guui january 2011

8/6/2019 GUUi January 2011

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GUUi

columns | sport | music | lm | current affairs

Issue 16 January 2011


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contentsEditorial

Merry Christmas and a happyNew Year! As my penultimate is-

sue of the GUUi and as a gratefulEnglishman, it is my pleasure tointroduce an issue that is devotedto Robbie Burns, Scotlands great-est poet.

The two girls in charge of the fea-ture article this month have pre-pared a fantastic double-page oneverything to do with Burns andBurns night, even including their

own (and quite cheeky) Toast tothe Laddies. I hope you enjoy it.

Otherwise, we have all the usual,with a special on Black and WhiteFilm and also a revision on the lastissues Top Ten Albums of 2010.

This issue is also quite devotedto the Unions most prestigiouspasstime, Debating. Have a read

of Ross Mitchells letter from theboard for more information on De-bating at the Union, and also checkout Michael Grays article on JohnSmith on page 11.

Lastly, Id like to wish you a happy January and a successful new se-mester and New Year.

Ross CookConvenor of Libraries

Convenor of LibrariesEditor in ChiefRoss Cook

Sub EditorGregor Muir

ContributingWritersCurrent Affairs - Joe Fitzgibbon

Film - Natalie JackMusic - Cameron GreigColumnist- Orla McGowanColumnist- Gregor Muir

Cartoonist- Joseph BucklowNicola ArmstrongMichael GrayHollie Jones

If youd like to contribute to theGUUi in any way; editorially,writing or photography e-mail: [email protected]

The opinions expressed in thispublication do not representthose of the GlasgowUniversity Union.

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The Board - Ross Mitchell says a few words.

Whats On - Glasgow and the GUU this month.

Comment - Guilt and the student psyche.Comment - The SRCs Nightline.

Column - Orla McGowan on Family.

Column - Gregor Muir on New Year.

Feature - A Burns Night Toast.

Debates - John Smith

Film - Black and White Classics

Music - Kanye West and Forest Swords.

Current Affairs - Rising Prices

Sports Page - GUSA Report and Results.


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Good day all!

I am the Convenor of Debates at Glasgow University Union which means I am responsible for organising every ele-

ment of debating at the Union, from running our competitive debating team to deciding the avours of VK at Parlia-

mentaries. Of all the opportunities that the Union has to offer, in my albeit biased opinion, debating is undoubtedly

the greatest. GUU have won the World Championships a staggering ve times, a number no other University hasyet beaten. But the best thing about the opportunity of debating is that all of our speakers are completely new to it

when they come to University. All of our debaters are trained from the very beginning at Speaker Training which

takes place every Tuesday at 6 pm in the Bridie Library.

The most exciting event debating has to offer in the near future is the John Smith Memorial Debate and Dinner on

Friday 4th February. John Smith held the position of Convenor of Debates in his time at the Union and took those

skills on to become leader of the Labour Party in 1992. Smith retained close links with the Union until his death in

1994 and is fondly remembered to this day as the best Prime Minister we never had.

To celebrate this legacy, every two years the Union holds the cross party John Smith Memorial Debate which has

featured in the past the likes of Vince Cable, Harriet Harman, and David Blunkett. This year we are lucky enough tosee our own Rector Charles Kennedy debating as well as Ann Mckechin, the Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland

with the motion This House believes Labour is still best for Britain. Tickets for the debate are completely free, enti-

tle you to a free drink in the Union after the debate and available all day from the Porters Box. Following the debate

is the highly anticipated John Smith Memorial Dinner. This dinner is a grand, black tie ve course meal served in the

Dining Room with plenty of wine and port where a toast to John Smith is given. Dinner tickets also get you entry to

the pre-debate champagne reception and exclusive post debate party. All of this comes at an incredible 40 and can

be purchased from the Union Shop.

I hope to see as many of you as possible at one of our events and especially the John Smith Debate where we are

reminded of the true potential of what debating at the Union can offer!

Ross Mitchell

Convenor of Debates

Glasgow University Union

The Board


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Happy new year everyone! Us at the GUUi here hope you feel fresh after the holidays, sufciently satiated with

Christmas cheer and copious amounts of turkey. But dont worry, because even if you dont weve got plenty of

things planned to make damn sure you get refreshed this January.

Re-freshers week kicks off on Saturday the 17th with a born-in-the-USA themed Hive so dust off your cowboy hats and comealong for a rootin-tootin good time. Monday brings you the Big Quiz of the Year with the lucky winners bagging themselves

a keg of beer, and Tuesday will get your brain back in gear for serious uni work with the re-freshers debate This house would

ask: Is Islam to blame for terrorism?

