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Editor: Imogen Palmer lifestyle@ epigram.org.uk
Bristol’s most haunted F
rom poltergeists wreaking havoc in disused hospitals to restless spirits lurking bitterly at the site of their deaths, supernatural activity has been noted all across the city of Bristol. What is more surprising than the presence of these whispered stories, however, is where they have taken place. Some of the most shocking reports of paranormal activities are popular haunts of both students and spectres:
• Primark has it foundations set among bodies of deceased children. No, this isn’t implying anything about the company’s policy on sweatshop workers, but the children’s hospital that occupied the site. Before it was converted into the store it is today, the bodies of deceased patients were buried beneath the former hospital. Spirits of young children are frequently seen about the site, to a point that no builders from Bristol would work on the construction of Primark out of fear of encountering the phantoms. Even today the store is full of unruly, bad mannered children and adults, their pained screams penetrating the air. Others believe the store to be riddled with poltergeists, citing the cheaply stiched cloth strewn across the floor as evidence. • The White Hart - In 1706, a fight between two drunken brothers resulted in murder. Ever since, strange occurrences have been reported, such as floating orbs of light appearing without cause and bathroom taps acting with a mind of their own - or the result of shoddy plumbing. Most recently, music has been heard playing so loudly that conversation is impossible. One story mentions a hidden room in the basement. It was found relatively recently with a pewter dinner table already set as if waiting for a meal. The current chef laid the table and left for the night. The next day the knives were stuck in the table at various threatening angles. It is believed there was no human interference. It is also believed that this is a lie. • Llandoger Trow - The crying of a young boy can be heard late at night, along with the scraping of metal. The bed in the guest room is known to sink unexpectedly in the middle of the night, as if somebody has perched on the end of the mattress. • Broadmead Odeon - A number of ushers have encountered the spirit of a past manager, murdered in his office in the late 1940s. The murderer, who to this day has still not been found, shot the manager in sync with bullets firing with the film screening in the next roomhis is an indisputable truth. A man in a suit has been known to appear in a seat, only to leave and float through a wall on confrontation. The same figure has also been seen standing by the doorway at the back of the room, observing those inside his cinema, almost as if someone had confused an usher with a ghost. • Old Vic - The spirit of a former female manager has appeared on several occasions believed to be keeping an eye on the refurbishments of her theatre. She is not a malicious ghost and is even known to smile at construction workers. She presumably died a horrible, horrible death or has unfinished business in the mortal realm. She’s only spectral after all. • Epigram Office - Many unexplainable incidents are believed to have taken place in the headquarters of the university newspaper. The most commonly reported problem is ghosts inserting spelling mistakes and factual inaccuracies into articles during the night. Many sheepish editors insist that the Comment headline ‘Outrageous body art shows people gone have Tattoo far’ in issue 240 is the result of ghostly meddling.
Hannah Misso Matthew McCrory
K C I R T or
TREAT ? TRICK ing
be d’ by a e t i o l p ‘ex notist p y h e stag
(unnecessary) brackets ing drown while appleing bobb
Silly string pumpkin facemask
revealing costumes Halloween is coming and we’ve rather inventively put together a Trick or Treat inspired issue to enchant and entice you. The biggest treat (or should that be trick?) comes in the form of everyone’s favourite agony aunt. The one and only Pandora.
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Deputy: Mariah Hedges deputylifestyle@ epigram.org.uk
The office has been inundated with so much support for the outspoken young lady that we were left with little choice. We had to give you exactly what you all wanted.
More Pandora.
We’ve also made it easier than ever for you to contact her with your 100% completely real problems. She’s waiting to hear from you so get in touch via pandora@epigram.org.uk
e2 is brought to you by Lifestyle : Imogen Palmer and Mariah Hedges
who will meet 1.30pm, 28th October at The White Bear
What’s On : Olivia Stephany Fashion : Francesca Clayton and Lizzy Bullock
who will meet 1.10 pm, 1st November at The White Bear
Travel : Verity Stockdale
who will meet 2pm, 2nd November at The White Bear
Money : Alex Denne
who will meet 5.30pm, 3rd November at The Hill
with e2 editor : Matthew McCrory illustrator : Sophie Sladen cover : Adam Herzog and Matthew McCrory
ion n O d e l Pick nch u M r e t Mons socially acceptable binge eating
Mr Pi
ffles
TREAT
24. 10. 2011
Are you taking the Piff? e2 speaks to Piff the Magic Dragon, a comedian/ magician
and his side kick, Mr Piffles, the worlds only levitating Chihuahua. Need we say more?
s y a w l t a a e n v o “I’ a drag been heart”
How did you get into magic? Magic dragons are born into it.
Would you consider yourself more a comedian or a magician? Definitely more a magic dragon. Where did the ‘Piff’ dragon persona come from? I’ve always been a dragon at heart. How long have you been working with Mr Piffles? Two. Long. Years.
Do you and Mr Piffles ever have any difficulty working together? Does he like to have any creative control? I look after the creative control. It’s difficult enough to get him to have bladder control. Have you had any bad experiences on stage with hecklers or anything? Dragons love hecklers. They offer good target practice. You have worked at Illusions bar, how do you find Bristol in comparison to London? I look further west on the map. Do you have any other connections with Bristol? No, sorry. Have you ever considered pulling off a Blaine-style stunt? Once Mr Piffles went for 40 days without food. It was a lot cheaper. Your Edinburgh debut broke the record for the highest box office takings in one night. How did you celebrate this success? Pancake fest. Yum yum yum. If you career as Piff hadn’t taken off, what career do you think you would be doing now? Accountancy. Dragons love gold. What is your pet peeve when you are performing? Do you have any rules the audience must abide by? No pictures! Your volunteers are often beautiful ladies, but is there a Mrs Piff? Sorry, can’t disclose that information. Too many hearts to break. What are your future plans/projects? Touring and travelling to America and Australia possibly. Also, training Mr Piffles how to do a tax return.
Olivia Honigsbaum
Mr Piffles : The Profile Originating from deepest, darkest Dundee, Mr Piffles, is Britain’s first and foremost levitating Chihuahua. He has been performing as Piff’s sidekick since 2009. His mental powers really are quite astonishing. This impressive Chihuahua picks cards, predicts the future and flies through flaming hoops but don’t worry- he’s insured! His personal interests include biscuits, lamposts and biscuits. He’s tasty and delicious. It’s little Piffilicious!
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Editor: Imogen Palmer lifestyle@ epigram.org.uk
The co-ordinated couple
The onesie How funny are these guys?
We get it, you like each other.
These are fun guys. From Kigu to Primarni, dressing like a baby has occupied the last few years of some peoples lives. Interestingly there are many parallels that can be drawn between real toddlers and these perverse student doppelgangers; both crave attention for performing menial tasks, both are preferred when passed out and neither can hold a proper conversation.
Of the festering, swamp of cootyridden ‘singles’ in Bristol you two managed to fish each other out and are going to live happily ever after like two slugs in love. You like the same music (Jamie xx is big right now), same films (you both love Pulp Fiction, noooo way!) and apparently the same stupid fucking clothes.
