05.2018
Editor’s Letter
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o this is it, my final Editor’s Letter. I have very mixed emotions writing this. On the one hand I am so excited to leave uni and get in to the big wide world and on the other I want to be a student forever and party at The Rocket every week.. With one final party to attend there I hope to see you all celebrating the end of exams/dissertations/stressful times and seeing in the summer holidays in style. All the details are on page 20. Check page 5 for festival line ups and page 21 for some delicious BBQ recipes to keep you going throughout the summer. If you didn’t manage to make it to the SU Awards, don’t worry as we’ve got all the winners on page 13. And to the people who did go, have you spotted yourself on the back page? Hollywood has nothing on the glam students of London Met. Verve has got some very special contributors this issue - year 8 students that joined us for the day for the BBC School Report Day. Go to page 9 to see all their great work. Finally I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to Verve over the last year. Without your ideas and articles Verve wouldn’t be where it is today. Also to Wendy Sloane for being the professional pair of eyes. I’d also like to give a special mention to Deputy Editor/Verve’s new Editor, Aaron Patel, and the magazine designer, Jamie Bhalla. You two have helped me so much and taught me lots of things along the way and I’m very excited to see where you take the magazine over the next year.
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Contents 3.
redefining grime culture
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5.
summer festivals
bbc school report day
17. 18.
Farewell London Met,
13.
su awards
shape your education
Leanne xx
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Contributors
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Leanne Carr 3rd year Journalism BA Editor-in-chief
Michaela Nagyidaiova 3rd year Fashion Marketing & Journalism BA Journalist
Aaron Patel 1st year Journalism BA Deputy Editor
Oriana White Creative, Digital and Professional Writing MA Journalist
Jamie Bhalla 2nd year Digital Media BA Designer
Natalya Davies 1st year Music Business BA Journalist
Emily Wilkinson 1st year Photojournalism BA Journalist
Special thanks to: Nicole Mitchell Stephen Blunt
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verve spotify playlist
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bbq recipies
perfect coffee for your student budget
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27.
mind your mind
tom grennan gig review
mountains, the dreams of lilly kwok review
31. 33.
sports with aaron
world cup predictions
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The London artist redefining grime culture
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stumbled into young Hounslowborn rapper Haasan completely by chance as I was rushing to meet friends for one of the few fresher events that I actually attended upon moving to London. It was also completely by chance that within the two-minute elevator small-talk we came to the realisation that we shared the same goal in life - to get paid for what we love doing most: music. Drive and ambition are true gems that can often only be understood by those that have found their purpose in life and upon talking with Haasan, his purpose is clear - do what you love but never lose sight of who you are and those that matter. A truly humbling and wise outlook. Debut single ‘This Year’, released in February, is one that comes straight from the heart. It’s not a typically exaggerated overview of the hardships of rapper life, but an overview which is extremely relatable to almost anyone. The core meaning of the song is about proving to yourself that you can do it, while forgetting negative impacts or obstacles that may have once obstructed you from getting where you wish to be. “If it’s your dream then you have to believe it... or no one else will.” says the young rapper when asked about the story behind the lyrics. Often times, simply practising self-belief can be the first step to reaching your wildest desires.
“‘This Year’ is about proving that you can do it, no matter where you’ve been. It’s where you’re heading that counts... but never lose yourself in it all... You have to stay true to you”
Alongside the ever-flowing wisdom, there is a pleasing hint of humour delicately weaved into certain lyrics, an effort to not make the song too serious but enjoyable. References to ‘Iceland’ and ‘Charcoal Chicken’, while standing out like sore thumbs among such powerful meaning, are gladly welcomed, reflecting Haasan’s entertaining yet mature nature. Music is a key form of escapism and self-healing for the best of us - therefore, young inspirations like Haasan are key role models for the future of music. Here’s to the future!
Haasan For fans of: Dave, Drake, Ramz
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By Natalya Davies
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The Latitude Festival in Suffolk When? 12-15 July 2018 Where? Henham Park, Suffolk What? This well-known festival has become known for its music headliners, but there’s just as much on offer for litlovers with notable authors and poets at the Speakeasy. Join lively debates and discussions alongside author talks and workshops.
