Issue5

WWW.MANCUNION.COM

17th OCTOBER 2016 / ISSUE 05 FREE Photo: Fuse TV

Kate and William visit the university Royals visit Manchester, including the Graphene center Jennifer Sterne and Elise Gallagher Editor-in-chief and Deputy Editor On Friday the 14th of October their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited The University of Manchester. During their visit the Duke and Duchess visited the National Graphene Institute (NGI) where they were

A response to ‘Dear fresher females studying STEM’

Feature: 53 % of students in favour of the monarchy

welcomed by Professor Martin Schröder, the VicePresident and Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell.

Their visit to the university was part of a series of engagements around the city of Manchester which included visits to The National Football Museum and the Town Hall, before visiting

P6

“Ever get boozy?”

Student views on the monarchy

Francis House Children’s Hospice.

The Duke admired the BAC Mono single-seat supercar which is the world’s first car to use graphene in the production process. The vehicle has graphene composite rear wheel arches which significantly reduce the weight of the car whilst provides a performance benefit to the driver. The BAC Mono is designed and built in Liverpool and

British universities increasingly using “trigger warnings”

P4

uses graphene supplied by Haydale.

Personalised 3D-printed toy cars which incorporated graphene were offered to the Duke and Duchess as gifts for their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell said: “It is an honour to be joined

by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess

Continued on page two...

Where do our course fees go?

P10

News

2

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Letter from the Editor-in-chief

Highlights P26

Lifestyle: World Mental Health Day

P25

Theatre: Orbit Festival at HOME MCR

Photo: Ilya Arbaby | Instagram @thisisily

Picture of the week: Whitworth Hall minus the light pollution

Continued from page one...

P24

Arts: Look Up! There’s more to see than you might think…

P22

of Cambridge as we mark the commencement of the next milestone in the University’s campus masterplan.”

Following their visit to the NGI, the Duke and Duchess moved to Manchester’s Engineering Campus Development (MECD) site which is due to open in 2020. MECD, which is currently under construction with Balfour Beatty, will house four engineering schools as well as two brand new research institutes, which will comprise of 1,300 members of staff and 7,000 students.

During their time on the site, The Duke and Duchess sealed a time capsule which will be on display within the building once it is complete. The royal couple also unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark their visit.

Speaking during the royal visit, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell said: “MECD will create a world-leading teaching, learning and research campus to develop the engineers, scientists and innovators of tomorrow.”

On the day of the royal visit, we asked

Visit Our Website www.mancunion.com The Mancunion @TheMancunion Editor-in-chief: Jennifer Sterne editor@mancunion.com

Food & Drink: Seoul Kimchi

Deputy Editor-in-chief: Elise Gallagher deputyed@mancunion.com Postal address: University of Manchester Students’ Union, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PR Phone: 0161 275 2989 Subeditors: Gemma Sowerby, Robert Parris, Jane Simmons, Hannah Foy, Christopher Tchen, Lauren Bramley, Adriana Elgueta, Lauren Pizzey, Stevie Grieves sub@mancunion.com

students around campus for their views on the monarchy and got some very mixed responses.

Sophie Robinson said she believed the monarchy was “quite obsolete I guess, and it’s just basically a money making scheme for the country.” Tarelle Dixon added that “their lives are really sensationalised for no reason.”

On the other side of the spectrum, Tom Hower said: “I’m a big fan of the monarchy because they are what this nation is built on.” Cameron Cundill & Ashley Slatford added that, “it’s unique in the world, so it’s a good thing to have”.

When asked whether she agreed with the monarchy being funded by the taxpayer, Jess Steele argued: “The NHS is suffering loads of bad cuts at the moment, and I think why should that money be going to funding the Queen’s trips, what she wears, and where she does her hair.”

Dixon added, “we could definitely put that money to better use than them, like what do they use it for? Like new dogs?

Head News Editor: Yasmin Mannan Deputy News Editor: Alexandra Bickell Science Editor: Georgie Hines news@mancunion.com science@mancunion.com Head Features Editor: Jacob Nicholas Deputy Features Editor: Emma Shanks features@mancunion.com Head Opinion Editor: Tristan Parsons Deputy Opinion Editor: Edward John opinion@mancunion.com Head Fashion Editor: Sarah Kilcourse Deputy Fashion Editor: Sophie Soar Deputy Fashion Editor: Talia Lee Skudder fashion@mancunion.com Head Food & Drink Editor: Felix Sanders foodanddrink@mancunion.com Head Film Editor: Eliza Slawther Deputy Film Editor: Shema Begum film@mancunion.com Head Lifestyle Editor: Rachel Adams Deputy Lifestyle Editor: Araddhna Patel mancunion.life@gmail.com

New corgis? It’s not necessary.”

Although she did add that even though she was an anti-royalist she thought Diana “was a cool gal… because she broke the mould”.

Most students named Prince George and Harry as their favourite royals although one student pondered: “Maybe George, depending on how he grows up.”

The final question put to students was if they could ask the royal family a question, what would it be?

Robinson said she would ask: “Lend us a tenner? Can I sit on your throne?”

Charlie Kettell wanted to know if they “ever go out, do you ever get boozy?”Another student said: “Can I be in your will?”

Jimmy Veecock said he would ask William if he would “Get a hair transplant?”

And Ashley Slatford and Cameron Cundill wanted to “ask the Queen who dresses her, because she dresses exquisitely, absolutely fabulous. That woman is still out of this world.”

Head Music Editor: Joe Casson Deputy Music Editor: Katie Shepherd music@mancunion.com Head Sport Editor: Harry Newton Deputy Sport Editor: Alex Whitcomb sport@mancunion.com Books Editor: Roma Havers books@mancunion.com Games Editor: Stephen Lewis games@mancunion.com Theatre Editor: Brogen Campbell theatre@mancunion.com Arts Editor: Laura Joyce arts@mancunion.com Head Online Editor Rebecca Carr Deputy Online Editor: Holly Smith online@mancunion.com Photographers: Ilya Arbaby Copyright of imagery belongs to the photographers and anyone wishing to reproduce them should contact them individually

Last week the University of Manchester had the honour— according to 53 per cent of the student population—of a visit from the royal family. Kate and William were in Manchester last Friday for a royal visit across Manchester.

The tour took them them to the National Football Museum, Manchester Town Hall, Francis House—the children’s hospice originally opened by Princess Diana— and our very own National Graphene Institute.

In honour of such a special occasion, The Mancunion decided to conduct a poll of students, to gather their views on the monarchy. As can be seen on page eight, in Features this week, the results revealed that most students were in favour of the monarchy, to the surprise of our Features contributor.

The article makes the argument that “sheer nationalism alone is not the sole factor” for this result, with the writer arguing that “many perhaps understandably, believe that the monarchy acts as effective and stable head of state in comparison to our chaotic political leaders of the moment”.

I guess in the current political climate the question of whether the monarchy is an issue may not come top of most of our lists, especially when their kids are so cute. What’s more, with a mandate from students’ above the mandate which has enabled our impeding exit from Europe, we have to accept this as the final judgement— although whether we opt for soft or hard monarchy must still be up for question.

In opinion this week on page eleven, Len Cotton argues that ‘Clickbait culture is killing our news’—the article questions why “260,000 Columbian lives lost [is] being forgotten whilst the Kardashians weep into their silk handkerchiefs?” Online media and the need to compete for attention with literally everything being on offer has meant that ‘easier’ news will deliver you more ‘clicks’. However, it is my view that as a student media outlet, without the pressure to run ourselves as a business, we have the freedom to avoid succumbing to the ‘clickbait’ culture. Instead we can offer student journalists the chance to write about whatever matters to them, and if that happens to be the Kardashians, then so be it.

In our science section this week, our Science and Technology editor responds to a piece published online last week addressed to ‘Fresher females studying STEM’. The original article argued that women who study STEM subjects should not view themselves as special, due to their lack of representation in science. Our editor disagreed strongly with the author’s views, and felt the opposing point of view needed to be aired.

This is another one of the many joys of student media; we offer anyone and everyone the chance to write for us, and this inevitably means that we attract a wide array of opposing opinions, of which the two STEM articles are just one example.

So if any of the opinions you read in this week’s issue are opposed to your own, or you just fancy airing your grievances, please let us know.

The Mancunion is the official student newspaper of the University of Manchester., established in 1969 with a readership of around 20,000. It is printed weekly for 20 editions and is distributed across campus and the city.

All writers are volunteers and new contributors are always welcome. No previous experience is necessary, just a passion for student media and a good story. You can get involved by turning up to a meeting, the times of which are listed on the Mancunion website’s Join page.

We gladly accept contributors from outside the University of Manchester.

The Mancunion is part of the Manchester Media Group, along with Fuse FM and Fuse TV. This body encompasses all of the Union’s official media outlets, and organises training, outside speakers, and social events for Manchester students interested in student media.

If you have any comments, questions, complaints, or would like to contribute, please e-mail the Editorin-chief or Deputy Editor-in-chief.

News 3

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Sexual abuse scandals at universities akin to Savile and Catholic Church cases Huge scale sex abuse scandals have been uncovered throughout UK universities, starting in the 1980s Eleanor Forrest News Contributor The discovery of sexual abuse in institutions has, unfortunately, been on the rise in recent years, including reports of abuse committed against students at UK universities.

The Guardian recently published an article reporting numerous cases of sexual abuse and assaults, including rape, in the academic world of our universities between established professors and doctoral students, with some cases appearing as early as the 1980s and 1990s.

These instances of abuse all follow a similar pattern involving the abuse of power and influence by professors, used to create an atmosphere of secrecy, culminating in the fear of these victims that reporting the crimes could damage their academic careers.

Rachel Krys, co-director of End of Violence Against Women, calls for change, claiming that universities are legally obliged under human rights and equality laws to protect victims. Due to how these institutions have approached past cases, including one instance where the victim was suspended and walked off the premises, Krys believes that they may be in breach of these laws.

Unfortunately, a factor that dissuades victims in reporting these cases may be the lack of coverage and discussion of abuse at univer-

sity level. The organisation, Universities UK (UUK) will soon be publishing a report of sexual abuse at UK universities, however there is a concern that this report will only focus on solely student-related incidents that have risen in numbers, as well as the ‘lad culture’ associated with them.

What is clear is that these cases are not widely known about due to the influence of the perpetrators. This has culminated in a lack of arrests and investigations in which victims feel that they’re being accused of fabrication.

Also contributing to this situation is that in many cases the harassers are allowed to remain in their positions or simply move to another university with a financial settlement creating an untouchable aura around the abuser.

In the case of Lee Salter, a former professor at the University of Sussex, he was found guilty of assault by beating, but was allowed to continue teaching in the 10-month period before the beginning of his sentence.

However, after the treatment of Lee Salter, more than 300 students at the University of Sussex sent a letter to their Vice Chancellor Adam Tickell, calling for the university to publicly acknowledge its mishandling of the situation. Tickell responded that the institution should “learn lessons from this case and rectify any failings”.

Photo: Soon @ Flickr

Manchester is tenth most expensive city for students Manchester has been announced the tenth most expensive city to study in, but with the rise of competitive institutions, will the University continue to attract prospective students?

Tom Patterson News Contributor A recent article in The Telegraph stated that Manchester is the tenth most expensive place to study in the world. According to data provided by Savills, a real estate agency, Bristol came in at sixth place for domestic students and ninth for international, whilst London was at fifth place overall.

The average monthly costs for domestic students in Manchester came in (at the time of writing) at around £1,846 per month and £2,438 per month for international students. It breaks down as follows: -Living costs: £389 per month -Accommodation: £642 per month -Tuition fees: £817 per month for domestic students and £1407 per month for international students.

Even with the recent increase in tuition fees, the cost of a student attending a university in the UK is still considerably lower than for our North American counterparts. The four most expensive universities in the world are all within the USA and vary in fees from around $2433 per month in San Francisco up to $3833, in Boston, the number one spot.

Despite being an expensive city to study in, the number of students choosing to come to Manchester has remained fairly consistent over the past few years. According to university websites, the University of Manchester has 38,590 current students; Manchester Metropolitan

Photo: Tommaso Galli@Flickr

University has over 36,000 students; and the University of Salford has more than 17,000, which means the total student population in Greater Manchester 2016 is nearly 100,000.

Marcus Roberts, director of student investment and development at Savills, attributed the large international student population of cities such as Manchester to two major causes. Firstly, to the fact that courses are taught in English. Secondly, that many UK, US, and Australian universities sit at the top of the global ranking tables.

However, this could be changing as he continued to say: “With greater commercial focus, more courses taught in English, and alignment to the bachelor system; European universities are on the rise.” This means that competition is increasing between universities to attain the top rankings and students, and that this will only grow as European universities develop further.

Additionally, Paul Tostevin, associate director of research at Savills, commented: “Although at the moment the majority of students are still heading to more expensive institutions, we expect the trickle of students choosing value over traditional reputation to increase— particularly when so many of the universities in these cheaper cities now have the credentials to rival the old bastions of education.”

The University of Manchester is currently the UK’s largest single campus university and it has close ties with a number of the city’s cultural events, such as the Literature and Science Festivals.

With ongoing large-scale investment in University facilities and city wide infrastructure, Manchester remains a popular choice and its yearly influx of students undoubtedly contribute significantly to both the city’s revenue and its rich cultural heritage.

Photo: vic xia@Flickr

Police evict squatters from city centre Police evict squatters from an old pub set for demolition in Manchester city centre Araddhna Patel News Contributor Police began evicting squatters from their encampment across from the Ducie Bridge Inn in Manchester city centre on the morning of Tuesday 11th October.

They had previously been evicted from the pub itself, but had set up tents on a grassy knoll across from the site and decided to stay there instead.

Around 30 homeless squatters had been living in this pub for several weeks—including a pregnant teenager—even though a Manchester County Court judge instructed the squatters to leave the site in September.

Christopher Blaine, spokesman for the group, spent over 10 hours on the roof of the pub in Manchester city centre in protest, during which he shouted abuse at the police. The protesters had previously stated that they would resist efforts from the authorities to evict them, as they believe it is a violation of their human rights.

The Ducie Bridge Inn first opened in 1923 and was closed in August of this year.

It is thought to now be ready for demolition, but builders have reported the presence of asbestos at the site so it may require further work before construction of new buildings can start.

The ‘NOMA’ scheme, part owned by The Co-operative Group, is set to build offices on the 20-acre site, set to create four million square feet of offices, homes, shops, and leisure facilities at the cost of £800 million.

Security staff working for NOMA told the Manchester Evening News last night that the squatters had been evicted ‘for their own safety’, as there is asbestos within the building.

The squatters have argued that the development of the area should instead be focused on the housing needs of the locals and the homeless.

Charlotte Cox, a journalist for the M.E.N. reported on Twitter that some of the remaining campaigners claimed that they had to take their belongings with them, so refused to leave.

One squatter said: “This isn’t a game—people are dying on the streets. Police telling us to move our stuff; where [are] we moving it to?”

Later, Cox reported that many of the squatters left, and were said to be moving to a site near Salford Central.

4

News

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

British universities increasingly using “trigger warnings” to help students’ mental health The use of trigger warnings in UK universities is on the rise as we follow the trend from the US Elrica Degirmen News Contributor Across the country, many students are being given pre-lecture warnings in order to notify them about potentially disturbing content such as violent crimes, racism, and abortion.

These notifications are known in the academic sphere as “trigger warnings” and a range of universities, including the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics (LSE) and the University of Edinburgh have already included them in their teaching.

This is a result of a recent trend that has arisen in US colleges; that many students are given the option of leaving a lecture on the grounds that the material presented would be too upsetting for them to experience.

However, many academics are completely

against this measure, including Professor Dennis Hayes, who works at the University of Derby as well as being the Director of Academics For Academic Freedom. He has stated that the use of trigger warnings is akin to treating students “like children” and that they “corrode free and open debate”. The Cambridge classics scholar Professor Mary Beard shares his views, affirming that students should “not be shielded from difficult subject matter.”

These warnings come at a time when there have been widespread, condemning reports across the national media that many universities have poor student support, especially when dealing with matters of mental health.

Many believe that trigger warnings are a help those who suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety. Gabriel Moshenka, lecturer at University College London, states that students are free to leave her lectures if they feel distressed. She claims

that these measures are necessary if the content being presented might induce psychological trauma at any level.

Most recently, undergraduate law students at the University of Oxford were issued with pre-lecture trigger warnings. The result was an outcry as to how students at one of the very top universities in the world needed to be placated when dealing with topics necessary to the study of (criminal) law.

A spokesperson representing the university stated that “the University aims to encourage independent and critical thinking… however there may be occasions when a lecturer feels it is appropriate to advise students of potentially distressing subject matter”.

Proponents of trigger warnings argue that those who do not need it are unaffected by their introduction where appropriate, but are potentially very helpful for others who would prefer to avoid ‘trig-

ger’ topics. Others say that trigger warnings do not tackle the root causes of students’ mental health problems and in reality serve no benefit to them.

We must bear in mind that student mental health is a growing concern. According to research by the National Union of Students (NUS) in 2013, it was reported that “20 per cent of students consider themselves to have a mental health problem” which suggests that a lot more needs to be done to tackle mental health within our universities, trigger warnings or not.

There may be discrepancies with the statistics, as not everyone who took the survey will have answered completely honestly, but the overall message is clear: that a lot of students are battling with mental issues and not receiving the help they need.

It is believed that trigger warnings do not help those who have extremely severe issues and are at high risk of being withdrawn from their universities.

Photo: Ian Barbour @Flick r

Experts fear that Brexit will push EU academics out of the UK Britain may lose many EU national academics in the post-referendum negotiations, causing serious strain on British academic institutions Shivani Kaura News Contributor DAAD, a German academic exchange service, has recently released reports warning the UK government that they are at risk of losing current and potential lecturers at universities due to Brexit.

Last week it was proposed by the largest German support organisation for international academic co-operation that EU academics should be given legal permission to teach across the UK without being forced to leave their jobs, making it hard to replace their positions in higher education.

The lack of job security given to researchers and lecturers in major institutions has caused uproar amongst members of the public since Brexit. Leaving the EU may force some of our best teachers to leave the UK, which may cause repercussions in schools and put them under government scrutiny for not achieving top results.

Since the majority of the nation voted to leave, it has been reported in The Independent that the pro-Remain group 'Scientists for EU' have been busy "collecting evidence that many EU researchers and lecturers have been turning down or withdrawing their applications to work in the UK".

However, scientists who voted for Brexit, speaking to The Telegraph, believe that "Brexit simply offers a far brighter future for research and education. The vote also means that we shall escape deeply detrimental present and planned expansions of the EU’s power."

The UK government have since released a declaration stating that all scientific projects and research programmes are to be given the grants that they had applied for before Brexit, as long as they are issued before Article 50 is inaugurated.

Last week, The Mancunion reported that foreign individuals that work in academics will be

banned from contributing towards Brexit negotiations. This comes after Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, proposed that companies and institutions were to list their foreign workers, which critics regarded as "disgraceful" and "isolating", causing tensions to rise between foreign workers.

Currently, at least 17 per cent of UK students are EU citizens and 135 universities are part of union bodies, protecting their students and teachers as much as possible; however this is becoming harder to do without the government elucidating their plans for the future of Brexit.

At the University of Manchester, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell stated around the time of the referendum that for the next two or more years there will be "no change in the immigration or employment status for EU nationals currently employed by the University, or planning to join us, or change to the way in which we collaborate with academic, industrial and commercial partners."

The University has majorly benefited from the EU for decades, as have many other large academic institutions, so Brexit will have a huge impact when it is realised next March.

Photo: University of Michigan @ Flickr

Manchester Metropolitan University secures Erasmus+ and gains European funding Yasmin Mannan Head News Editor Manchester Metropolitan University have strengthened their European ties, as their Centre for Enterprise have secured funding for three projects which reaffirm European links within the university.

The first funding victory, the SME Gap Project (Small and Medium Enterprises Growth Access), is one of only eighteen projects approved across the EU and involves working with the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship Hub, in liaison with an NGO in Austria and a Regional Authority in Spain.

The other two projects which have secured funding, the Digital Transformation of European Micro Enterprises (DiTEM) and the Sustainability Alliance of Urban Networks in Asian Cities (SAUNAC), both codify the links between Europe and Manchester Metropolitan University. DiTEM focuses on developing online training for micro-firms to work digitally across Europe with a particular emphasis on social media relations.

SAUNAC and SME both directly fund the Erasmus+ scheme with €1,000,000, and seemingly secure it for the foreseeable future for Manchester Metropolitan University students. Both projects also retain a plethora of international partner universities in locations ranging from France to Vietnam.

This comes as a relief to many students, as there has been persistent doubt and confusion over whether the Erasmus+ scheme is sustainable in a Britain which is no longer a member of the EU. Recent comments made by the Education Secretary Justine Greening to The Mancunion did nothing to ease this doubt: she suggested students should “wait and see” if Erasmus+ would last.

It is not yet clear if these specific funding victories will be indicative of wider EU funding projects across British universities.

Jennie Shorely, Head of Bids and Partnerships for the Centre for Enterprise at Manchester Metropoli-

tan University said: “These exciting opportunities represent exciting new global partnerships for the university, stretching across Europe to Vietnam! We are looking forward to working with all partners to support the development of SMEs, apprenticeships and entrepreneurship skills, and to consolidating our current working relationships and developing new ones.”

Photo: atoach @ Flickr

Chester Zoo

26th October 2016

As part of Global Week we’ll be running an amazing trip to see the animals of the world at…Chester Zoo! Come see over 20,000 animals, 120 acres of zoological gardens, all at the UKs number 1 wildlife attraction.

Get tickets on the Students’ Union Website or at the helpdesk.

Science

6

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

A response to ‘Dear fresher females studying STEM’ It is no longer a question of whether women are underrepresented in science—it is a fact.

So why are we still having to defend ourselves?

Georgie Hines Science & Technology Editor I recently had the misfortune of being sent a Mancunion article entitled ‘Dear fresher females studying STEM’ by the seemingly delightful Elrica Degirmen. As a woman in science I was initially intrigued. In such a male-dominated field, it is always enjoyable to read about the experience of fellow females studying a STEM subject. I can’t say this optimistic outlook stayed around for long.

In spectacular fashion, I was already offended by the end of the first paragraph with what has to be my favourite quote of the article. Quite possibly resembling a soundbite from Donald Trump’s now infamous 2005 tape, she states that just because you are a woman in science, it “does not make you special, princess.”

Obviously this writer has never come across the phrase: “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I suggest she implement this immediately.

Now, despite her claims that “there is no discrimination in science”, as an individual with a science background I prefer to find evidence to back up my opinions. According to Women in Science and Engineering, only 12.8 per cent of the STEM workforce are female. Also, in 2013, the Higher Education and Skills Agency findings showed that science undergraduate courses were 52 per cent male and 40 per cent female, with the remaining eight per cent non-binary students. For postgraduate science courses, this gap only widens further.

“As an individual with a science background I prefer to find evidence to back up my opinions” Truthfully, you could argue that these figures are not evidence against the supposed “myth” that is gender discrimination in science.

However, these things are not usually defined by numbers, but by experiences. When I first read this article an incident in my past sprang to mind instantly.

Over the summer, between academic semesters, I work in a restaurant back home. One night, I was speaking to a couple about my future plans. I mentioned my desire to do a postgraduate degree (which I am currently doing) and move to London after I graduate. The man, who had stated he worked in the pharmaceutical industry, then said: “But when will you find the time to start a family?”

For a moment, I almost felt like I had transported back in time to the 19th century or prior. It was a question that would have had Emmeline

friends would look at me the same if I didn’t come out with ‘boring’ facts about microbacteria or retinal ganglion cells.

Through the blur of emotions, that I was no doubt experiencing due to the fact that I’m an unstable woman, I saw the words, “You should feel no sense of pride for doing so, because you have not actually achieved anything yet”; referring, of course, to getting into university.

Girl power at its finest right there, ladies and gentlemen. At this moment, I start to notice the slightly self-deprecating nature of this article. For if this contributor is speaking in this oppressive manner to all women, surely this includes herself?

“Girl power at its finest right there, ladies and gentlemen” Image: Public Library of Science Photo: BASF @Flickr

Pankhurst staging a protest, and therefore I felt that it did not warrant an answer. If my silence hadn’t told him enough, he continued to say, “maybe you should just become a teacher instead.”

It isn’t the suggestion of becoming a teacher that offends me. I think it’s a great career path that I would have considered if I had the necessary patience with children. However, it is the idea that, as a woman, I only have a certain amount of choices available to me. Therefore, if people like this still exist in the world then yes, I do think that as a woman in science I am “tackling the ‘patriarchy’”.

Beyond the obvious offensive nature of the aforementioned article, I have to comment on the nice dollop of ignorance the writer has shown. Just because you haven’t personally experienced something, does not mean it does not happen. For example, the horror that is police brutality against African-Americans; it hasn’t happened to me, but I know it does to other people. Hurricane Matthew, that has devastatingly killed thousands of people across the Caribbean; I wasn’t there. It still happened. My housemate found a fiver on the bus the other day— again, I unfortunately wasn’t there for this joyous occasion, but I still believe that it happened.

We do, surprisingly, agree on one thing: “Diversity comes from your interests, your personality, and the parts of you that make you an individual.” Where we differ is that I consider science to be a part of that. I’d like to address the suggestion that you should “never define yourself as a female studying science throughout your university career.” My rebuttal? A simple ‘why not?’

Studying science is one of my interests and part of my personality.