Lifestyle says: better keep them behind closed doors.
r u o y t a Wh tume cos out you b a s y a s
Lifestyle says: Either grow up or split up!
The ‘sexy’ ‘cat’ A classic. Minimum effort, maximum sex appeal. What’s interesting about this look is its anthropological roots. Who first looked at a cat and thought ‘I know how to imitate that’? Because, and forgive me if I’m being incredibly naïve here, but no cat I ever met was wearing stilettos, a body con skirt and a lacy bralet. Intriguing. Surely to get an accurate Mr Tibbles just come stinking of piss with a dead bird in your mouth? Or maybe just be ‘missing’?
Lifestyle says: Lindsay Lohan, we feel your pain. Pandora, help! I’m desperately in love with one of my flatmates but sometimes I feel like he doesn’t even know I exist. Obviously, he does because our rooms share a wall, but the only time he ever talks to me is to tell me that my nightly sobbing sessions are keeping him awake.
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Deputy: Mariah Hedges deputylifestyle@ epigram.org.uk
s ’ a r o d n Pa Box
I’ve subtly (and not so subtly) mentioned that I sleep in the nude with my door unlocked. I’ve lost count of the amount of times I have accidentally dropped my towel walking from my bedroom to the bathroom, without response. I don’t know how long I can keep this up without people thinking I’m nothing more than a clumsy oaf with little concern for her personal safety. What do you recommend?
Pandora too knows the pain of unrequited love. In fact, your letter reminded me of a piece of poetry (publication pending) written by my own fair hands during my gap year: Distant gaze and longing stare all eyes turn towards you. Unaware of your enchanting beauty I can not, dare not touch and yet I feel Connected Understand of course this poem is inspired by a rather beautiful piece of sculpture and not a mere mortal. Carnal, physical desire is both base and unbecoming - especially in a woman. In my humble, yet educated and experienced opinion, you should be absolutely ashamed of yourself. You seem so preoccupied with how this situation affects you but have you spared a thought for your objet d’amour? The reason for his disinterest is clear. If he studies Science he is most likely a virgin or asexual and so will live in constant fear of your feminine form. If he ‘partakes’ of the Arts, chances are that he’s playing for the other team if you get my drift... (he’s gay).
24. 10. 2011
The LAD in drag An odd display of masculinity. Often found in groups or ‘packs’, the situation with these cross-dressers is akin to the way that rugby boys will fondle each others genitals in a very public, very angry, muddy orgy. They claim this makes them men. These people will go that one step further to show just how absurd the idea of them being female is. Tight silver hot pants are his way of showing the world how proud he is of his manhood. Just remember he’s not gay (god forbid), he’s being ironic. Actually, he likes fighting and meat.
Lifestyle says: go home Dorothy, this isn’t Kansas anymore.
The ‘cowboy’ Why commit when you have no idea where your night would lead? This guy’s not going to dress like an idiot when he may well end up at Hospitality or Dojos or that random third year party that’s going on. He literally has no idea what excitement the night holds. Don’t even try asking him what he’s meant to be as he won’t justify you with an answer. But he knows one thing and that is that enthusiasm is not cool. Or is it? It might be? Don’t really know or care or whatever.
Lifestyle says: imagination anyone? Words : Sadie Spencer Images : Francis Kwong Photography Models : Annie Bell, Sam Ramsey Clothes : Naff Clothing
Pandora, I am an Arts student in an unclean land (I live with Scientists and Engineers) and your advice last week has provoked quite the reaction. It’s made me question how much I have in common with my housemates. My daily yoga sessions are constantly interrupted by the low, repetitive drone of contemporary music. I swear that they must hate music. Why else would they watch The X Factor? I’ve suggested a few alternative activities we could do as a flat. The standard things really, group meditation, gallery viewings and shopping for vintage clothes but they don’t really seem engaged at all. Should I cut my losses and spend more time with likeminded people?
I’m not really sure what to suggest I’m afraid my darling. I wish I could sympathise but I’ve always got on famously with the people I live with. I must be a magnet to beautiful and interesting people. Take for example my current living situation. Having recently moved back to the Prenzlauer Berg I’ve found myself in a perfect living situation with two talented young men. The apartment may be small but my flatmates are so very open and understanding that I am completely comfortable sharing a bedroom with them both. In fact, on some of the colder Berlin evenings the three of us have been known to share a bed together. Raphael, a Brazillian sculptor or something, is as chiselled and handsome as the work I assume he produces. His strong, dexterous hands have not gone to waste and he has helped me out of many tricky spots. Sebastian is a more ethereal sort, a poetic soul. Strong and silent if you will. Best of all, they rarely talk about their work. While they are obviously inspired by our physical encounters, they prefer honing their respective crafts behind closed doors. In fact, I’ve never seen their work at all.
Society Slut Society Slut is very open-minded if you know what I mean. Very open-minded. I’m a doer. I go for it. Thus, when I was having a ratchet through Pandora’s hate-mail in the Epigram office and happened to come across a flyer for Pole Dancing society, I thought, why not? I could be just as graceful as the lady in the logo. I was also aware that pole dancing is one of the more controversial societies. Some find it empowering, some find it degrading. Try mentioning you’re going pole dancing to a male housemate. I can almost guarantee that every time you do, every single one (even the sweet one who writes sentimental poetry and made you that pasta card that time you were sad) will get this glint in his eye. You will later find him measuring the distance from the floor to the ceiling in the living room when he thinks you aren’t looking.
Misconception one: It will keep you fit. Not the impression I got from the taster session: we jogged around the room about three times before dancing. To be fair, you need the thigh and arm muscles of a titan to grapple that pole and from what I could see of the instructor (wearing hot pants and a sports bra) it works for toning. In terms of real-life fitness (running up stairs, fleeing a tidal wave, fighting a jaguar) I failed to see how a weekly session of mounting a pole and straddling the ground around it counts as exercise. Unless you count the steps you take prancing around the pole. In which case you should really try Maypole dancing. Misconception two: It will be more…I don’t know…artistic? Maybe the Slut is just a bit naïve (ha) but when I heard pole dancing became a fun hobby/ exercise class, I developed the perception it would be less sexual. Even when the instructor demonstrated the very impressive advanced moves, every move from the ground involved a hip gyration. It made me think that if you went for longer you would eventually forget how to rise from the floor without your arse leading the way. Misconception three: It will make you feel sexy. Next time you
find yourself in a well-lit place surrounded by strangers, try air humping a lamp post. Then imagine doing it in hot pants. If this makes you feel sexy then pole dancing is for you. Personally I’ve felt sexier doing the chicken dance on my living room carpet. Maybe that’s just me. I did not feel empowered. Pole dancing is not a useful life skill unless you are a pole dancer or you enjoy mildly arousing men when you discuss your interests. I’m not saying all women (they were all women) who go to pole dancing do it to be more seductive, as I’ve been informed that some purely see it as a fun hobby. But if you are putting in all that effort for men’s reactions… Honestly, seduction is not hard. All you need is a bottle of wine and a vagina (the wine’s not always necessary). I guess I was surprised at how much Pole Dancing Society was like pole…dancing. There are championships and it is a sport but ultimately it seems like it is attempting to normalize a cornerstone of the sex industry. Not on.