Finally summer is here By Oriana White
For more information visit www.latitudefestival.com
The Hay Festival in Wales When? 24 May – 3 June Where? Hay-on-Wye, Wales What? They say it is the jewel in the UK’s literary festivals’ crown. Hay has been the go-to festival for book-lovers for 30 years now. The annual event has attracted the likes of Stephen Fry, Ian Rankin and Jacqueline Wilson, to name a few. With some of the finest views and walking countryside in Britain, you’ve got a country-lover’s weekend made in heaven. For more information visit www.hayfestival.com
The Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate When? 19-22 July 2018 Where? Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate What? A line-up of some of the best international and UK crime fiction writers, this festival is now in its fifteenth year of being the best in its genre. If this is something you would be interested in then grab your tickets as soon as you can. Last year was a complete sell-out. For a chance to meet your crimewriting heroes and a relaxed attitude where everyone drinks together, you would be mad to miss out! For more information visit www.harrogateinternational festivals.com/crime-writingfestival
Must be time to shake off those cobwebs and get the flip flops out. The festival season is upon us!
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he sun glistens against the towering glass buildings and the sweet smell of fresh cut grass; suntan lotion and perfume fill the air. Yes, it is summer season! It’s a time for us to rejoice and celebrate some well-deserved holiday time, a chance to catch up on some muchneeded sleep and kick back with friends and loved ones we have neglected through the term whilst studying for our new futures. Ok, so some of us will be still working through the summer on dissertations or planning for the next term but remember to take some time to enjoy what the summer has in store for us. The festival season is underway; depending on what you are in to there is a fun packed season for all. Wireless, Bestival, V Festival, Isle of Wight,
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TRNSMT, and We Are FSTVL are just a few of the music festivals to hit up during the UK for the summer season. If you have missed out on your chance to get tickets or just fancy an excursion, there may still be time for a trip to Croatia for the Hideout Festival 2018; five days and five nights, five open air venues. Pool, boat and beach parties galore will ensure you will be dancing your way through the week all on Zrce Beach, Croatia. Monday 25th - Friday 29th June 2018. For more info visit www.hideoutfestival.com
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Curious Arts Festival, Hampshire When? 20-22 July Where? Pylewell Park, Hampshire What? A stylish and beautiful arts and music festival is held in the grounds of privately owned Pylewell Park in the New Forest. As the wonderful curators say, ‘Expect fabulous novelists, exceptional historians, poet laureates, dogs on leads, gin and tonics.’ Say no more, I’m in! For more information visit www.curiousartsfestival.com
The London Literary Festival When? October 2018 Where? South Bank Centre What? There is always a heavy-weight line-up of the biggest authors and speakers at the capital’s most talkedabout literary festival of the year. Last year we saw the likes of Hilary Clinton, Philip Pullman and Tom Hanks take to the stage for some of the individually-ticketed events, so I would suggest you try to buy tickets sooner rather than later. For more information visit www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ whats-on/festivals-series/ london-literature-festival
Port Eliot festival, Cornwall When? 26-29 July 2018 Where? St Germans, Cornwall What? A glorious celebration of ‘words, music, imagination, ideas, nature, food, fashion, flowers, laughter, exploration, fun and all that is good in the world’. There’s plenty on offer for the literary crowd at this beautiful Cornish getaway. If you have never been to Cornwall then this is the perfect excuse! The first lineup has just been announced, with the likes of Helen Pankhurst and Billy Bragg providing words and Arthur Smith providing the laughs. For more information visit www.porteliotfestival.com
Every F R I D A Y
5 : 3 0 - 6 : 3 0 pm Benwell Road Gym Holloway campus Green zone H LT
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BBC School Report Day
Students from Camden School for Girls and Uxbridge High visited London Metropolitan University to gain insight into journalism and see what life is really like at university. They met some great people, including students, ambassadors, and even the Journalism course leader, who told them a lot about herself
Camden School for Girls Sajidah, Lucy, Annabel, Martha, Clara, Alice and Leah. When we were at the university, we were accompanied by some helpful ambassadors, who made us feel very welcome. The ambassadors that we interviewed were Sophia and Angelica. Sophia wants to be a surgeon so she can help people and has three dogs called Coffee, Mocha and Cocoa. Angelica was home-schooled when she was younger. She is now studying film and wants to be a director. As part of our day, we took some time
to interview the students and teachers to find out what they really thought of London Metropolitan University. We first interviewed Victoria Neumark Jones who is the head of journalism and she made some interesting comments. She said: “I didn’t choose journalism, journalism chose me.” We found this interesting as it shows that it is the perfect job for her. She was very inspirational. We also interviewed a student who is in her 3rd year, called Omotolani. She was interesting because she mentioned how she wanted to be a beauty writer when she left. This is important because it shows how many possible careers can stem from studying journalism. These interviews have made us eager to come here in our later life as it has such aspiring teachers and hardworking
students and it seemed like a happy, welcoming and bustling place. Overall, we really enjoyed our visit at London Metropolitan University, the whole day was filled with fun and interesting activities. Firstly, we really enjoyed viewing the Superlab, we found out that it can fit 285 students at one time. Secondly, we were one of the first groups to visit the newly installed Roding Building. This entire building was designed to be disabled friendly and was decked out with the newest teaching technology. Lastly, we enjoyed how friendly the school community was and how inspiring some of the young students were. Thank you everyone for helping us feel welcome at London Met!