It is what got me the position of Science and Technology Editor at The Mancunion, it is what drives me towards my chosen career, and most importantly it influences my personality. I’m not sure my family and

This embittered writer, whose career I feel would flourish at a topnotch media outlet such as The Sun, has written extensively about the absence of demeaning attitudes towards women in science, and has consequently taken on that tone herself, therefore proving the existence of said attitude. Well played.

I could not disagree more that “the reality is that most people could not care less that you are a woman studying STEM”. Well I care that I am a woman in science, and so does my mum, and those are the only opinions that matter to me really. I also have the support of L’Oréal, Nature Publications, many Higher Education institutions, and most importantly, all of the female editors of The Mancunion. But what do experts know anyway?

Maybe you should call up disgraced Nobel Laureate, Sir Tim Hunt, and share your opinions—or as you so poetically put, “claptrap”—with him.

Want to write for the Science & Technology section?

CONTACT : science@manucnion.com FACEBOOK: Mancunion News Team 2016/17 WEEKLY MEETING: Monday @ 5:30pm Students’ Union Activities Space

New research links female contraceptives to depression

A new study has found a significant link between the pill and depression, with the likelihood of developing mental health issues rising to 80 per cent in girls aged 15 to 19 for some forms of contraception Megan Harvey Science & Technology Contributor A link between hormonal contraceptives and depression has been confirmed for the first time, following a new study published in September from the University of Copenhagen, which has contributed definitively to this long-running global debate. The research arrived just before World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October, having tracked one million Danish women between the ages of 15 – 34 for over 13 years, becoming the largest study of its kind.

Women taking the combined oral contraceptive were found to be 23 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with depression, and those using progestin-only pills—also known as “the mini-pill”—were 34 per cent more likely. Adolescent women are at the greatest risk of developing depression, with an 80% increase seen in those taking the combined pill—the risk is doubled for those taking the progestin-only pill.

More worryingly, alternative hormone-based contraceptives often offered to women—such as the hormonal coil or IUS, the ring, or the patch—could increase depression at a much higher rate than either type of oral contraceptive.

This calls into question the NHS’ emphasis on providing these ‘pill alternatives’, to young women in particular, over recent years. The principle is that they eliminate the risk of pregnancy as there is no need to remember to take a pill every day, but it could well be that

the increased risk of depression outweighs this need. However, it is important to note that the study does not show that hormonal contraception directly causes depression, but only indicates an association.

The pill has been commonly linked to other problems such as: higher risks of deep vein thrombosis; weight gain; loss of libido; acne (both an increase or decrease), and nausea. Otherwise, it has not previously been usually linked to depression. Despite this, most pill brands do include depression and anxiety in their ‘potential side effects’ list.

A local female GP describes how in medical school, she was taught to be aware of the association between depression and the pill. She went on to explain that in a “historically male dominated field, depression was ‘dismissed’ as minor issue to deal with in comparison to unwanted pregnancy”. However, in this day and age, understanding the side effects—both mental and physical—is becoming increasingly important, particularly when it comes to communicating these to the general public so they are fully aware and can make decisions themselves.

One student spoke to The Mancunion about her experiences, after she was on the pill for over a year. She says she found herself “incredibly down all the time; the smallest thing could make me burst into tears. I didn’t see it until I came off the pill altogether.” She went on to explain how it influenced both her social and work life: “My housemates were worried about me and thought someone had died. I struggled concentrating on school work, and ended up having to resit

two exams in my first year of university.”

Since coming off the pill, her moods are “much more stable and predictable”. She advises: “Talk to your doctor about anything that could possibly indicate depression. If you don’t feel like yourself after you start a new pill just change it. There are so many options and you don’t have to stick to something that makes your life miserable.”

“There are so many options and you don’t have to stick to something that makes your life miserable” According to The Guardian, one of the study’s authors, Øjvind Lidegaard, plans to next study the possible “association between taking hormonal birth control and attempting or committing suicide”.

In light of this latest research between the pill and women’s health, it is important to always read the package leaflet that comes with your prescriptions to fully understand the potential side effects yourself. If you are in any doubt, ask your doctor or refer to sexual health websites.

Photo: Megan Harvey

Global 7

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

In theThenews this week...

Diver important and interesting stories from the wider world this week.

Stories by: Araddhna Patel and Alexandra Bickell

Sleep deprivation linked to obesity in children USA Previously sleep deprivation has been linked to causing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, however the University of Colorado Boulder in a new study has now suggested that it is also linked to obesity in preschoolers.

The findings published in the Journal of Sleep Research showed that sleep deprived children consumed roughly 20 percent more calories than usual.

One of the study’s authors Elsa Mullins commenting on the findings said that “Our results are consistent with those from other studies of adults and adolescents, showing increased caloric intake on days that subjects were sleep deprived.”

Raccoon sick of paparazzi USA Guy Williams, a student at Bellarmine University, in Louisville, Kentucky, got more than he bargained for when he tried to film a wild raccoon on his phone.

The raccoon, which Guy had christened Stanley only minutes before, grabbed the phone out of his hand and ran off with it into the night. In the background of the video, you can hear the distraught cries of “Stanley!” fading away into the background.

The raccoon finally dropped the phone after Williams started calling it, leaving a relieved Guy to retrieve it. None of the parties were injured during the chase.

eBaby Germany A baby girl was put up for sale on eBay last week for €5000.

The post was taken down within half an hour by the online retailer, but the original post contained photos of the girl, called Maria, in a variety of outfits. The baby has dark hair and is from Duisburg in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

Even though the post was quickly taken down, it still managed to go viral, with a host of internet users expressing their concern for the child and her welfare.

EBay spokesman Pierre du Bois said “we received a lot of complaints and immediately pursued the matter.” They removed the listing and informed the police as soon as was possible.

It is not currently clear whether the listing was actually posted with serious intent or whether it was a bad joke gone awry. Regardless, a police investigation is currently underway.

This is not the first time that people have tried to offload their children and make cash at the same time. In 2011, a toddler in Michigan was put up for sale on eBay by her cousin for $1000, with the tagline “clean, lovable, pre-owned.” Neither the police nor the mother of the child found the prank very funny.

Snake esssscape Malaysia 200 baby monocled cobras have escaped from their unlicensed breeding farm in Nanging province, Malaysia.

These snakes are highly poisonous and a single bite from an adult cobra can easily kill a fully grown human.

Around 150 of the snakes have thus far been killed or recaptured, but that means that there are still 50 alive and slithering in the local area.

It is believed that the escapees were part of a batch of 1,500 cobras produced by the farm, which has since been shut down.

Baby girl seen sleeping on her head USA An unsettling picture of a baby girl sleeping on her head has gone viral after her babysitter tweeted it.

Mikaela Long asked her 23,400 followers on Twitter: “do i call the parents or exorcist [sic]” She is a social media star from California, and was babysitting her niece for the first time when she noticed the disturbing handstand position the baby slept in.

Long posted the photo last week, and it has been retweeted over 56,000 times and liked more than 120,000 times.

The baby’s mother told Buzzfeed: “She’s been quite acrobatic lately. It baffles me as well. “I think it’s just her settling down and getting comfortable.”

cheats death as Great White joins him inside sharkdiving cage

Mexico An unnamed diver was being filmed shark diving near Guadeloupe Island off the West coast of Mexico, when a Great White joined him in a hair-raising close encounter. The shark lunged for a chunk of tuna meat that was being dangled as bait from the side of the boat, when it disappeared under the water.

The water can be seen frothing violently, before the onlookers realise that the shark has somehow managed to get inside the cage.

A quick-thinking member of the crew opened the top door to the cage straight away; moments later, the shark emerged and swam away into the open ocean. The diver that had been inside the cage at the time to film the shark feeding followed after he was sure the shark had disappeared, tapping his head in the ‘diver language’ to signal that he was unharmed.

The man who posted the video, on YouTube channel Gabe and Garrett, wrote that “the diver is a very experienced diver master, remained calm… he climbed out completely uninjured.”

Galaxy Note 7 tackled by brave Burger King worker

UK In Seoul, Korea, a Burger King worker had to use industrial kitchen gloves in order to handle a Galaxy Note 7 that had exploded inside the store. Jinhee Kim was videoed trying to pick the phone up multiple times, but the gloves made it difficult to handle, causing her to drop the still-smoking device.

Galaxy Note 7 devices have had an international recall after several incidents being reported where they have exploded, including on board an aeroplane. They were recalled once and the batteries replaced, but after continued issues it was decided that production of the devices should been scrapped entirely.

It has been estimated that the issues will cost the South Korean mega-firm around £4.4 billion in total.

Pro-migrant protests have been banned in Calais France The protests are in response to the dismantling of the Calais ‘migrant jungle’, which is due to take place as early as next week, although an official date has not yet been set. The Express online reported that thousands were due to join in a protest organised by the charity ‘International Coalition of Undocumented People and Migrants’, based in the refugee camp itself.

Police issued a statement announcing the ban, stating that the protests would heighten the “risk to public order” and be likely to encourage aggressive behaviour. This is not the first time that a protest organised by this charity has been banned – although last time, hundreds of its members ignored the warnings of police, causing violent fights between the factions, resulting in many injuries.

Julie Bonner, the lawyer of the charity, has commented, saying “the camp’s imminent and hurried evacuation is a violation of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

Photo: Jean-Philippe Bourque @ Flickr Photo: Crystian Cruz @ Flickr

In Science this week...

Science by: Georgie Hines, Araddhna Patel, Ellie Welch

Universe really has 10 times more galaxies UK

The universe contains two trillion galaxies; that is ten times more crowded than we originally thought!

The Hubble Space Telescope had taken images estimating the universe contains around 100 billion galaxies.

However, Christopher Conselice and his team of astronomers at the University of Nottingham have generated 3D images of deep space by uniting images from Hubble and all over the world. The team found that galaxies were too far away to be observed by current telescopes, and concluded that 90 percept of the galaxies in the observable universe are currently- and unfortunately- unobservable.

Galaxies grow by combining their stars; therefore, the low number of galaxies in modern times means that stars must have collided more often than we thought.

Black widow spider DNA found inside virus US The gene for black widow spider venom has been found inside a virus that infects bacteria. Researchers have said that either the virus stole the genetic material or animals have stolen the material from the virus.

Viruses typically infect one domain of life and so bacteriophages (viruses that attack bacteria) cannot infect humans or animals. However research found that some bacteria live in hosts such as humans or animals. Therefore the viruses infecting bacteria may be exposed to and steal DNA from the hosts of the bacteria.

Researchers have stated that this is the first time animal genes had been found in bacteriophages

UN attempts speedy ban of fastest growing greenhouse gases

Rwanda Around 150 countries are meeting in Rwanda to attempt to ban hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases, which are key substances used in refrigeration and air conditioning. HFC gases were introduced as a substitute for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which performed a similar role but damaged the ozone layer which protects the Earth’s surface from harmful ultraviolet radiation. With increasing demand for air conditioning HFCs are the fastest growing greenhouse gases and scientists have warned about the global warming dangers of their use.

Paralysed man feels fingers again US A 28-year-old man left paralysed by a car accident has been able to recognise feeling in his hand using a robotic arm that is connected to his brain. This achievement is a world first for researchers in the field. To find where to implant the brain chip, imaging studies were done to determine the sites of sensation for the mans fingers and hands. Professor Robert Gaunt, who led the research, has said: “The ultimate goal is to create a system which moves and feels just like a natural arm would” and that “we have a long way to go to get there, but this is a great start.”

8

Feature

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

53 per cent of students in favour of the monarchy

Stevie Grieves asks University of Manchester students what they think of the royal family, assessing their often polarised views

With Brexit, a dysfunctional Labour party and Theresa May not fairing much better, the political landscape of Britain in 2016 is at best looking extremely unstable. One thing that remains a constant, however, is the monarchy, and in turn, the British public’s unwavering support for the institution.

Will and Kate’s visit to the University of Manchester to view the National Graphene Institute in support of Manchester’s achievements in science and engineering is largely welcomed by a student body that, in our recent survey, overwhelmingly sees the monarchy as a force for good. When asked if they thought that the monarchy was good or bad for Britain, 52.9 per cent responded that they thought they were good, while only 35.6 per cent responded that they thought they were a detrimental to Britain and 11.6 per cent were unsure.

While to some this may be surprising—students are usually seen as a body of people that are more progressive and radical than their older counter parts—the poll merely follows the general trend that sees the British public as being very favourable in their views of the monarchy. A recent YouGov poll confirms this in also finding that 68 per cent of people think that the monarchy is good for Britain.

And this is true not only among all age groups, students and the older generation alike, but unusually actually is a commonly held opinion across all political leanings and parties—Conservative voters through to Labour and Lib-Dems are overwhelmingly of the opinion that our royal institution is a positive force.

In times of economic uncertainty, the question has to be asked as to why students still feel that the power and the inherited wealth of our monarchy is still important to Britain. What do they bring to Britain that makes them such favourable figures compared to our elected politicians?

A running theme in many students’ answers to our survey is that the monarchy, and our dear Queen, act as a “representative of British culture, industry and values abroad” and losing them would almost make Britain “un-British”. The mon-

archy, and Will and Kate with it, are seen in times like these as anchors that secure the British identity, similar as the reasoning for many to vote for Brexit—an act that for many was an attempt to retain a sense of “Britishness” that many felt was lost with part of the European Union. Sheer nationalism alone is not the sole factor however, when many, perhaps understandably, believe that the monarchy acts as effective and stable head of state in comparison to our chaotic political leaders of the moment.

Will and Harry in particular are seen as particularly positive influences, that “do a lot of good for this country” in terms of their extensive charity work and service in the armed forces. Many people value that they act as “moral” role-models for younger people and their admirable behaviour is endearing to many.

“Hereditary monarchy is an affront to democracy” However, while they are seen as a good thing for Britain, overwhelmingly students of the University of Manchester think they should not be funded by the tax payer. In our survey, 62 per cent of students think that the royal family shouldn’t be in any way funded through the taxes of the general public. The view of one student that “hereditary monarchy is an affront to democracy and the fact that we pay so much for their upkeep, security and so on is an added insult” is echoed by many. The idea that money and power can be inherited by some and paid for by everyone is, many feel, “fundamentally undemocratic.”

Those for the state providing a tax-payer funded salary for some members of the monarchy generally justify it with the sentiment that the Queen is great business when attracting tourists to visit the UK. The idea that the “net profit” the royals pro-

vide the economy with because they are a “major draw for international tourism” is a widespread one, if unsubstantiated. And while many people think their multi-million pound budget is a small price to pay compared to their contribution to the economy, VisitBritain, the national tourist agency, can’t find any evidence that that the monarchy is a driving force in tourism. While hard to quantify, it’s true that Chester Zoo, Stonehenge and the Roman Baths are all more successful tourist attractions than Windsor Castle.

The general trend, according to another YouGov poll, is also that the public thinks that the royals on tax-payers payroll should be slimmed down to just the head of state and her direct descendants, which luckily for Will and Kate means they won’t be left in the lurch, but more distant relatives might need to start looking for a new career path.

An argument that some students took when giving their reasoning for supporting the monarchy is that the monarchy is not actually funded by the state but “through the sovereign grant.” In this they mean that the money that the Crown Estate makes from land ownership generates a large amount of revenue for the HM treasury every year, and in turn the monarchy receives a percentage of this, essentially, as their salary. For many students, this large contribution to the state is reason enough that they receive such a massive yearly income of £43.9 million. Many feel that because the money comes from their land ownership that in fact they’re not funded by the tax payer at all and are entirely self-sufficient. However, the majority of students see their land ownership as immaterial and elitist; an archaic tradition that goes against the meritocracy that our society is supposedly built on.

And while the £40 million is already an extravagant sum compared to the average salary of a fourperson family, the fact that the cost of security is picked up by the metropolitan police and the costs of visits are picked up by local councils such as Manchester City, hides the fact that the cost of the royal family is in fact even higher than the public is first lead to believe. Republic, the lobbying body

that want the monarchy abolished, say that “the real cost of the monarchy to British taxpayers is likely to be around £334m annually.”

In this, one student voiced the opinion of many when saying: “I do not believe ancestry entitles anyone to receive more than anyone else.” Others were keen to point out that the endowment the royal family receive only “entrenches societal hierarchies and reinforces class distinctions.”

Additionally, in a time where cuts to public services such as the police and the NHS are so severe, a very common belief is that the money should be directed into services that benefit the wider public and not the privileged few at the coronated top.

However strongly the population feels about the monarchy’s finances, it still remains to be said that they remain favourable figures and key in perceptions of national identity. Being tied to our cultural heritage as a nation is increasingly seen as of key importance—from students to members of the wider public—they are seen as not relics from the past but symbols of what it means to be quintessentially British.

As one student put it, the Queen being “cute and fluffy” Their relatively scandal-free last few years have kept the negative press to a minimum whilst providing wholesome British family-values through Will and Kate’s young children. This low-profile has allowed them to escape serious criticism of their funding in times of cuts to other public services, and generally allowed people to not think too seriously on where they stand. And while their reign is characterised by a likeability factor, as one student put it, the Queen being “cute and fluffy”, it’s ensured that their place at the head of Britain will not be challenged any time soon.

Feature 9

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Passport to Paradise Embarking on a year abroad can be so much more than staying in Europe; six French students who travelled far and wide give their deux cents on choosing a far-flung location Gemma Sowerby Photo: Bethan Jones

A year abroad is about broadening your horizons in every possible way; you meet new people, discover new cultures, try exotic foods, and become a real global citizen. For Languages students, the year abroad is a given, and deciding how you’ll spend it is a huge and daunting decision.

For most people, the big choice is whether to work, study, or teach—how do you want to spend your year away from the comforts of home and the novelties of your university town? If that wasn’t hard enough, it turns out that there’s actually a much bigger choice to be made that can sometimes slip under the radar: Where on earth should you go?!

Most students aren’t even aware of the huge wealth of countries available to them for their year abroad travels. The Erasmus scheme is so well-known that it’s usually assumed you’ll go and live in a European country and accidentally spend most of your time speaking English (oops).

I study French, and spent my year abroad in Paris and Provence—the north and south of mainland France was exotic enough for me. A lucky few, however, have the opportunity to travel to all four corners of the world in pursuit of a completely new way of life, a deeper understanding of language and culture, and a super cool Instagram feed.

This is particularly true for French students, as there are over 270 million French speakers worldwide, living in 29 countries in which French is an official language across all six continents. If the seemingly endless choice of towns and cities in l’Hexagone wasn’t enough, the reality is that if you’re prepared to travel across the mighty oceans, the world really is your oyster.

I spoke to six French students at the University of Manchester about their exciting, enriching, sometimes difficult, and definitely life-changing years abroad around the globe.

Photo: Bethan Jones

First stop: The Caribbean. English Language and French student Bethan spent her year studying in Martinique, an overseas French department in the Caribbean with a population of 380,000. I asked her why she chose to live outside of mainland France: “I love adventure and exploring new places. Growing up I’ve holidayed quite a lot in France, so when I heard that venturing outside of the mainland was an option, it was a no brainer.

Photo: Alex Beveridge

“I was excited by the thought of a completely different way of life. Surfing, hiking, kayaking, and diving became regular pastimes. I also travelled to Barbados and St. Lucia—the dream! Although Martinique’s Franco-Caribbean mix was a bit strange sometimes, it has the best of both worlds: Beaches and boulangeries!”

However it wasn’t all sunshine and blue skies: “Occasionally I found myself feeling quite claustrophobic being on a small island, and one of the main struggles was dealing with the impossible mix of French bureaucracy and Caribbean pace, which took some getting used to.”

To anyone considering it, Bethan says: “I think my best advice would be to not overthink and just go for it! Take this chance of a lifetime and come back with better French and a killer tan.”

Also living the island life was Alex, a French Studies student, who spent her first semester working in Paris before moving to La Réunion, an overseas department in the Indian Ocean. “As I study just French I wanted to have both experiences. I love city life, but I wanted to experience a different part of French culture.”

Like Bethan, she “loved the nature in La Réunion; each weekend we would do a hike or go to the beach—there were only three beaches you could swim in because of sharks! We would often hike, even to the top of Piton de la Fournaise, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.”

There were, of course, some challenging setbacks: “The public transport was rubbish and quite often after nights out we would hitch a lift.

We once had some Dutch drug traffickers who threatened to throw us in a ravine before dropping

us off on the side of the motorway in the middle of the night!”

Moreover, “at times in Réunion I felt a little trapped, as you’re so far from home.” Alex describes La Réunion as “a really big mixing pot” of people and cultures: “It is unusual in the sense that it doesn’t really have an identity. It’s so multicultural.”

All in all, it was a positive experience: “I would highly recommend seeing other parts of the Francophone world rather than staying in l’Hexagone.”

Across the pond, French Canada is a sure bet for students, with over seven million Canadian Francophones. Chloe, a French and History student, studied for the whole year in Quebec, at L’Université de Sherbrooke. “I’d been to France several times, so I wanted to do something a bit more exciting and different. I knew it would be a challenge but that was part of the appeal.”

She loved “the people, and also the landscape of huge beautiful lakes and mountains,” but found the language “quite challenging, because I had to get used to the different accent, as well as the Quebecois slang.” Chloe was a true traveller, visiting “New York, Niagara Falls, Chicago, Quebec City, Cuba, Mexico, Miami, Seattle, Vancouver… to name a few!” To sum it all up? “I had the time of my life.”

Elizabeth, an English Literature and French student, worked in a school in Quebec City for a semester before studying at the Sorbonne in Paris.

“I found Québécois people to be more open than French people, especially Parisians! Quebec City itself is incredibly picturesque and really unique; it’s very much a combination between American-

Photo: Chloe Bonfield

Canadian and French culture. I would 100 per cent recommend Quebec, but I’m really glad I chose to also spend a semester in France—I think that gave me a really good balance.”

Over to Africa, where 120 million people speak French in 24 Francophone countries. Kennetha, a French and Linguistics student, spent her year in Togo, working as an English Language Assistant in an international school. Here, “pupils and teachers were from all over the world, and it was so much fun watching the different cultures merging and

Photo: Kennetha Brown

interacting with each other.”

So why Togo? “I chose to go to Togo because, even though I had never been and knew no one there, I’m from nearby Ghana... so the culture of that area is familiar to me. Once there, I loved the ease of life. It was very comfortable, everyone was welcoming, and the weather was almost always great.”

For Lena, who studies French and History, moving to Senegal was a big change after a semester studying in Paris: “I decided to work in an office for the NGO ActionAid in Senegal’s capital Dakar.

I wanted to use my year abroad to travel to a completely new place, and to communicate with more people globally by moving as far away as West Africa. “Everything I was doing and seeing was nothing like England or even Europe. And, of course, sunshine every day and living next to a beach was great too.” While travelling far and wide, Lena did experience certain struggles being in such a different environment, such as “low level street harassment and sometimes feeling uncomfortable with wanting to travel outside the capital by myself or walking alone at night.”

However, the positives far outweigh the negatives: “I would definitely recommend it. It really broadens your opinions on how truly useful a language can be—no one in Senegal really spoke English, so it taught me to adapt and prepared me for more travelling and challenging situations in the future.”

The list of amazing experiences that people have on their years abroad is endless, but it’s important to remember that this is a big choice that will impact your life in a major way. To be informed before deciding, visit fco.gov.uk to look into all the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s travel advice, and help inform your own year abroad decisions. Don’t forget to follow @FCOtravel on Twitter and Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest emergencies and travel warnings as they happen.

Your year abroad is all about immersing yourself in new cultures and creating the best memories of your life—so make sure you do it while staying safe and healthy.

Opinion

10

Get in touch Facebook: /mancunionop Twitter: @MancunionOP Email: opinion@mancunion.com

Have an opinion?

Come to our meetings: Monday 5pm, first Floor of the Students’ Union

The call of the sea Colm Lock Opinion Writer The oceans have always been a great friend to Britain. As an island nation, we owe our very survival to our status as a sceptred isle. We were saved by the sea from Spain in 1588, from Napoleon’s European conquest and from the Nazi war machine.

It has kept us free from tyranny and allowed us to continue our way of life unhindered by our enemies and with no foreign troops darkening our doorways to oppress and enslave our people.

Then why is it I ask that for the last twenty years or so, Britain has been comfortable to relegate itself to the cusp of losing its status as a major naval power. Why did we turn our backs on the sea as a tool for trade and prosperity? Our maritime prowess has suffered from our ignorance.

The fact that Britain has voted to leave, and by the looks of things is heading towards a breakaway from the common market, means that our nation will be more dependent on the seas for trade than it has been in many years. But there is a long way to go before we can confi-

“The oceans have always been a great friend to Britain.”

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Where do our course fees go?

Opinion Writer, Elliott Mills argues that equal fees and unequal funding disfavours humanities students

Humanities students pay the same amount as those studying sciences. For a long time, I believed this to be absolutely fine. But then I thought about it for about seven seconds and realised that it makes no sense. I have very few contact hours, I buy books which are not subsidised, and my department is not in need of any highly expensive new equipment to really see what Finnegans Wake means. Well, though it might be in need of such equipment, it sadly does not exist. It seems strange that I should be paying the same amount as a student for whose course is far more expensive to run.

Walking past and noticing the extent of newly-demolished buildings throughout the university campus, you might not be surprised that one billion pounds is being spent on this round of redevelopment.

If the new Business School screens are not a clear lens facing the heart of corporate strategy itself, then they need not have bothered. You have not seen a spreadsheet till you have really seen a spreadsheet. Certainly, we know that, on screens, we can rely upon the university planning committees to deliver—as it has been well demonstrated by the remarkable improvements in our collective quality of life since the biggest screen this side of Printworks was attached to the learning commons.