Bruisi n Dizzin g : 7/10 Perspi ess : 9/10 ration : 2/10
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Editor: Imogen Palmer lifestyle@ epigram.org.uk
What are you afraid of? F
Travel
The Revolution will not be televised ‘Politeness is very rude you know’.
orget ghosts or a zombie invasion, I have a friend who’s scared of milk. This white opaque liquid genuinely unsettles him. Another friend, another guy, is scared of sunflowers; their movement and head on façade is distressing and haunting, particularly at night. It has been suggested that human beings are born with two inherent fears; the fear of falling and the fear of loud noises and that all other fears and phobias are learnt in the process of growth as part of ‘fear conditioning.’ We teach ourselves, or experiences teach us, to fear certain things.
W
atching Fry’s Planet Word in bed with a cup of tea (sure, I’m badass) the phrase made me sit up from my post box-of-wine haze. I’d question whether a box is really an appropriate receptacle for alcohol, but that’s another issue for another column. Probably quite a short one. In my house, John Cleese is gospel. I mean he’s Jesus, Moses and Mohammed rolled into one- needless to say, we’re not a religious family. So when Stephen Fry (another of our household gods) quoted him in his recent documentary, I paid due attention. The exchange between the two British stalwarts, accents buffed by the polish of Cambridge’s hallowed halls, surprised me. Until I thought about it, and was surprised at myself for being surprised- it’s just this kind of teasing logical ad infinitum that’s the reason it takes me so long to get out of the house in the morning. Politeness, at its heart, is a kind of pretention. I’m not talking about the not-letting-doors-slam-in-people’s-faces politeness that clearly secures a bearable society, but the mask of propriety that we use to assert the social superiority comedy seeks to undermine.
So how is it then that people possess such bizarre and unnatural fears? On the shallowest, least scientific or psychoanalytic way it’s a case of influence and convention. To some extent people will assume the habits of people they admire or feel on a par with, adopting fears and phobias irrelevant to their own experience. When ‘fear of’ is typed into Google, the first four suggestions read: flying, the dark, long words and heights. These are all relatively predictable, while long words is not a fear felt by many but I can only assume the irony of the technical name itself (hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia) correlates to the high search quota. Intimacy, rejection, success, and failure also seem to be fears close to home. Again, these are all pretty standard emotions associated with human nature. If fear is induced by a perceived threat or associated discomfort then what was the catalyst for people’s bizarre phobias? Instead of delving deeper into the actual psychology (if you’re interested read a book, it is all rather fascinating) we thought we’d take to the streets and this is the weirdest phobia we found: buttons.
‘they’re just meaningless generic words’
Kate Kelley
A most versatile vegetable Halloween is just around the corner, promising spooks and surprises. Whilst we’re all deciding how to spend the occasion and arguing over who gets to dress up as what, supermarkets everywhere are suddenly overwhelmed with hundreds of pumpkins. This Halloween icon will probably hit the bin first thing tomorrow. Frankly that’s a waste. The pumpkin is an incredibly versatile vegetable, and can be used for pretty much anything. Here are some ideas: 1) Carve it into a lantern – A spooky Halloween classic. 2) Make it into a soup –Just add an onion, a potato, some herbs and a bit of cream. With variations all over the internet you’re sure to find something to treat those taste buds.
By deeming certain words to be ‘common’ or ‘vulgar’, you set yourself above the general populace who use them. I tend to mock people who bristle at swearing; it’s my favourite punctuation mark. They’re just meaningless generic words, I blithely say, dropping in a few choice four-letters to prove my point. Far more upset and offence can be caused by a tailor-made jibe couched in socially acceptable language. It’s amazing how many swear-phobics are more than happy to hurl personal slurs, with the real potential for damage, when they can’t form their mouths around Anglo Saxon words for what I hear are common bodily functions. I think it’s this pretence of propriety that really bothers me. Or maybe it’s just because I don’t like being told what to do - aren’t I putting on just as much of a mask when I channel the ten-year-old in me who watched Bridget Jones’s Diary and wanted to be the friend who likes to say fuck a lot?
3) Bake some pumpkin cupcakes – Pumpkins are perfectly suited to both sweet and savoury recipes so don’t be afraid to experiment. 4) Invent an alternative sport – Use your pumpkin as the ball. The possibility of a pumpkin explosion adds a tense new dimension to any game.
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Deputy: Mariah Hedges deputylifestyle@ epigram.org.uk
5) Make a skin loving facemask – Start by making a pumpkin puree. Bake the flesh (but not the gooey seedy bit) with a little bit of water until tender. Then simply mash it up. Mix together about four heaped teaspoons of the puree, some brown sugar and a splash of milk. You might look a bit scary with it smothered all over your face, but it’ll be worth it. 6) Use it as a cauldron for cocktails – Hollow it out, fill it up with cocktail, and get drinking. You could even make it pumpkin flavoured by shaking up some homemade pumpkin puree (as above) with some vanilla vodka and a bit of lime. 7) Recycle it – Stick it in the compost. Okay so it’s not really a use, but it’s better than the bin. Laura Berrisford
And after all, can any of us help but put on a mask to present to the world? Since this psychological drama is clearly too much for me to unravel in 400 words, I’ve devised a general rule of thumb: steer clear of the big three - race, religion, sexuality - but other than that, reserve the right to offend people. Because at the end of the day, I refuse to believe that bad language alone is truly, innately hurtful to anyone. But being boring is unforgivable. Rachael Schraer
24. 10. 2011
Unisex Chunky Fair Trade Hoody. Limited stock. Available now at ubushop.co.uk
Fashion
What’s On
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Editor: Olivia Stephany whatson@epigram.org.uk
Best of Bristol
STEPHEN MERCHANT
Fancy dress shops
1. Naff Clothing, Cotham Hill With Halloween just around the corner, where better to sort your costume than at Naff Clothing. It’s within spitting distance of Uni, and as you can see from the display in the window, they have a great selection of fancy dress for Halloween and almost every other occasion, but not only that; they also specialise in vintage dresses, handbags, jewellery and more.
2. Carnival Costumes, Coldharbour Rd Their website describes them as competitively priced and cheaper than the internet, so there is no reason not to give this one a go. Stoke Bishop freshers - this could be the place for you as it’s only a short walk from your halls. They are known to be pretty big on their wigs and accessories, but be warned - they are closed on Wednesdays.
Travel
24 October Colston Hall £25
THE SECRET FILM CLUB
3. Pure Party, The Galleries
Join us every week at the newly renovated Number 51 for the Secret Film Club to view screenings of local short films donated by students and film buffs, plus a large array of art house films.