By Leanne Carr
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Clarry, Avalon, Caitlin and
The Radio Station
Izzy, Harmon, Mehtib, Zsa
Interview
Zsa and Liza
We were lucky enough to interview the Verve Radio producers,Teresa and Jay, live on the Radio Station. During this we were able to test out our interviewing skills; a key skill for Journalism!
We’re a group of Year 8 students from Camden School for Girls, and we came to London Met on a journalism project. As part of BBC School Report Day we learned about journalism courses and interviewing skills. We interviewed Angelica and Stephanie to find out their experiences. They both really enjoyed the opportunity to work with young and older people. They especially liked their Saturday job ‘Upward bound’. Stephanie told us ‘everyday is different’. Their jobs range from open days to mentoring in schools or helping out with school trips to the university. Another plus to being an ambassador was how flexible it is, they both could work to the days and hours that suited them. Angelica said that it was a big commitment but it is no different to any other job you would apply for.
So, what do you study? Teresa: I study psychology, and graduated last summer. Jay: I’m still studying sound and media, which is like sound effects for films and stuff. And what inspired you to start a radio show? Teresa: We run a society as well called CreArts, which is pretty much about empowering students with talents to collaborate with each other. The station was just a part of that. Jay: So for me it was obviously the technical side. I love and do a lot of things around music and sound, and doing this was just another branch I haven’t really delved into before.
Kamryn’s job, Radio Manager, consists of instructing the presenters and selecting the music. She said that her favourite part of her job is listening to undiscovered artists and their work. At the university, where the radio show is recorded, she also studies theatre and film, which she loves doing. When she leaves the university, she wants to continue as a radio manager. Kamryn wouldn’t change anything about the show itself apart from more exposure, as many don’t know about it. Anybody can listen to Verve Radio, and we recommend it as we have had a firsthand experience of it. It’s a great and diverse show, as is the university in general, and we loved visiting it.
So what does your average day look like? Jay: Even when we don’t have lessons, there are always studios to use, and I’m there whenever I can be.
We found the university very diverse and exciting with tons of different options for courses. It was a very friendly atmosphere and we thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent there. Thank you so much to everyone who meticulously organised this day and made it possible for us to be inspired by all the interesting things we saw here.
What do you enjoy most about what you do? Teresa: I think it’s quite rewarding. The fact that we can give opportunities to students in the society, and for myself it’s made me a lot more confident. It’s very enriching. Jay: I like that I have something to leave behind. Hopefully we’ve started something that can carry on.
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What about any embarrassing moments you’ve had on the show? Teresa: On the first time we were not aware that the recording machines were recording everything that was happening in the studio. So we recorded the whole thing, it got uploaded and then we realised everything was recording that we were saying right here. Jay: At least we weren’t talking about anyone!