On Wednesday night Russell Kane will be bringing the house to their knees with laughter in the debates chamber not one to

be missed! I hope you already know where youll be spending your Thursday night karaoke in Playing Fields followed by

some shape-throwing in the Hive of course!

Now some of you might have heard of a little get-together called Rockness... Well just because we love you were bringing

you a selection of the hottest up-and-coming British acts from Rocknesss line up for 2011. Youre welcome guys! And do

you want to know why the GUU have more fun than anyone else? Because on the Saturday weve got the one and only Kele

Okerke from Bloc Party DJing in the Hive! Last but not least wind down whats set to be an amazing week with a Burns Night

supper and Ceilidh here in the GUU.

Whats On

Take advantage of the calm before the storm the few weeks before the deadline season approaches by exploring

this wonderful city we just know youve missed so much over the vacation. Europes premiere winter music festival,

Celtic Connections celebrates its 18th birthday in 2011, with over 1,500 artists performing in approximately 300 events

taking place over 18 days across 14 venues in Glasgow. Their show Forever Young a 70th Birthday Tribute to Bob Dylan is

even sparking rumours that the man himself might make an appearance already marking this as one of the events of the year.

Check out www.celticconnections.com for information on the shows and booking information.

If you fancy an injection of culture in your life consider heading to the opera this month. Normally the prospect of three hours

of a foreign-language sing-song can be intimidating but the revival of the land-mark production of the Cunning Little Vixen

is a well-loved opera brimming with humour and sung in English. It was a sell-out success last year so get your tickets fast.

Shows are on the 21st and 22nd of January so head to www.ambassadortickets.com now to purchase.

Lastly, if youre dance moves are getting a bit stale and you want to jazz them up for the new year then moonwalk along to

one of the Go Dance 11 showcases running at the Theatre Royale at 7.30pm from the 25th to the 29th. This is an exhilarating

dance festival celebrating some of Scotlands best talent. Who knows, bust out the robot in front the right person and you

might even get spotted...

This month in Glasgow

This month at the GUU


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Comment

Ihave always been a fairly guilty person. Not because

I should be; Ive never been a criminal mastermind or

skyped with Osama Bin Laden. In fact, surprisingly, Ive

never committed any real crimes against humanity (apart

from disgracing myself one or two times after three too many

kamikazes). But, once you start thinking about things, com-

mon daily things, as I often do a little bit too much probably,

I always nd myself feeling really guilty. If you think about

it, when was the last time you phoned your Gran? For me it

feels somewhere circa 1996... And when was the last time you

gave money, if ever, to the harmonica lady at the top of Byres

road, or the homeless man (the one with the hidden ponytail

look out for it) outside the Bank of Scotland? Also, when

was the last time you borrowed your atmates bread, milk,

toilet paper, makeup, socks? This morning? Yep, me too.

Yesterday, a friend told me shed only been to the gym twicethis week. SO?! I replied in angst. I have stepped foot into

the Stevie once this semester to use the toilet. Even though

yes, I did spend 40 on my membership at the beginning of

the year, and yes, I did have every intention of becoming a

healthy stallion of a woman, but, it hasnt happened. And,

yes, I feel guilty about it. My friend however, who frequently

uses her membership felt guilty she hadnt gone every night

of the week. Other friends guilt surrounds exams the fatal

word that has now popped back up from the ery pits of

mount Stufftothebackofbrain. And it is always exam timethat seems to make my guilty conscience rise to a high resem-

bling Beth Dittos blood pressure.

An avid procrastinator, I leave my work to the last minute,

then sit in my exam feeling completely remorseful for the

free moments of time I had where instead of looking up clips

from Hey Arnold! on YouTube, I should have been revising.

The ghost of studying past pats me on the back and congratu-

lates me on being so useless and I leave the exam hall feeling

as guilty as ever. I think most of the guilt I experience is sim-

ply for my laziness. The laziness of not bothering to phone

my Gran, not bothering to get my purse out to give to the

homeless, not bothering to type Sparknotes into Google

in order to revise, or not bothering to shift that extra tyre...

Food is also a major cause of my guiltiness. Nightmares af-

ter watching Hugh Fearnly Whittingstalls documentaries

on chicken farms mean I now only feel ok buying free range

meat. (Its like he hypnotised me). And so, on the morn-

ing after a gallant night out, when I wake up smothered in

Mr Koh-i-noors chicken pakora (denitely no innuendo) I

feel personally culpable for the rise of animal cruelty. The

amount I eat is also a bit of a hazardous situation. I can eat

and eat and eat and my metabolism is still ok at sorting

me out (just). But, Im just waiting for the day when the

Wispa that broke the greedy girls waistline will just be too

much for my brilliant metabolism and I will burst into some

kind of Pavarotti-esque rhino. I eat far too much chocolate,

cakes and sweets, and yesterday the strawberry and mintin a cocktail were the rst traces of fruit and veg Ive had in

about a week... Guilty as charged. But its my own fat fault.