If you’re down in town anyway, this shop is definitely worth a visit. It’s renowned for being great for Halloween and student nights; so you’ll be sure to find the perfect fancy dress outfit here. The beauty of this shop is that you will find a lot more than just fancy dress, anything you could ever dream of having for your house party can be found inside. However, for those on a tight student budget, maybe this one’s not for you.
4. Costume Hire and Joke Shop, Colston St Perhaps this is not the first place you would consider going, but it is huge and stocks almost every fancy dress costume you could imagine. Rather than buying a whole new ridiculous outfit for every themed night that you will most likely never dig out of the cupboard again, here you can rent something spectacular, wow the crowd, and then just bring it back the next day, all without breaking the bank. Simple!
26 October Number 51 Free
5. Hobbycraft, Centaurus Road Come and search for your favourite authors among a huge collection of books at the Bristol Book Market on the first Sunday of every month on Wine Street. This market has already been awarded the National Association of British Market Authorities ‘Best Small Market 2011’ prize since it opened last year so it’s definitely worth a visit! Francesca Lynagh
‘Meet My World’ competition
Money
Globally known for his acclaimed collaborative work with partner Ricky Gervais on The Office and Extras, Stephen Merchant embarks on his first ever stand-up comedy tour.
Looking for a great reason to get snapping this month? Amantani UK has just launched its first ever charity photography competition. Amantani UK was set up in 2007 to help impoverished children in Ccorca, Southern Peru, primarily to build boarding houses so 64 young girls wouldn’t have to walk 4 hours to school and back. Two boarding houses have been built so far, and money is being raised to build one for the boys plus a self sustaining Eco lodge to keep the project running in the future. The title of the competition is ‘Meet My World’. They are looking for images that reflect your world expressed through the lens of your camera. Maybe a serene English country landscape, an active urban community, an engaging or surreal portrait etc. It just has to be something that inspires you. It costs £5 per image to enter and anyone is welcome, both amateur and professional.
14 October Motion £16.50
Different employers and organisations will be there each day so go along to do some networking and find out about the various career options on offer for you after graduation.
Fred Branson
Sophie Wright
He started his career as a YouTube sensation and is now internationally known for his unique acoustic style. He will be supported by Josh Rider.
AUTUMN CAREERS FAIR
You could be in with a chance of winning a great range of prizes including a behind the scenes tour of the Tate photography studios with David Clarke, Director of Photography and a place on one of Aspire’s photography one-day training courses. Not to mention the fact that the winners’ photos will be exhibited in central London in March 2012! Your work will be judged by a panel of experts including BBC photographer Steve Davey and travel photographer John Beatty. The competition is open until the 2nd of January 2012, but David Clarke is offering to give a full portfolio critique to 5 entrants if they get their entries in before the end of October. www.amantani.org.uk/meetmyworld Facebook: ‘Meet My World’
ERIK MONGRAIN
26 & 27 October Wills Memorial Free
24. 10. 2011 KATHAKBOX
DORIAN’S SECOND LIFE Written by Penny Gunter, this is a must-see play this month. Dorian Matthews has counter-phobia. He is pathologically addicted to fear. Sound intriguing? Check it out.
This Rodgers and Hammerstein musical captivates audiences today just as it did 60 years ago when it premiered on Broadway. It’s about a widow who accepts a job as a live-in governess of the King of Siam’s children.
Until 29 October Alma Tavern Theatre £7 (concessions)
Until 15 October Bristol Old Vic Studio
24 October Tobacco Factory £10 (concessions)
ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL 2011
WE
£12/£8
NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
THE FILM EXERCISE
Don’t miss the exquisite adaptation of Lionel Shriver’s bestselling novel directed by Lynne Ramsay this month. It is a series of letters written by the mother of a teenage mass murderer. “Mesmerising and provocative cinema” (Time Out)
The Film Exercise is a monthly programme of screenings and discussions that explores the urgency, social or political timeliness in curatorial approaches to artists’ film and video.
30 October The Cube £5
Until 3 November Watershed £3.60 (concessions)
3 November Arnolfini £12 season (£5 single)
HALLOWEEN CLUB NIGHT
Just Jack’s infamous Halloween party is back with a bang. Soul Clap host their own room for the entire night! Don’t forget the dress code - Circus Freak and Zombie Chic. 10% of the profits from this event will go to War Child.
Don’t miss out on this intimate gig down as they “enter the prime of their musical lives” (NME). Hear tracks from their eagerly anticipate third studio album as well as some classics from their first two albums.
29 October Motion £12 (earlybird)
2 November The Trinity Centre £15 adv
If Motion isn’t really your scene, pop down the road to the Students’ Union for some cheap drinks at Bar 100 and to show off your creative Halloween costumes!
Sound
THE MACCABEES
Screen
The Adventure Film Festival showcases the best in extreme sports and adventure films. Each year the festival brings adrenalinepumping action to the big screen across 30 cinemas nationwide.
IN: MOTION - JUST JACK HALLOWEEN
Stage
Asian Arts Agency presents the latest production from one of the UK’s most dynamic dance companies.Kathakbox brings together Indian Kathak dance’s grace and vigour and the rhythms of hip hop culture.
THE KING AND I
29 October Students’ Union
BRISTOL ZOMBIE WALK 2011
COMMUNICATE 2011
Ever had that begrudging feeling when your Italian teacher tells you to buy the “compulsory text book” that costs £50? As part of the Union’s commitment to saving you money, they’re holding a coursebook sale.
The dead will rise.... Join the zombie troop as they take over Bristol for this especially freaky Halloween event. Check the Bristol Zombie Walk 2011 Facebook page for more details including date confirmation.
Communicate is the annual conference for environmental communicators. Get involved to find out more about the crucial current and upcoming debates in the sector.