On Thursday 15th March, a keen group of 12 students from Uxbridge High School travelled to London Metropolitan University to study journalism and participate in the BBC School Report
Uxbridge High School Molly When I went to London Metropolitan University, I felt excited but a bit scared. This was because we travelled so far, and I didn’t know what would happen next. What we did We did an activity where we had to come up with title ideas with pictures from the news. We also went onto a tour and did an interview. Planning time We learnt that it takes time and planning to write the perfect story for the news. You also must be ready when you interview someone because if you don’t you could get confused and nervous, then mess it up. So, plan first. The setup We also looked at the recording studio and how it worked, it had a green backdrop, so you can choose a backdrop. It could be: the seaside, the fair, the London Eye and many more. The skills Whilst there, we built up many skills, some of these were: interviewing skills, reporter skills and friendship. My conclusion I enjoyed my visit to London Metropolitan University and I hope you have learnt more about it than you already knew. I am glad to have been one of twelve others to have gone to the university because they are amazing and one day I hope to go there and build up my skills.
Daniel
Tia
Eagerly, we boarded the Metropolitan Line from Uxbridge Station and animatedly discussed what to expect when we arrived at the university. At the beginning of Year 8, I studied journalism and the various aspects that contribute to making an engaging report so I was delighted to partake in this annual event and have an insight into a typical day of a journalist. At 11:00 A.M, we arrived at a main campus of the university where we were warmly greeted by the student ambassadors and escorted to a classroom to be briefed on our proposed routine for the day.
On my visit to London Metropolitan University we were kindly met at the doors then escorted to a room were we enjoyed doing a journalism work shop with Leanne. At the workshop we got a little bag that contained a note book, pen and a phone stand.
Our first task was to brainstorm creative headings for news-related pictures on the screen. I immensely enjoyed this task because it encouraged me to think outside the box and to learn from other people’s ideas. After that, we took a tour around the campus where we learnt about how the structure of the building is eco-friendly (transparent roofs to reduce electricity costs and solar panels to generate renewable energy). Furthermore, we were shown the rooms used for broadcasting interviews and radio stations where we got to study the expensive equipment and ask questions about their purpose. I took a particular interest in the auto-cue because I always wondered how presenters had such good memories to remember all those lines.
We went on a tour of the campus were we got the opportunity to take photos and we went to the green, blue, yellow and red which are different sections of the campus. Also we got the opportunity to speak to Joel and he told use about what he does and what he did in the sports department and we got to interview him with that chance to take photos in the sports hall. Overall my trip to London Metropolitan University was a really good chance for me and if I got the chance to do it again I would definitely go.
After our lunch break, we interviewed a physiotherapist who studies at the university. I took this opportunity to ask open questions about what parts of the body he specialises in and about what influenced his choice of career. After gathering lots of information from our interviewee, we returned to our groups and packed up our bags to go home. This experience has been memorable and inspirational because it has made me passionate about journalism and explained the pride and importance of seeing your work published and getting your views heard by a large audience.
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SU Awards On Tuesday 1st May, The Great Hall was transformed into our very own Hollywood event. Staff and students were recognised for all their hard work and commitment to the SU and the University. If you didn’t make it to the glam, red carpet event, you’ll find all the winners’ pictures here
Outstanding Academic Member of Staff
Sports Team of the Year Cheerleaders
James Davis
Stephen Hills
Mick Williamson
Jessie Bustillos Morales
Panchamkumar Shukla
William Hughes
Society of the Year Cre-Arts
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Society Committee Member of the Year Klara Orackova
Outstanding Member of Support Staff Lisa Rigolli
Media Volunteer of the Year Kamryn McIntosh
Sportsperson of the Year Petagaye Lindsay
Community Volunteer of the Year Angelika Napierala
Student Council Member of the Year Dave Shaw
Student Rep of the Year Federica Morgillo
Unsung Hero of the Year Joanne White
Outstanding Contribution to the Union Georgia Robinson
Photography by Stephen Blunt www.londonmetsu.org.uk
@londonmetsu
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Shape your education at London Met!
You can now take Verve with you, wherever you go, with the new
By Nicole Mitchell
Verve Spotify playlist
L ondon Met is looking for enthusiastic students to partner up with staff on a number of projects designed to improve the student learning experience
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he opportunity arises as part of the University’s Programme for Improving Student Outcomes (PISO) which was launched as an outcome of the Strategic Plan 2015-2020. With the aim of enhancing teaching quality and educational outcomes for all students the programme consists of the following workstream projects; Preparation for Study; Assessment and Feedback; Celebrating Student Success; Course Design and Delivery; Become a Digital Champion; Quality of Provision, and Student Support. London Met invites you to get involved in any of the workstreams that tickle your fancy!