“I pay the same amount as a student for whose course is far more expensive to run.”

The overall ten-year campus masterplan aims to improve common areas such as the library, union and health facilities.

Photo: Pete Birkinshaw @ Flickr

More fundamental, however, is the goal of moving the north campus nearer the south campus. This means that it will be easier to navigate the university.

As well as joining the campuses together, by 2022, the centres for the School of Law, the Manchester Business School, the Medical School, the School of Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Mathematics and Chemistry as well as the Manchester Engineering Campus will have been improved or redeveloped.

Meanwhile in the School of Languages and Cultures, the blackboards will be gently cleaned—perhaps even polished.

Furthermore, it has been promised that 90 per cent of the chairs in the History Department will still be there by the end of the academic year.

Of course this is not to say that redevelopment in the fields of study

and research that require it more than humanities departments should be forgone. These projects to renew facilities are highly valuable.

Yet, it may be worth observing what the road to this golden future looks like at present. There is something uncanny about the redevelopment of the university and cityscape that resembles its very disrepair. Once one project is nearing completion, another will begin. It is a cycle whose marks in the present are sites of damage. This tension can be felt elsewhere in Manchester, as the vague ‘Circle Square’ building site is surrounded by graphics proclaiming: “a place to think, create, achieve the extraordinary,” whilst the moving of mud behind the barriers spreads into eternity.

Aside from the question of buildings and equipment, one wonders where

humanities tuition fees could possibly go.

Limited contact hours for arts students either mean that our lecturers have the highest hourly rate of pay on record, or that our money is redirected elsewhere.

If I had been taught by someone off the telly, then I at least would have known where the money had ended up. If Tim Lovejoy took my seminar on Slaughterhouse 5, I would be confused but satisfied with some tangible evidence of money being spent; tangible in so far as I could touch Tim Lovejoy, if I so wished.

I grant that this is a silly example, but within a department where we cannot ask for new equipment to improve research, it becomes difficult to think how money could be spent. On the contrary, it is not as if the School of Physics, for example, would have this problem. They are surely redundant of the need to employ some celebrity-scientist for lecturing.

Of course, when assessing the relative value of different areas of study, the discussion is lead into a game to which there can be no winner. By arguing for the lowering of fees of humanities subjects, you implicitly argue that these academic areas have less value in today’s society.

Then, in arguing that these areas of study are just as useful or important as the sciences it seems necessary for equal fees across disciplines.

A former English Literature and Language student of the University of Manchester Anthony Burgess wrote in 1988 in his younger self that he “dimly felt then, and feel very strongly now, that there is something wrong with an education system that takes no account of passion.”

Perhaps the higher education system now does account for passion. Or rather, it relies on the blind passion of humanities students in their acceptance of paying excessive fees.

The route to university has improved, and so must we

The updated cycle lanes are to be welcomed, but more caution must be taken by all travellers

Alex Pigott Opinion Writer

As part of Manchester City Council’s billion-pound ‘Grow Project’, the majority of students’ route to the University has got a whole lot safer. But now we all need to dently look to those very seas know our place on the road or pavement, and say that we have dominion and stick to it. As many will have noticed over them. (see, the never-ending roadworks) the proIf you need look for the best ject has had a focus on the cycle and bus physical example of Britain’s lanes of Wilmslow and Oxford Road, one retreat from the seas you need of the busiest public transport routes in look no further than the current Europe. Due to this business, amongst othsize of the Royal Navy. Since er factors, the route can often be very dan2010 our navy’s surface fleet has gerous to cyclists—as my mum will never been cut by almost a third and its let me forget. These changes are much personnel numbers drastically needed, and so far we are seeing a great reduced. And while yes it is true improvement. But there is still more to be that the government are invest- done from all that use the roads either being in more high-quality subma- hind the wheel, in the saddle, or on foot.

The conflict between cyclists and drivrines, frigates, patrol ships and aircraft carriers, we still lack the ers has really blossomed over the past significant combat-ready ves- ten years, as made clear by the hours of sels that are needed to protect YouTube footage dedicated to disgrunour interests. Suppose tomor- tled drivers and righteous riders; the new row that there was a crisis in the Mods vs Rockers, some might say. Due to a Falklands and at the same time a combination of arrogance and ignorance, crisis in the Mediterranean that the two groups don’t seem to be able to share the road harmoniously. With the both required British naval fireintroduction of these new cycle lanes, you power. What would we do? may think the problem would now cease to exist. Given such clear separation provided by bollards, kerbs, and bright green This is an excerpt of paint, the two groups are hardly sharing Colm’s piece. To read the road. However, the problem still rethe full version, head to mains, and pedestrians are adding to it, using the green strip as if it is their own VIP www.mancunion.com fast lane.

The council are doing their bit, but now

Photo: Tejvan Pettiinger @ Flickr

it’s our responsibility to recognise this and change our own habits. The easiest, and most common group to take issue with are the drivers. Though they are less likely to be reading this, it is still worth pointing out the issues. Incidents have certainly reduced since the cycle lanes have been introduced, most likely due to the separation of bikes and cars. But at junctions, where the separation ends and the two are forced to cross paths, is where arrogance and ignorance collide.

Often the ignorance comes from the driver—though not always, of course. Now that the cycle lanes are more obvious than ever, the issue of being pushed up against the kerb is almost non-existent. However, it seems these clear boundaries have

done nothing but encourage the mindset of the unaware driver. The clear separation seems to encourage a vacuum of awareness to the left of the car just before making a lurching turn, and in doing so, cutting off the oncoming cyclist and forcing a dramatic escape. Occasionally, the cyclist isn’t so lucky and is sent flying from the bike into the severe pain of tarmac.

This is far from the case with all drivers. In fact, I’d like to praise the bus drivers, who always seem to have one eye on every inch of the road. But it still happens often enough to make an interruption-free journey through the Curry Mile a rarity.

As a cyclist myself, I know that we are far from innocent. Often, we act like the rules of the road don’t apply to us. Clearly

this doesn’t do much for the harmony of road users. If a driver were to see a cyclist speeding through a set of lights when they’ve been waiting patiently for it to turn green, it will of course cause feelings of resentment. Though it is often safer to set off before the cars do, drivers equate these actions to arrogance. It’s effectively spitting on the sacred British past-time of queuing.

If we cyclists are looking to be treated with respect and with the same rights as all other road users, then we need to act that way. There are also a great number of occasions where cyclists are ignorant too, by failing to indicate or cycling at night without lights. It’s small things like this that encourage a divide between the two parties.

The pavement walkers have never been an issue for us road-using cyclists. They have kept themselves to themselves and all was well. But since the advent of the protected cycle lanes, some have decided to venture off the safe haven of the pavement, stepping out into the bright lights of the green strips. These paths seem to allow pedestrians to stroll past others as if they were on an airport conveyor belt.

It seems like a wonderful solution to the problems of the pedestrian, but what a commotion it causes for cyclists. Just as the driver might makes a rogue turning, cyclists are constantly aware of the pedestrians with their backs turned, teetering on the kerb, in case they make a break for it in their new ‘fast lane’. Once again, we’re often forced to slam on the brakes, and squeeze past with a cautionary “Woah, watch out”, hoping that will stop them from doing it again.

The recent changes are such a positive step, but we must check ourselves before we wreck ourselves—or those around us.

Opinion11

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Clickbait culture is killing our news Len Cotton

Contributor

On the 2nd October 2016, one of the most monumental decisions in the history of Latin America was made. After 52 years of brutal warfare, Columbian citizens voted to reject President Juan Manuel Santos’ peace proposals to end fighting with the guerrilla group, FARC. But I bet you didn’t hear about this. In fact, I can guarantee the vast majority of people reading this won’t have even realised Columbia was in a state of war. Instead, our newsfeeds are plagued with endless drivel on the ins and outs of Rihanna’s sex life, Brangelina’s divorce and most recently Kim Kardashian.

Last week Kim Kardashian was subject to mass media coverage, possibly the greatest of her career (since that video) after her hotel room in Paris was raided by armed robbers. And so, once again, Mrs Kanye broke the internet. Facebook became a minefield of minute by minute Kardashian updates: Kim’s alive, Kanye’s flying over, North is safe, Khloe’s still crying. Then there was the tsunami of backlash from Kim K’s defence army, pleading with the public to view her as a person, with like, real feelings and emotions and stop criticising the icon of our generation! But this idea of Kim being just a ‘person’ is what I would like to draw on; because that is indeed what she is. Just. One. Person.

Meanwhile in Columbia, millions of citizens have been subject to unimaginably horrific events.

Trauma beyond the realms of belief as a result of 52 years (52 years?!) of civil war. That’s longer than World War One, The Russian Civil War, Spanish Civil War, Second World War, Korean War, Vietnam

War, Gulf War and Bosnian War combined. The lengthy combat has resulted in 6.9 million citizens becoming displaced as refugees. 46,383 people have ‘disappeared’, 29,682 have been kidnapped (actually kidnapped, sorry to rain on your parade, Kim), and over 260,000 people have been killed, the majority of whom are citizens. These citizens are everyday people like you or me. Everyday people with hopes, dreams, aspirations, families. Yet, no one is talking about this.

“Imagine a combination of That’s Life magazine with the script writers of Made in Chelsea. That is the state of today’s online media” When researching for this article google produced 137,000,000 results for ‘Kim Kardashian’.

For ‘Columbian Referendum’ there were just over one million results and many of them were about Brexit. All this begs the question: why? Why are the 260,000 Columbian lives lost being forgotten

With clickbait stories saturating our online feeds, is it time we re-evaluated the meaning of journalism?

whilst the Kardashians weep into their silk handkerchiefs?

One justification many news platforms would give for this is the phenomena known as ‘clickbait’.

The print press is (regrettably) a dying species and thus online media has divulged into an intense competition to gain the most views. Unfortunately, this has meant that many keen, up and coming journalists are fixated on grabbing the latest gossip and not the breaking headlines. From Jesus on a crumpet to Hitler-esque cats, one thing is consistent with this evolving medium: it’s all awful. Imagine a combination of That’s Life magazine with the script writers of Made In Chelsea and you’ll start to get an idea of the current state of online media.

Whilst it may seem my views are expressed in jest, this journalistic transition from facts to frivolity is not something to be taken lightly. If our timelines are constantly clogged with Taylor Swift’s latest squeeze, then Kim’s multi-million dollar jewellery stash won’t be the only thing lost. We will have lost the very purpose of journalism. A purpose to inform, inspire, promote, provoke. If people actually knew the extent to which cases like Syria, like Columbia, and like many others, are far from existing in isolation then sure as hell is hot they would be angry. And anger, in its purest form, is what will incite change. To assume the world alone is so uninteresting that there is both a need and demand for petty tit-for-tat weeklies on the developments of Pippa Middleton’s glutes is absurd.

If anything, we are living in an age where news

has never been so exciting. Real news, that is: Brexit, Trump, Syria, Columbia. There is an overwhelming wealth of exciting content to command the attention of the general public. Though, I cannot deny there is a place for celeb news bulletins (and who doesn’t love when the mundane is turned into a meme?), that should by no means be the leading actor in the world of reporting. Ignoring the likes of something as crucial as the Columbian referendum acts as a form of denial. It might be easier to laugh at ‘Ten Times Donald Trump resembled a hay bale’, but it is far more important to be in the know of developments which could (and most likely will) have global ramifications.

“News has never been so exciting: Brexit, Trump, Syria, Colombia.”

Although the UK may not be directly involved with Columbian events, as citizens living in a stable and war-free country we have a moral obligation to inform ourselves of the catastrophic situations of those abroad. It’s about time the media gave Columbian citizens the respect they deserve and provided a voice to the silenced, not to the celebrity.

The fight for remaining in the European Union is not over

Edie Walwyn Contributor

We should continue to argue for remaining, despite a date being confirmed for the triggering of Article 50

Theresa May recently announced that Article 50 will be triggered by the end of March 2017. Us ProEuropeans reacted by comforting ourselves with some Valencian seafood paella and a hefty glass of Bordeaux wine, whilst desperately searching through our family tree to find an Irish or German relative, in the small hope we can gain access to an EU passport.

For those still in favour of staying in the European Union, the last three-and-a-bit months have felt like an exceedingly long nightmare, from which we will, eventually, awake to find that Brexit had never happened. We can no longer sit in denial; it is becomingly clear that ‘Brexit’ does in fact, mean ‘Brexit’, and

“The United Kingdom’s universities are in danger of losing 15 per cent of university staff as a result of leaving the European Union.” that Theresa May and her terrifyingly inadequate cabinet are serious about invoking Article 50 soon.

However, in spite of this, I believe that pro-Europeans throughout the United Kingdom (almost fifty per cent of the electorate) must continue to resist Brexit, no matter how futile the fight may seem: keep attending anti-Brexit rallies, lobby MPs until they are sick of the sight of you, talk, write, paint, and sing about it. In my opinion, Brexit isn’t Brexit until the very second that Article 50 is triggered.

First and foremost, there were clear problems with the conduct of this referendum. There is evidence to suggest that the Leave campaign depended strongly on deceiving their voters—one such example being the lack of a plan for the aftermath of the vote. Perhaps the most significant example of this was the ‘£350 million a week for the NHS’: a claim that the Leave campaign has now officially retracted. The slogan and the big red bus that it was presented upon was an attractive vote winner, and

Our country benefits vastly from multiculturalism. It is not just about cheap and easy access to Brie-de-Meaux—although that is vital to food snobs up and down the country. It is, more generally, about the open and ready access to so many other cultures that our membership of the European Union gives us. Economically, Brexit would be disastrous for the country. Although this is what many choose to focus on, we should also be concerned about the cultural decline which we will inevitably suffer as a result of leaving the EU. The rise in hate crimes and racism after the referendum result indicate that exposure to such variety of culture is vital to a functioning and harmonious society.

Photo: MPD01605 @ Flickr

is a clear example of the deception that occurred during the run-up to the referendum.

Many Leave voters have expressed regret in their decision, and have admitted to feeling deceived by the Leave campaign. 53 per cent of Welsh Brexit supporters are now in favour of remaining a part of

“Brexit isn’t Brexit until Article 50 is triggered[...] it is not over until the fat lady sings” the European Union. Unfortunately, it could easily be argued that much of the very real and justified anger felt towards immigrants should have been directed at UK governments, past and present. In any case, Theresa May cannot possibly justify making this momentous economic and political decision whilst so many regret their decision, and nearly half of the population did not want it to happen in

the first place.

As well as this, Theresa May should not deceive herself into thinking that she can trigger Article 50 without the consent of Parliament–as required by constitutional Parliamentary Sovereignty. The lawsuits filed against the government over Brexit are a good indicator of the serious legal case against the governments’ triggering of Article 50 without Parliament’s consent. It is for these reasons, amongst many more, that Pro-Europeans must keep going in the struggle against Brexit. The European Union is well-and-truly worth fighting for.

The NHS has no chance of survival without the support of the EU. When you resist Brexit, you are not only resisting in defence of those many doctors and nurses who come from all over the European Union, but you are also resisting in defence of yourself—providing that your health relies on the NHS. Furthermore, the United Kingdom’s universities are in danger of losing 15 per cent of university staff as a result of leaving the European Union. Therefore, we must fight for Britain academia and scientific research, if not for ourselves then for future generations to come.

“The comfort of a Valencian seafood paella, a glass of Bordeaux wine, and a desperate search through the family tree—all in the hope of access to an EU passport.”

Therefore, although in light of Theresa May’s announcement regarding Article 50 it may seem fruitless to keep resisting our departure from the European Union, it is too-important an issue to just watch the country belly-flop into a detrimental and rushed triggering of Article 50. Do not be afraid of questioning ‘democracy’ by questioning this referendum, and do not be afraid to keep fighting this uphill battle. I believe that it is not over until the fat lady sings; in this case, Theresa May.

Music

12

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Feature

Live Album

Live: Akala

Top 5: Post-Freshers’ 4th October at Academy Comedown songs 2

Akala schools Academy 2 in a masterful tribute to politically conscious hip-hop, writes Harrison Kersey

Harrison Kersey Contributor

9/10 loyal support from old-school heads too.

9/10 Akala took the stage after a brilliant montage of archive footage in-

Photo: Harrison Kersey

There aren’t many artists better suited to playing Manchester’s Academy 2, at the heart of the Manchester campus, than the rapperactivist-guru hybrid known to the world as Akala. Anyone who pays attention to online grime/hip-hop platforms like Radio 1Xtra’s Fire in the Booth or SBTV’s F64 freestyle sessions needs no introduction to the man also known as “Mr Fire in the Booth”; for those less familiar with the UK scene, suffice it to say that when it comes to igniting mics with a lyrical firestorm of knowledge, Akala is the man.

However, as mentioned already, we’re not just talking about a rapper here. His website bills him as “Artist, Writer, Historian”. Demonstrating his academic chops pre-show, Akala gave an impressive and thoughtprovoking talk on decolonising the curriculum the afternoon before the gig. Holding the attention of everyone in the room and dispens-

ing some serious insight on a range of issues, he looked every bit the scholar. Point after well-researched point left the audience (including myself) well and truly schooled. Now to see how Akala the academic compared with Mr Fire in the Booth a few hours later…

After a pretty strong warmup from Liam Bailey (singer of that hook on Chase and Status’s huge 2011 single ‘Blind Faith’), complete with anecdotes and some great put-downs for hecklers who should have known better, Academy 2 was looking ready. An eclectic crowd with punters of all ages, colours and creeds, looked to the stage expectantly. A number of older fans wearing Illastate Records (Akala’s independent label) merchandise made it clear that as well as recent converts drawn in through his presence online (Guardian articles & fascist-smashing appearances on Question Time), the rapper enjoys

cluding speeches by Malcolm X and Marcus Garvey, and launched straight into a high-energy set that proved testament not only to his lyrical agility but also some seriously impressive endurance. Despite the authority with which he held the stage and the dissertation-calibre lyrical content, the atmosphere felt a long way from any classroom you’d recognise. That is, unless your teacher ever rattled off bar after bar of searing socio-political analysis to a packed-out venue.

Even those who knew the words had trouble keeping pace with the man on stage; double-time flows and densely packed bars shown off on heavier tracks like ‘Sun Tzu’ and ‘Shakespeare’ reinforced Akala’s credentials as one of the best in the business. Flanked only by a drummer and DJ, with “no hypeman just breath control”, this was a oneman tour de force.

It wasn’t all about the bangers however. Strings and heartfelt social commentary made ‘Absolute Power’ a standout moment, and several people agreed with me that the five-minute spoken word piece from ‘The Ruins of Empires’ (Google it—a very cool graphic/poetry project) was the highlight of the night, taking the crowd from jumping up with fists in the air to collective goosebumps. Then, as a surprise to anyone who’d not been following his Instagram, Akala even performed in character as Uncle Pompous Peterson, an embodiment of global elites put to great comic effect with some funny yet cutting satirical verses. Along with some outstanding visuals projected onto a screen behind him, this multifaceted performance elevated Akala’s set to more than just another rap concert.

13 years since his first video and ten since his first album, now with five more under his belt, Akala still feels as relevant as on the release of debut It’s Not a Rumour. A prime example of the independent grind paying off, this is not music which can be put into a box according to industry tastes. Defiantly asking the electrified crowd if conscious hip-hop is still alive at the end of his set (the answer—a resounding yes), it’s clear that Akala is happy to walk the path less travelled. Radio-friendly he is not, but the warrior-monk of UK hip-hop is still selling out shows around the country and with good reason.

Interview

the Interview Iglooghost

The Mancunion speaks to the enigmatic electronic producer

Elliott Mills Contributor

Much mystery surrounds the musical entity that is Iglooghost (real name: Igloo Ghost). Is he an alien? Is he a figment of our imagination, prophesising the second fall of mankind? Or is he a twelve-year-old boy with those trainers that light up when you walk? Little can be said with complete certainty other than he is making some of the most exciting and creative electronic music out there today. This is something that renowned LA producer Flying Lotus must agree with, as he wasted no time in signing Iglooghost up to his label Brainfeeder last October. It was here that his stellar EP Chinese Nü Year was dropped some weeks later.

That Iglooghost was signed by one of his musical inspirations is not lost on him.

“I still feel like I need to prove to myself I deserve it though. There are so many wicked nasty talented soundcloud wizards out there and I wanna beat them all… it’s not a competition but you know what I mean.”

Iglooghost’s music undoubtedly has a striking intricacy in its multilayered nature. It is clear that this comes from a lot of time spent at his craft. This attention to detail and general quality is something that Iglooghost suggests has increased recently in the bedroom producer scene: “I’m hesitant to say we’re at a golden era of Soundcloud just because everyone knows the actual site itself is fucking crap, but I genuinely think bedroom production is in super saiyan mode right now.

It’s moving at an ever-increasing exponential speed but the quality of ‘sound design’, or whatever interchangeable term you wanna use instead, is mental.”

When Chinese Nü Year was released, it came with the explanation, in his words, that it “is a story about a gelatinous worm-shaped creature who wears a witch hat called xiāngjiāo.” This worm-shaped crea-

Tracks of the week: Rising star D.D. Dumbo tops this week’s roundup of new tracks writes Mattea Bubalo

Photo: Adam davis-powell @ flickr

ture is everpresent in Iglooghost’s artwork. Integral to his project is a visual aesthetic combined with storylines that he creates himself and which conceptually underpin the music.

“I work the music around visuals/storylines that I would have already made. It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. I think I kinda find the visual aspects a bit more stimulating which is weird.”

The music and the concepts are practically one and the same. This means that the idea of collaboration becomes difficult as it requires bringing someone in from outside of his specific ‘igloo universe’.

“I really have to resist getting people to feature on my stuff just because it feels like breaking the fourth wall. I really don’t want anything in my music that refers to real life for example. I guess I’ll do the odd remix or rap song but they sort of exist outside the iglooghost canon or whatever.

“The only vocalist I can really 100 per cent trust is my good pal Mr Yote, because he has a thorough understanding of the igloo universe.

This all sounds a bit picky, but when this album that I’m writing drops, the whole storyline/universe will probably be a lot clearer and it’ll be obvious why I’m being a li’l bitch about features.”

For someone so involved in artistic creations which extend beyond just the music, Iglooghost as you might expect has been working tirelessly on his new album, which he says should be dropping in early 2017.

“I mean I’d be lying if I said it’s been fun to write. For the past year I’ve just been working on it for all my waking hours unless I got a gig or something. It’s like army camp. Like easily 50 per cent of my time is spent writing it.”

The album process then has been at once painful and useful, as he says, “I’ve been figuring out what doesn’t work, which fucking sucks but I guess it’s necessary… put so many hours into what ended up to be trash... but it kind of functions as clearing all of the (what turned out to be) bad ideas out of your head.”

It seems however that the exploration of all ideas, whether eventually good or bad, is something which Iglooghost sees as expedient.

Advising any aspiring creatives, he suggests “if you’re struggling to find your voice in whatever art you’re trying to do, just combine all the weirdly specific things you enjoy into a giant thing, because nobody will have the same combination of tastes/experiences as you so you can’t really go wrong. It’s way more satisfying that trying to create something to fit a pre-made mould.”

In this light you can understand that the Iglooghost project, although initially seeming abstract, is deeply personal; a multifaceted creature, a “giant thing” that has gathered up the energy from all the weirdly specific things from a specifically weird mind, and then put on a witch hat called xiāngjiāo.

Riverwave- ‘Tonight’

Devendra Banhart- ‘Jon Lends a Hand’

D. D. Dumbo- ‘King Franco Picasso’

Vaporwave’s classic dreary monotony gets a computerised, glittery makeover by mysterious artist Riverwave. A new mix has been released on their Soundcloud account and it’s a tune that epitomizes relaxation.

Inspired by sounds from popular ‘A nime’ shows in 1980s Japan, Riverwave will make you feel like you’re the only one driving down the motorway at midnight.

Subtle, sweet, and surreal; this tune from Devendra Banhart’s new album Ape in Pink Marble, delivers melancholy that will satisfy long time fans and surprise the new ones.

There’s something gentle about this track, with its hint of harps and the murmur of the warm keyboard, that will revive tired eyes.

Newcomer D. D. Dumbo is rising to prominence with his new album Utopia Defeated, crashing onto the scene with a disruptive pop-esque sound which here takes a jumpy and spooky turn— perfect for Halloween parties. This track might offend someone with a penchant for the more delicate side of lo-fi, but the odd blending elements of smooth jazz with the sparkling guitar sounds of shoegaze is refreshing.

Music13

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Album

Record Reappraisal: Oasis - Be Here Now

As one of the most hyped albums of the 1990s is reissued, Callum Oliver asks: should it be remembered as the most disappointing too?

Callum Oliver Contributor Be Here Now, as everyone already knows, has gone down in history as the pinnacle of Britpop’s excess. The druggy accoutrements of fame and their own hubris finally caught up with Oasis, and they collapsed well and truly into self-parody. In hindsight, perhaps it was inevitable. A band as dogmatically reverent towards the idols of the past was always going to dredge up the same tropes. The truth is, in spite of Noel Gallagher’s preposterous but somehow perfect dalliance with Tony Blair, Oasis were always a deeply musically conservative band. Any band that name-drops ‘Yellow Submarine’ in their first single has to be.