29 October Students’ Union
29 October Students’ Union
19 & 20 October Wills Memorial Building
Extras
COURSE BOOK SALE
Fashion
he fashion industry is no stranger to controversy. Kate Moss famously hit the headlines in the 1990s for advocating the so-called ‘heroin chic’ aesthetic, while more recently John Galliano was unceremoniously dropped from Dior following his much-publicised antisemitic rant in Paris. The latest scandal to hit the headlines however, is that of 10 year-old French model Thylane LenaRose Blondeau. The prevalence of young models in the fashion industry is nothing new. It is not uncommon to have girls as young as 13 and 14 walking the catwalk in Milan, Paris, New York and London as part of Fashion Week. But how young is too young? And what is appropriate in terms of the sexualisation of young girls? In the age of beauty pageants and child modelling it has become increasingly difficult to draw the line between the edgy and the downright inappropriate, especially in the fashion industry, which rarely abides by rules and seems to be a law unto itself. Recently, a photo shoot in French Vogue has attracted the attention of the world’s media, parents and MPs. The shoot in question features three children,
but the main focus of the media furore is on Thylane Lena-Rose Blondeau, who is just 10 years old. The shoot, guest directed by Tom Ford, features the young model posing on a leopard print bed wearing a revealing gold dress and gold chain heels, accompanied by two
fluffy rabbits. It wouldn’t be so disturbing if it weren’t for the heavy make-up and sultry stare that she gives the camera, which evokes the image of a woman twice her age. There is no doubt that this shoot is visually striking. The styling, the clothes and the models are all glamorous, flawless and so very Vogue. Some people
think that there is nothing wrong with the photographs, and that the portrayal of young girls in an overtly sexualised way is not a recent phenomenon. It’s true that there has long been a history of male obsession with young women; many people have compared this shoot to the young Brooke Shields in Pretty Baby (1978) and it’s worth remembering that the book Lolita was written in 1955. The world has an obsession with youth which is expressed everywhere from the myriad of anti-ageing products on the market to a constant infatuation with Suri Cruise’s pint-sized wardrobe. This photo shoot is simply one of many examples of young children portrayed in a sexualised manner. And when Thylane has such an extensive online fanbase, who’s to argue with the theory that sex sells? If nothing else, these photographs are controversial. In the world of fashion the general rule is that no publicity is bad publicity. And people are certainly talking. Whether you find the images beautiful or revolting there is no denying that these photographs have a mysterious elegance and allure that certainly reveals the darker side of fashion. Harriet Layhe
Deputy: Lizzy Bullock deputyfashion@ epigram.org.uk
Wish List
Jumper, Topshop, £44
Watch, Urban Outfitters, £26
Style Jury Tricks and Treats A
t Christmas, we are invariably divided into two camps: naughty or nice. However, it is Halloween that gives us the opportunity to indulge our darker doppelgänger, begging of us the question, to trick or to treat? It seems this season designers too are dividing themselves accordingly, either indulging their illicit imaginings in the form of gothic glamour and shameless fetishism, or opting for the whimsical charm of soft shouldered silhouettes, polka dots and playful prints. At Alexander McQueen, zips formed an industrial alternative to piping on sheer panelled pieces edged with jet black fur and replete with buckles and laces galore. Louis Vuitton served up a side of sexy night porter; sheer tops contrasting with cutesy collars and shiny monogrammed caps to add a touch of costumey suggestiveness, while homegrown talent Mark Fast offered body conscious black leather, laced into an array of corset-like trousers, tops and dresses. Mark Fast
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Isabel Marant
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sabel Marant embraced fashion’s ongoing fetish for fur this season with yeti-style cocoon coats in cool arctic tones. Four Bristol students told us what they think of the look. ‘There’s a bit too much volume- she looks like she’s about take off’ Imogen, English, second year ‘She looks like the abominable snowman- but in a kind of sexy way’ Will, English, third year ‘The boots are pretty awful.’ Matt, Classics, third year ‘It’s a little bit north of the arctic circle for me’ Ben, Mathematics, third year
House of Holland
Money
The dark side of fashion
Tom Ford
What’s On
Lifestyle
Editor: Francesca Clayton fashion@ epigram.org.uk
In contrast, both Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney used playful polka dots in their collections. Jacobs created full head to toe ensembles of spots while McCartney used the pattern to give the LBD a youthful makeover, adding an element of fun to more fitted, traditional shapes for a look that was both youthful and sophisticated. Print sensation Mary Katranzou served up a luxurious melee of oriental-like patterns in jewel tones and lustrous textures, often featuring multiple different prints in one look, and even the usually austere Jil Sander presented a number of beautiful, cocoon-like floral pieces. House of Holland executed the trend with its usual wit; opening with a matching cream blouse and tights printed with multicoloured bingo balls, and Prada’s curve heeled Mary Janes had a schoolgirlish innocence. With Halloween fast approaching and the vast array of inspiration available on the catwalk, it seems that whatever your costume, you’ll still have a whole season to go trick or treating. Georgia Graham
Loafers, Aldo,£50
Fur Stole, Topshop, £20
Leather Skirt, River Island, £75
24. 10. 2011
Diary of a fashion intern
Fashion’s dark knight Alexander McQueen
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hen it comes to fashion, no designer encapsulates the darker side of the industry than the late, great, Alexander McQueen. A firm favourite among the British fashion elite, McQueen was known for his daring designs and stunning catwalk shows. His Savage Beauty exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York earlier this year attracted over 500,000 visitors and even had to be extended in order to meet demand, which speaks volumes of McQueen’s popularity with the general public as well as the fashion world at large. McQueen was born in 1969 and was an apprentice in a Savile Row tailors before
going on to achieve an MA in Fashion Design from Central Saint Martins. He took influence for his collections from everything that surrounded him; films, literature, history, culture and nature. He was also very proud of his Scottish heritage and named his A/W 1995 show Highland Rape, which was based on the eighteenth-century Jacobite Risings and the nineteenth-century Highland Clearances, and was the first collection to introduce McQueen tartan. The bloody depiction of Scottish history was overtly political, and when asked what his Scottish roots meant to him, he replied, ‘Everything’. Some of his most extraordinary feats include the finale to his A/W 2006 collection, where a hologram of Kate Moss was projected for the audience. The illusion was a spectacular mirage of a glowing Moss seemingly floating in mid-air, twisting and revolving in a dress with hundreds of layers fluttering in a breeze. The effect was breathtaking and went down in fashion history. This is one example of McQueen breaking boundaries and utilising modern
Going Gothic
with none of the blandness of an all-black ensemble. Tights can be made more interesting with the addition of supernatural symbols like these star-print ones from House of Holland, or channel the Adams Family with Topshop’s mustard and black striped shorts. If you want an easy, low commitment way to add a vampy edge to your everyday look, a dark plum lipstick can instantly update an outfit, while nail varnish in blood red or black gives a subtle nod to the gothic trend without looking like you’re wearing fancy dress. Alice Johnston
Francesca Clayton
ith Halloween just around the corner the temptation to indulge your Tim Burton fantasies can be almost impossible to resist. However, don’t give in to your inner Helena Bonham-Carter just yet - your tutor won’t thank you if you shed cobwebs all over the table during their tutorial. Instead, enchant your friends with subtle otherworldly features in an otherwise ordinary outfit. Jewellery is one of the simplest way to achieve this. Make like Alexander Mcqueen with skull-print accessories or take inspiration from a sinister Snow White with an apple necklace from ASOS. Dark, rich colours like forest green, and deep red add gothic drama
Harriet Layhe
Street Style
Spider Shirt Clips, ASOS, £10. Dress, Topshop, £30. Shorts, Topshop, £32. Apple Necklace, ASOS, £8. Ankle Boots, ASOS, £65. Tights, House of Holland at River Island, £12. Cross Necklace, Urban Outfitters, £14.
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technology to extravagant, theatrical effect. Another similarly spectacular moment was during his S/S 1999 when two robots spray painted a dress worn by a model on a revolving platform. The model, Shalom Harlow, said of the experience, ‘It almost became this like aggressive sexual experience in some way.’ McQueen’s shows were usually of this emotional and thoughtprovoking nature and he often said that he didn’t care if you liked his collections or not, as long as you felt something. The inspiration for his collections often came from his own state of mind at the time, as well as the wider global concerns of the day. He used fashion as a means of expression beyond the superficial and this was often why his collections had a profound darkness to them. The website for the Savage Beauty exhibition expresses this notion, ‘he was very dark. That darkness came from a deep romanticism - the darkest side of the nineteenth century - and that’s what I always felt when I saw his collections.’