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What’s in it for me? Working in partnership with staff you’ll be able to shape the way you’re taught, assessed and supported throughout your studies. What’s more, you can earn academic credits for a suitable workrelated learning opportunity. Students’ Union Officer and PISO Board member, Florence Onwumere, said: “We’re really excited about the PISO initiative because not only does it work to improve student outcomes in terms of degree attainment and employability, it empowers students to take control and shape their own education. “We want as many students to get involved as possible.”
Want to get involved? Find out more about each individual project by visiting www.londonmet.ac.uk/ studentpartnerships
Verve Sp tify A
monthly playlist updated by the Verve team, with some of the hottest tunes of the month! Head of Verve Radio Kamryn picks her favourite songs to ensure that you don’t miss a single beat! Whether you are commuting, studying or relaxing; take Verve on the go with you! Verve Radio: The voice of the students, for the students.
#VerveRadio
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Frank’s Vegan BBQ
SUMMER RECIPES
Canned jackfruit can be found on line or in Asian stores. Try to buy it in brine, but if you can only find it in syrup, drain, rinse and reduce the sugar in the sauce to 30g
Serves: 4 Prep time: 40 minutes (plus optional overnight steeping) Cook time: 40 minutes Ingredients 4 corn cobs 2 little gems cut in wedges 1 tbsp olive oil sea salt lime wedges Franks Red Hot to serve For the jackfruit: 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 tsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed 1 tsp smoked paprika 50g dark brown sugar 50ml soy sauce 2tbsp Franks Red Hot 2 tbsp tomato puree 2 x 400g cans jackfruit pieces in brine, drained for spicy crispy tofu:
Summer is nearly upon us, and this can only mean one thing: the long awaited BBQ season is about to commence. To celebrate, French’s have two brand new recipes to fire up the grill.
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4 cloves garlic, unpeeled 5cm piece ginger, peeled 1 tbsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp Franks Red Hot 395g pack tofu, drained and cubed (see tip) 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Method
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For the pulled jackfruit; heat the oil in a pan, add the onion and cook gently for 5-6 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for a minute then stir in the fennel seeds and paprika. Add the sugar, soy, Franks Red Hot and puree, stir well and simmer gently for 10 minutes.
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Add the jackfruit, breaking up the pieces into fibres and cook gently for 10 minutes, then cool and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavours to mingle – you can skip the overnight part but it does improve the flavour.
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Preheat the oven to fan 200C/210C/ gas mark 7 and spread the jackfruit out on a lined baking tray. Cook for 15 minutes until beginning to char.
wedges with the olive oil and season with sea salt. Heat a griddle pan or bbq until hot and cook the corn for 7-8 minutes until charred and cooked. Add the little gem and cook for 30 seconds on each side, just to mark and soften.
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To serve the salad plate up the jackfruit, tofu, corn and little gem and serve with extra Franks Red Hot for drizzling and lime wedges. Tip – Tofu holds its shape better if pressed to remove some of the water. Place on a bowl with a plate and weight (can of something) on top and leave for 10 minutes. The jackfruit mixture can be frozen at the end of step 2. Defrost then cook in the oven as instructed.
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For the tofu; blitz the garlic (including the skin), ginger and sesame seeds in a small blender. Stir in the Franks Red Hot, transfer to a bowl, add the tofu and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
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Heat the oil in frying pan, add the tofu and cook for 3-5 minutes turning regularly until golden and beginning to crisp.
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Brush the corn and little gem
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Frank’s Fried Buffalo Buttermilk Chicken Burg r Serves: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes plus marinating Cook time: 6-5 minutes Ingredients 4 burger buns, toasted shredded lettuce for the chicken: 4 x 150g chicken breasts 2 tbsp Franks Red Hot buffalo 60ml buttermilk 60g flour, seasoned with salt and pepper oil for deep fat frying for the smacked cucumbers: ½ cucumber 1 tsp salt 2 tsp Franks Red Hot 1 clove garlic, finely chopped pinch sugar 1 tsp soy sauce for the sauce: 150ml soured cream 75g blue cheese e.g. stilton, crumbled
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Method
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For the chicken: halve each breast lengthways and make small slashes in the chicken, place in a bowl with the Franks Red Hot buffalo and mix well. Set aside for 20 minutes to marinate.