So Be Here Now didn’t come out of nowhere. If anything, it’s a flabbier and more indulgent version of (What’s The Story) Morning Glory. The songs are looser, and they don’t half go on. Perhaps the worst offender in this department is ‘All Around The World’, which stretches out a banal CBeebies jingle into a 10 minute ‘Hey Jude’ pastiche. It all ends, with depressing inevitability, with a big guitar solo, because that’s what rock bands do. Pompous, bloated and humourless, it’s everything punk set out to get rid of. Similarly, the apparently endless ‘It’s Getting Better (Man!!)’ resembles Liam Gallagher gurning in a wind tunnel while the band strike various Guitar Hero poses behind him. Yeah. Rock.

Generally, the quality of the songs feels undermined by their similarity. In isolation, ‘I Hope, I Think, I Know’, for instance, is a solid

pop song. However, after a while you realise that every song sounds like the one that came before it, and the one that came before it wasn’t up to much. Perhaps the sole exception to this rule is ‘D’You Know What I Mean’, which is a genuinely dynamic and propulsive start to the album, even if it doesn’t end when you want it to, and carries on not ending for several minutes.

However, the song also typifies the worst of the album’s blue-you, me-see lyrics. “D’You Know What I Mean, yeah yeah?” Well… no.

And I don’t think you do either, Noel. In fairness, people don’t listen to Oasis for their scintillating lyrical qualities, which is just as well, because there aren’t any. They listen to them because they are songs you can bellow along to in fields, and at this, Be Here Now broadly succeeds. ‘Stand By Me’ is a strong enough song to survive its chronic overproduction and 20-odd choruses. Even ‘All Around The World’ is almost endearingly daft in this department.

However, the amusingly overblown, Spinal Tap excesses of this album aren’t enough to redeem it. The excess permeates everything, right down to the garish kow-towing to the old guard of rock on the cover. With this album, Oasis continued to shove indie (whatever that means) away from fey, gauche outsider music into a lumpen dad-rock cul-de-sac. Despite a handful of undeniably great songs, they represent a glum re-establishment of the safe and familiar in British music.

Photo: Album Artwork

Album

Album: Slaves - Take Control 30th September via Virgin EMI

The punk two-piece deliver a sophomore album which, though impassioned, lacks imagination and fails to impress

Nancy Davis Contributor

6/10 As leaders of British punk, it can be hard to stay one step ahead. While Kent duo Slaves have had enough to write about - from Brexit to Syria - they fail to shock. Their new album Take Control seems more of a punk stalemate than revival.

Opening the album, ‘Spit It Out’ throws you straight into the deep end with the chaotic vocals and drums we’re so familiar with from their debut album Are You Satisfied? Under 3 minutes long, the track appears to be following its mantra and getting straight to the point. However, with a 16-track album it was clear something had to give. Thankfully, it was not their humour as they provide two skits, ‘Mr Industry’ and ‘Gary’, to conjure a chuckle during the heavy album.

Owing to guitarist Laurie Vincent’s broken wrist, the band explores a slower tempo than we’ve heard from Slaves before. ‘Cold Hard Floor’ stays true to punk roots with the blunt message that you cannot run away from your problems, “hiding from the rain but you’re gonna get wet some day”. It also features an obligatory freak out scream in case the pace was distracting from the messy feel Slaves tracks are known for. This exploration did not work out for all songs as the strange ‘STD’s/PHD’s’ is reminiscent of an Oasis song on a hotbed of acid-fuelled synth.

Rebelling, as they do, against the upper classes, ‘Rich Man’ takes clear inspiration from Blur as they sing of a man with “a big house and a shit load of land”. If there was a point to get across, it is completely lost by the anti-climactic chorus.

The highlight of the album is ‘Lies’, with a guitar riff so melodic that it does actually surprise.

Written after the government’s decision to bomb Syria, Isaac Holman’s raw and gritty vocals draw you in to the darkness of it all as he sings, “you do as you are told even though you knows it’s not right”. What makes this track different to others on Take Control is how genuine this message feels. In other songs the only thing that comes across clearly is an air of pretentiousness.

Produced by former Beastie Boy Mike D, this power team create a genuine punk album. Unfortunately, their loyalty to the genre has meant that rather than anything groundbreaking, we are given a long and cliched album that is everything you’d expect.

Photo: Album artwork

Album

Lies have delivered an 80’s pop inspired record that is commendable, Album: White Lies - Friends White yet unremarkable, says Jacob Hopkins 7th October via BMG

5/10

Jacob Hopkins Contributor The problem for many established acts is how to keep themselves sounding fresh and interesting once they’ve found the sound which works for them, and White Lies are no exception. Having set themselves up as a solid post-punk act complete with dramatic, story-like lyrics, driving basslines, and synthesised strings on their first two efforts, 2009’s To Lose My Life and 2011’s Ritual, 2013’s follow-up Big TV felt as if it wanted to move away from this without knowing how this new direction wanted to sound. Their new album, Friends, cuts these ties more radically with an 80’s pop sound and more intimate lyrics, but doesn’t completely solve the problem.

Perhaps the sleek packaging sums it up best—it’s White Lies, but brighter and wrapped in retro synthpop.

The lead single, ‘Take It Out On Me’ coincidentally is only two words away from a certain 80’s hit which seems to have influenced many of

the chiptune-esque keyboards on the record. Musically, this is certainly a far cry from upbeat early singles such as ‘Death’ or ‘Farewell to the Fairground’. New tracks, ‘Hold Back Your Love’ and ‘Is My Love Enough’ are built on pulsating layers of synthesisers, disco-styled basslines, and genuinely heartfelt, intimate lyrics and are—shock horror—actually quite danceable. The new electro approach really comes into its own

“New tracks are built on pulsating layers of synthesisers, disco-styled basslines, and genuinely heartfelt, intimate lyrics and are—shock horror— actually quite danceable.”

for ‘Swing’, a slow-burning, minimalistic track, building up from a simple bassline and drumbeat into the familiar, chorus-heavy band we know.

Inevitably, there are filler tracks, and in some respects there is a lack of diversity between tracks once the new sound is more familiar— a similar problem to that which plagued Big TV. The big choruses and interesting music is there, but sandwiched between acceptable, yet unremarkable songs. Despite this, we should commend White Lies for a genuinely bold step forward, both musically and lyrically.

Friends is a good album and several tracks merit a few re-listens at worst and a place to get stuck in your head at best. Let’s hope that White Lies continue to put out more of these types of tracks and fewer unremarkable filler tracks on future albums.

Photo: Album artwork

Music

14

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Live

Live: Blossoms

September 30th at Manchester Academy

Top 5: Protest songs

Stockport’s Blossoms appear thoroughly uninterested by the prospect of a sold-out show at the Academy, writes Meg Roberts

Meg Roberts Contributor

5/10

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Going to a Blossoms gig feels a lot like that night you drank too much when your older brother’s band played the local dive: There’s something homely about it.

I wasn’t lost in a Remake Remodel-esque sea of open shirts and flared trousers; the aesthetic of the crowd was as unpretentious as the band. I knew what I was getting both visually and sonically.

But I didn’t want them to play it safe. More than anything, I wanted Tom Ogden to care that he was playing to a sold-out crowd at the Academy, but I may as well have been pint in hand at Stockport’s Bakers Vaults.

Ogden opened their set with the line “we’re Blossoms from Stockport”. These are local lads through and through. I felt a

world away from Zachary Cole Smith’s usual “we’re DIIV from New York City.” If you know, you know.

Three years into a band, complacency shouldn’t be a thing, at least not yet. You could have sold-out arenas and stadiums but don’t make me feel like it’s just another night, no biggie. There’s something heartwarming about a band who are genuinely appreciative of their audience and I just didn’t get that from Blossoms—and when they don’t care, why would I? I know it’s your first record and you’ve lost count of how many times you have played it, but I want every time to feel like the first or at least let me feel like you’re not just going through the motions. I couldn’t help but feeling like this as they meticulously worked their way through their eponymous debut album.

They just didn’t seem that into it.

They played well, as I suppose they always do, but it didn’t make me feel anything, and isn’t that the point of making music?

I thought, perhaps, Tom had been watered down and sent to the Van McCann school of performance. Also, memo to the sound guy—I’ve never been to such a quiet gig, can you turn it up?

Their music brings people closer together, that much is obvious—it’s a movement for sure, but at the same time, not one I’m entirely sure I want to be part of. They are set to be what Arctic Monkeys were to the noughties and Stone Roses were to the 90s Madchester scene—but as Turner once said, don’t believe the hype.

A protest placard is as much a part of the student look as that worn out beanie hat or that Joy Division t-shirt. Let’s face it, you’ve probably signed up to God knows how many petitions for God knows what to prove that you’re political and in the know and totally don’t get most your news from BuzzFeed and Mock The Week. So whether it’s to get you riled up and out on the street fighting the man or to sound more cultured in front of your new beret-wearing, moustache-stroking, Nietzsche-quoting friends here are five politically charged protest songs (in no particular order) to give a listen.

Gurnaik Johal Contributor 5. ‘Virgin Mary, Put Putin Away’ - Pussy Riot Pussy Riot is a true punk band with more balls than their name suggests—three of their members were arrested by Russian police for performing ‘Virgin Mary Put Putin Away’ in Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The song is fuelled with rage and their raw primal vocals would make even bear-wrestling Vladimir Putin squirm.

It mixes a blasphemous hymn-style chorus with aggressive punk verses that push the boundaries of free speech whilst being oddly

Feature

Feature: Indie Music Week

poetic. Pussy riot protest against the Government and the Russian Orthodox Church for women’s and gay rights.

Jacob Hopkins reports back from the launch party of Indie Music Week, returning to Manchester with a diverse showcase of up-and-coming Indie bands Jacob Hopkins Contributor

4. ‘Reagan’ - Killer Mike Hip Hop is often used as a form of political protest and Killer Mike (one half of Run The Jewels) certainly gets political in ‘Reagan’. He

contrast as possible. Heavy rockers, featuring a shirtless guitarist and plenty of melodic screaming, yet allowing for math-rock and prog sensibilities, the Manchester band draw a large and involved crowd and earn a well-deserved reception. Similarly, the following US-UK act Killing Floor provide simpler heavy riffs with anthemic choruses, somewhat akin to early 2000s Foo Fighters or AC/DC, and crowd-pleasing interaction galore. Although the evening has taken a heavier turn by this point, the bands still feel sufficiently different that the event comes across as a showcase for the different genres to be represented across the week.

The launch party wraps up with a slimmer crowd and a set from Psyblings, who despite their long hair and tie-die attire prove themselves perfectly capable of setting down heavy, frenetic riffs with plenty of crowd interaction once again. In a way it’s almost a shame that they were picked to headline the venue on a Wednesday as their set would have gone down a storm with a larger crowd. Still, they manage to deliver a rapturous performance in a half-empty venue with several obviously dedicated fans at the front.

Overall, the launch party was a showcase of not merely great but also diverse talents – ranging from the low-key Texan blues early in the evening to the frenetic psychedelia offered by Psyblings. Although the lineup seemed heavy on American acts (which admittedly makes sense for a festival originating from Canada), a cursory glance at the rest of the bands set to perform in familiar venues such as Joshua Brooks, O’Shea’s Bar, and Factory, shows that the organisers have gone above and beyond in promoting UK and, particularly, Mancunian acts. If they can meet the high standard set at the launch party, then the business knowledge these bands will hopefully pick up from the panels and masterclasses offered as part of the festival can only be a good thing.

5/10

Photo: indie week logo

“It’s kinda hard for bands like us to break through, we’re just sad sons of bitches playing rock ‘n’ roll” opines Andy Bianculli in his Texan drawl towards the end of his Americana-influenced set at the launch party for Indie Music Week. Sad sons of bitches or not, it would be hard to deny his point – getting signed is, and has been for some time, a challenge for up-and-coming bands. The rise of Spotify and the like hasn’t helped; while it may be easy to dismiss the effects on more opinionated superstars such as Taylor Swift as near-negligible, record labels are becoming increasingly nervous about the risk of signing new acts. To land a record deal in these difficult times therefore takes not only great musical skills, honed through gigging, but also a good insider knowledge and business acumen. But where does a band more focused on catchy choruses and riffs pick up these skills? Enter Indie Music Week.

Indie Music Week started in Toronto in 2003 and combined a series of gigs for bands to showcase their talent with music panels and masterclasses to help them out business-wise. Having operated a similar outfit in Dublin for several years, the first Manchester edition took place in 2015. In addition to crucial gigging and business experience, the event offered one winning band to play in Toronto and sign a record deal, with the honour going to Sweden’s very own Victoria & Jean. It’s no surprise that the return to Manchester in 2016 would warrant a launch party, featuring a range of local and international artists.

The launch party is at Live Manchester, a well-hidden underground venue at the end of Grosvenor Street. Once inside, LED screens above and behind the band display patterns in blue and purple as well as regular displays of Indie Week, setting the relaxed scene. The evening kicks off with a trio of Texan musicians –the singer-songwriters Andy Bianculli and Elijah Ford— who play folksy and electric American blues with a decidedly laidback approach (one couple decide to waltz to Bianculli’s set), who then form a trio with singer Jai Malano. Although her powerful, soulful voice rightly gets a great reception, Bianculli lays a solid foundation of suitably bluesy chords and solos, all kept in place

by Ford’s solid bass playing. This first section earns rapturous applause from an audience who stomp, clap, and dance along in true Deep South style.

However the next act, The Elder Fawn, provide as much of a

comments on the dire state of Hip Hop, the war on drugs and goes on to expose the ‘prisons for profit’ scheme in America (and maybe even in Britain). With controversial political lyrics and a beat that will have your head nodding in agreement, this is the perfect example of what a good protest song should be.

3. ‘God On Our Side’ - Bob Dylan The entirety of this list could have been made up of Dylan songs as the folk legend was instrumental in charting social injustices in a divided America. Through his music he holds up a mirror to society and his skilled lyricism converts the tales of the downtrodden into truly beautiful songs—despite his harmonica playing sounding like an asthmatic cat screaming as it get shoved into a wood chipper.

Channeling the likes of Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez, God on Our Side is a classic anti-war song where Dylan dissects the nature of war and questions society, politics and religion

2. ‘Sonny’s Lettah’ - Linton Kwesi Johnson Especially relevant today after Brexit and with increased awareness of police brutality, ‘Sonny’s Lettah’ tells the story of an immigrant who is jailed for retaliating to police violence. As a Caribbean who moved to London in the 60s, Johnson summarises the experience of first-generation immigrants in poetic patois over brilliantly arranged Reggae and Dub sounds. His album Forces Of Victory is filled with political songs about race and immigration and had a big influence on early British Hip Hop.

1. ‘Mississipi Goddamn’ - Nina Simone The High Priestess of Soul and—I would argue—music in general, Nina Simone wrote Mississippi Goddam in reaction to the murder of Medgar Evers and the Sixteenth Street Church bombing in 1963. The upbeat show tune style of the song jarringly contrasts the morbid lyrics. It immediately caused controversy and was banned in the South and rejected by radios as it quickly became a Civil Rights anthem and a classic protest song.

Photo: Jacob Hopkins

Games 15

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Feature

Loading, ready, run...

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Connor McBride Games Contributor Here at the Mancunion, we try our best to keep on the pulse of new games and any news that comes from the world of gaming. I would like your permission, however, to step back for a bit and have a look back to what I would call the most interesting decade in gaming for the UK: the 1980’s.

While the US was lording over by the Atari 2600, the UK and most of Europe were getting involved in the home computer. Computers were no longer the size of the Manchester Baby and could start doing slightly more than number addition. Early prophets boldly predicted that every household in the country would someday own one and that computers and programming were the next big thing.

Home computers started becoming available in mail order “complete assembly required” kit form in the late 70’s, where only the die-hard hobbyists would go through the struggle. That was until Clive Sinclair came along.

Clive Sinclair’s vision for home computers was a very philanthropic one. He wanted to make cheap, easy to use home computers that you could learn to program on. This was no more evident than in the ZX Spectrum. An incredibly affordable home computer (£175 in 1982) designed for the masses.

It even came with a hefty manual on how to make programs for the device.

The ZX Spectrum took off straight away, becoming the first mainstream

home computer in the UK. It was about this time that the BBC created the Computer Literacy Project, an initiative to teach computer programming to the masses. They partnered with Acorn and came out with the BBC Micro. A home computer released in 1981 designed with expandability and ease of use in mind. Accompanied by a myriad of peripherals and government subsidisation for education, the BBC Micro soon found its way into British schools around the country.

So, the year is 1982, Thatcher rules, there are two hot new home computers on the market and a sudden enthusiasm for learning how to not only use these computers, but make programs for them. Even the government is subsidising

computers in schools to help educate schoolchildren. Out of everything you could program, what does a young, impressionable audience choose to make? The answer is video games, of course it’s video games.

This drive in computer literacy accelerated British video game development at a cracking pace and made it somewhat of a cottage industry, which was more than welcome in a recession hit 1980’s Britain where other, more traditional industries were failing. Programming was suddenly somewhat in vogue and an entire culture developed around it. There were magazines that printed reams of code for video games that, once painstakingly typed in by hand, became yours to jiggle around and poke at to see how it worked. The

A step back in time to the 1980s and the British games industry

BBC aired The Computer Programme, complete with demos on how to use your new BBC Micro. Some (slightly unscrupulous) publishers even allowed bedroom programmers to send in their newly made games and, if good enough, would even publish them. There was opportunity abound to learn and perhaps get your foot in the door in video games here.

Both the ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro could run programs in one form or another of BASIC, a programming language where the clue is in the name as to how easy it was to learn.

Both the ZX Spectrum and BBC Micro were literally designed to learn how to program on. This hype over the hot new trend, coupled with how easy it was to use them, led to a surge of great British born games. The ZX Spectrum had classics like Manic Miner, All or Nothing and Jet Set Willy while the BBC Micro had the legendary Elite and Starship Command, and that is still discounting the vast amount of great arcade game ports made for both of the systems. Of course there was also a lot of tripe released, like any generation of video games, but it was British tripe. It was homegrown, bedroom reared tripe inspired by these home computers that wouldn’t have ever seen the light of day were it not for the ZX Spectrum and the BBC Micro.

While the Spectrum and BBC Micro were both successful in their own rights, it was the ZX Spectrum that took the lead in the UK. Even if it floundered against the likes of the Commodore 64

state-side. Being considerably cheaper than its rivals and easy to code for, the ZX Spectrum was the home computer of choice in the UK. Sinclair even received a knighthood for his efforts.

But to declare a “winner” somewhat defeats the point. The point I want to make here is how influential the 1980’s were not only in video game culture, but in British programming. This period was the stepping stone for many developers to get into the industry.

Remember Elite: Dangerous? David Braben made the original, Elite, on a BBC Micro. You like Goldeneye? Tim and Chris Stamper, founders of Rare, got their start on a ZX Spectrum. Even the British powerhouse Codemasters got their start in this era. It is thanks to home computers like the ZX Spectrum and the BBC Micro that the British IT and video games industry is what it is today.

Fast forward 30 years or so and some of that 1980’s give-it-a-go-yourself pluck can be seen to be having somewhat of a renaissance. The Raspberry Pi, a bare bones, credit card sized computer designed to help promote the teaching of computer science in schools (Sound familiar?) has surpassed 10 million sales and the BBC Micro lives on in the Micro Bit, another small computer which will soon be given to every 11 year old in the country, courtesy of the BBC. Perhaps we might see a new generation of inspired programmers making great British games in the near future.

Review

Gears of War 4 – Review Stephen Lewis Games Editor

It’s been ten years since the release of the original Gears of War, and during that time the series has expanded into four games on the Xbox 360, one remaster on Xbox One, numerous book and comics, and a recently announced film. Last week saw the release of the latest entry, Gears of War 4, the first Gears on Xbox One and the start of a new saga. This also the first original game created by the Microsoft-owned studio The Coalition, who handled last year’s Gear of War Ultimate Edition so well. The studio is also led by Rod Fergusson, the producer of every previous Gears entry, so the studio already has a clear idea of how the game should feel and it’s place within the overall universe.

So to start off, how does the game play on a technical level? If you’ve played any of the previous games, you will feel right at home. After going back to Gears of War 2 many months ago and now returning the series the controls are essentially unchanged. A few new moves have been added such as pulling enemies opposite you out of cover and a way to smoothly vault over cover whilst roadie running but the general formula remains the same.

The speed of gameplay however does feel a few clicks fasters, and the enemy AI has also

been changed to reflect this. Whilst in the earlier acts pit you against robotic soldiers called DeeBees, by the time you get to the middle act you meet the real foes of this new entry, the Swarm. When compared to the Locust from the original trilogy of games, the Swarm fight much more aggressively whilst still maintain a level of familiarly: drone enemies behave mainly the same except they will try to press your position more often, they can also be buffed

by Scions, the new ‘heavy’ enemies carrying stronger weaponry and emitting buffs to all other Swarm on the field. In this way they are like a combination of Boomers from Gears 1 and Kantus from Gears 2. Juvies, the new fast enemies seem to have taken the place of wretches and tickers in that they are the fastest foes, but now they move in larger packs and at greater speed, emitting a shrill scream to alert all other enemies to your presence and wake up those in hibernation.

Whilst the campaign is locked to 30 frames per second on console, multiplayer allows a slight dip in resolution to push the frame rate up to a smooth 60fps. Apart from this change that was already introduced in Gears of War Ultimate Edition, the multiplayer feels very similar to the Gears of old. There are a few new

Photo: BagoGames@Flickr

game modes added in and some tweaks made to Horde, the wave survival mode, for version 3.0 which is arguably an improvement from Horde 2.0 in Gears 3 as that felt a bit cluttered at times. The game also makes a bit more of a deal in pushing you into Horde mode, as during the campaign there are instances where, for story reasons, you have to hold a position against three waves of enemies and are given access to turrets and defences found in this mode. Whilst still very good, it does have the feeling of Gears multiplayer in that it hasn’t changed enough to feel fresh, but what is here is mechanically very good and still enjoyable. It’s just that in the years since, you may have moved onto other games for your multiplayer experiences, and after a number of matches I already found myself thinking of how much I played this during my high school years, and how much I wanted to move back to something like Overwatch or even the newer gameplay of Halo 5.

A new saga begins, but is it worth your time?

Finally, the story; how does this entry fit into the rest of the series and does it work well as the start of a new saga, as in emblazoned on the back of every box? In short, yes. Gears 4 feels like a great starting off point for a new trilogy, in places it even feels like this was what they were going for with the original Gears of War. A common complaint about the original game was how it kept telling you about the ongoing war against the Locust ‘Horde’, but you would only fight about five to six enemies at a time.

This was addressed in Gears 2 which I would argue is the better game, but it took the approach of your army vs their army and your place within it. In Gears 4 it definitely feels like a small group of friends surviving against a much larger enemy presence.

The story did in some ways though remind me of PlayStation’s Uncharted series in how there seems to be a larger focus on the characters as real people instead of just soldiers with guns, massive set pieces every few chapters, and an added level of casual humour. Yet this last one is a double-edged sword, as when the new characters JD, Del and Kait act like this it feels natural. When this is used by Marcus however, who appears early on in the game and then proceed to talk about how the enemies at his home are “fucking up my god damn

tomatoes” it feels forced as this is not the Marcus we’ve come to expect. The plot does leave a few cliff-hangers and holes to allow for expansion in Gears 5, but by the time you reach the credits the ending does feel a bit sudden like they are trying to hit you over the head with a sign saying ‘to be continued…’

Overall Gears of War 4 is a solid game, and if you are a fan of the series this is a definite purchase, and is more inviting to new-comers than say Halo 4 was in 2012. In terms of pushing the series forward it does very little and is more of a refinement than a revolution, but the journey, if occasionally predicable, is certainly worth your time.

Want to meet fellow gamers in Manchester?

Come and visit the University of Manchester Gaming Society stall at this years freshers fair! We host weekly events and have always been a good place to make friends and play some amazing games as a community.

Fashion & Beauty

16

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Untailored, unprinted and unrestricted Tarun Daryanani explores how basics are an ongoing trend on the catwalks, and the best essentials to stock in the fashion savvy wardrobe Coveted brands such as Stella Mccartney and Yves Saint Laurent are driving down the route of utility chic; and we all are infatuated. Designers are divided in their approach of to how to dress fashion frenzy individuals. The crux of the world of high fashion is to be able to channel a unique personality through eccentric garments whilst relying on staple pieces that can be utilised from day to night. It is easy to lose yourself with the upcoming trends of next season; whether it be the Miu Miu sea shell wedges, to the ostrich-feather lined coats of Prada (which can be deemed as fashionably ugly).

Being fashion forward is a labyrinth whereby one craves mouth-watering pieces whilst owning items which are never archaic when a new season approaches. We witness the basic black blazer to the simple stiletto being reintroduced, without infestations of floral print or Sicilian lemons that appeared to be picked from a warm Italian fruit field. “Basic” garments are multifaceted; they span from sportswear luxe to simple block colouring.

THOSE TRACKSUIT BOTTOMS Rihanna and Puma signed a fashion deal creating luxe sportswear which every woman would lust for. Bringing back a straightforward pair of tracksuit bottoms and teaming it with bondage inspired eveningwear, displays the importance of sportswear and making it ubiquitous.

THE JUMPSUIT Whether it be worn with a slick sandal for a classy dinner to a pair of white sneakers for workwear, the jumpsuit is as versatile as it is stylish. Stella Mccartney paraded an array of oversized khaki jumpsuits; no fixed silhouette with just one block colour. It is not just about the figure but rather the fashion that one wants to flaunt. Some had waists clinched with oversized bottoms and others seemed like a scrunched crisp packet. Yes, the pieces may appear relaxed and sludgy seeming that the Stella customer is too casual; but effortless translates to exquisite.