I leave my work to the last minute,then sit in my exam feeling complete-ly remorseful for the free moments oftime I had where instead of looking upclips from Hey Arnold! on YouTube, Ishould have been revising.

In conclusion, after observing my ridiculous guilt levels,

from now on I think I will try to be a little less hard on my-

self. My internet history will permanently contain more Fa-

cebook searches than Shakespeare sonnets, my Gran prob-

ably will probably always be waiting for that phone call,

my ab will continue to ub and the harmonica lady will

continue to play music to earn her place on the street no

matter how many pennies Im able to give her. But, the next

time I visit Mr Koh-i-noor I will remember to ask exc-

coose me.. iss your chicken feee range? *Hiccup*- Megan McEachern

GUIltMegan McEachern on the student psyche


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Comment

Have you ever got to 3 in the morning and wondered

where your exam is the next day? Feeling a bit

lonely in halls and got no-one to turn to? Or may-

be you just need some information, about where to get your

bike xed, or where to get your bus back from town? Youre

not alone, and there are people who want to help..

Nightline is a free, condential service provided by the SRC,

from 7pm to 7am, every day of the week during term time.

So whatever your problem is, whatever your question is,

trained student volunteers are waiting to pick up the phone.

Although its not a counselling service, Nightline is a sign-

posting service, so its a good place to start if youve got a

problem.

Its a good place to get it off your chest, talking to a non-

judgemental fellow student, who will be able to help you onyour way to solve your problem by sending you in the right

direction. And because its completely condential, what you

say goes no further than the person at the other end of the

phone. Although Nightline volunteers cant provide coun-

selling support, they are trained extensively, and so will be

able to send you in the right direction and give you informa-

tion on the services that will be able to help you.

And if you dont feel condent enough, or ready to pick

up the phone, then fear not. Because Nightline also has anemail service, and so if youre not quite ready to talk through

whats worrying you, and nd it easier to write it down, then

you can do. The emails are checked all night and the volun-

teers who are on shift will answer it as soon as they can.

Remember, whatever your problem is, chances are that

Nightline will have helped somebody with that problem or

something similar. No matter how silly or trivial it may seem,

when everywhere else is closed, Nightline is there for you.

Were all ears. The other great thing about Nightline is that it

is run by students, for students, supported by the Students

Representative Council. That means that its not a stuffy ac-

ademic or somebody your parents age who has forgotten

what its like to be at University who is at the other end of

the phone, and who is organising the service. Its somebody

who is a student, just like you. Somebody who can empa-

thise with your situation, somebody who knows what it is

like to be a student at Glasgow, and somebody who can help

you to send you in the right direction. Someone who knowswhat its like to forget where their exam is. Someone who

knows where you can go to get your bike xed, and someone

who knows where to get a sexual health MOT from.

If youre sat there reading this and you want to get involved,then Nightline is always on the lookout for new volunteers.

If youre interested, then email the SRCs Student Volunteer

Support Service Co-ordinator at [email protected], or

pop in and see Fiona Buckland in her ofce on the rst oor

of the John McIntyre Building (next to the Main Gate). We

regularly hold training sessions run by experienced volun-

teers to allow you to nd out all about the Nightline service,

as well as gaining the necessary skills that will make

Phone Nightline 0141 353 1050

Email Nightline [email protected]

- Tommy Gore

Nightline at the SRCHelp is at hand


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Column

It is that time of year again. The time when the crowds of

smokers outside any given pub or club dwindle. When the

cross-trainers and treadmills in every gym across the city

are occupied by intensely motivated athletes. The foreign

language classes probably have a minor inux. Even sales of

chocolate fall. Is it armageddon? No, not quite, it is of course

January. The month which kicks off with the worst hangover,swiftly evolving into short-lived enthusiasm for all things

healthy, with a sculpted Adonis helping you kickstart

the brand new you by shouting encouragement as you

struggle on level 3 of the cycling machine (regretting every

bite of Christmas food you consumed over the festive

season the entire time). And, naturally, the inevita-

ble crash into a crumpled self-hating ball of loath-

ing who didnt even want to get t anyway.