2.
For the cucumbers: trim the ends then use a rolling pin to smack the cucumber so that it cracks and breaks. Cut into 5cm pieces and place in a colander, sprinkle over the salt and set aside for 10 minutes to drain. Combine the remaining sauce ingredients and stir in the cucumber.
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Place the buttermilk and flour in separate bowls. Heat the oil in the fryer to 180C. Dip the chicken pieces into the buttermilk and then the flour ensuring an even coating. Set aside for 5 minutes to allow a crust to form. Fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on kitchen paper.
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For the sauce: combine the soured cream and cheese and season with some black pepper.
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To assemble the burgers, spoon some sauce onto the bases, add some shredded lettuce, top with a couple of pieces of chicken, more blue cheese sauce, and drizzle with plenty of Franks Red Hot. Serve the smacked cucumbers alongside.2 tbsp Franks Red Hot
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Perfect c ffee
for your student budget By Emily Wilkinson
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he Howling Cow, located on Hornsey Road, is an alternative, friendly and inviting coffee shop with amazingly affordable coffee. The shop has been open full-time since February 2017 but for five years before, the shop was only open on match days. The shop is run by Diego Caltagirone and Enver Huseyin, who feel very passionate about their coffee shop. Diego describes their look as “east end trendy”, which is apparent as soon as you walk in.
But in an area with so much competition it is key to make sure this cafe stands out. “We’ve got a different kind of concept, we do our select few things, and we do it well,” says Diego. Their prices are kept low, with their bestselling meal of a coffee or tea and a croissant for £2.50. As well as this, the loyalty card offered is a great incentive to become a regular customer. Regular customer and London Met student Richie Hancox describes the shop as a “great place to eat and drink, always with a friendly atmosphere. The coffee is good and the food is always amazing. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone.” With this coffee shop within walking distance of the Holloway Road campus, it is a perfect choice for your pre-lecture caffeine fix on a student budget. Their menu offers much more than just coffee, with food such as rotisserie chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese also available. All prices are on their website www.cowandbird.co.uk or give them a visit at 45 Hornsey Road.
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Mind your mind By Michaela Nagyidaiova
We are told to take care of our bodies and work hard to improve them. But what about our minds? Michaela Nagyidaiova attends an event about mindfulness and its practice in a very unexpected place in South London
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uman beings are caught up in their daily lives, rushing to work, rushing home, rushing everywhere so quickly that they forget to take a breath and relax. Have you ever found yourself thinking what you want for dinner during a conversation with a friend? Do you ever text while walking, on the bus and even when talking to others? Most of us don’t live in the present moment. But what we don’t realise is that the key to mindfulness, or living for the now, is right in front of us. The element, which brings us back to being present, is nothing else but our own breath. It doesn’t exist in the past or the future. It exists right here, right now. The first step in conquering your mind is realising that it focuses too much on a million matters – did you turn off the oven, pay the utility bill or take the dog to the vet? It needs to stay still sometimes. Whenever your mind is slipping away, focus on your breath. Nobody knows this better than Amol Sarnaik, who recently held a mindfulness seminar on a chilly Sunday morning in Borough. The sky is gloomy and the streets are empty. The old,
brick building located on quiet Webber Street looked deserted and almost as if it was about to be demolished. This is, for now, the home of ‘The Art of Living’ organisation centre. Keerti Mathur, one of ‘The Art of Living’ employers came for a short, unexpected chat: “The quality of your life depends on the state of your mind. Your mind, if strong, can carry your body. Even if your body is weak.” He kicked off the talk by saying these strong sentences, which made us want to focus on his words right away. The little group of participants introduced themselves afterwards, and the process of Sunday’s conscious exercise and experience has begun. All of us learned not only about our minds, but the practitioner also taught us a special breathing technique to relieve pain and stress after a long day. Originally from India, Mr. Sarnaik is a Managing Consultant at a Londonbased office, dedicating his free time to finding a balance between focusing on his body and mind.