History of Art graduate May makes the most of her budget by borrowing clothes to layer up for the cold. Coat, eBay. Hoody, Friend’s. Shirt, Dad’s. Leggings, H&M. Converse, Mum’s. Socks, Topshop. Bag, Spanish market.
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ith the papers bombarding us with scary stories about the lack of graduate opportunities these days, no-one needs reminding of how difficult it is to get a job after university, let alone one in the fashion industry. Any insider will tell you over and over again that the key to getting your foot – or even just a toe - in the door is to do work experience, but getting work experience in the competitive world of fashion is somewhat easier said than done. As someone who has been lucky enough to bag a few work placements in this desirable bubble, I have spent a lot of time sending off CVs and making endless phone calls, only to find myself lucky to get a reply from even half of them. This can be discouraging, but it shows quite how competitive the industry is. Even more disheartening, once you’ve achieved the much-coveted placement you’ll mainly end up packing clothes, unpacking clothes, tidying clothes, hanging up clothes and folding clothes. Which leads a lot of people to suggest that work experience is just free labour; taking advantage of enthusiastic youths who are exploited into doing the rubbish jobs at the very bottom of the ladder. However, there are some definite treats to be had from doing fashion work experience. One of my highlights has been assisting on professional fashion shoots. Getting to see the models transformed by the hair and make-up artists and watching the photographers do their thing was invaluable. With our Diet Cokes in hand on set, I felt like I was on an ASOS advert… and loved it. I’ve also come away with my fair share of freebies - from a Dior lipstick to an electric toothbrush. But the real pro of fashion work experience is what you learn. Books and courses just can’t teach you what real life can. The cut-throat fashion industry is all about contacts too, so once you start meeting people, the easier it is to meet others, and start climbing your way up from one work placement to the next. Of course, not everyone may treat you well, but then that’s what real work is like, so you’re getting a genuine experience. Work experience really is the best way to learn about what actually goes on in the fashion industry in my opinion, and there definitely are both tricks and treats. Sure, sometimes it can feel like you’re doing more tea runs, tidying and photocopying than anything fashion-related, but if you want to get into the industry then it’s the best way to get a foot on the ladder. Some placements will be better than others, but you won’t find out until you get there- so take the plunge and you never know what you might come away with. Rachel Hosie
Editor: Francesca Clayton fashion@ epigram.org.uk
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dirty pretty things Inspired by 1990s grunge, we take a look at the grimier side of fashion
Photography and post-production: Harriet Layhe Styling: Francesca Clayton, Lizzy Bullock and Kate Kelley
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Fashion
Models: Arabella Langley and Joe Alwyn
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Deputy: Lizzy Bullock deputyfashion@ epigram.org.uk
All clothes provided by Motel 24 Park Street, www.motelrocks.com
24. 10. 2011
Beauty Trick or Treat?
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utumn makeup trends are looking towards bold lips, jewel-toned nails and all-in-one skincare. Make your student loan go further with the cunning trick of finding high-street copies of high-end products, or splash out and treat yourself to the originals for a bit of luxury. While the increasingly popular felt-tip lip stains offer subdued, sheer colour, lip paints are an excellent way to be adventurous. Applied like a gloss and drying to a satin finish with a massive colour pay-off, they are easy to apply, long-lasting and can also be easily mixed to make unique, personalised colours, making them a favourite with both screen and catwalk makeup artists.
Trick: Pout Paints, Sleek Cosmetics, £4.99. Treat: Lip Tar, Obsessive Compulsive, £8.50. Spring/Summer 2011 saw crackle nail polishes hit the catwalk as well as the high street, but Autumn/Winter brings a new DIY nail art trend: the magnetized nail effect. Polishes with magnetic particles are applied to the nail and a magnet (supplied in the bottlecap) is hovered over the nail to create a rippled effect.
Trick: Magnetised Nail Polish, 17, £5.99 Treat: Magnetic Nail Polish, Nails Inc., £13 BB Creams have been a big player in the East Asian beauty markets for a while now and have recently hit the UK shelves. Beauty Balms are designed to deliver the hydration of a moisturiser, the smoothing of a primer, protection of an SPF, anti-ageing benefits of a serum and the coverage of a foundation, all in one handy product. Extremely useful for students with limited space and limited funds.
Trick: Miracle Skin Perfector, Garnier, £9.99. Treat: Prep + Prime Beauty Balm, MAC, £21 Anisha Gupta
The Hitchhiker - The ultimate trick or treat Let’s face it - there’s no need for it nowadays. Getting to your next destination is as complicated as logging onto our favourite budget travel site and printing off the tickets. With hitchhiking, you will walk for hours and you will definitely get lost - not to mention the varying levels of distrust you encounter along the way. With travel so cheap and easy, is it really worth going through this much hassle in order to get a free ride? Given the huge element of chance, it really seems to be the ultimate trick or treat.
The most important aspect to hitchhiking is location. There was only one main road in this town and so at least we had
Sam Lubner
Fashion
We had been waiting by the road for just over an hour.
The ‘town’ consisted of a 200m strip of road flanked by petrol stations, motels, a diner and not much else. Our last ride had dropped us off before driving off into the mountains and here we were in Willow Creek, California. Some friendly locals informed us that if hitchingit didn’t work out, we could always catch the bus to Redding. “Of course, it is winter season so I reckon it won’t be coming here for another day or so”.
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Photo of the fortnight
that under control. Secondly, it is imperative to maintain eye contact with drivers so that they know you mean business. Eye-balling car after car, the last thing we were expecting was a bearded man - as wide as a door and almost as tall dressed head to toe in camouflage - to approach us from behind and ask if we wanted a lift. I had personally
“Jonathan turned out to be a small-time con artist and undiagnosed sex addict.”
Sam Lubner
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Editor: Verity Stockdale travel@epigram .org.uk
never met an axe-murderer before but in my mind, this was what they looked like. He explained to us how he had driven past us earlier but turned around to pick us up.
amongst all the supplies. We climbed in, careful not to disturb the sleeping dog in the back, and as we headed off, Elise noticed how all the interior panels of the car were missing. The door handle had been replaced with a wire wrapped in duct tape. It was fair to say that we were pretty defenseless.