I love January. Mainly because I have never under-gone the illusion of a New Years resolution I had any

intention of keeping to. Or else, deciding on a resolu-

tion Id be content to stick with, like Try and consume

at least one meal a day. That no doubt goes some way

to explaining my current rubbish physical condition

and burgeoning waistline. Given my previous at-

titude, and the lack of improvement it has brought

(surprise, surprise), I decided that this year would be

a good opportunity to have a crack at the whole resolu-

tion thing.

Im not looking for wholesale change mind, this isnt

Cuba circa 1959. Just minor alterations to perfect the

model. A Gregor Muir 2.0 if you will. So here, in writ-

ing, for all to see, are the things I am going to try and

do this year. Please use my inspiring story of a lower-

middle-class white boy somehow overcoming the in-

credible hardship that is his life with sheer determina-

tion and spirit to strengthen your own resolve. Take

2011 by the scruff of its neck and show it who is boss.

Man, I should be a motivational speaker... Anyway,

here goes. 2011, gird your loins. For I am going to:

-Finally work out exactly what was going on in Incep-

tion.

-Stop talking to people on Facebook chat when Im in the

same room as them.

-Start answering the question How are you? with an

in-depth description of how my day and life in general is

going. If they ask, they must want to know.-Drink less. If I start by cutting out water, this is

well within reach.

-Be nicer.

-Develop a sleeping pattern which ts in with the

rest of humanity. Any pattern which includes

phrases such as Ive been up for 39 hours now,

I cant see properly and I woke up at 6pm

shall henceforth be scrapped.

-Cease my incredibly un-environmentally

friendly policy of going to Primark and buy-ing new clothes just because its easier than

washing and ironing my existing ones.

-Stop getting annoyed by the phrase PIN

number, even though it is clearly wrong, I

mean, even some bank machines have it now,

and thats crazy, because they must know PIN

stands for Personal Identication Number, so

the addition of the word number is entirely

superous.

The odds on me actually holding to these for

an entire year are understandably slim, but if I

last even a month, I am considering this a glow-

ing success. Lets face it, thats probably better

than most people will do. And if, by some casual

miracle, it all holds together, this could be the best

year ever. Im going to be friendly and lovable and

itll be excellent, and you should get to know me. I

think youre great, and we should spend more time

together. Which reminds me; my most important

resolution of all:

-Stop telling lies. - Gregor Muir

The misadventures of

Mr. Gregor Muir


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Feature

P

oets the rappers of the days of yore. Sure, they

werent exactly sipping on Crystal or pimping

their rides. But they did rhyme just as well, have

bad-ass cravats instead of bling, and do just as muchwomanising Robert Burns himself had 12 children by

four different women. Stud. So while Jay-Z and Dizzee

are winning music awards and getting papped,

poets are celebrated in other ways. Take

the aforementioned Rabbie B, a guy

so cool he has his own day com-

ing up on the 25th of Janu-

ary to celebrate his life and

poetry. Take that Kanye.

But for those of you thatdont know, we are go-

ing to talk you through

the traditional format of

a Burns supper so you

can join in the homage to

yesteryears Eminem and

one of Scotlands most fa-

mous cultural icons.

First off you need guests,

you know, a couple of your

nearest and dearest facebook

friends. Once everyone has ar-

rived, as host its your job to wel-

come everyone, declare the event open,

get your pals seated and say grace. The dinner

commences with a soup starter to warm your belly for

the main event a food so important everyone tradi-

tionally stands up when it enters the room and its hon-

oured with a little ditty on the bagpipe. This stage is

called the Entrance of the Haggis and is followed by

a recital of the Address to a Haggis while the haggis

is sliced open from end to end. Once everyone has paid

their respects to this venerated sheeps stomach accom-

panied by some delicious neeps and tatties with a whis-

ky toast the meal can nally begin. Phew. But it doesntstop there, next comes a series of even more toasts and

speeches.

To begin, the host proposes a toast to the

monarch, and then one of the guests

gives a speech called the Immor-

tal Memory about the man

himself remembering some

aspect of R-Bizzles life and

works. Everyone drinks atoast again (I hope you like

whisky...) and then a male

guest comes forth to give

a speech about the ladies

present called the Toast to

the Lassies. This includes

some of the speakers views

on women and is intended

to be amusing and in no-

way offensive. And watch it

lads, because then the girls get

to respond with a light-hearted

reply to let you know just what

they think of you too.

Once the toasts are over with everyone sufciently

jolly, the singing can commence no not Zulu Warrior

but some Burns classics such as Ae Fond Kiss and Par-

cel O Rogues. The Burns Night then nally cumulates

with a big thank you to the host and a round of Auld

Lang Syne with everyone hand in hand. So, as you can

see there is quite a lot to a Burns Night supper but its

Slinte Mhath


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Feature

Its time to toast our favourite men,Who come so close to perfect tens!