when mind keeps going back and forward. Living in the present moment is happiness. But handling your mind is a skill.” He taught us a ‘first aid’ breathing exercise to shake off anxieties and stress. “It’s better to blow your nose, you’re going to breathe heavily,” and passed along a pack of tissues. The group immediately burst into a weird, unexpected laughter. “Put your arms up and close your eyes. Breathe normally for 2-3 breaths, and then powerfully exhale while putting your arms down. Another inhale, arms go up.” “I felt a little burn in my arms and back, while doing the exercise but it made me very harmonious and serene. I don’t get stressed because of my work, though sometimes there are periods which are very intense and it’s harder to cope,” said one of the participants, Julian Martian, after the talk. All of us left the talk with - most likely – different feelings than when we entered.
“Your mind is constantly fluctuating between past and future. The main reason why people get stressed is
Student Services provide much of the support you might need. They should be your first port of call if you are looking to maximise your potential and make the most of your student experience, are having problems with finances or in finding accommodation, require support with a physical or mental health disability or are simply worried about missing the good things in life. Learning Centre, Mezzanine, (Holloway Road) 236-250 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PP Tel: 020 7133 2094 Email: studentservices@londonmet.ac.uk
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Tom Grennan plays Shepherd’s Bush By Leanne Carr
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The crowd was a mix match bunch. Kids with their trying-to-look-bored parents, young teens screaming at the front, indie-looking lads, hipsters, rockers and Essex girls packed out the standing area with Tom’s proud family and friends in the balconies. Tom’s dad got a birthday shout out during ‘Praying’ and you saw a glimpse of what must have been a very special moment for them both.
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By Leanne Carr
Mountains: The Dreams of Lily Kwok
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he singer from Bedford played Shepherd’s Bush Empire on the last stretch of his sold-out UK tour. With a queue of loyal fans waiting outside the stage door well before the gig started, he didn’t disappoint. The 14-song set was full of humble energy and the gratitude radiated off him. Kicking off with probably his most well known song, ‘Royal Highness’, Grennan got the crowd dancing and singing along from the get go. Other favourites were ‘All Goes Wrong’ and his new single ‘Sober’. With a good balance of acoustic and upbeat songs the set kept you engaged throughout without that usual ‘I’ll go to the toilet during this song’ dilemma.
Welcome to Hong Kong ased on the memoir Sweet Mandarin by Helen Tse, Mountains: The Dreams of Lily Kwok follows Helen (played by Siu-See Hung) as she searches to find the piece of her story that is missing. Set in the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, she meets her grandmother, Lily Kwok (Tina Chaing) and together they delve into her past revealing the family secrets Helen’s been longing for.
Having found his success in just over a year Grennan is sure to be the next big thing. With his debut album out in July, it will be no surprise when it shoots to number one. He’s already got a huge fan base and has branched out into other genres by doing collaborations with the likes of Chase & Status and Bugsy Malone. His soulful, raspy vocals are full of emotion with a hint of pain. The type of sound that makes women - and some men - go weak. He clearly has vocal control and technique though and his range shows that.
He’s the type of guy that you want to succeed and he is heading in the right direction. The UK charts could do with a new main man that isn’t someone who’s just left One Direction or won the X Factor. With a mixture of pop/indie/alternative vibes he appeals to the masses and Sony Entertainment must be excited for his future. A singer/songwriter with floppy hair, who’s stylish and good looking in a rough working-class type of way, Grennan has fallen straight out of the superstar making factory and straight in to the one-to-watch list.
The backdrop of Chinese symbols in neon lights, bamboo signs and a huge triangle to represent the mountains doesn’t change throughout. With a mixture of simple props, authentic costume, physical theatre, puppetry and actual cooking on stage, you are transported backwards and forwards in time with no confusion. The seven-person cast from Yellow Earth Theatre Company bring humour and wit to some tough historic story lines all the while showing great care when dealing with the more emotional memories of Lily.
performances. The chemistry they have is undeniable and it’s wonderful to be able to follow the real-life characters through such a personal journey. It’s almost as if you’re spying on them. Ruth Gibson’s portrayal of Mrs Woodman - the rich, white boss of a young Lily - is excellent. Her attention to detail is incredible and her mannerisms and comic timing are faultless. Throughout the whole second act there is an aroma of garlic, soy and ginger from the cooking. Paired with the subtle and beautiful music composed by Ruth Chan, for a moment you really are in Hong Kong. As well as a beautifully tragic story, this play also tells a part of east Asian history that not many would know. As the play comes to an end and brings you back to modern day you are left wanting to know more AND craving Asian food. Not only is this play highly recommended, eating beforehand is too.