Let’s get back to basics with skincare Qiarna Bondswell reveals what your skin is craving and what products you can discard from your routine

THE SLICK STILETTO Anthony Vacarello at Saint Laurent had the option to dive into incorporating leopard print with crystals to create provocative sandals which would be deemed a must-have by outlandish young women. Instead, he delivered a sleek black stiletto which could be worn with various forms of day and night looks. What makes us hungry for this upcoming pair? The YSL logo heel which adds a snapshot of someone who lusts for displaying a logo and oozing sex appeal.

BLOCK COLOUR Sure, it must be enjoyable wearing polka dots of multitudes of different colours.

Being conspicuous out of a crowd is what one may hunger for. But sometimes it is the minimalism that fuels strangers throwing complements. Celine, normally known for paint striped blouses and sphere, orb shaped heels have now demonstrated block colouring. Simple, white, minimalistic dresses paired with distressed black trousers created the image of a woman ready for a yoga fuelled, detox getaway. Relaxed seems to be in and body-con confinement seems to be taking a backseat.

Photo:StefanRichards @Flickr Photo:Celine

That Feline Flick Feelin’ Fashion and Beauty Editor Sarah Kilcourse delves into her on going love affair with one make up look in particular Call me stereotypical but since I was twelve I have felt a deep love for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I thought I had seen female perfection; when I first laid eyes on her sleek frame stood in front of the window of Tiffany & Co, coffee in hand, in the ultimate Givenchy little black dress – the dress that launched the LBD. Then she pulls down her sunglasses, reveals those long black eyelashes and, best of all, elegant black eyeliner flicks.

Twelve year old me knew exactly what to do. Pocket money in hand, I headed to Boots to purchase a kohl eye pencil and subsequently created a horrific mess on my face. A mess I Photo: jupiesco @Flickr

proceeded to wear to school – for years. Over time however, I was introduced to new forms of eyeliner. I dabbled in liquid eyeliner, although I swiftly realised it was too harsh a shade of black compared to my fair skin and ginger hair. Next was gel eyeliner, with which I had much more success, thankfully by this time I had a steadier hand. Before landing on my current eyeliner of choice, L’Oreal Superliner Perfect Slim, an easy application felt tip.

Throughout all my changes of success and product, the end goal with my eyeliner has always been the same. A feline flick. I may not be as doe eyed as Audrey, but with that beautiful black line I can pretend to be somewhere close.

The feline flick is a make-up look that never goes out of fashion. Black eyeliner did exist long before Audrey Hepburn; early images of Cleopatra show her eyes adorned with black lines; Amy Winehouse rocked eyeliner up, making it thicker, more extreme, messier – perennially cool. Eyeliner is consistently reinvented, redefined and reformed. It may be smudged out and smoky, neat and delicate or in full Instagram

“fleek” mode, but it’s a flick none the less.

I am forever on the receiving end of questions (mainly from family members) of why do I feel the need to put so much black around my eyes?

And the answer is simple. With that one touch of make-up I am me, not the me that for some unknown reason can’t function between 3pm and 5pm, I am the me that goes and gets their dream university job, the me that can rise above bitchy comments and the me that can give the best sideeye.

For some make-up is an obsession, I could never claim to feel this level of intense affiliation with cosmetics. But I will defend the feline flick ‘til the end of time. As far as I am concerned it is the ultimate in feminine, sexy, sophisticated, elegant glamour. Youtube has over 26,000 search results for the feline flick if you’re in need of some advice.

I can accept that I am unlikely to eat croissants in haute couture outside jewellery shops, but everyday I can be Holly Golightly with a flick of my eyeliner.

Denim - a clothing necessity? Menswear essentials Denim jeans are the ultimate wardrobe staple. Bailey Petts tracks their journey to success over the years For men and women, denim wear is a prominent fashion trend. Whether it is a pair of jeans, a jacket, or a pair of shorts, denim is undoubtedly in many people’s wardrobe. The fabric first came into play in the 1800s in America; the cheap and sturdy nature of the material made it popular for fashioning the “work pant” for the lower working class. This “hard-working” material was later improved by Jacob Davis in 1873 who added copper rivets to the jeans in areas where they were likely to split, thus enhancing their practicality even more.

It was only halfway through the 1900s when denim became a cultural icon of American history; the Wild West films gave denim jeans a certain sex appeal, and jeans became a fashion epidemic. With Levi Strauss dom-

inating the market and even creating styles for women, denim was a very sought after look.

It did not take long for other companies to follow suit; Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger were soon putting their stamp on this cash cow product, and to add to their existing cultural appeal, denim jeans were being worn on the big screen by the likes of Brad Pitt in Thelma and Louise, Marlon Brando and John Wayne. Calvin Klein held a campaign with Brooke Shields seductively stating that nothing comes between her and her Calvins (the jeans) and Britney Spears with her then boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, were photographed covering their entire bodies with denim.

The unisex cut and practicality of jeans are what propelled them into the wardrobes of many, and the transcendent versatility of denim made it such a fashion industry obsession.

Denim’s prevailing quality and adaptability means that it will continue to be a clothing necessity for many more years.

Jai Joshi takes you through what essentials should make up every man’s wardrobe in 2016

Photo: gooseotter @Flickr

Menswear style is one that can be easily characterized. From everyday office wear to lounge wear. The menswear market has exploded rapidly alongside the recent male grooming phenomenon. The influences from womenswear has changed the category of menswear entirely but every man should own the staple pieces that pull his wardrobe together.

These selected pieces are classics that are never out of style. Keep it simple with your essentials ensuring the colours and tones are interchangeable. Focus on pastels and neutrals and if you love colour, then, go all out on your accessories. From your phone case to your socks if you have to.

It is not appropriate to wear ill-fitting clothing in 2016, in the age of social media this is a serious no-no. Ensure your pieces fit appropriately, not too oversized and not too tight either, try to find the perfect zen. Although opting for the right basics can revolutionize your style from slouchy to chic in no time.

Follow these simple rules and you will always be a well-dressed individual…I mean who wouldn’t want to be a well-dressed individual?! The seven super-easy must have essentials are as follows: 1) A gentleman cannot live without a well-tailored suit. Suitable for weddings, important interviews and days in the office. Can be in Black, Grey or Navy.

2) A cotton smart White crisp shirt, a basic essential that can be reworn with ease.

3) A leather jacket classic autumn-winter essential which can be thrown over anything.

4) Smart black or tan leather Chelsea boots for those über-chic occasions and late night rendezvous.

5) The perfect pair of jeans go a long way from the high end FRAME pair to a high-street favourite TOPMAN, a plain blue or black ripped can be dressed up and down.

6) The all-important trainer for informal occasions, everyday errands in white or black is a must have.

7) Keep it stylish with your coat the final essential, whether you opt for a regal pea wool coat or an urban winter-proof padded parka, find one that appeals to your personality and run with it.

Be honest, are you guilty of doing this? Watching your favourite YouTube beauty guru or reading a beauty mag that recommends a skincare product that you just have to have, and then running out in a mad frenzy to buy the latest product? Or adding a newly ‘must have’ skincare item to an already never-ending wish list?

Yet deep down you know, and I’m sure your bank account does too, that you simply don’t need all the countless skincare products you lust after. So let’s breakdown what you really need to stock up on to get that glowing skin vs what you’ve been told you need.

They say you need: Day Creams. What you actually need: Just a night cream Note to self: your skin has no idea what time of day it is. Day creams are nearly always just a lighter, less moisturizing and less hydrating version of a night cream. Companies typically take out the more emollient ingredients and add an SPF in order to make their day creams. I suggest finding a high quality night cream you love and stick to using that all day without making that extra splurge on a day cream. And if your main reasoning for buying day creams is for the SPF element then look for a facial sunscreen, they will be much more effective against sun protection.

They say you need: Skin oils. What you actually need: A serum 2016 has been the year of the facial oil, never have they ever received such publicity. And to be fair the hysteria surrounding facial oils isn’t completely misplaced as generally they do provide your skin with the nutrients that our daily moisturising creams typically neglect. However, when compared to serums, facial oils are fundamentally less effective. Serums, unlike facial oils, typically contain very high concentrations of active ingredients of antioxidants which work to brighten the skin, fight against lines and wrinkles and tighten the skin. Serums are water based which mean they have smaller molecules compared to facial oils: this allows them to penetrate the skin at a deeper level.

They say you need: Toners. What you actually need: Not a toner Do you have large pores? If the answer is no, then stop looking for a toner because you DO NOT need one. Trust me on this one, toners typically contain relatively harsh ingredients because their main purpose really is to dry out your skin and shrink your pores in prep for moisturizing and make-up. Unless you have large pores or oily skin, give this whole step a miss. Instead invest in a cleanser to do the main bulk of work in terms of prepping your skin for your moisturiser.

They say you need: A Clarisonic. What actually you need: A Clarisonic The Clarisonic is one of the few products that deserves the hype it receives. These bad boys are expensive and require the heads to be change every 3 months. There are cheaper knockoffs out there, but trust me nothing beats a Clarisonic. It’s the one product that is a complete staple in my routine; pimples, heat rashes and blackheads are old skincare issues that I don’t have to worry about anymore. It provides deep cleansing that gets rid of makeup and dirt like no other product (and I have tried the various Clarisonic knockoffs). Whilst I was in Kenya my Clarisonic didn’t come along with me and wow did I suffer! My skin completely changed for the worst!

Fashion & Beauty 17

An ode to Coco Chanel This week we’re celebrating back to basics. Deputy Fashion and Beauty Editor Talia Lee-Skudder praises the fashion house of Chanel for its classic and timeless pieces that have remained current for over a century From Christian Dior to Burberry and Louis Vuitton, some fashion houses have the “je ne sais quoi” that has allowed them to remain ever present forces within the fashion industry. Their longevity and versatility have proved them to be constant influences from the time of their inception right up to present day when they are still continuing to make waves in fashion. Whilst there are many brands to commend, it is the luxurious brand Chanel that we are celebrating this week.

Despite launching her brand over a century ago, Coco Chanel created timeless pieces that are still much sought after today. Chanel revolutionised fashion at the time. Taking inspiration from the tailoring of menswear and creating pieces that were not only comfortable, but also a world away from the restrictive corset that was a wardrobe staple for women at the time. With this in mind, Chanel designed the classic black fitted skirt and dress, complete with the iconic boucle tweed jacket. It is this that launched black clothing as a fashion statement, particularly the LBD, the ultimate wardrobe staple. Yes ladies, it is Coco Chanel that we have to thank for making black chic and allowing us to hide a multitude of sins while still looking fabulous of course.

Even today it would be nigh on impossible to walk into a high street store and not find something that has been inspired by Chanel. Each season sees a whole new host of revamped boucle jackets appear, as well as a constant never-ending supply of the 2.55 quilted bag which are brought back season after season. This only emphasises the classic and timeless appeal of the houses signature pieces. Even in 2016, for us mere mortals who are still desperate to get our hands on Chanel inspired pieces and don’t have a spare few grand lying about, thankfully there is an abundance of replicas that we can find on the high street.

Ten years after Coco Chanel passed away, Karl Lagerfeld took over the fashion house in the 1980s and has ensured that it has remained one of the powerhouses in the industry. Lagerfeld has reinvented but also preserved the heritage of the iconic fashion house, with the classic pieces continuing to be a constant fixture on the runway. This season’s Spring Summer ’17 collection was revealed in Paris and incorporated the classic collarless jackets and shift dresses, but revamped them in keeping to the theme “Data Universe”. The collection featured bright colours, mainly a collaboration of electric blues and pinks that updated the tweed suit. A vibrant and futuristic spin on the universally revered Chanel classic that just keeps on giving.

The timeless collections are a testament to the true mastery of Coco Chanel. Whether you’re dressed head to toe in monochrome with a little black dress or rocking the revamped tweed inspired by this season’s new collection, Chanel is the mastermind behind your outfit choice. While new designers are appearing all the time, it is Chanel’s classic designs that have established the fashion house as the iconic and timeless brand that it is. Women everywhere owe their thanks to the ultimate fashion designer Coco Chanel.

Photo: rhoberhto@Flickr

To contour or not to contour?

In an effort to uncover the public opinion on the topical beauty debate around contouring, Deputy Fashion and Beauty Editor Sophie Soar bares all and seeks the general consensus on the bronzed makeup phenomenon It’s a common feature of life for many women to doll themselves up for a night out on the town with their friends. We all love to do it.

There’s something great about the process of getting ready with the girls, putting on makeup and choosing an outfit to start your night before even leaving the confines of your bedroom.

I’ve certainly changed for the better in my makeup routine, fortunately moving away from piling on the Dream Matte Mousse and rimming my eyes with the thickest and blackest of kohl liner at the age of fifteen. Now, I chose alternatively to emphasise eyes or lips, adding concealer when my eye bags look less Prada and more Primark, and generally stick with the rule that a natural face works best for me.

I’ll admit unashamedly though that I am a lazy makeupper. Rather than learn the different functions of primer, bronzer, highlighter or foundation, I alternatively opt for a tinted moisturiser and powder, changing my day-to-night look by adding glitter and topping up my mascara. So I was curious as to how make-up can change your face

and what the general consensus was with regards to my favourite beauty rule: less is always more.

A half-hour pamper treatment later, including excessive efforts from my housemate to turn my face into a contoured creation, I was transformed almost past recognition. I was mildly embarrassed to have to ask what half the products were that she was piling onto my face, including a quizzing on the effects of primer and where one applies highlighter. A pop quiz on these facts now would result in a very poor score.

Contrasting images in hand and keen to show off my new found cheekbones, I headed to Fallowfield’s finest hunting ground for honest, if slightly drunken, opinions on the question: to contour or not to contour?

Two glasses of wine in, I still felt too shy to approach people to ask them to judge my face. This alternatively provided two of my friends with an empowered and unashamed courage to ask the question for me. Fortunately, the sheer volume of products on my skin covered my blushes as they paraded my headshots around the pub, from which I kept my distance to retain something of my dignity and self-confidence.

During this time, my friend and I discussed the efforts some women expend to produce the appearance of cheekbones that could cut glass or a nose shape often only possible through genetic engineering or several procedures of plastic surgery. Whilst he stated his belief that heavy make-up should be reserved for special occasions rather than a regular affair, it did also only take an extra pint for the grand, sweeping statement: “I don’t know why you’re asking all these people; my opinion is worth the same as any bunch of chicks.” It’s safe to say his confidence wasn’t the one taking the hit that evening. I concluded however that I commend any woman who has the time to apply such make-up every morning or before any casual Monday night trip to the pub, even if it is seen as a tad excessive.

Fortunately for me, the scores were in and I sat smugly as I saw that whilst twelve unassuming regulars confronted with my stark face preferred the dolled up version, twenty-four opted for the natural look that consists of my daily five minute make-up routine. I breathed a sigh of rePhoto: Mancunion lief. I don’t have to learn to contour after all.

Film

18

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Feature Feature

What it’s like to go the Venice Film Festival On location at Mostra Internazionale D’Arte Cinematografica, la Biennale Venezia 2016

Photo: Barney Weston

Barney Weston Film Critic It was a pleasure to emerge from Venice’s Santa Lucia station and be greeted by a complete view of the Canalasso, the city’s Grand Canal. Taking a vaporetto to Lido di Venezia, the long and thin island which is host to the festival, felt equally rewarding. With a festival pass proudly hanging around my neck, and dressed in a new suit, shirt, and shoes, this kind of exotic, glamorous, seductive atmosphere is exactly what the Venice Film Festival is known for.

With 2016 being the 73rd edition of the world’s oldest film festival, it was a privilege to see Natalie Portman (in attendance for both Jackie and Planetarium), Jude Law and Paolo Sorrentino (both in attendance for The Young Pope), amongst others, grace the red carpet en route to 1,000-plus seater cinemas—their films being in competition for the festival’s most prestigious prize, the Golden Lion, as part of the Venezia 73 category.

Dressing appropriately is crucial, as is a festival pass. Both grant access to the luxuries of cinema, and attention you can only dream of. It can be cheap too—as a student I paid €50 for my festival pass, which granted me an unlimited amount of viewings for six consecutive days of the ten-day festival.

A quick trip to Zara before the opening night checked off ‘go clothes shopping with an Italian’ from my bucket list. In regards to accommodation, I was hosted by a friend who lives in Treviso, a 40-minute commute from Venice. Meanwhile, I dined on pizza, pasta, personalised Magnums, spritz, and wine (often in the Venetian equivalent of a British pub - where a small glass was €1, and a panini was the closest I could get to a packet of Walkers).

“I began the event without expectation, but finished on my feet applauding, marvelled at my previous ignorance.”

On average, I attended three festival events a day. I say ‘events’, because it was not just films on offer. I sat in on an interview with Chris Meledandri, CEO of Illumination Entertainment, the man behind Despicable Me, Minions, and most recently The Secret Life of Pets. I also watched Manhattan, and An American Werewolf in London—all of which competed within the Venezia Classici category. Experiencing these films on the big screen, uniquely restored and competing in the Venice Film Festival, was an honour.

Yet the highlight of the festival was sitting in on a film amongst its stars. This humbling culture was repeated throughout my time in Venice. For example, when I sat in on the presentation of a lifetime achievement award to the French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, followed by a screening of the French-language film Le Voleur (The Thief of Paris). I began the event without expectation, but finished on my feet applauding, marvelled at my previous ignorance. I attempted to congratulate Belmondo on his performance in a combination of basic French and fluent English, neither of which he could understand. At least I came away happy I suppose.

Class, celebrity, clothing, and cinema are what make film festivals, and Venice is no exception. Full of surprises, and one of the best experiences I’ve ever had, attending a film festival, as long as you’re careful about price, should be one to check off your bucket list.

Review

Sin Filtro Isidora Corets-Monroy Contributor

Chilean director Nicholas López’s new film Sin Filtro (No Filter) is a light-hearted comedy that offers audiences a laugh or a bit of reflection, depending on the way one interprets the film’s message.

The film follows Pia, a 37 year old woman who seems to “have it all”, yet still suffers from stress-induced panic attacks. She has a well-paid job, a husband, a good home and friends, yet her psychiatrist continues to prescribe her increased doses of antidepressants. “¿Qué me pasa, Dios mío?” she wonders aloud as she questions her unhappiness.

To the audience it’s clear. Pia, as it turns out, does not have it all. Her co-workers in an advertising agency see her as the grandmother of the office; her husband is an unemployed artist looking for inspiration whilst he and his son live comfortably off her earnings; her friends consist of a socialmedia addict, her 10 year ex and her catloving sister, all of whom seem to place Pia in second place among their priorities. Does it therefore come as a surprise when she seeks alternative medical treatment at a possibly unlicensed Chinese doctor’s storage room?

Once summited to a more than dodgy acupuncture, Pia lets loose. True to the film’s title, she begins living life with No Filter, telling everyone exactly what she thinks of them. If the beginning wasn’t comic enough, this part will certainly entertain audiences, especially women who have been accused of going through “that time of the month” when speaking their mind in a brutally honest manner.

López in this section takes advantage of the

Nicholas Lopez’s Sin Filtro is a wacky rollercoaster of a film with a prominent message

comic element to poke fun at a generation obsessed with the projection of a certain image through social media. His frustration is most palpable as Pia snaps her colleague’s selfie-stick in two as well as dunking her friend’s phone in orange juice, explaining that she is simply “saving” her friend from her own “mental illness”. It is no coincidence that Pia works in an advertising agency that is increasingly hiring model-esque employees that are perfectly capable of filling out their bras but seem to struggle with administrative forms. Her office becomes a symbol of the shallow value placed nowadays on an image rather than on substance, especially an image which will eventually be posted or uploaded on YouTube. We all know that one person (in some cases more than one) that is continuously worried about their Facebook profile or their Instagram account.

This is why it comes as a relief when Pia tells the cable man exactly where he can stick up the cables which give her access to her WiFi and her social media. As a viewer, you can’t help but feel a small bout of joy as the router, which at this point has been thrown at the cable man, hits the wall with a triumphant CRASH. As stated before, Sin Filtro is a light-hearted comedy with a message that the viewer can take or leave. Each character is presented as the hyperbolic version of themselves which makes this film as unrelatable as it does relatable. There is no character which will fully remind one of one’s self, or friends and family, but there are certain characteristics in each one that make us laugh as we recognise them in the people we know. After all, don’t we all have our small manias and obsessions that make us all just that little bit crazy?

Photo: Sobras International Pictures

Preview

I, Daniel Blake Preview/Q&A at HOME

As Ken Loach’s Palme d’Or winner prepapres itself for release, we take an exclusive look inside HOME’s sell out Q&A Alasdair Bayman Film Critic Fifteen minutes before the end of HOME’s special preview screening of I, Daniel Blake, I notice a figure opening the door of Cinema 1. The silhouette quickly sits down at the bottom of stairs, located on my left-hand side. It sits in peace, simply admiring the film until the screening is over. The shadow, some would say, is one of the greatest British directors to have ever lived, and is an indicator to many of the vigour of social cinema. Yet, in the darkness, he is at unity with the audience. As only the ninth director to be bestowed with two Palme d’Or awards at Cannes, this man needs no introduction. As Ken Loach slowly gets to his feet, with the sold-out room in silence after witnessing one of this centuries most powerful and thought-provoking films, I could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of unanimity in his decision, this too was correlated in my overall emotional and political advocacy.

As the lights come back on after just over an hour and a half of pure cinema, both Loach and his actor, Dave Johns, take centre stage for the audience’s response. Primarily due to the poignancy of the film, HOME’s senior visiting curator Andy Willis enabled the roaming mics to grasp the audience’s hands immediately after the screening— this opposed to his normal one-to-one discussion with a director or guest. This conscious effort to rejuvenate the Q&A formula fitted seamlessly into Loach’s notions of the ‘’common experience’’ of life. This rationality, to the director, was a process of ‘’show-

ing people as they are’’ and overall, contributes on an unparalleled scale to the films immersive qualities. In literally throwing the audience straight into their personal responses, a verisimilitude reaction was captured. One woman, in particular, simply asked Loach ‘’Why does this happen? Why? Why cannot it be like it used to be when we were kids and we just helped each other out?’’. Like many questions of the evening, both Loach and Johns greeted them with composure and assurance. One response, in particular, that permeated the preview was simply: speak out openly and take action.

Yet, in-between the political, Loach manages to produce profound comedic moments in the most human simplicity. Johns, as he outlined, originates from a comic background, to which is serviced by ‘’Paul Lafferty’s nice moments’’. Even in person, Johns is as charismatic as in the film and making his screen debut he delivers a tender and nuanced performance. ‘’We needed the humour to show that Daniel is human’’ clarifies the actor. The veneer of Daniel’s playful personality is an aspect of the character that is, alongside his health, slowly and steadily carved away by his purgatorial status in society. Loach’s ability to gradually reduce this humour parallels Daniel’s decline in health and is pivotal in the emotional gravitas of the Palme d’Or Winning film.

The dehumanization of the working class, that is currently happening at the hands of the Tory government, had a particular resonance to numerous care workers from Salford and Greater Manchester, who documented their first-hand experiences of daily injustices in the area— all a result of cost cutting. Dave Johns, who is accepting of this factor, outlined ‘‘the whole point is that Dan could be anyone you know. He could be your dad, uncle, grandad or brother’’. It is possibly this factor that contributes to I, Daniel Blake’s captivating appeal. The sheer reality of the perspiring events truly shocks and alarms the viewer into a state of severe contemplation surrounding Britain’s current socio-political situation. As Loach himself declared ‘’we share a responsibility’’— this more so than any other statements and responses made— eloquently places the onus on us as a society to speak out against injustice and the dehumanization of the working class.

I, Daniel Blake is released nationwide 21st October.

Photo: FACT

Film 19

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Review

Under The Shadow

Under The Shadow breaks away from the over-used tropes of horror to create a refreshing but terrifying cinematic experience Eliza Slawther Head Film Editor Set in post-revolution Tehran during the War of the Cities, Babak Anvari’s Under The Shadow incorporates the devastating reality of living through a war with the supernatural suggestion of being haunted by creatures hinted at being “djinn”, demons that appear in Islamic mythology. Rather than these monsters being simply there for genre’s sake, they are interwoven more deeply into the other themes explored in the film— religion and politics.

It is made clear from the offset that the protagonist, Shideh —played by Iranian-born Narges Rashid— has little time for the strict Islamic, right-wing Iran in which she is living.

At times this comes across as heavy-handed, with the film beginning with Shideh being in-

formed that she is unable to return to her studies due to her involvement with radical groups during the revolution, and ending with her almost being smothered by an invidible figure in a chador, as well as Shideh being scolded for leaving her house without covering her head or body appropriately. Perhaps this can be seen as a manifestation of Shideh’s personal anxieties around religious and political oppression, however it occasionally feel overplayed.

Despite this, the film is not only deeply harrowing, but interesting in its own right. It is certainly a horror, and there are scenes which shock but the ‘jump-scare’ technique is not overused and does exactly as it should without cheapening the film. It produces the feeling of waking up from a nightmare, which is exactly what appears to happen to Shideh in one scene, although it is always unclear what

is reality within the film. Under The Shadow is truly chilling because it layers the supernatural threat over the very real threat of war— nothing is quite as forbidding as the sound that the alarm makes every time there is a missile threat. Death within the film is not bloody and gruesome, but sad and realistic, showing a frantic daughter crying for help as her father has suffered a heart attack. His body is carried out on a stretcher, under a white sheet, which is far more emotionally touching than in many horror films where victims are hacked to death and then forgotten.