With smouldering eyes and gorgeous smiles

Not to mention, killer styles.

But with this comes some imperfections

Making us withhold our deepest affection.

So its time to tell you the honest truth

That youve forgotten in your drunken youth.

Firstly, all those booty calls

Around 3am, aprs pub-crawl,

A drunken quest for sex on tap

Gets you no more than a heavy slap.

But when youre lucky enough to nd a girl

Who decides its time to give you a whirl

You stumble in, and strip right down

Expecting a trip to pleasure town

Then suddenly its over before its begun,

You shouldnt have chinned that last pint of fun.

In due course, you fall asleep

Leaving us awake, counting sheep

Until you decide its time for the loo

And something tells us trouble will ensue.

- Hollie Jones and Nicola Armstrong

Alas! Of course, you took a wrong turnAnd missed the toilet, causing concern.

We nd you beside our atmates bed

Willy in hand, boxers shed

Having a tinkle right by her head,

I swear Im not that drunk, you said.

Then nally, the morning has arrived

And none of your memories have survived.

You leave very early the status quo

So you make it home before anyone knows.

By the time the evening comes around,

Youve decided its time for another round.

Mid-way through your night in the Hive

You see a slammin girl arrive

The farcical circle begins once more

But maybe this time youll nd the bathroom door.

So heres to the lads, and their drunken patter,

Their weak wee bladders and their shameless chatter,

Because even when they drink too much booze

And throw up on our shoes,

The ladies could not survive without them

So raise a glass, to our loveable men!

all in the name of good grub, good company and good whisky. Now, in honour of Burns Night this year weve

thought long and hard about you men and what you get up to and written our own Toast to the Laddies. Guys, this

is for you:

A Burns Night Toast


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Debates

On the 4th of February we remember John Smith

former leader of the Labour Party. In testimony

to his time at the GUU, the union chamber shall

welcome a host of political speakers to contest the motion:

This House Believes Labour Is Still Best For Britain. A

generation after Smiths death, Labours modern legacy is

largely the result of those who followed him Blair, Brown

and Mandelson. Yet many of the last Governments foun-

dations were set in motion by Smith: from tax policy to

devolution. It is this legacy, and Labours future, that shall

be contested across the Glasgow dispatch box. This years

guest speakers include our beloved rector Charles Kennedy

who led the Liberal Democrats in 2005 to what remains

their most successful election result - and Shadow Secre-

tary of State for Scotland Ann McKechin, MP for Glasgow

North. Presiding over the Debate shall be media supremo

Andrew Neil .

Such debates featured prominently in the early life of JohnSmith. Originally from Ardrishaig in Mid Argyll, Smith

gained notoriety through his GUU debating prowess. Dec-

ades later his wisdom and wit held John Major to the prover-

bial ropes, as Labour soared to a 20 point poll lead over the

fag end of the divided Thatcherite Government. John Smith

was renowned for his Parliamentary style and skill. He had

the ability to entertain and engage. As the pound crashed in

92, Major was cast as The devalued Prime Minister of a de-

valued Government. As recession struck, Smith stated that

Major would be faced with the cinematic tragedy of Honey,

I shrank the economy! when facing the electorate.

However, with the shock of Smiths heart attack, political

theatre stopped. British public life stood still to remember

John Smiths greater features: how he conducted himself

with dignity and universal respect for his peers; his val-

ues, faith and sense of social justice; and the loving family

and community he left behind. As the news became pub-

lic, statements of condolence came from across the political

spectrum. The Best Prime Minister We Never Had was

his epitaph. After Blair, Iraq, and the recent political turbu-

lence of expenses and protest, politicians rarely receive the

same admiration and respect. Yet rarely are politicians the

same as John Smith. The story of a principled and respected

Scottish politician dying early and suddenly is sadly not an

isolated one. The ten years which witnessed the passingof Donald Dewar, Robin Cook and John Smith left behind a

void in the Scottish Labour Party which has yet to be lled.

Their political careers shaped Scotland and Britain. Wheth-

er there would be a Scottish Parliament without Smith and

Dewars convictions is doubtful: they committed Blairs

support. The Scottish Parliament therefore forms part of

Smiths lasting legacy.

So does New Labour, although more uncomfortably. Years

after Smiths death as dissatisfaction towards Blairs lead-ership increased - romanticism grew around the memory

of his leadership. Figures on the Labour left, such as Tony

John Smith:Labours Past...


