before striking with a beautifully constructed try. The ball was spread out to Hopkins who faked a switch, sucking in defenders before popping it off to Kavannah who ran it over the line.

Gillespie added the two points to make the game 17-6.

However, Armagh weren’t giving up, working a forward’s try from a lineout and mauling the ball over the line. Barnhall number 7 Cormac Dunne was sin-binned afterwards for the team foul of continuous offside. Armagh missed the conversion to bring the game to 17-11.

However, Barnhall were able to pin the visiting team back in their own half with clever kicking by scrumhalf Rob Holt who used the wind to great effect.

Barnhall used their strong scrum as a platform for attack once again and Barry Dunne picked from the back before passing it to Holt who put his head down and drove over the line for their third try.

Gillespie converted to make the game 24-11.

Barnhall went searching for the bonus point, which they managed to nab in the dying moments.

Clever interplay between Brown and Stewart on the left wing resulted in the latter going over the line.

As soon as Gillespie added the extra two, the 80 minutes were up, and NUIM Barnhall secured their 31-11 victory over Armagh.

Rest In Peace, Gary Speed NUIM Tramps in Cork CILLIAN SHIELDS

CONOR PHELAN

The former Welsh national football team manager Gary Speed has passed away, aged 42.

Speed was found in his home in Cheshire, England, on the morning of Sunday November 27th after hanging himself. He leaves his wife Louise and two sons.

The Football Association of Wales first confirmed the news with a statement on their website. The statement read, “The Football Association of Wales are sad to announce the death of the national team manager Gary Speed. We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family. We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”

The former Leeds, Everton, Newcastle, Bolton, Sheffield United and Wales national team footballer became the first player to make 500 Premier League appearances when he played in the Bolton vs West Ham game in December, 2006. He later went on to make 35 more top-flight appearances and, until surpassed in 2009 by David James, was the record holder for most Premier League appearances.

His sudden death has also highlighted the need for more understanding about depression.

Speed appeared on BBC’s Football Focus the same weekend as his death. Nobody knew what the former Wales captain was dealing with, and sadly, nobody would have been able to tell.

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore tweeted a c.900 word piece about his own depression, in attempt to help people understand more about the mental illness that is so often ignored.

Speed was widely regarded as a model professional in the world of football, and was liked

The NUIM Trampoline club bounced their way to success last weekend at the intervarsities competition in Cork last weekend. Captain Paul Maher led an inexperienced team to what was the first competition for many in a sport that they have just recently picked up.

Even though Maynooth had the smallest club there, they were well represented across the level categories of novice, intermediate and advanced.

Competitors do their routines twice, once before five judges who judge the form and execution of the routine and then again with a sixth judge who scores on the difficulty of the routine. These two scores are combined to form the final score.

Captain Maher led the charge for Maynooth, barely missing out on a medal placing at advanced men with a score of 47. Third place finished just 0.4 above his score and first place went to a score of 48.4. Megan Devereux finished just outside the top ten in in her first competition for Maynooth with a score of 44.8, less than five points behind the first place score of 49.1.

At intermediate level, Maynooth were represented by Simon Comiskey in men’s, and Robyn Whitmore in women’s. Comiskey finished 18th in his first competition with a 39.8 and Whitmore finished in 21st with a score of 41.9.

Kayleigh Hennsey It was at novice level that Maynooth had most of their competitors, with Kevin Eastman placing in 5th with a score 41.9, followed by Paul Anderson

Sports Editor

by everybody in the game. Tributes have been made to Speed over twitter from plenty of current footballers and journalists. Michael Owen, Xabi Alonso, Tim Cahill, Robbie Savage, Joe Ledley, Jack Wilshere and many more have all tweeted their grief over the passing and messages of support to the family.

Much of the pre-game build up to Swansea vs Aston Villa was dedicated to the tragic news too, as the game kicked off only a short time after the news broke. There was even the possibility of the match not going ahead, as plenty of the Swansea players knew Speed personally. Ireland and Villa goalkeeper Shay Given was also in tears before the match.

Speed was the manager of Wales when he died.

Sky pundit and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville had very kind words to say on the job that Speed was doing with the Welsh national team, as the British country were only 3 points away from making the Euro 2012 play-off qualifiers.

Gary Speed, rest in peace.

in 7th with 41.6 and Mark Wogan finishing in 11th with a score of 40.1. The top score overall in novice was 44.6.

The captain said he was “very impressed with how our first time competitors handled the nerves and stress of competition.” Maher said that they should be very proud with their scores and have to be ready for their next competition in Edinburgh and, he claims “it only gets tougher from here”