The claustrophobic setting of the family home further adds to the overarching feeling during the film of entrapment— although some scenes do show the outside world, there is a sense that the home must be returned to and lived in, no matter how unsafe it is. The home itself appears authentic, and yet the skilled

camerawork and cinematography mean that Under The Shadow is visually pleasing throughout. The attention to detail and use of tropes and symbols cannot go unnoted, with masking tape being used to fix anything broken. Whether this is representative of the mother’s futile attempts to keep the family and their home together is uncertain, but it definitely stands out as a memorable piece of imagery.

Under The Shadow has already been acquired by Netflix, and it is not difficult to understand why. It is the perfect balance of tension and pure terror, with excellent acting and direction coming together to portray both the sad truth of civilian life during war and the psychological terror of the supernatural.

4/5

Photo: Wigwam Films

Review

Louis Theroux: My Scientology Movie Rosa Simonet Contributor After ten years of trying to gain access to the mysterious world of Scientology and it’s unorthodox practices, Theroux decided there must be another means of producing his long-awaited documentary. With the help of director John Dower, Theroux uses an ensemble of actors and ex-Scientology members to bring a truly interesting depiction of religious fundamentalism.

Scientology bears an unusual attraction to the modern audience, co-opting religion, cult, the celebrity and American culture, truly making it the ‘Holy grail of stories.’ In true Theroux style, going back to Weird Weekends , My Scientology Movie brings with it spontaneity, investigation, and wit, alongside the detail of the bizarre underworld of Scientology.

If you saw Alex Gibney’s ‘Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief’ last year, you’d be aware of the accusations of psychological and physical abuse, not simply within the church itself, but conducted by David Miscavige, Chair of the Board of Scientology.

Gibney’s piece provides a chilling and indepth timeline of events, but with Theroux, the audience feels as if they are getting a firsthand experience of the Church of Scientology’s strange and often frightening tactics.

Through most of the film, Theroux is joined

by Marty Rathbun, the former Inspector General of the Church. Though he is arguably the backbone of the documentary, Rathbun’s spiky and unpredictable character holds

My Scientology Movie brings with it spontaneity, investigation, and wit, alongside the detail of the bizarre underworld of Scientology back the investigation. At one point he calls himself “the baddest ass dude in Scientology,” but later is on the defensive when Theroux presses him for information, asking him about the abuse he may have committed himself.

In the live Q&A session hosted by the London Literature Festival, Dower and Theroux reveal how their relationship with Rathbun has since deteriorated, but say Rathbun, in the last year, has distanced himself greatly from all anti-Scientology movements. Nevertheless, capturing the awkward relationship between Theroux and Rathbun is one of the comedic highlights of the film, many of their conversations being filled with the signature Theroux pause.

Another highlight is Andrew Perez’s portrayal of David Miscavige. After auditioning a large selection of potential Miscaviges we finally get to the almost mannequin-like Perez.

His vein-pulsing intensity and pure rage as Miscavige on TV and then Miscavige behind closed doors drives an inspiring performance.

At the heart of Theroux’s investigation is his personal need to understand why it is that so many people stay in the church of Scientology, despite the apparent abuse and deception. Jefferson Hawkins, another former member whose ex-wife confronts Theroux at several points of the documentary, offers perhaps the clearest explanation.

He says leaving Scientology means leaving everything you have not only worked for

but also most you hold dear. You enter a world, foreign to yourself and all alone. It’s hard for Theroux not to expose and shame Scientology, especially as he himself is spied on and hounded by its members, and he does claim this was not his intention, but through Hawkins we are forced to reconsider our

Photo: Red Box Films

condemnation of the members of Scientology.

We are fascinated by the story behind it and the practice but what My Scientology Movie reveals is a culture of total disobedience turned toxic.

3/5

Books

20

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Feature

Bob Dylan is awarded Nobel Prize in Literature Roma Havers considers what Bob Dylan’s new status as the Nobel Prize in Literature winner means for Literature today

Roma Havers Books Editor It has been revealed this Thursday 13th of October that Bob Dylan, who recently turned seventy-five, will be awarded the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature for 2016. Dylan is most known for his activist folk songs such as ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ and ‘Like a Rolling Stone’. Previous winners include Alice Munro, short story writer, in 2013, Harold Pinter, playwright, in 2005 and Seamus Heaney, poet, in 1995.

This has come as somewhat of a surprise, since, while there had been murmurs surrounding Dylan’s potential, he was certainly not the favourite going into the discussions, since his work is somewhat outside of the usual remit for literature. Several other names had been speculated, including Haruki Murakami and the Syrian poet ‘Adonis’. It has been suggested that the delay in the release of the details of this award, which is generally released alongside the science prizes that were released last week, is as a consequence of potential disagreements with the panel of judges at the Swedish Academy.

Their statement on the final award was for “having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition.” Bob Dylan is the first American to be awarded the prize since Toni Morrison in 1993.

Photo: Martin Beek@Flickr

What then does this mean for the state of literature in this modern climate? Certainly there seems to have been a shift in atmosphere towards the popularity of arts such as spoken work poetry, with the BBC showcasing several spoken word events such as Words First, Brave New Voices and a live filming of Kate Tempest’s new work Let Them Eat Chaos. These performances are often musical, especially Kate Tempest’s work which is released in album form as a music piece— she too has been awarded both The Mercury Prize for music and The Ted Hughes Poetry award.

Does Bob Dylan therefore fit into this category?

Symbolic of the cross-platform nature of modern artistry, with huge numbers of artists performing and releasing work on multiple platforms, actors releasing books, performers who write and act their own work and music that is also poetry. Despite some arguments, this isn’t a new phenomenon, clearly, since Dylan’s work epitomises the crossovers between music and poetic genius. In this way it almost seems as if Dylan’s work across the decades has foreshadowed, or even fore-fathered this new wave of boundary-crossing, multi-platformed work.

As Bill Wyman wrote in 2013, when preempting Dylan’s win, he is the ultimate poet, he is “demonstrably timeless”. Master of his realm and endlessly innovative and fully engaged in activism, Bob Dylan certainly transcends the over-simplistic title of singer-song writer. He has written novels, Tarantula, and made films and played his hand at many different artistic endeavours, and succeeded, having won Oscars, Golden Globes and Grammys.

As stated in Time’s 100 Most Important People of the Century he is “master poet, caustic social critic and intrepid, guiding spirit of the counterculture generation”, with such accolades as this under his arm is it truly so surprising that he has been awarded this step? I would argue in this case that this choice echoes the cultural zeitgeist, wherein the words, content and emotional and political drivers come first in literary works, form and structure come after. Of course this folk-singer-writer-protester-activist-poet and selfdefined “Spokesman for a generation” is the new holder of the Nobel Prize in Literature award.

We are in the age of the consummate artist, and it is Bob Dylan’s constant renewed energy and inspiration that makes this award so richly deserved.

Review

Lemn Sissay at Contact Theatre

Dale Edwards reviews Lemn Sissay’s performance at the 8th Black and Asian Conference on the 8th of October 2016 at Contact Theatre writing with Lemn Sissay headlining the event at the Contact Theatre. He was supported by competition-winning writers from Cultureword performing a series of short monologues about family and adoption.

Dale Edwards Books Contributor Listening to a writer recite their work is simply unbeatable. To hear how it how it was meant to be, words dripping from their mouths, and seeping into your mind. As I opened Lemn Sissay’s new book, I wondered how reading a poem would compare to the well-documented energy of a Lemn Sissay performance.

“I soon realised that the only topic up for discussion was Lemn Sissay himself.”

“The book brandishes Lemn Sissay’s way with words, whilst the poems sing tales that too often go unspoken.”

Gold from the Stone is Lemn Sissay’s 9th book; The publication features new work and poems selected from some of his earlier publications; Perceptions of the Pen, Tender Fingers in a Clenched Fist, Rebel Without Applause, Morning Breaks in the Elevator and Listener.

The collection of poems depict the experiences of the Lancashire-born poet, who was left in the care of local authority and grew up in foster homes and care homes. His work has featured at the Royal Academy and British Film Institute, and in 2010 he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). The recently elected Chancellor of the University of Manchester started his career at Manchesterbased writing development organisation, Commonword.

The book brandishes Lemn Sissay’s way with words, whilst the poems sing tales that too often go unspoken. One of two poems commissioned for the 2013 Manchester Literature Festival appear in the book, Belong; it is a rich mixture of rhetorical questions, allusions, personifications and symbolisms, all which tell the tale of someone fighting society to reclaim their

Sat in the front row in the Contact Theatre’s Space 1, the large and diverse crowd was bubbling with anticipation, and were more than forthcoming for the artist who literally demands applause. His energetic presence contrasted to the earlier solemnly delivered monologues of Lucy Sheen, Christina Fonthes, Clair Hynes and Seni Senirend —but that isn’t a criticism— I felt they both balanced and complimented the tone of the event.

The time between reading poems from his new book was used to engage the audience in a theatrical performance riddled with jokes and rambles, that I thought seemed to go off topic, though I soon realised that the only topic up for discussion was Lemn Sissay himself. The

brutal honesty in which he divulges the details of his early life was a sobering contrast to his animated and intoxicating performance. I felt this helped to humanise the poet, at one point he seemed to struggle with the orientation of the sheet-holder his book sat on, this of course became a five-minute comedy sketch on its own. Although, I was left wondering if this was a manifestation of his true emotions, to be stood on stage in front of hundreds of people as he spoke about the most painful parts of his life. I often felt I was being told an embarrassing secret—adoption, identity, family, change, uncertainty; these can be difficult subjects to tackle. Lemn Sissay doesn’t just do this well, he proves that it’s possible and he takes pleasure from doing so. I felt honoured to read and to hear Lemn Sissay’s words, for here, a troubled soul shares and bares all with the rhythm and skill of a Jimmy Hendrix ballad.

The champion quality of Gold From the Stone is the way it brings you into the author’s life.

Gold From the Stone is a tribute to the fighting spirit one strives for; confronting you with a lost and confused child, making you laugh at the saddest of scenes. Lemn Sissay’s book covers a range of issues and whether it be a love interest, friend, foe, or city, his words are humbling and humorous.

Book Recommendation of the week Photo: Emily Oulton

identity. Ironically this piece was commissioned to be performed at Manchester Town Hall in 2013, but with no official publication this was a must to feature in Gold from the Stone. The book was launched at Edinburgh Book Festival on the 21st of August 2016 and has since begun a book tour. If you visit Lemn Sissay’s website, you can hear readings of selected poems.

The 2016 Manchester Literature Festival offered a stage for Lemn Sissay to perform poems from his new book on the 8th of October 2016. The 8th Black and Asian Writers Conference was a celebration of diversity in

Lituma en Los Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa “Mario Vargas Llosa’s “Lituma en Los Andes” tells the tale of Lituma, a young policeman from the coast of Peru sent to the Andes to investigate three murders, whilst simultaneously recounting the story of Lituma’s friend’s lost love. This book not only magnificently depicts the South American scenery in which it is set, but is the perfect mix of genres including thriller, romance, history, magic, and indigenous legends.”

Chosen by Isidora Cortes-Monroy G. International Undergraduate Student

GLOBAL FEST 2016

24-28 OCT Supported by The University of Manchester Alumni Association

Food & Drink

22

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Review

Indy Man Beer Con Alec Wilby muses over raised prices and spiced beer Alec Wilby Contributor In its 4th year, the Independent Manchester Beer Convention (or Indy Man to most attendees) is bigger than ever, but how does it compare with previous years?

Indy Man is held in Victoria Baths in Rusholme, giving it a particularly Manchester vibe while providing it with a functional venue. The exhibitors are divided up into each of the three pools (though I don’t know if the choice of pool has any bearing on what is on offer) with a few others scattered around the building. As well as beer, you can also get cider, artisanal soft drinks, bar snacks and—most importantly—an array of street food.

Before I move on to the beer, let’s discuss price.

Indy Man runs Thursday to Sunday and we chose to go on the Friday; Saturday might have been better but it sold out almost instantly. Tickets were £15 and we booked well in advance, though you could apparently get tickets for the Thursday evening on the day. Your ticket gets you access to the venue and a glass, after that you need to buy tokens to spend on drinks and food.

In previous years, I went in with £10-15 and had a good evening with a decent amount of drinks and food. The pricing of drinks tended to vary based on per cent and was sold in 1/3s (though the people operating the pumps were fairly lenient with the amount you got, as the glass had plenty more room). This year, drinks were 1 to-

ken for a 1/3, regardless of per cent or speciality, however, tokens were also £2.50—more than twice the price of last year if memory serves.

With no other choice (and having paid for our tickets months previously), we each bought 11 tokens for £25 (the special offer to soften the blow). The event was great, it is just a little irritating that the cost has jumped so much in a year, particularly considering that the increase in price wasn’t apparent when buying tickets. Anyway, let’s move on to the food and drinks.

After buying beer tokens, having not eaten for several hours, I headed straight for the food.

With stalls including Almost Famous, Bundobust (Indian street food coming soon to Manchester) and Honest Crust pizza, you are spoilt for choice. This year (as with every year before), I started with Almost Famous, for consistency. I opted for the Bacon Winning Burger (2 burgers, bacon, ghurkins, onions, sauces), if you’ve had food from the Almost Famous van before, you know what to expect. If not, definitely one of the best burgers I’ve had, anywhere. Try their restaurant in the Northern Quarter.

My issue with Almost Famous at Indy Man for the past two years though is that for a chain that prides themselves on unique burgers, they aren’t really doing that much different. The first year we went, they had designed two or three burgers specifically for the event, revolving around beer. I’ve eaten a fair few Almost Famous burgers and while the only thing I fully remember about that year’s burger was “beerios”, I do know that it was excellent. I hope they try harder next year.

After the burger, I had enough tickets for seven drinks and not really knowing where to start (worth highlighting at this point that Indy Man has a huge amount of choice), I headed to the Indy Man collaboration table.

This year, a number of breweries did special beers in collaboration with the event organisers, the one I picked was V.I.P.A. from Siren/Indy Man. An 8.5% Vimto “inspired” pale ale: It was nice enough, but the Vimto aspect was more of an aftertaste than a key feature.

My favourite beer from the night was, without a doubt, 5-Alarm from Siren/Hoppin’ Frog. It was a 7.4% spiced beer and had a sort of sweet taste but balanced by the warming effect of the chilli.

If you see it around, I’d definitely recommend trying it.

Other highlights of the evening were: Karkli: a lentil based snack that looked like mini churros. The flavour we had was made with Fiery Ghost Naga chillis (though less spicy

the evening for coffee (Idle Hands) but a few of my friends got doughnuts from Blawd Bakery (they were sold out by the time I got there). The doughnuts were being freshly made at the stand so the jam inside was still warm when you ate them. One of my friends stated “[the doughnut] was worth the entrance fee alone.”

Christian Bale Ale (IPA) and Solar Terminator (Pilsner): both bought for the name, neither disappointed.

Blacklight Banana (Imperial Stout): I’m no fan of dark beers but this one was nicely softened by the taste of the banana. Whether or not you like stout, it’s worth a try.

Photos:Alec Wilby

variants were available). The first 2 or 3 were incredibly hot (painful?) but the flavour underneath was incredible after you got accustomed to the burn.

Honest Crust Pizza: freshly made pizza, cooked in a wood fired pizza oven, not much else to say. I think they were there last year and they were great then as well.

Blawd Bakery x Idle Hands: it was too late in

Evelyn’s The name Evelyn’s directs my thoughts to something rather classic and traditional. Evelyn’s height of popularity, as a girls’ name, was in 1915, a time so far away my Grandma has not even touched. However, once I browsed the website, shouts of cumin, lemongrass, and yuzu littered the menu, and to be honest I was quite relieved.

When my eating partner and I found Evelyn’s,

Indy Man 2016 was, as with previous years, a great event. The choice of beers available was huge and the food on offer was excellent as always. My only major gripe about it was that the price increase was a fairly significant change in only a year. I would go again, but paying £7.50 a pint, and with a starting price of essentially £40, I could understand why people might not want to go. Looking at social media surrounding the event, attendees weren’t particularly happy about the price hike and so my hope is that for next year, the organisers reconsider.

Miriam Mizzi- Contributor Instagram - @hungoverhabits Website - www.hungoverhabits.com

just of Thomas Street, and entered, we once again felt a mix of the old and traditional being fused with the new and creative, a scene so apparent in the city’s coolest quarter. The building’s rusticity hung overhead in the shape of open metal piping which then climbed down the side walls, and as our eyes were drawn to a normal level, we were delighted to see a spotless open kitchen, located in amongst the restau-

rant’s chic, well-presented tables.

Unfortunately, we were seated on a bar style table that looked out onto the street rather than into the beautiful interior that surrounded us, this caused us both to sit half turned around in order to soak up some of the visual atmosphere.

Our welcoming waiter brought over the already looked at menus and scuttled off to get us our drinks order.

Like many Northern Quarter restaurants, Evelyn’s offers the option of ‘small plates’ and ‘large plates’, so, of course, we decided to get a mixture of both. The menu was actually slightly different to the one shown online, but we were not disappointed and went on to order Korean fried chicken, a crispy duck salad, an Asian laksa, and a lamb salad.

Food & Drink 23

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

While we waited for our food, we both slightly wearily discussed the volume of the music, without wanting to sound like boring third years. As much as we are both impartial to a decent night out, we continue to find the level of volume used in Manchester restaurants recently, to be overbearing and quite unnecessary (what happened to that good old thing called conversation?). The overall vibe, therefore, did not quite do the delicate building any justice.

Our ‘small plate’ starters arrived and our feelings towards each of them differed massively.

The Korean fried chicken bowl boasted numerous pieces of crispy, yet succulent bites, which

worked well with the included chilli side dip.

However, the amount of duck in the salad was disappointing, and it largely consisted of plain tasting leaves.

‘We left, confused about the hype that continues to surround Evelyn’s’ With mixed first impressions, we were eager for our main dishes to arrive and when they did,

“Where’s the bathroom?”

“Through the kitchen on the right.”

“OK.” I turn right before the kitchen and try and go down some stairs.

“No no, through the kitchen.”

“Oooh, OK.” I literally walk through the kitchen.

I find it. I go to wash my hands and next to the soap there is some face wash—I used to use the same brand. There are cups in cup-holders with toothbrushes in. Is someone living in the kitchen?

More likely someone is living above the restaurant but still, it looked like someone was living in the kitchen. Bedding down every night between the

Illustration: Seoul KImchi

Seoul Kimchi defrosting chicken and the slowly fermenting cabbage.

I went to Seoul Kimchi with the ever brilliant Mr. McCarthy and Ms. Duncan, both hailing from that wonderful slice of England, Kent. It is a little-known fact that all Kentish people love being taken out for dinner, as they are far too shy to go by themselves.

They are a kind people, the Kentish. Who better than to take eating at this Korean-Japanese restaurant, takeaway, and shop?

Situated on the wasteland that is Upper Brook Street (sort of behind Lidl) Seoul Kimchi sits on a street corner. It was funny walking in, the open plan kitchen is as big as the dining room, and there are a bunch of mirrors which make you think the dining room is bigger than it actually is. There were waiters and chefs prepping something on a dining room table. Later on, when the waiters weren’t busy with

we were pleased to see generous sized portions and vibrant colours. On taste, however, we were once again thrown into a state of opposites. The Asian influence Laksa, which consisted of ballotine chicken, sweetcorn, and thin noodles in a liquid broth, was completely flavourless. The broth was under seasoned and entirely lacked any kind of spice, the chicken had unwelcome strings of fat around it, and the dish as a whole was, in our eyes, a thorough disaster. In contrary, the lamb dish was pleasant. The tender lamb pulled apart desirably, and the pearl barley added a healthy yet hearty spin. This dish finally gave us some Middle-Eastern flavours

we so dearly love.

Despite the offer, we passed up on dessert due to the rather confusing savoury experience we had just undertaken. Instead, we asked for the bill while we finished our drinks. The steep prices, which we felt were not worthy, added to our slight discontent with the restaurant. We were left, and still are, confused about the hype that continues to surround Evelyn’s. Maybe it’s just that on point lighting?

customers, you could see them delicately peeling garlic cloves. Incidentally, the waiters also peel the garlic at The River Cafe, part of Ruth Roger’s familial philosophy. And that same kind of all-in-it-together, family sensibility is something that Seoul Kimchi has in abundance. From the toothbrushes in the bathroom, to the sharing of the kitchen’s workload.

That sensibility, that familial quality, is best personified in its homemade plum ice cream. If you have no particular yearning for the foods of Korea and Japan, got to this restaurant simply for the ice cream. The braised beef was wonderful, and the sauce was the linchpin that commanded dips with rice laden spoons. The prawn bibimbap was a kind of utilitarian lunch option. If you had to choose a lunch with little portions of vegetables and a choice of meat or fish, over rice, under egg, that would fill you up and be healthy, then bibimbap is great. But it was underwhelming in terms of flavour. Chicken katsu curry, again, left a little to be desired, the panko crust was nice but the katsu sauce did not convey that classic peanut flavour but instead a sweet, plum like air.

Korean barbecue is one of the greatest things on earth. I have spent many a happy meal sizzling thin cuts of meat over tabletop grills. Although the cooking for Seoul Kimchi’s barbecue is done in the kitchen it was a must order. We chose that classical marriage of pig and seafood with a pork and squid dish. It was fine, with a coarse heat. The squid was well prepared but its texture was unpleasant. The

plate was adorned with chopped peppers and chilies that gave a positive accompaniment to the dish.

The menu was large—not scarily so—but noticeable. We stuck to the “Korean favourites” section for the most part and our final plate was a sweet and sour chicken. It had the kind of tasty, home-style flavour that characterised most of the meal. But the crunch on that chicken deserves special accolades; it was a deeply serious crunch.

The whole evening was tied together with three scoops of iced hope, creamed faith, the kind of pudding that cures diseases and dissolves stress.

The maddest part is we nearly left without trying it, being extremely well fed off five dishes for £45.00, with rice and miso soup. To avoid regret we got some ice cream despite not feeling we had the room for it. Luckily the ice-cream doesn’t actually take up space in your stomach but seeps into your every pore, it gets into the blood stream and starts doing things to your brain. Plum seemed like the right choice at the time, maybe that katsu gave us a taste, but they also had flavours like ginger and cinnamon.

Seoul Kimchi is the neighborhood restaurant I’ve never had.

Felix Sanders Food & Drink Editor

Dumpling Dipping Sauce ¼ cup soy sauce 1tsp sesame oil 1 ½tsp mirin or rice wine vinegar 1tsp honey 1 red chilli, finely diced

Dim sum … wanton… gyoza … call them what you will. Asian style dumplings taste amazing . While I haven’t found any in Manchester to rival the ones I loved in Singapore, the frozen ones aren’t half bad.

To take them to the next level I make this straightforward dipping sauce that adds a depth of f lavour occasionally lacking in shop bought dim sum . You could get around that by making your own, but I ’ve done that and can tell you that it takes a day to make properly. This sauce takes five minutes, tops, and leftovers can be used in many ways, poured over rice or for bread dunking are two of my favourites.

To make, simply place all the ingredients in a jam jar and shake well. Try the sauce and add more to taste (if you’d like it sweeter, add more honey etc).

Photo: Lily Carden Photo: Lily Carden

Lily Carden - Contributor Twitter/Instagram - @GorgeousGateaux Website - www.gourmetinthemaking.blogspot.co.uk

Arts

24

ISSUE 05 / 17th October 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Feature

Look Up! There’s more to see than you might think…

Journeys Festival produces yet another stunning display of artwork across Manchester portraying the inspiring stories of the city’s refugees and asylum seekers

Photo: Jamal Jameel

Emily Driscoll Contributor There are a lot of people with amazing stories in Manchester and thanks to Jamal Jameel, 3rd year Photography student at the University of Salford, and the Journeys Festival, some of those stories have been told in the city centre.

In the Look Up Project, the subjects of the photos are telling their own story — not the photographers. From the setting to the way they

portray themselves, each part is organic and represents the refugees and asylum seekers in a real way — resulting in some incredibly powerful images.

The first image is of a normally formal man in a vest in his own bathroom performing an everyday task, shaving, and tells the tale of a man starting afresh in a new country and with a new life. It was beautiful in its simplicity, and that somehow added a depth by being photographed

Editor’s Picks

What’s on this week?

Photo: garryknight @Flickr

in a very personal way. This personal touch was the most striking part about the tour, as each photograph was accompanied by the story of the person in it. Whether the story was about the love of reading or of long hair, or the story of the struggles that have had to be overcome — some of which have yet to be overcome; each one took my breath away. Jameel noted that the story behind the photographs are the most important part, it is the key to trying to understand why each person decided to have their portrait taken.

This idea of the story being more important is refreshing. Yes, art is about creating a thing of beauty, but sometimes I feel as though you can spend so much time trying to make something look perfect that you lose the quality that imperfections bring. Each of the photographs in the exhibition were beautiful, but some took only thirty minutes in the home of the refugees.

To my untrained eye they looked perfect and planned, but as you listened to Jameel talk about them they are very spontaneous and that is the most inspiring part.

The photographer himself was incredibly passionate about the final pieces though retained an admirable sense of modesty throughout the tour, thankful that he had had the opportunity to be a part of the Journeys Festival. Speaking with him between the pieces, I was incredibly humbled by his sense

of gratitude to the people that helped him when he first came to Manchester — hoping that the project would be part of a thank you.