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Benn and Ken Livingstone, viewed the loss of John Smith

as the loss of Labours spirit the moment when its creden-

tials as a radical, socially democratic Government was lost

to Blairites. As Smith was set to inherit a strong majority

in 97 the urge for counter-factual history has been strong

for some. It is true that Britain would have been different

place, but not remarkably so. John Smith was principled

but he was always a centrist reformer. He continued the

Labour re-branding that Neil Kinnock began and that Blair

& Brown escalated after his passing. John Smith was more

Hugh Gaitskell than he ever was Aneurin Bevan.

However, where history will forever freeze is over Iraq. The

war is Labours legacy, but Blairs legacy also. Whether

John Smith would have supported the invasion and the re-

sulting occupation remains an unanswerable question: a po-

litical buttery effect of what could have, would have, may

have changed. We will never know. However, John Smith

was not Tony Blair, and only Blair can fully discern what

thoughts ew through his own mind as he convinced Parlia-

ment that Saddam, and his WMD, were an imminent threat.

Smith, as a different man, may well have thought different-

ly, and as a result averted the greatest British foreign policy

disaster since Suez. In doing so he would have changedthe Middle East, the British Military and the Labour Party.

Any reluctance towards involvement in American led con-

icts would have profoundly changed Britains position on

the world stage. Now, in 2011, British troops patrol Afghan

streets for their eleventh year and Iran is constructed as the

new, great, imminent threat. What if John Smith was here

and had been Prime Minister? is the question of those who

wish for another history, a history that never was and was

lost.

Back on the ground, in the Glaswegian bars and libraries of

Smiths student life, Labours future is local. Old concerns

Debates

such as Westminster foreign policy hang as shadows over

next Mays Scottish elections. A generation on, seventeen

years after Smiths death, Labour is attempting to return to

ofce without the leaders who laid Holyroods foundations.

Without Dewar, Cook and Smith, and now without Brown

as a prominent Scottish leader, there is a generational void

as if Labour stood still in their absence.

In the debate over Labours future, their modern absence

echoes in a telling and lasting silence. Will Scottish Labour

ever reclaim their stature, charisma and ideals? As the tra-

ditional voice of the left wing, and as the last credible de-

fender of the union, Scottish Labour faces a juncture in its

history. Whether it retreats further from radicalism and re-

spect towards loss and lethargy is yet to be seen. However,

in a political sense as the Westminster juggernaut smashes

onwards, unabated by social concerns something, yet per-

haps not Labour, will step into that void.

Will Scottish Labour ever reclaim theirstature, charisma and ideals? As thetraditional voice of the left wing, and asthe last credible defender of the union,

Scottish Labour faces a juncture in itshistory. Whether it retreats further fromradicalism and respect towards loss andlethargy is yet to be seen.

On the 4th of February the Smith memorial debate is one

equally about John Smiths past as it is about this nations

common future. In losing a servant of the public good so

early in life, Scotland lost the compassion of a talented citi-

zen. On the night before his death John Smith spoke at

a dinner event in London: The opportunity to serve ourcountry, he said, that is all we ask.

- Michael Gray

And Labours Future


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Film

Some people trim the tree. Some sing carols. In my house, we watch lms. Christmas lms: Home Alone (1&2), Elf, Jingle

All the Way, Miracle on 34th Street You name it, if there is anything tipping a wink to being merry and wrapping a

present or two, it will more than likely feature in our collection of Christmas classics. But the I-Ching, the epitome of

Seasonal sentiment and all-time favourite is, out of question, Its a Wonderful Life. For many years now, Capras classic has

occupied the central role in Christmas celebrations and this year well, last year was to be no exception. Our previous copy

having been scrapped subject to scratches, a new, collectors edition, fancy-pants DVD was purchased. Little did we know...

The menu appeared. In colour. The credits appeared. In colour. The lm appeared. In colour. Now, I know that in the grand,

Technicolor spectrum of austerity, of ooding and assassination attempts this does not seem like the biggest news item du jour.

But be under no illusion, this is serious stuff.

This lm and such humble others like it, could and should be termed the birthplace of the modern day blockbuster, the bread-

and-butter of lm making. Black and white though they be, they are well worth a watch. Its a wonderful life: could it be

any clearer? This is a lm which shows life in all its ugly and beautiful black and white extremes. Its monochromatic method,

crude special effects and crackling sound are so intrinsic to its success that to remaster it with colour is to paint a Picasso

by numbers. And so, in earnest hope that no such vandalism occurs again, I humbly urge you to watch the following fellow

black and white gems.

Mr Smith Goes To Washington

Yet another example of Frank Capras mastery of capturing sincerity through a lens, Mr Smith Goes

to Washington follows a newly elected Senator Smith on his hero-to-zero experience of cosmopolitan,

cut-throat politics and corruption. The costumes and customs might have dated, but the importance of

principles and the powerful message of truth above all rings as true today as it did then.