Hung and Chaing deliver stand-out
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London Metropolitan University: Division 1 LUSL League Champions By Aaron Patel
2017/18 season Going unbeaten for an entire season, Met’s men’s 1st football team went one better than their previous campaign. Kicking off their campaign away to King’s College, they opened their season with a 4-1 win. The following week in their second game, they drew 4-4 against UCL Red Star 2nd team, from the off it was obvious that goals were not in short supply for Met. Over the course of the season, the Reds recorded some remarkable results; beating Imperial College 5-0 and then defeating Royal Veterinary College 6-0 the following week. Forty-three goals in nine games reflects a prolific season for the men’s 1st team, as they waltzed their way to their second successive championship.
The crowning at Hackney Marshes
Promotion to intermediate Premier Division
After seven games unbeaten and with the opportunity to be crowned champions, Met travelled to Hackney Marshes to play bottom of the league UCL Red Star on the 7th of March.
Following their amazing season, the men’s 1st team will be playing in the LUSL Intermediate Premier Division next season.
An 11-0 victory clinched the title for Met, as they thrashed Red Star to claim their second league title in two years. A rampant win capping off a wonderful season, without losing a single league game. Only conceding nine goals in nine games meant they finished the season with the second best defensive record in the division.
The likes of LSE, UCFB and UCL will all be awaiting Met next season, in what could be another highly competitive season once again. UCL Red Star 1st were crowned champions of the LUSL Premier Division, as they also went an entire season unbeaten. The competition is about to hit another gear for the Sea of Red, as they look to make a huge impact next season.
“I t was a memorable season for London Met’s Men’s 1st football team as they were crowned Division 1 LUSL League Champions, their second league title in two years”
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2018 FIFA World Cup predictions & thoughts
Let’s talk about England… Straight off the bat, England are not going to win the World Cup. I am a proud Englishman, but I know my limits, especially when it comes to international football. Looking at the national pool for the squad, this is arguably the worst in many years. Long gone are the days where English fans tussled over the starting central-midfield. Days when the likes of Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes were in contention. As far as I see the Three Lions going is the quarter-finals. Finishing top of our group is something I can see happening as well, but winning the tournament? Absolutely not.
By Aaron Patel The 2018 World Cup is just around the corner! The biggest and most celebrated tournament in world football is upon us. So, get ready for non-stop footie for a solid month! Here are my predictions and thoughts for the 2018 Russia FIFA World Cup
Winners: Germany
Ones to watch: Iceland
Team to support for fun: Australia
The reigning, defending world champions are my favourites to win the tournament! Yes, one could argue that their squad is ageing however there is something about the World Cup that makes the Germans come to life.
In recent years, Iceland have stormed onto the international football stage. Once not even being considered or even acknowledged in world football, they now send chills down the spines of oppositions.
This is in no form a knock to Australia, but they never do much at the World Cup! But for that reason, I strongly encourage people to get behind the Aussies in Russia!
They’re undoubtedly one of world football’s greatest international teams. Manager Joachim Low has created a well-oiled machine.
After beating England 2-1 in the 2016 European Championships, they have made a name for themselves and have slowly begun to make their presence felt.
A few years ago, Low stated that he would be leaving his post following the 2018 World Cup. So, what better way to go out by retaining the FIFA World Cup.
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Their 2018 World Cup appearance will be their first ever World Cup campaign. While they do not have the capability to win the tournament, they certainly have the ability to cause issues for their group.
All-time leading Australian goalscorer, Tim Cahill will play what looks to be his final world cup. Now aged 38, it is hard to see the former Everton player in an Aussie football shirt after the tournament. With 50 international goals to his name, he will be missed by all Socceros. So, if you don’t even like football, but watch the World Cup simply because it takes over the television, then get behind Australia!
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