As I was putting my bag in the boot, my travel buddy, Elise, met his wife - an older woman with big spectacles and a tattoo of a sword across her face. They had been travelling around America for a year and their car was pretty full. As I was struggling with the backpack, a thin, pale hand reached out from in amongst the bags and slowly drew my bag in. This was Jonathan, the driver’s brother, hidden
It was in fact an amazing ride. Jonathan, who turned out to be a small time con artist and undiagnosed sex addict, told us numerable anecdotes of his life – most of which are categorically un-publishable. When we ran out of petrol halfway and had to ask people for money outside a supermarket, Jonathan tried to scam someone and was almost beaten up. They were not your average travellers and it was great to see a
Ella Shone : St Petersburg, Russia
snapshot of an American life that we could scarcely relate to. We signed our names on the dashboard and went our separate ways. Hitchhiking superstitions and omens are popular and everyone seems to have their own rules and traditions. Some people throw coins on the road at the beginning of each trip. This is known as making an offering to ‘the Snake God’ - the God in question being the motorway. I find the best thing to do is plan the route, keep a cool head and bring lots of water - you could be waiting a while - and if you are ever picked up by a van filled with a con artist, a facially tattooed lady, her axe-murdering husband and a dog? Tell them I say hi. Sam Lubner
Real-life Anachronism The ban may only have come into play half way through 2007, but it is so accepted in England nowadays that it’s difficult to remember the bygone era of smoking indoors. In Russia, where there is no such ban, the excitement of lighting up in pubs and clubs conjures up a guilty sense of nostalgia. I took this photo in a bar in St Petersburg in which the eerie lighting just allowed me to capture the long-nailed hand clutching a lit cigarette, framing the face of Anne Parillaud’s lookalike (Nikita). It was like being on a film noir set. Ella Shone
24. 10. 2011
The world’s... Spookiest hotspots For many of us, interest in horror and the supernatural extends no further than lacklustre attempts at fancy dress on Halloween, and discussing the viability of proposed counter-measures in the event of a zombie apocalypse. There are, though, some that will travel the country in pursuit of Britain’s many ‘haunted houses’. These often comprise a weekend away, sampling the delights of numerous pubs and hotels in which, once upon a time, the wife of a friend of a friend’s cousin heard a story about a man that once thought that he saw a ghost in his garden. Or something. Those budding scare-seekers whose appetite for the abnormal won’t be satisfied by a rainy weekend in Shropshire may wish to take their fervour for fear abroad - perhaps for a night in Japan’s Aokigahara forest, a place so eerie that it makes the Blair Witch Project’s setting seem about as welcoming as Winnie the Pooh’s ‘Hundred Acre Wood’. However, be sure to avoid pitching your tent above or below a rotting corpse - the authorities only annually check the forest which is the world’s second most popular suicide spot (after San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge). Even the reviewer from the cheerily titled Complete Manual of Suicide gave the forest a big thumbs up, hailing it as ‘the perfect place to die’. If being surrounded by decaying bodies isn’t your cup of tea, consider a relaxing break in Mexico’s Isla de las Munecas. Located in the sun-drenched, historic Xochimilio district, the island has one rather significant catch that tends to deter all but the gutsiest of tourists - ‘The Island of Dolls’ - which is festooned with thousands of decrepit children’s figurines adorning the trees and buildings. Julian Barrera, a Mexican hermit, believed that he was appeasing the restless spirit of a drowned girl by supplying her with thousands of discarded toys.
Prague - a paradox
Seemingly from the same school of questionable decoration, the Sedlec Ossuary in the Czech Republic plays host to another popular, and chilling, attraction that couldn’t be left off the itinerary. The small chapel
treats 200,000 people every year to its spectacular furnishing composed primarily of human bone. The creators of its famous chandelier boasted that it contains one of every bone of the human skeleton. However, if up to 70,000 human skeletons weren’t enough, there is always the Paris Catacombs, which dwarfs its Czech counterpart with the remains of 6 million people scattered throughout. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for something more contemporary, be sure to experience the unnerving silence of Pripyat. The bona fide ghost town, just a
“The bonafide ghost town has become increasingly popular amongst Cold War fanatics and those with an eye for the eerie.” stone’s throw from nuclear fallout-stricken Chernobyl, has become increasingly popular as a tourist attraction amongst Cold War fanatics, people inspired by The Incredible Hulk and, of course, those with an eye for the eerie. The student budget may not quite accommodate such travels, so those who wish to get a taster of the supernatural could pay a visit to somewhere a little closer to home. Although it may not be on the same level of spectacular as these international hubs of horror, the Ancient Ram Inn in Gloucestershire gained the prestigious seal of approval of Britain’s appropriately named ‘Ghost Club’. Its owner, John Humphries, is insistent that it contains ‘the most haunted room in the world’. Warning - a stubborn suspension of disbelief required. Tom Straker
The nights are growing darker, the air cooler, and once again the one night a year when it is deemed socially acceptable for old men to give small children candy is upon us. A once pagan festival known as Samhain, held to warn off the dead from the living’s crops in harvest time, has been replaced with the casual threat to our houses from neighbourhood children with a ‘trick’ if we fail to buy them off with a ‘treat.’ In the past, masks and costumes were worn to appease the spirits; now we don masks to scare other members of our community while we bang on their doors. Just think of the money you’d save over the years if you refuse to pacify this mob with sweeties - it could go towards an escape from this Americanised madness. Prague. Possibly the spookiest city in Europe and steeped with tradition and history. Despite this, Prague does not actually celebrate Halloween - it is just eerie and spine-chilling throughout the entire year. The Gothic architecture, shadowy cobbled streets and stories that come with them all add to the ghoulish atmosphere. If this is not enough to tempt you then throw in the cheap beer and it is an absolute winner. If you want to experience a more traditional pagan-like festival, Prague does celebrate some Halloween alternatives. In April there is the ‘Burning of the Witches’ festival where people make effigies of witches out of straw and burn them on a bonfire, somewhat like our own Fireworks Night. ‘Witches’ meet in the centre of Prague and walk with Chinese Lanterns through the city across Charles Bridge. On November 1st, the Czechs also celebrate a festival similar to Samhain called ‘All Souls’ Day’ following the traditional practice of mourning the souls of their ancestors. A visit to a cemetery in the evening will show candles flickering on every grave. If you stray outside of the centre of Prague, villages bake pastries called dusicky and offer them to the poor on this day - a far more empathetic move than giving sweets to demanding brats. A must-see is Charles Bridge, full of street-vendors, artists and musicians. Every step along it will result in yet another acquisition, be it jewellery, food or ven a self-portrait done there on the spot. Yet this place that is full of life today had the heads of ten executed Lords displayed on it in the Medieval Ages. Rumour even has it that if you walk along the bridge at midnight you can still hear their sad singing. I, for one, was far too frightened to try this. Despite the daunting gothic architecture and claustrophobic atmosphere of this eerie city the architecture is simply jaw-dropping with something hauntingly beautiful around every single corner. Sitting in the square looking onto the Prague Astronomical Clock on the side of the Old Town city hall and sipping a cool Czech beer is far more of a treat than enduring Halloween in England will ever be! Georgia Lord
AIR MAIL
“Don’t let the pickpockets put you off - Barcelona is an absolute treat.”