The featured photo shows Awan, a refugee from Basra who wrote these words to go with her self-portrait: “I am Awan. I came to the UK from the Middle East. My journey was safe but other people did not have it so easily. I have completed a community interpreting course so I can help Arabs people who don’t speak English.”

It’s these simple pieces that accompany the photographs that bring them to life, give them a back story and give them a spirit that will touch Manchester’s many communities.

Personally, I can’t think of a better exhibition to have in a festival celebrating the rich culture and personality that refugees bring to Manchester.

When looking at the photos you are seeing a glimpse into the soul of the subjects, sometimes parts of the soul that the subjects may be hiding not only from others but from themselves.

The Journeys Festival will be returning to Manchester next year after its successful first year and I will definitely be attending, you should too. You can check out more from The Beholder series on the Journeys Festival website.

Interview

Castlefield Gallery: Head To Head

Castlefield Gallery presents innovative artist Christian Falsnaes and his stunningly unique work A few picks over the upcoming week across Manchester Idris Khan at the Whitworth

Ups and Downs at Salford Art Gallery

14 OCTOBER 2016 – 19 MARCH 2017 Khan works in various mediums, he often creates artworks using text, laying and manipulating it –deriving new meaning to musical scores, theology and religion.

This highly anticipated exhibition is turning a lot of heads as the artist returns to the city with more Muslim-text-infused works.

1 OCTOBER 2016 – 4 JUNE 2017 This family inspired project is brought to Manchester by Central Station Design co-founder Matt Carroll, and his sister Maria who has downs syndrome.

The local artist found fame with his psychadelic designs in the 80’s & 90’s.

Their collaboration stemmed from the recent death of both of their parents, so is sure to be very special indeed.

Fancy getting involved?

We love contributors!

If you enjoy art, and would like to write for the Arts section, contact us at mancunion.arts@gmail.com OR Search us on Facebook under Mancunion Arts Contributors 2016/2017.

OR Come along to our weekly meetings in the Activities Space in the Students’ Union. at 5.30pm on Mondays.

Holly Smith Art Critic As I walked up to the Castlefield Gallery last week for the preview of Christian Falsnaes’ new exhibition, I was suddenly hit with a throng of people loitering around the main entrance. Having been told to get to the gallery for as close to 6pm as I possibly could, and me being five minutes late, as usual — I was slightly confused, to say the least.

That was when I saw the printed-out sign tacked to the door: ‘Please bear with us as the first visitor is being filmed for the exhibition.’

The look of confusion on my face must have seemed quite eminent as a gallery volunteer caught me and proceeded to explain what the exhibition would entail.

“Every day (or in this particular case, evening), the first person to arrive at the gallery will be taken ‘hostage’ by the artist and filmed in the gallery on a video camera.” She told me: “The candidate is asked various questions, ranging from describing their day, to asking them to perform some small actions, like jumping or singing.”

And this is the entire exhibition.

Once the gallery closes for the day, the tape is wiped and the next day, a new candidate is used to do the complete process again and make brand new content for the installation.

When we were finally let into the gallery, we were faced with the footage that had just been recorded. The woman who had been ‘chosen’ seemed rather unwilling to participate. She was asked to do or say everything 3 times. “Can you jump on the spot for me?” the artist asks her. She, rather begrudgingly, does. “Now, can you jump a little higher and put your arms in the air?” And then a few seconds later, “Can you jump even bigger and maybe scream?”

The woman noticeably became more and more unsettled as the ten minute tape went on, at one point I thought she would outright refuse to do what she was asked.

“Art history is about the artist and the artist’s personal view on things. This exhibition takes the audience into account and uses their views to make the content.

It’s ultimately the audience’s reactions that makes the art.” Says Christian Falsnaes, the genius artist behind the idea.

As I watch the recorded tape, I become more enthralled by the concept by the minute, but one thought keeps popping into my head. What if someone does something totally irrational?

“In all my exhibitions I don’t know what to expect. It’s terrifying and I love it. To be honest though, this is the first time this exhibition has ever been shown and so it’s the first time I’ve done it. But all my exhibitions are like this - I never know what to expect.”

Growing up in Denmark, Falsnaes’ career

has put him ahead of regular artists. He’s succeeded by providing audiences with a new way of thinking. With his works, we are not faced with a canvas, acting as a mirror into the artist’s mind — as with so many works. Falsnaes goes as far as to break down the third wall that seems permanently imminent between artist and audience.

Through the use of art, performance, and video he makes the audience feel as part of his work as he is.

From this installation, it seemed to me as though Falsnaes wanted us to think about how we comply to orders and rules in society. I took the opportunity to ask him what he wanted it to mean. “Well what can I say?”

He replies, “It changes every day!”

Photo: jsawkins@Flickr

Theatre 25

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Reviews

Orbit Festival at HOME MCR

A selection of critically acclaimed shows which have been performed at Edinburgh Fringe and beyond O No! Pete Stallard Reviewer The play is a whimsically self-aware traipse through some of Ono’s conceptual art instructions and while gently prodding fun at the hippy message of universal love, which it ultimately embraces, resulting in a hugely comic but heart-warming play from Jamie Wood.

The play unfolds as a series of performance art pieces taken directly from Yoko Ono’s book ‘Grapefruit’. Initially it begins with Wood in full clown mode, alighting himself on members of the audience,

Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons, Lemons

while hilariously linking mundane patterns of clothing to a higher, spiritual energy that ‘connected’ the crowd.

By the end, Wood managed to engage the audience in a full song and dance act, and the most striking thing is that the quality of the last 10 minutes of the show depends entirely on the audience. This was a very apt ending to a unique show. Wood wanted the audience to feel, not just to see through the pretentiousness that sometimes hung over John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s art and embrace their message of open communication and losing your self-consciousness.

After all, all you need is love.

Rhiannon Symonds Reviewer

Photo: HOMEMCR

64 Squares Alexia Kossifos Reviewer

Photo: HOMEMCR

The Privileged Rhiannon Symonds Reviewer The play is unique from the start—we are to queue outside, and enter the polar bear’s ‘enclosure’ at the same time; this particular enclosure took the shape of a circle onstage. It follows a sequence of numbered

envelopes, each providing instructions on how to make the most of your visit to the enclosure. The exact meaning of ‘the most’ is subjective of course, as we found out: when visiting an animal in its home will you disturb its sleep, and personal space so that you might see as much as possible, or will you respect its state of contentment at the cost of a ‘lively’ experience?

That is the question that divided the audience. By watching The Privileged you will think deeply about how important it is to follow instructions and respect others’ wishes without their explicit consent, because after all, we are dealing with a polar bear—it cannot stand up and say ‘don’t touch me.’

The Privileged is a production that I would experience again and again; it would be a completely different experience every time as you simply cannot predict the reactions of the public. We were faced with a choice that reflects the way you think about power, dynamics, and inherent rights to something else’s personal space. The relationship between the polar bear and the enclosure members that Harewood cleverly fosters through the instructions in the envelope is increasingly demonstrative of the objectification and demonisation of ‘polar bears’ in our society—make of that what you will.

Photo: HOMEMCR

Rehearsal for Murder Brogen Campbell Theatre Editor

After the success of The Agatha Christie Theatre Company, producer Bill Kenwright starts his next adventures with The Classic Thriller Theatre Company. However, this new venture is off to a shaky start with Rehearsal for Murder.

The revival of the 1982 American made-for-TV movie is an odd choice to lead with, as this certainty isn’t a classic. The overall plot has the potential for tension and mystery, but was let down by the stiff and lacklustre performances of the majority of the cast. This is despite the effective use of lighting and music to create an eerie atmosphere. These effects did seem a little dated, but are reminiscent of a typical television thriller.

The plot revolves around Alex Dennison (Alex Ferns), a playwright, who is engaged to Monica Welles (Susie Amy) the leading lady of his newest play. After opening night the play receives bad reviews, which causes Monica to commit suicide by jumping off her balcony. A year later Alex calls all the members of the cast back to have a reading of his new play. Alex believes Monica was murdered and attempts to find out who it was through his work.

The first act seems slower than the second. It is partly for practical reasons as it requires setting up of the circumstances of Monica’s death. In contrast, the second act revolves around the interrogation of each character, which allows for heighted dramatics and tension. With any good thriller all is not how it initially seems.

The main failure of the play was the acting. Alex Ferns entered at such an extreme level that there was nowhere for his character to go as the tension builds, making his character seem a one-dimensional mad man. Susie Amy’s performance as Monica left a lot to be desired. Ironically Monica was described as a stiff actor and I would apply the same sentiment to Amy’s performance. There were no standout performances, but Georgia Neville managed to exert the most excitement and energy into her performance, despite her small amount of lines. Her performance rang true that there are no small parts, only small actors.

The set design was simple yet effective, and encapsulated the feel and appearance of a theatre perfectly. The music seamlessly added to the dramatic effect throughout. The lighting effects and changes were excellent aids in crossing between the past and present and also the imaginary rehearsal

In chess, one move can change the whole game.

In ’64 Squares’, chess is a metaphor for life. The play opens with four people on stage; three actors and a musician. The three actors finish each other’s sentences, with the musician drumming alongside their words, adding a jazzy feel to the production. The three actors tell the audience that they are called ‘B’; they don’t know this per se, but assume it, as they are all wearing identical tops with a B sewn on to them.

B finds himself onboard a ship in 1939,

In the current political climate, such a show has never been more relevant. Living under a law they didn’t vote for, a result they campaigned against, young couple Oliver and Bernadette struggle to stay in love. It’s a beautifully simple set, with just two microphones and two actors to fill the stage, and therefore the whole experience is very intimate. Perhaps, for the setting at HOME, one may argue too intimate, as the audience are encouraged to fill a ring of seats around the back and sides of the stage. It’s a well-developed script, with neatly navigated time jumps and consideration for modern relationships that should be effective, but is difficult to connect with.

The concept of the show largely outshines the production itself, as it’s a daring idea to suggest that the public would vote for censorship. It is without doubt contentious whilst touring, but unfortunately the concept is what is discussed in challenging the Chess World Champion for a game. As the game is played, the audience learns more about B’s past through a series of flashbacks. Not only do these flashbacks add a new dimension to the play, but also add variety of performance. Some are performed with shadow puppets, others in dance, and others just spoken along side the drum (also played in an equally diverse way). One of the most important memories in his life, his hand brushing against his secretary’s hand in his Berlin office is performed with such eloquence. It is repeated four times in the space of a few minutes, each time exactly the same.

Photo: HOMEMCR

The overall plot was compelling and built tension, but was let down by the poor performance style

Photo: Opera House

and the real life. The overall production effects were one of the redeeming qualities of the entire production. However, these effects were tainted and made to look overly dramatic at times, due to poor acting choices and direction.

Overall, the play has the potential to be excellent but was let down by a number of failures, particularly the actors’ performances, which tended to be either lacklustre or overly exaggerated.

Rehearsal for Murder was at the Opera House Manchester and is currently touring. It can be seen at Connaught Theatre Worthing from the 17 – 22 October 2016.

26

Lifestyle

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Panel discussion for World Mental Health Day A look into the panel discussion event held by Manchester Open Mind Network for World Mental Health Day

Aliya Ismangil Contributor

The events of World Mental Health Day kicked off the newly founded Manchester Open Mind Network’s big plans for the year. Cofounder Sakib Moghal shares what the society hope to achieve, “Our two goals are to support those students dealing with mental health issues and to educate all students on keeping a healthy and happy lifestyle.” They want to create a diverse student community at any point in their mental health journey. “…we just want to do justice to all of our members who are keen and keep coming to these events and are seeking our support”, says Moghal.

“I don’t know a lot about mental health.” Exchange student Siyu Chen explains why she came to the panel discussion on mental health at university, “We all know about physical health, but because mental health is abstract it’s more difficult to think about.” This view is not uncommon and was reflected in the personal stories of the panellists. Manchester student and committee member Irum Islam opens up about her experience with bipolar disorder, raising issues surrounding the cultural effects on lack of understanding of mental health, “I feel like a lot of people don’t know enough about mental health. My own father before me thought depression was just an excuse.” Kel O’Neill, eating disorder counsellor and activist also finds that there is an absence of knowledge in professionals with regard to eating disorders, which is especially worrying in these often life threatening cases.

Duncan Craig of Survivors Manchester highlights the important issue of men’s mental health, having been through mental trauma himself. Craig called for Universities to get behind his campaign to improve support for men going through sexual abuse trauma, “Not a

Alternatives to the contraceptive pill

Shannon Winterbone considers other alternatives to the contraceptive pill

Photo: Aliya Ismangil

single university representative came back [to my challenge]… What does that mean? What messages are we sending out to men about their mental health? …I think we need to stand up for everybody’s mental health. We need to make sure we’re finding the right support and that means men too.”

It seems however that the professional support needed for everyone is just not there. NUS disabled students’ officer James Elliott shared some eye-opening statistics, “…as many as 4 in 5 students experience a mental health problem at some point during their time at university, a huge number, less than half of those actually get a diagnosis, and only 12% end up seeing a counsellor…” largely due to under-funding of mental health services. Elliot also raises the issue of over-dependence on peer support services, such as Nightline, “…we just need to be really clear in our minds that these are two separate things. They both have a function, they’re both really important, but peer support can’t really replace professional things like counselling

In this article, I am Discover the four ‘Do’s going to talk about... and Don’ts’ of the Ali G A survival guide to the Ali G

Cachella Smith is here to give some tips on how to write that perfect essay

Yinka Oyetade Contributor

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

A new Danish study has hit our headlines recently, leaving some women asking, “How has this taken so long to happen?” and others wondering, “Is this really true?” The study links the use of the contraceptive pill—one of the most popular forms of contraception in the UK—to depression. The study does not show a causal link between the two, but rather a worrying association.

The pill changes the hormonal balance in a woman’s body to regulate menstrual cycles and prevent pregnancy, but the study shows that it could also be affecting the mental wellbeing of many women.

As students, we have access to various counselling services and support from the university, but there are also many contraceptive alternatives available that some of us may not have considered using before. It is important that we are aware that these contraceptives do not protect you from any STIs, and it is a good idea to speak to your doctor before making any changes to the contraception you’re using.

IUD coil: The coil is inserted into the womb to prevent fertilised eggs from implanting in the uterine wall. The procedure takes around fifteen minutes and lasts from five to ten years – once the device is removed, your fertility will return to normal immediately. For the first three to six months your period may become unsettled, but after this time, everything will be back to normal again.

The implant: The implant is a small device inserted into your upper arm which lasts for up to three years and can be taken out at any time if you are having any difficulties with it or should you wish to get pregnant. It’s important to consider that for the first year or so, your periods could last much longer than usual or even stop completely.

This is not harmful, but it is just your body’s way of getting used to the extra hormones. However, it could potentially be disruptive.

Contraceptive injection: Given as an injection in your arm, this form of contraception lasts for around three months and acts in a similar manner to the implant. Although it only lasts for a short period of time, it can be a good way of testing whether the implant would be a good fit for you and your body. When used for a prolonged period of time, the injection can disrupt periods; but again, your body will settle back into its normal rhythm soon. These procedures are available at Bodey Medical Centre in Fallowfield, the Hathersage Centre on Upper Brook Street, and the Owens Park Surgery in Fallowfield if you’d like to get the injection.

and cognitive behavioural therapy”.

It is not all doom and gloom however; many of the panellists also highlight the human potential for resilience and recovery. Clinical Psychologist Azza Aglan, who takes a special interest in trauma, says she’s a firm believer in human strength, “I’ve worked with asylum seekers and in refugee camps around the world for a number of years, and they’re so resilient.” O’Neill also feels it’s important to share survival and recovery stories, “otherwise what we see of eating disorders, is that people die of eating disorders.”

The panellists each gave one piece of parting advice on how to maintain good mental health as students: “Mindful balance” — Azza Aglan “Environment; if your environment is good you’re gonna feel good” — Duncan Craig “Exercise…I personally feel great after doing exercise” — Irum Islam “I would echo what has been said…one more thing I would add is being able to seek support…and we have to make sure that these services are there” — James Elliott “I’d say be honest, be honest with yourself…be honest when you’re approaching someone” — Kel O’Neill Manchester Open Mind Network are planning more events like this as well as relaxed socials, film nights and bigger policy campaigns.

Islam hopes to integrate the arts into their mental health work, knowing that art is a common coping mechanism in people with Bipolar, “Maybe get involved with some art students… It’s just a case of finding them. Sometimes art can speak to us in a way that words can’t.”

If you’d like to get involved head over to their Facebook page, they’re open to any ideas and welcome any amount of time that you can give.

So you’ve survived the plague that is freshers’ flu, you’ve managed to make it to one 9am lecture and still have at least £10 to your name. But before you think you have university all figured out here is a survival guide to help you survive one of our university’s most challenging environments, the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons—or, as it’s commonly known, the Ali G. It has become notorious for its many unwritten rules, so here are 4 do’s and don’ts to help you successfully conquer it.

1. Do get there early. Timing for the Ali G is key. Seats go fast, so strolling in at 1pm means you most likely won’t find somewhere and you’ll probably end up opting for the library after awkwardly searching for a space on every floor.

2. Do keep your socks on. While this may seem like common sense some have been spotted with bare feet, even on desks. So as beautiful as your feet may be, please keep them covered at all times.

3. Don’t use your laptop in front of a computer space. For University of Manchester students this is one of the worst things you can ever do.

4. Don’t “reserve” a computer by putting all your stuff on the desk and leaving for hours on end. While the Ali G is a dog-eat-dog world, this is just plain selfish.

Abide by these rules and you’ll survive.

Photo: Sabrina Khan

If my title sounds somewhat familiar, you may have already realised that the essay season is fast approaching. Yup, unfortunately university isn’t all about escaping home and having a ‘good one’, deadlines also tend to crop up now and again. The focus on independent study and individual response means that for the majority of students, writing an essay has become little more than a stab in the dark. However, hopefully these tips will ease the pain of those first assignments.

1. Background reading It’s crucial that you understand the topic you are writing on and have evidence to prove it. Begin your secondary reading whilst you are studying each topic area, this way you can formulate ideas as you go (plus you don’t have the added pressure of reading 67 books before you can actually begin writing!).

2. Plan You can’t just spout out everything that pops into your head and expect your reader to be able to follow your thought-process. Planning allows you to organise your ideas coherently as well as check you have included everything you need to, from contextual information to close analysis, to get those top marks.

3. Take breaks Often, there’s a tendency for students to try and ‘bang out’ an essay the night before the deadline. However, writing a couple of paragraphs a day allows you to concentrate on one idea at a time. Writing your essay over a period of time, also gives you the opportunity to go away and think about certain ideas you are not sure how to articulate, rather than having to make a rushed decision.

4. Keep calm Many people associate stress only with exams, but it’s also very easy to become stressed whilst writing an essay. Usually an extended time in which to gain marks simply means an extended period of stress. The important thing is to remember you wouldn’t be at university writing this essay in the first place if you weren’t good enough. Know you can do it, and let that confidence ooze onto the page.

Photo: span112 @Flickr

Lifestyle 27

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Becoming a vegan, part one

Veganism has hit the UK, rising by 360 per cent in the past 10 years. But what’s it all about?

Katie Bell Contributor Settling back into student life in Manchester, it has been hard to avoid the debate: to be vegan or not to be? My recent conversion to vegetarianism sparked a heated conversation at the dinner table.

The meat-eaters rolled their eyes as they tucked into their bacon sarnies; now the minority in our house, they are sick of taking the blame for the world’s problems. Us, as the vegetarians, seem to be able to take the high ground. But we don’t boast the credentials of belonging to the same list as Brad Pitt and Emma Watson like our vegan housemate. In my quest to be a good, all-rounded human as I think about entering the ‘real world’, should I be following in their ethical, green footsteps? And what would this diet mean for me? Here’s some

food for thought.

We’re all talking about Cowspiracy. If you’ve not seen it, you’ll have heard about it and its exposure of the shocking impact of the meat industry on our world. Mass deforestation, high levels of methane gas release and water usage all make it a big contributor to global warming. 30% of global emissions come from agriculture (more than all the transport in the world). And if that doesn’t shock you, research shows that instead of feeding animals with our crops, 3.5 billion people could live off the food used for livestock. That’s enough to feed Africa three times over. There are currently 800 million people who do not have enough food, so why aren’t we feeding the people? If a vegan diet uses a third of the land and a third of the water of a typical dairy and meat diet, why don’t we all change in order to save our planet?

Many of us can’t let meat and dairy go. Friends

have told me life would be boring without them, but is that enough reason to ignore the facts? The horror towards Mozzarisella (the new rice-based cheese) is understandable but a vegan diet doesn’t have to be boring. The common under-nourished image of a vegan is also wrong; you only need to take one look at Germany’s strongest man- all 105kg of him- to prove it is no detriment to strength.

There are concerns over health for a vegan; we’re just all ill-informed over where to get key nutrients. But protein can be found in other plantbased foods. Seitan for example, the wheat gluten substitute for meat (it tastes better than it sounds, I promise) contains as much, if not more, protein than steak. B12 vitamin deficiency is widely perceived as the vegan problem, but only long-term vegans are advised to take widely-available and safe supplements. And the idea that we need to drink milk for calcium is one provided to us by the

companies who produce it.

For now, I class myself as a vegetarian on the diet spectrum—I try not to diet-discriminate. Perhaps one day I’ll be a ‘Cheagan’—a vegan who cheats now and then—like Serena Williams. I mean, if she can win 3 US Opens on a near-vegan diet, I’m sure I can attend lectures without putting milk in my coffee.

I’m not saying we all need to become animal lovers but being aware of what we eat is important, and little changes can go a very long way. When we consider the facts, this apparently ‘fashionable’ trend seems to have more behind it than a soya milk-drinking craze.

Advice on steps towards achieving that healthy, globally-aware diet and how to get the nutrients you need through plant-based products can be found in Part Two, coming soon.

Photo: luuq @Flickr

On the move: Day trips Your wellbeing at around Manchester university matters Here’s a short list of some fantastic places to visit on day trips or weekends away that give you a taste of life outside of Manchester

Kelsey Jones Contributor

Photo: michaelday_bath @Flickr

York York is a city founded by the Romans, located by the River Ouse. Its famous medieval city walls and history as the centre of major political events means it has no shortage of museums or selfie opportunities, such as Clifford’s Tower built by William the Conqueror. Also, it’s only just over an hour away on the train, so is perfect for day trips!

York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, dominates the town’s skyline. Hymns are played in the evening on a baton keyboard connected to the cathedral’s bells, although people have reported that songs by the Beatles and Beethoven have also been played. For the fearless, there are also plenty of ghost walks— perfect for you and a friend to venture out into as Halloween is coming up. For Harry Potter fans, the place to be is the Shambles. Perhaps the best preserved medieval street in the world, the Shambles is flanked by a labyrinth of narrow lanes and streets, some so narrow that

you can touch either side with arms outstretched. The Shambles is like Diagon Alley, filled with (semi)magical treasures available to Muggles: chocolate (not the enchanted frogs, I’m afraid), fudge, jewellery, handbags, teas, and souvenirs.

Pride and Prejudice Land (Chatsworth House) Fancy a bit of culture in your day trips?

Chatsworth House is a stately home in Derbyshire by the River Derwent, and was originally a Tudor mansion built in the 1560s by Bess of Hardwick.

It houses works of art that span all the way from ancient Egyptian sculptures to works by modern artists. Although you have to pay to get into Chatsworth House, you can visit the Stables’ souvenir shop, restaurant, and café for free. The Estate also boasts some brilliant woodland walks and expansive gardens. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even trek up to the Hunting Tower. Be sure not to nosey through the Tower’s windows as it is

a holiday home, as I found out rather awkwardly!

Moving on, Chatsworth also has an exceedingly posh farm shop offsite with a deli counter that I still dream about to this day. Perhaps over your afternoon teas you can get embroiled in a heated argument over who is the best Mr Darcy: there are more of them than you think, and like all great philosophical questions there is only one right answer—and he stars with Keira Knightley.

Chester Chester is a walled city originally built as a Roman fort. Originally named Deva Victrix in 79 AD, the city is a collage of cobbled streets and elevated walkways where Roman walls, medieval buildings, modern flats, and black and white Victorian restorations are clustered together. The city is a sweet shop of architecture with stunning surprises around every corner. You can visit the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, take river cruises, or go to Cheshire Oaks for some much-deserved retail therapy—an essential part of good day trips. A great feature is the Chester Rows, a two-storey high street with shops built above the ones at ground level on sheltered walkways.

Some of the Rows have been converted further, creating stone ‘crypts,’ some of which have become quirky bars which you can recuperate in after your journey across the walls.

Chloe Hatton Contributor I’m sure we are all very well aware that university can be a very stressful time, what with lectures, seminars, independent work, extra-curricular activities, and still trying to find time to get enough sleep, actually enjoy yourself, and look after your wellbeing. However, there might be times when it seems like you’re getting a little too stressed, reacting very badly to change, or just not able to get out of bed for some reason other than a hangover.

If this is the case, you might just be one of the 80% of students that have experienced a mental health issue within the last year, so it is important to know that you are not alone and that your wellbeing matters.

The best thing you can do is talk to somebody, whether this is a friend, a relative, or one of the counselling team at the University. Your wellbeing is important, and the sooner you talk about it, the easier it will be to get the help you need. It might sound a bit clichéd, but talking to someone about your wellbeing really is the first step to recovery. If you don’t fancy talking to anybody you know, the University Counselling service does offer confidential support, ranging from one-onone sessions to group sessions, full of people in similar situations to yourself.