Roman Holiday

Gregory Peck shows Audrey Hepburn the sights and sounds of the real Rome. Princess Anne (Hepburn), tired of the stiing

royal schedule runs away, bumping into single and stalled Joe Bradley (Peck) on her way. Its a word too liberally applied, but

this lm truly is a timeless tale of impossible romance.

Schindlers List

Based on the bravery of Oskar Schindler, the lm follows his daring attempt to save some 1000 Jews from capture during the

Second World War. Although some scenes are in colour or have elements of colour (such as the little girl with the red coat),

Steven Spielberg chose to shoot the vast majority of the lm in black and white in order that it might echo the contemporary

black and white images documenting the horror of that time, and to allow the lm a timeless quality.

La Haine

Another modern classic, Mattieu Kassovitzs La Haine (meaning hatred) focuses on the story of three

men, each of different ethnic and religious backgrounds. During a period of riots, one of the three, Abdel

(Abdel Ahmend Ghili), is shot by a policeman; Vinz (Vincent Cassel) claims he will retaliate by killing the

police ofcer if Abdel dies. The race issues concerned are emphasised in the use of the monochromatic

style, highlighting the polarisation caused by race.

So there we have it: old or new, black and white lms still merit a place in 2011. - Natalie Jack

What to see...


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GUUi

Music

- 14 -

What to hear...

The last issue of 2010 contained a list of what a few of us considered to possibly be the top ten albums of the

year. The problem with that list, apart from it being entirely wrong, was that it was made at the beginning of

November and a lot of decent records came out in December. As this year is turning out to be made of disserta-

tions and despair and two of these lost albums in particular are essential, Im going back.

The rst and most essential album is Kanye Wests My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy which

might well be his best album to date and is probably now my favourite album from last year.

Ive always liked Kanye West even when he cried his way through a sea of auto-tune in 808s

and Heartbreak but this album nds him back on incredible form. If Inception showed the lm

world that blockbusters neednt underestimate their audience and that a huge budget could

produce popular, mainstream, intelligent and artistic masterpieces then My Beautiful Dark

Twisted Fantasy stands for something very similar for music. Everything about the record is

epic and perfect, from the hands-in-the-air opener to the wise words of Gil Scott-Heron (who incidentally contributed

a superb album to 2010) which close the album over an hour later.

The albums guest list is a star-studded event including artists from well outside the hip hop staple such as Bon Iver,

the samples list is eclectic and looks expensive ranging from King Crimson to Smokey Robinson and there isnt a dud

track. Everything works and ows, sometimes there is so much going on that it takes a few listens to pick out another

guest or sample buried in the mix. It is probably worth mentioning that Nicki Minaj has done the best verse of her life

on Monster and that the video to Power is perfect in its blind self-centred heavenly magnicence. You can probably

stop reading now.

The next album which just happened to come out on the same day is a re-issue ofDagger Paths

by an artist called Forest Swords, which now comes complete with a new EP and the old 7

latched onto the end and a bonus disk of remixes which serve to apparently push it from be-

ing an EP to an album. The album oats along with a generous helping of reverb, lush ghostly

twinkles bringing to mind ghostly happenings and indecipherable vocals and unexpectedcrashes of guitar doing nothing to chase off this sinister presence.

The captivating sonic exploration continues until the nal track Hjurt which oats poignantly along before being

dubbed into fragile hypnagogia from which it falls upon your subjective response as regards whether to continue

further into the sinister ambiance or to oat on by. The album is the work of some chap from Liverpool which is men-

tal both sonically and geographically as this is what all that American chillwave crap threatened to become when it

wasnt busy being shit. Anyway, the album is absolutely spectacular and long enough to get nice and lost in his world.

His skill at crafting these sonic landscapes is in some ways comparable to that of Burial and that is meant as praise

indeed.

- Cameron Greig


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Current Affairs

2

011 may only be at its start, but for those of us with

a slightly pessimistic outlook on life, it is never too

early to start bemoaning the shortfalls that a new year

may bring. So far, we in the UK have had a pretty toughwinter. Our Government and Airports have continued to

fail us on a monumental level when it comes to operating

under slightly colder temperatures, and as an early New

Year treat/ belated Christmas present we are being battered

with a rise in VAT; a rise in fuel duty; and a further rise in

energy prices.