Leon Trotsky once described Barcelona as “smoke and flames on the one hand, flowers and fruit on the other”. The city encapsulates beauty, art, history and culture. It is easy to boast about Barcelona as the font of Spain’s creativity, with cultural figureheads such as Gaudí, Dalí, and Picasso. However, the inspiring personality of Barcelona has been somewhat tarnished by its reputation as the “pickpocketing capital of the world”. Frederico García Lorca described La Rambla, the treelined avenue running through Barcelona’s core, as “the only street in the world which I wish would never end”. The beautiful Spanish ritual of the paseo (stroll) is carried out by over a million people each week, past the café terraces, flower stalls, street sellers, spray-painted human statues, street performers, the Liceu opera house and the Merat de la Boquería. It is slightly clichéd but nonetheless a lively introduction to the urban fabric of Barcelona which truly rewards the curious pedestrian with its streets awash with beauties, curiosities and diversions. However, this cauldron of cultural activity has been transformed into a pickpocketing paradise plagued by petty crime, and be you Barcelonin or tourist, an unduly paranoia to guard your belongings is always present. A network of over one hundred pickpockets operates amidst this tourist mecca with one complaint reported to the police every thirty minutes. These petty criminals mostly target tourists using distraction techniques of stealth and surprise, rather than violence. They are up to all the tricks imaginable dressing as tourists asking you for directions, pretending to hug you, asking to play games with you, throwing ketchup at you so they can offer to clean it up, or asking you to fill out an ambiguous questionnaire. Once I became aware of the pace and skill of such trickery, I became hesitant to respond to even the innocent question of a passer-by, such as “What’s the time, please?” The underground metros are notoriously bad, and whilst you do see the occasional officer of Guardia Urbana with his fierce-looking dog patrolling the metro, it’s thought that they are not doing enough to solve this problem in Barcelona. Xavier Trias, mayor of the city, wants to improve security on Barcelona’s metro, and Barcelonins and tourists are indebted to their metro heroine. Eliana Guerreroa, a 35 year-old Colombian lady, has launched a personal campaign in order to raise awareness and reduce pickpocketing. For three years she has confronted criminals on the metro of Barcelona, blowing her whistle and holding up a sign warning “Pickpockets!” in four different languages. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, it’s one thing to be vigilant but it’s another to be constantly paranoid, and Barcelona is at risk of losing 80,000 tourists a day who come to visit in the summer season. My advice to those 80,000 tourists? Please don’t let the pickpockets put you off - Barcelona is an absolute treat. Nicola Reid Foreign Correspondent, Spain
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Editor: Alex Denne treasurer@ epigram.org.uk
Sound advice
One of the best moments each term has to be when your student loan comes in. Then all too quickly the money slips away, and before you know it you’re standing in the bank begging for an extension on your overdraft, or pondering a new application from the bank of Mum and Dad. So if you’ve cut down your spending as much as possible, what are the best ways to plug the gap?
With Spotify now intravenously linked to Facebook, it seems logical to want to use the music sharing service to its full potential, but with the listening limits imposed on non-subscribers, it’s difficult to realise quite how brilliant subscribing can be.
It’s convenient to work in one of the Union social areas, making Panini’s or pouring pints, but maybe you’d prefer to work a more independent role by charming alumni into donations over the phone, or even as a student ambassador for the University? But maybe instead of rotary-shift work, you’d fancy your hand at promoting which is unsurprising considering the flexible hours and benefits. Perhaps you’re not interested in the hourly rate though when you’re only working the door for two hours, instead, perhaps you like the sound of free drinks and entry around Bristol? I know I did. There’s also the classic job hunting method where you hand out masses of CV’s and just latch on to some bar, cafe or restaurant work, and although it may be difficult to fit the hours around your studies, there’s always the weekend to do that 12-hour shift. You might also want to occasionally check Gumtree for jobs aswell as it’s possible to filter the results by area, students find jobs through it all the time. To be honest, having a job whilst at Uni just isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean you have to confine yourself to the Sainsbury’s basics range forever. You could consider selling your valuable junk on Gumtree or eBay, or even using Freecycle Bristol to pick up something for free and then sell it on for a profit in your free time. If all goes well, it won’t be long before you can afford that pack of Taste the Difference sausages or you can replace that pair of shoes with holes in that you’ve been wearing to Lizard Lounge for six months.
Some would say, just pay? But you’re a student remember, and you can’t afford an extra £10 a month on top of bills and rent. You’d be tempted if it was cheaper though? Excellent news – because it’s possible to get three month premium voucher codes for Spotify for £15, but no one really knows this. If you occasionally search for ‘spotify premium’ on eBay then you may get lucky, but they do seem do come on the market rather sporadically, there aren’t any at the time of writing this article but there were plenty a couple of weeks ago.
In August this year UK share prices plunged as investors panicked over the uncertainty surrounding the Eurozone crisis and the state of the global economy. Prices for some of the UK’s best known companies have been slashed, presenting bolder investors with the chance to grab shares at bargain prices. So how can a cash-strapped student capitalise on this? Shares must be traded through a broker, who will typically charge a commission fee. Thankfully, the recent boom in online trading has pushed these charges down to an affordable level, one example of this is the online broker selftrade.co.uk who offer 3 months of real-time, commission-free trading for new customers, with a fixed cost of £12.50 per trade thereafter. SVS Securities also offer trades at £5.75 each time which means that if you wanted to make profit on a £500 purchase, you’ll only need the stock to rise by just over 1%, which is very possible in this climate. So where should you invest? Stocks trading at historic lows include Lloyds and RBS, though risk-averse traders may be more interested in defensive, high-yield stocks such as drinks retailer Diageo or pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. Both companies are less volatile than banks and are witnessing good growth in emerging markets.
£5 a month for the ability to download almost any album instantly onto your phone and keep it for the duration of your subscription makes limitless new music through Spotify a very attractive prospect. However, be warned that although most of these are legitimate, e2 knows of an account which was suspended due to an eBay seller dishing out premium codes purchased through a stolen credit card, they have since recovered their Spotify account, but it’s best to be informed about these things. Remember that there are risks when purchasing stuff through online marketplaces, but there are also mechanisms in place to protect you should something go wrong.
Trading stocks is all about managing your risk and maximising your reward and it’s easy to get advice from experienced traders at Bristol Uni through the recently founded, but apparently excellent Bristol Investment Society. UoBIS manages fantasy portfolios, where you can feel out the equity market without actually putting any of your own money at risk. It’s also great if you make a profit (preferably real) during such a difficult economic climate, because you can boast about it on internship applications or on your CV.
Alex Denne
Katy Radcliffe
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If you’ve a moved in to your new address (not halls) then you can claim new recycling/ rubbish bins from the council. It’s possible to claim extra food waste bins, refuse bins or extra black boxes, although it’s worth knowing that if the city council doesn’t think you need the extra refuse bin, they’ll charge you £20, however the others are guaranteed to be free, even if you request the maximum three recycling boxes. Even if they aren’t constantly being used for their desired purpose, every student house needs more recycling boxes. If you use this tip to the maximum possible advantage, then you can have an extra 6 bins free of charge. This applies to each separate, registered address, if you’re a new resident there. Alex Denne
Bernie Keegan Fisher