Sessions can be booked via telephone or by emailing counsel.service@manchester.ac.uk, and there is lots of information on their various services available on MyManchester.

If you find you are struggling with work, talking to your Academic Advisor is definitely worthwhile; they may be able to make some arrangements with regards to workload. For those with a long-term condition, registering with the Disability Advisory and Support Service may be helpful, as they are able to provide exam support and extensions on major deadlines.

If you do not want to involve the University, there are lots of external groups that offer support, such as Mind, Samaritans, and ReThink. These groups can provide short-term help and advice over the phone, but longterm plans may be beneficial to your wellbeing too. If you go through your GP, the NHS offers counselling services which can be used to help change the way your mind thinks, and get yourself to a much better place on a permanent basis.

Lots of other self-care methods can be very helpful, and although it is very easy to get caught up in the stress that University brings with it, it is vital that you remember to let yourself unwind.

Treat yourself every so often, even if it’s something as small as buying a really nice brand of tea, or your favourite chocolate. Similarly, don’t beat yourself up if you can’t make lectures because of your mental health- it should be treated the same as your physical health, and it is just as important. The best thing you can do is look after yourself and, if possible, let others help you.

TUESDAY 18TH OCT the volunteering and social justice festival FEATURING

MUSIC // SPOKEN WORD EXHIBITION // TALKS FREE ACADEMY 1 & SURROUNDING AREA TUESDAY 18TH OCTOBER 11:30-16:00 // LAST ENTRY 15:30 FB.COM/JUSTFESTMCR

#JUSTFEST

S

P

S

O

R

Sport 29

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

T

P

O

R

T

/TheMancunionSport

@Mancunion_Sport

What next for Wayne Rooney?

Out of form and dropped by England and Manchester United, what does the future hold for Wayne Rooney?

George Ball Sport Reporter Seemingly having been around forever; Rooney burst onto the scene in 2002 aged just 16, scoring that famous goal for Everton against Arsenal. Since then he has won Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup with United. However, in the past few seasons he has struggled for consistent form in a below-par United side.

To attempt to combat this lack of form, Rooney has been tried out in a number of positions in recent seasons. Initially he was moved from his natural number nine role into a number ten, behind the striker, where it was hoped his loss of pace would not stop him contributing to the United attack. After mixed performances Rooney was moved further back still, into a central midfield role.

It was hoped he could use his creative ability to spray balls across the pitch and create chances for his teammates, again this did not go to plan.

The arrival of José Mourinho at Old Trafford in July signalled a return to his previous attacking position, with Mourinho saying, “For me, he will be a No 9 or a No 10, or a number nine-and-a-half, but with me he will never be a No 6, not even a No 8.” However, this change did not lead to improved form for Rooney, who has managed just a single league goal this season, in the first game of the season against Bournemouth. His poor form led to calls from fans and the me-

dia alike for him to be dropped from the starting eleven, which he was for the game against Leicester City. He was also named as a substitute for the following games against Zorya in the Europa League and Stoke City in the Premier League.

A potential cause for Rooney’s absence of form in past seasons is the fact that Manchester United have not been playing consistently well for a number of seasons now, arguably since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. They have had three permanent managers in that time: David Moyes, Louis Van Gaal and now José Mourinho. Moyes and Van Gaal in particular failed to bring the attacking football to Old Trafford that the United fans enjoyed under Ferguson. Whilst the jury is still out for Mourinho, he is known for favouring defensive solidity over more positive football. This does not bode well for players in attacking positions like Rooney, especially as he is now no longer guaranteed a position in the starting eleven.

So what next for the once talismanic striker? If the United management team think his time is up at the club, there will be a queue of teams abroad who would love to take a chance on him. Clubs in the MLS in America and the Chinese Super League have been rumoured to be keen to sign Rooney, who would be a landmark signing, even if his on-pitch ability is not what it used to be.

Speculation earlier this year linked 30-year-old Rooney with a move to Shanghai SIPG, who are managed by

former England boss Sven-Goran Erikkson. Last year MLS commissioner Don Garber told the Manchester Evening News that he would be keen to see Rooney play in the MLS. He said, “We would love players like Wayne Rooney, and those who have been able to be really successful at the highest level, to be thinking about Major League Soccer.”

Rooney himself also spoke about a potential move to America last year. He did not rule it out, saying “when that time comes, that (the MLS), that will be something that I will think about.”

Rooney has a contract with the club until 2019 and is rumoured to be earning around £300,000 per week. This is not something he will be keen to give up lightly, so any prospective club would realistically have to match or better it.

He is also still a headline name and is able to help the club draw in large sums through sponsorship deals. Yet much like his position in the starting eleven, this is also under threat. The summer signing of Paul Pogba was noted as a big signing for United, not only for his technical ability but also for his marketability. Soon Rooney may not have the same attraction to sponsors, and that is when he may find himself out of the door at Old Trafford.

On the pitch Wayne Rooney is a fading force, dropped by club and country, with his commercial value under threat.

It might not be long before he is playing his football in Los Angeles or Shanghai rather than Manchester.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Federer and Nadal both outside world’s top 4

Both players are outside the top four in the rankings for the first time for 13 years

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Luke Maguire Sport Reporter As two of the most famous faces in tennis, we are regularly used to seeing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer winning grand slams and competing for the top spot in the rankings. However, the rankings released this week show

that both players are now ranked outside the top fours spots for men’s tennis for the first time in over 13 years.

The Spaniard Nadal is ranked fifth and Swiss Federer is in the lower position of seventh. Is this the beginning of the end for the careers of arguably two of the best players to have ever played the sport?

Probably not! Nadal has won titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona already this year while Federer has been suffering with a knee injury which has kept him out of competing for more recent titles. They have both have had stellar careers with an astounding 31 grand slam titles between them. However, for Nadal aged 30, and Federer

35, it would be understandable to for them to have slowed down slightly as both of them are past the prime of their playing career.

Though as the saying goes its not over till the fat lady sings and neither of these players got to where they are today without gritty determination to keep on winning and are unlikely to let something like age stand in their way.

If you ask either player, they would most likely say they still have at least couple more grand slams left in them.

They won’t be making plans for retirement any time soon.

However they are no longer the top dogs in town, with Serbian Novak Djokovic and Briton Andy Murray occupying the first and second spots in the rankings respectively. Andy Murray in particular has had a good year so far with his most recent victory coming last week in the China Open final. This was his fifth singles title this year and his 40th in his whole career and portrays precisely why he is one of the best in the world right now. If

this form continues, he is on course to overtake Djokovic as world number one which is a position the Serb has held for four of the past five years.

Murray is currently competing in the Shanghai Masters so will try and continue his recent run of good form to achieve yet another title for this year and move ever closer to clinching the number one spot in the rankings.

Andy Murray is not the only British tennis player to have seen action this week. Johanna Konta reached the final of the China Open where she was beaten in straight sets 6-4 6-2 by Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland. A disappointing result but after reaching the final she has moved into the top 10 in the rankings. She is the first British woman to reach the top 10 for over 32 years.

Konta and fellow Brit Heather Watson are now back in action in the Hong Kong Open and will both be hoping for further success in this tournament.

British tennis has had a good year, and with any luck, this momentum will be carried along into next year.

30

Sport

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

S

P

O

R

T

Netball’s Big Wednesday Elizabeth Payne Sport Reporter

The University netball teams are off to a flying start with week one success

After a week of preseason training for returners, three gruelling days of trials for the club’s new members and hours of other training sessions since then, it was finally time to put all the hard work into practice for UMWNC. With four teams out of six winning their respective matches, the first BUCS Wednesday of the season was a successful start and a good sign of what’s to come.

First up, the fifth team faced UCLAN threes at the Armitage and a strong start saw them forge an early lead, which they never relinquished. Thanks to some impeccable defending, Manchester only conceded 16 goals and thanks to good transitional play between attack and defence by the centre court and accurate shooting, UCLAN never had a lookin. Player of the match went to Vanessa Watkins for her fantastic movement around the court and her impressive shooting, whilst captain Rebecca James, reflecting after the match, was proud of how well her team played despite it being their first match together.

Next to experience home advantage was the third team, who after a tight first quarter, entered the break 12-11 up against Keele’s first team. No changes were made heading into the second 15 minutes, giving the team a chance to find their feet and this proved to be the right call as the girls extended their lead. Five goals up, captain Kelly Maxwell chose to bring on some fresh legs, making three changes, and whilst it took a while to adapt to some of the substitutions, by the end of the third quarter Manchester had regained their composure and started to eliminate their earlier errors. Another three changes were made in the last quarter, including the introduction of shooter Ellie Gibbs whose superb shooting earned her player of the match. The girls’ patience working the ball into the circle paid off and Manchester ended the match victorious, scoring 49 goals to Keele’s 39.

Last to play at home was the first team, facing off against Leeds Beckett, previous winners of the league and trophy. Knowing it would be a tough game and after a loss last week, Manchester came out firing and led by 4 goals after the first quarter, thanks to the sterling defence of Claudia Payne,

Honor de Winton, and Carys Elwiss-Hough. Momentum swung throughout the match with either team regularly scoring a run of four or five goals and

multiple defensive turnovers earned her the player of the match accolade.

Meanwhile, the fourth team made a trip to Liver-

Photo: Elizabeth Payne

although the gap had narrowed slightly at half time, it was Manchester who remained ahead throughout the match. At one point in the last quarter, with the score locked at 37 all, it looked as though it was going to be battle until the final whistle, but the first team pulled ahead at the crucial moment and Beth Payne and Ellie Smith kept their cool in the shooting circle to secure a 49-42 win. Katie Lee and Amy Hughes worked tirelessly in the centre court, especially impressive considering that no substitutions were made, and the latter’s accurate feeding and

pool to play Edge Hill’s second team, a game which proved to be a tough first match to try out new combinations. After a good first quarter, Manchester couldn’t maintain their shooting accuracy, allowing their opponents to increase their lead and whilst the final score ended 40-21 in Edge Hill’s favour, captain Charlotte Mooney is upbeat about her team’s potential and is looking forward to seeing how they progress throughout the season. A special mention goes to player of the match, Nikki Hayes.

Also playing away from home was Manchester’s

second team who made the tough trip to play the recently relegated Liverpool John Moores first team.

After a slightly frantic first quarter, the girls in purple found themselves 10-19 down, however, they then began to settle into the game and managed to keep their opponents within touching distance, thanks to some accurate shooting and controlled play from centre Megan Woodworth, who also made multiple turnovers. A brilliant third quarter saw Manchester decrease the gap and build momentum heading into the final fifteen minutes but John Moores came out strongly once again, and their incredibly consistent GA allowed them to maintain their lead.

Despite Manchester losing 56-47 captain Izzy Smith said it was a fantastic first game, reflected by the close scoreline, and it has provided the girls with both lots to work on, and positives to take forward to their next game. Players’ player went to Olivia Leach for her excellent shooting and controlled attacking play.

Last, and by no means least the sixth team, making the step up from Campus League to BUCS, travelled to Salford to play the latter’s second team.

After a tense first half, and losing a player to injury, Manchester found themselves trailing 16-24, and therefore, with some catching up to do. Showing great persistence, they did exactly this and an excellent third quarter saw them narrow the gap to just one goal heading into the final fifteen minutes.

Captain Rosie Allen was proud of her team’s desire to win and their team spirit, which combined with better on-court communication and encouragement, saw Manchester stay goal-for-goal with Salford until the last minute. With the pressure getting to their opponents, Allen’s team capitalised, allowing player of the match, Becca Titterington to shoot and score with 5 seconds remaining, helping her team to a 37-36 win. Thanks to their one-goal victory, the sixth team secured the team of the week accolade from the club captain.

All in all, it has been a great first week for the club and it will be exciting to watch all the teams improve and continue to win matches throughout the season.

World Snooker’s Home Nations Series arrives in Manchester The English Open commenced on Monday in our very own Event City, and it’s off to a thrilling start Amber Ervin Sport Reporter The New Home Nations Series arrived in Manchester on Monday, drawing in Snooker fans from across the country. As part of The Chairman of World Snooker Barry Hearn’s incentive to bring more exposure to the game, the Home Nation Series is a collection of the existing Welsh Open, with the introduction of English, Scottish and Northern Ireland Opens.

These events follow the newer style of play, with 128 playing down to 1 over a week, with a total of £366,000 in prize money. This modern format allows anyone to climb the ranks, removing the older seeding system and making the game fairer for fresh players.

The opinion amongst the professionals about the new format is varied. Two time world champion Mark Williams said: “Every tournament we play in at the minute seems to be best of seven and that doesn’t always give the best players the chance to get through like they normally would if it was best of nine or eleven. But saying that, I prefer any tournament where I don’t have to get on an aeroplane to get there and at least there’s plenty of them now.”

Some players however prefer the new format, as it gives them a chance to get practising early and keeping up on their game. Triple Crown holder Neil Robertson said: “You want to be playing

Photo: Barney Weston

matches early on in tournaments and building your way through an event. In tournaments like the Shanghai Masters you start out in the last 32 and you are playing someone who has already won a match so they’re pretty sharp, so I quite like the new format the way it is.”

The top seeds don’t seem to be bothered too much by the new format, with some astounding plays in the first round.

Mark Williams sealed the deal in his first game against David John 4-2 after

a disastrous miscue took a chunk out of his cue tip. Stuart Bingham narrowly made it into round 2 by beating Robert Milkins 4-3 after a 3-1 comeback, and a gruelling 6th frame. Judd Trump and Neil Robertson both won their games with a strong 4-1 victory, with Judd still showing his strength from his recent win at the European Masters in Bucharest, where he beat The Rocket himself Ronnie O’Sullivan. Current World Champion and World number 1 Mark Selby

stormed through his first round game against Gary Wilson 4-0, and spoke about his feelings on the new Home Nations Series. “Yeah I think it’s well overdue. I mean we obviously have a few major tournaments in the UK but a lot of tournaments seem to be going out to Europe or to the Far East so it’s nice to have four big tournaments here.”

The freshness of the tournament does not seem to have affected its popularity, with packed halls with people from

all over England for box office games such as the Round 1 battle of Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Jimmy Robertson. The Rocket proved he was still on top form, laying down a staggering 4-0 win over Robertson in just over 40 minutes. When asked about the format, Ronnie was in favour of the new Home Nations. “I think it’s great to have more tournaments in the UK. You know we’ve got 4 or 5 events in China, which is great, now we have 8 or 9 in the UK and a few around Europe, so there’s a nice balance to it now.” “I love it, I think they should have 256 players, really make it difficult for the players!”

With such a positive spectator turnout and all the big names turning up to play, it seems that the Home Nations Series could become a major player amongst the available snooker tournaments. And the cherry on top? Coral, the sponsors of the tournament, have put up £1,000,000 to anyone who can win all 4 tournaments. Can it be done? Mark Selby thinks only one man is up for the challenge. “To win 28 matches on the trot is more or less impossible in my eyes. If anyone could do it then it would probably be Ronnie.” Ronnie however thinks that it’s not going to happen. “If you speak to an optimist he’ll say it can be done, if you speak to a pessimist, he’ll say it wouldn’t be able to done. It depends which side of the fence you sit on really. I’m a bit of a pessimist myself, so I’m saying it can’t be done.”

S

P

O

R

T

Sport 31

ISSUE 05 / 17th OCTOBER 2016 WWW.MANCUNION.COM

Women batter Man Met as the men just miss out Photo: UMWRFC

Ben Ryan

University Sport Editor UMWRFC 72–12 Manchester Metropolitan Ladies This was the first time the two teams had played each other in three years and so, as expected, the contest was billing up to be an electric one. There was also the added spectacle of the event’s recent move to the AJ Bell Stadium, new home to the men’s Aviva Premiership side Sale Sharks. With the stadium superbly lit and the temperature adding a bit of bite to the air, there was rousing atmosphere in and around the stadium.

UoM Ladies started the brighter of the two teams, working the phases and controlling possession.

Fly-half Megan Grant-Harris began to dictate the game and on the 15-minute mark the ball was excellently spun down the line to find Outside Centre Olivia Ball just outside the 22. Ball was able to race away from her opposite number to break the line and score. The conversion was missed. Score 5-0.

MMU had seen barely any of the ball in the first quarter before UoM started to show off a few things they had been working on in the training ground. UoM’s forwards worked four phases in the middle of the park with a series of offloads gaining them territory before an unfortunate dropped ball in the opposition half. Here UoM were able to demonstrate their authority at the set piece. They turned the scrum on its head and the forwards rumbled towards the line. Second row Annie Lyles performed a quick pick and go and was bundled over on 19 minutes. The conversion was missed and the score hit 10-0.

UoM displayed their elegant running rugby again as they neatly drew their men to send winger Georgie Palmer down the line, showing unbelievable pace to run 50 metres and score.

UoM were brimming with confidence as the half progressed, able again to exploit defensive holes as number eight Lauren Muddiman was put in to make the score 22-0. Further gaps began to appear in MMU’s defence as they seemed to begin to tire early on. Just before half time UoM were operating as if routine, backs running hard lines, always freeing their hands for the offload and again, exploiting the ever present doglegs in MMU’s defence.

Fullback Lisa Viktoria was rushed in the corner to make the score 27-0.

UoM started the second half where they left the first, spinning the ball about with ease, selfless support runners always offering themselves. 2 minutes into the second half it was inside centre Miguela Kerin’s turn to get on the score sheet, straightening play up to break through the line, step the fullback and score. UoM did, however,

Women Dominate Varsity Eve Chaplin UMWRFC Player The Rugby Varsity is always a highly anticipated sporting event, and this year it was no differ-

Varsity at the AJ Bell Stadium saw the Women’s team successful with 72-12, and the men struggle with a 10-5 loss

suffer a slight blip as MMU got a rare chance to attack. Several overlaps were almost butchered after countless phases but MMU’s tighthead was eventually sent over to make the score 34-7.

UoM scored three quick tries in succession, once again deploying their skilful, quick backs out wide as their score reached half a century on 70 minutes. Grant Harris, for the most part, unable to find her rhythm from the kicking tee as scores were not maximised but the overall tally rose to 51-7.

As the game entered the last five minutes, MMU began to look depleted both physically and mentally. A couple more tries from UoM before a sensational effort from Lisa Viktoria who cleaned up a messy ball in her own 22 before racing towards the blindside and running 70 metres up the field— almost caught might I add—before touching down to make the score 72-7. One more try to add insult to injury just before the final whistle expounded a remarkable and exhilarating display by the ladies’ team in what was, in the end, barely a contest.

UMRFC 5–10 Manchester Metropolitan University The outstanding display from the ladies’ team unfortunately could not be replicated by the men’s team. UoM did not get off to the best of starts as a dropped ball from a high kick off foreshadowed what was to be a clumsy, incoherent contest. MMU were given a chance to attack off their own scrum but could only reply with another knock-on. Inside the first five minutes a number of mistakes were made as both sides tried to get a grip and find their rhythm. Despite this, both sets of supporters were loud and vibrant in support of their teams and an interesting territorial chant off between MMU and UoM supporters began to develop.

MMU began to dominate possession and work the phases as UoM found it hard to get their defensive lines organised. MMU’s back line looked confident and eager to make things happen, progressing into UoM’s 22 with some neat passing moves. UoM struggled to recover the ball, looking fractured. MMU’s centre was put through on a hard line and eventually scrambled over in the corner to make it 5-0.

The resulting kick off evoked a sense of déjà vu as MMU failed to catch the ball and an attacking scrum was given to UoM. This time UoM were able to work their back line into the game, putting themselves on the front foot before the forwards showed their strength and finally an audacious flick on pass found fullback Joseff Edwards in the corner. The conversion was missed and the score ent. The matches took place in the AJ Bell stadium, the home of the Sale Sharks. After two years, MMU returned with more to prove than ever before, and the University of Manchester girls were not going to give them an easy game.

The Women’s match was an absolutely cracking game right from the first whistle, and a treat for all the spectators. MMU showed complete

was levelled at 5-5.

The game remained fractured and tight despite MMU retaining most of the possession as the half progressed. MMU won a penalty in UoM’s half and opted for a kick at goal. No doubt the stadium erupted with jeers as the kick was missed and UoM were allowed to go again from the halfway line. UoM began to get a fair share of the possession, working the phases and spinning the ball out wide to winger J. Hunt, who, after showing dancing feet, was bundled into touch and certainly let know about it by MMU players as the game began to get quite feisty for the first time.

As the half progressed on you would be forgiven to describe it as error-prone from an attacking point of view, with possession perennially handed over by both sides. Nevertheless, as the first half drew to a close it would be a disservice to UoM not to credit them on their tireless defence as they held out for a constricted half-time.

UoM came out in the second half looking fired up and raring to go, putting in a few big hits and their stamp on the game. But, like the first half, their

share of possession was lacking due to frequent mistakes. It wasn’t too long before UoM conceded another penalty and were pinned back in their own 22. Several more penalties were conceded before the pressure told and MMU were able to finish off in the corner. Score 5-10 as the conversion was missed.

All UoM needed now to get in front was a converted try but, after building some momentum, number eight P. Marmoin was sin-binned. Further momentum they built was again thwarted by a string of errors and a short interlude courtesy of a couple of brave streakers. The last ten minutes of the game was all UoM as they looked for that elusive breakthrough. Hooker J. Mowatt made a good break out of his 22, UoM won a penalty on halfway and went for the corner. Unfortunately no breakthrough could be found as the ball was knocked on in midfield. The game drew to a disappointing end as UoM were ultimately unable to take control of a clumsy, tight and incoherent game to edge past their fierce rivals.

Photo:Harry Newton

determination throughout the match, delivering big hits and keeping our team on their toes. It was clear that both teams wanted the win as much as the other.

But the University of Manchester girls were unstoppable with tries scored by: Olivia Ball, Ruth Dow, Lauren Muddiman, Georgie Palmer, NyamedoHannah Gyamfuaa Addae-Dapaah, Annie

Lyles, Miguela Kerins, Lisa Newman, and Hannah Watson. With some tries more extravagant than others with Ruth Dow’s impressive acrobatic flip over the try line.

The Varsity win was the exact start to the season that the club wanted after the high of winning the league last year.

Continued at www.mancunion.com/sport

17th OCTOBER 2016/ ISSUE 05 FREE S

P

O

R

T

Photo: Patrick Blower

Should doping be legalised?

James Blower discusses whether legalising doping could be an option

Athletes doping in sport is as old as sport itself; Ancient Greek sportsmen and women ate and drank various substances that were believed to have enhanced performance, giving them an advantage over their opponents. Humans have always striven to push the bounds of what is possible—that is what is beautiful about our species.

However, doping as we know it nowadays is undeniably cheating and therefore, immoral. Performance-enhanced athletes are deceiving spectators who are prepared to be dazzled by the beauty of a human’s natural ability, by breaking the rules. With scandals like Russia’s state sponsored doping scheme and Maria Sharapova’s medical ‘slip-up’ emerging in the press all too often, is it not time to alter the rules to incorporate this overwhelming number of athletes?

Until technology is advanced enough

to successfully catch all doping athletes, this may be the only solution.

If rules were changed to make doping transparent, then it would no longer be deemed cheating. Allowing this would arguably get rid of the beauty of sport and the chance for an audience to watch an athlete pushing themselves to the limits of un-enhanced human capability; you would no longer be watching the ultimate Wimbledon final between Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, but a clash between Zeus and Mars.

But would this be a bad thing though if it meant that months down the line you didn’t, as a spectator, feel totally deceived by a sporting event that you thought was real but has just been deemed a total lie by the front cover of the tabloids?

Anti-doping agencies have banned across all sports certain substances

that are believed to enhance performance, in an attempt to ‘level the playing field’. Even if these regulatory bodies were successful in their attempts to clean up sport, the playing field would still very much not be level. Athletes can seek advantage over their opponents in multiple ways that are deemed legal; hypnosis, acupuncture, sleeping in oxygenated tents, not to mention constant technological advancements.

What happens then to the less wealthy countries who can’t afford to ‘tweak’ their athletes as close to the legal line as possible? Are they then supposed to rely on pure natural ability in order to just keep hot on the tails of their opponents—surely a dated concept?

A professional athlete’s livelihood depends on winning and for those that are clean, facing drugged-up opponents pretty much eliminates this possibility.

Athletes are then faced with a moral dilemma: stay clean and have almost no chance of success, or dope. To add to the pressure of doping is the likelihood of not getting caught, one survey in 2015 estimated only a 2 per cent chance of being caught out—and psychologist’s studies have shown that the less likely you are to be caught, the greater number of cheats there is. This would regretfully suggest that the doping scandals we hear about are only the tip of the iceberg.

At the moment athletes are prepared to go to any means possible to enhance their performance in order to keep up with the opposition, often self-administering the drugs they or their trainers have obtained from unknown sources.

If doping was to be legalised then drugs would be properly administered and athletes would no longer have to delve

into this perilous underground world, risking their long term health and reputation.

Not only would legalising doping eliminate the risk factor, it would actually make sport fairer. Although this may sound counter intuitive, if an international body was to distribute performance enhancers, then everyone would have access to the same drugs in the same quantities, therefore leveling out the playing field.

Doping is a complex moral issue but one which increasingly needs addressing or we risk totally losing the enjoyment we get from watching organised sport or perhaps, which nobody wants, losing it altogether. While the rules that stand are continually being broken therefore leading to injustice, they should be changed.

/TheMancunionSport

31

30

@Mancunion_Sport

29