A rise in VAT was always going to present the government

with a lose-lose situation. The Labour Government were

criticised as a temporary cut of VAT to 15% was heraldedas a lame attempt to stimulate growth in the economy. The

Coalition is now bearing witness to the exact opposite. Cries

from Ed Miliband that this is the wrong tax at the wrong

time represents a new level of hypocrisy as Mandelsons

memoirs revealed that the Labour cabinet, of which Mr

Miliband was a part, voted for a rise in VAT in November

2009 and again in March of last year, only to be vetoed by

Gordon Brown. The recognition of Ed Miliband as a shame-

less political opportunist will fail to reassure any voter that

the current opposition offer any substantive alternatives intackling the decit.

While the rise in VAT may not be the preferred tax rise of

many it has been defended by George Osborne with the re-

sponse that the choice to raise VAT was all about freedom.

Where a rise in income tax would affect everyone, the in-

crease in VAT will provide people with a choice. A choice of

how this tax rise will affect them, based on their spending,

not income.

While this choice clearly places the burden upon lower

earners, proportionality is feigned with the argument that

the greater level of spending offered by higher earners will

result in them paying proportionally more. It is estimated

that the rise in VAT will raise around 13 Billion in tax rev-

enue; a necessary evil if the decit of 160 billion is to be

effectively reduced.

Although the Coalitions commitment to reducing the decit

is spearheaded by the VAT rise, it will not go unnoticed by

many motorists and small businesses that fuel duty, coupled

with the VAT increase, will add around 3.5 pence to a litre of

fuel. For those who breathed a sigh of relief at the thought

of food being exempt from VAT may reconsider their out-

look as the cost of fuel lters through onto our supermarket

shelves. While some respite may lie in the ultra competitive

high street arena absorbing some of the rising costs, a rise inenergy prices will be felt a little closer to home. As energy

companies announce 40% prots, the public are left aghast

at the prospect of further rises in fuel and energy costs. For

those of us looking to salvage some nancial glimmer of

hope in the New Year, it would take a brave individual to

look upon the 5.8% rise in train fares and soaring commod-

ity prices as a means of comfort. At least when this all calms

down, we can sit back and look forward to the inevitable

rise in tuition fees. - Joe Fitzgibbon

Rising Prices?

... No thanks.


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Sport

GLASGOW

UNIVERSITY

SPORTS

ASSOCIATION

GUSA Report

Despite many postponed and cancelled matches due to the polar conditions GUSA still managed to

end 2010 on a high with the massive success of the Charity Fashion Show.. Derek Zoolander was put toshame by our range of models from across campus, and the performances from the pole dancers, bar

airers and cheerleaders were jaw dropping. The Debates Chamber of the GUU was packed full and

the night succeeded in raising 1000 for the charity Right To Play.

Not to rest on our laurels, 2011 is set to bring you even more amazing events. The rst of these being

Sport and Wellbeing Week, hosted by GUSA and the Sport and Recreation Service, Monday 24 Sun-

day 30 January 2011. If those New Year resolutions havent quite held up, or you are left with a week

long hangover from Re-Freshers Week, this is the perfect opportunity to relax, refresh and work away

those Christmas calories. The week begins with a talk from the man who cycled the world and former

student Mark Beaumont. The week will continue with seminars, and activity sessions exploring sportand exercise, nutrition, and mental wellbeing. For much more information go to www.glasgow.ac.uk/

sport.

If Sport and Wellbeing Week leaves you feeling particularly inspired and you wish to undertake your

own epic challenge then GUSA may be able to help you out. The Chancellors Fund for Sport provides

students at the University of Glasgow with nancial assistance to use for sport and recreation related

projects and trips that they would not otherwise be able to experience or participate in. Previous suc-

cessful bids have included; driving over 10,000 miles from England to Mongolia in a 1.2L car as part of

the Mongol Rally, 2 weeks of alpine mountaineering and climbing in the Dolomites, and travelling to

India to donate tennis equipment to underprivileged children. Fancy climbing a mountain? Kayaking a

river? Cycling across continents? Anyone wishing to apply to the fund must submit a full proposal by

1st March 2011, for more information please email [email protected].

The 19th February sees the return of the annual GUSA Ball, a fantastic night with over 500 students

from different sports clubs assembled in one place to celebrate GUSAs sporting achievements from the

past year. Tickets cost 40 and get you a 3 course meal, half bottle of wine, DJ and ceilidh, and of course

the priceless GUSA banter. Tickets are on sale from the 24th January to clubs, so get in touch with your

club commitees in order to attend this unmissable night. To mark this event, Macgregor & Macduff are

offering a special deal on mens Highland dress hire for students attending the GUSA Ball with kilt

hire guaranteed right up to the day before the event. Get your voucher from our facebook page - www.

facebook.com/gusa1881.


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guui january 2011

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