december 2014
christmas special fan museum home workout
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Editorial Hi everyone! I am sure you are glad that this term is nearly over and that most of your deadlines are out of the way. With Christmas approaching now is the time to wind down and (hopefully) you will have time to relax over the break. I would like to thank everyone who came down to the Freshers Fair to talk to us, we have gained a lot of talented contributors and everyone who took a copy of the magazine helped to make the Freshers issue a success. Our new website has been launched recently and the team has been working hard to create new and interesting content to ensure that it is as good as it can be. Take a look at www.suug.co.uk/media In this issue we have a lot of articles to help to get everyone into the festive spirit with places to go, tips on how to make the most of out of Christmas on a student budget and holiday recipes. We also have some great reviews of exhibitions, coffee shops, tips for securing a dream job and furthering your studies with a year abroad. The winners of our creative writing competition have been announced and have had their work published in this issue. It is not too late to join our team, if you are interested email me: lucyweller@ ymail.com or if you just want to find out when the next issue will be out and when the website has been updated find us on Twitter and Facebook: twitter.com/UoGMagazine www.facebook.com/latitudelookout Lucy Editor in Chief
index 4 words from the president 5 women's hub 6 fan museum 7 london's coffee culture 8 being a student at christmas 8 christmas presents on a budget 9 christmas in greenwich 9 winter festival southbank 10 new year around the world 11 pumpkin spiced muffins 12 Truffaut's La Nuit Americane 13 EGON SCHIELE: THE RADICAL NUDE 14 The Black Hand
Join the team!
Are you a budding journalist, photographer, or designer? Gain experience and show off your skills here. Anyone interested can email: lucyweller@ymail.com
15 Top 10 Tips on how to achieve a successful career in the Fashion Industry 16 What luggage and human lives have in common 17 If we don't vote, we won't have our voice heard 18 LL Chats to Circa Waves! 19 THE PIERCES
Follow us! /latitudelookout
20 writer's showcase 22 The Home Workout 23 what the faq?
@UoGmagazine 3
Words From the President
Let me tell you a story. A true story. I joined the University of Greenwich in September 2009, I was studying an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Public Relations. I loved my time at University. I made plenty of new friends, I spent time exploring this amazing part of London, and I probably spent a bit too much time in the bar. It didn’t take long for the initial shine to wear off though. I couldn’t quite work out what was wrong. The degree was enjoyable, the work load was more than manageable, and I had a good support network around me. Something didn’t feel right though, this probably wasn’t the right degree for me. In my frustration with not knowing, I protested. My attendance dipped, I stopped handing
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in good pieces of coursework, and in some cases stopped handing in work at all. The University was failing me—but I didn’t know it. Towards the end of the academic year I had a conversation with a member of staff. This conversation was illuminating, as I relayed some of my issues they rather casually suggested that I just switch to another degree that I might fit into better. I was a bit set back that this would be so easy, such a simple thing. In September 2010 I begun a new degree in Politics. I loved it, and I was sure it was the degree for me. It was during this year that things would change significantly for me, but it would take years for me to realise that. It was my second year at university and that meant I understood
a bit more about what was going on; I joined the hockey team and enjoyed the experiences and new friends that this gave me. I also remember the excitement every single Wednesday when I knew I’d spend the day with the hockey team. It was a huge help with the stresses of everyday student life. I had a friend, her name is Katrina and you can see her name on the Students’ Union honours board as she served as a Vice President at the Union. That’s a clue to my big discovery. Katrina was interested in Union politics and convinced me to run for a parttime officer position. I won and Katrina was elected as a Vice President. What this gave me was a step inside the Union bubble—an opportunity to see how it worked. It wasn’t pretty, it was clear to me that when I was struggling with my first year that the Students’ Union should have been that go to place for help. It was then that I realised I could make a difference, and that I needed to help anybody else that might go through what I did, or worse. And here I am, half way through my final year as the Students’ Union President. I will have spent four years as an elected officer at the Union, and thankfully I’ve seen and heard of just some of the impact we’ve made on people’s lives. But the fight goes on and there’s always more to do, but I’m super proud of everyone who dedicates their life to helping students at the University of Greenwich. I’ll leave you with a simple message, a message that I told to a group of students at the start of this year: If you think you can make a difference then you really can, that’s all the belief you need. The passion within will drive you and those around you to enact change and make a difference to others. Good luck! Follow me on Twitter @PresGreenwich, find me on Facebook, and of course follow your Students’ Union @sugreenwich
Alex Brooks President
women's hub Women’s Hub, contrary to its name, is a society opened to both men and women. Our attention is focused on gender equality and on trying to get over cultural and gender biases, still present in many environments. Our meetings offer a fun but serious environment where members are free to discuss ideas, articles, books, personal concerns, and whether there are no right or wrong answers! Women’s Hub tends to diversify its activities so that students can get an allround knowledge and awareness of relevant topics. This academic year we would like to meet for a minimum of twice a month, to read articles and books extracts and discuss them in a civilized manner. We also offer trips to venues other than the University of Greenwich, where events dedicated to gender equality are held. On top of this, Women’s Hub will be proud to host speakers and organize nights out, including to theatre! We are sure everybody is familiar with the expression “you do that like a girl”. Rings a bell, doesn’t it? Well, although most of us take it as an endearment or try to pass it off as a friendly joke, we really shouldn’t. When did doing things like a girl become a bad thing? Girls do things “like girls” because they are such. That doesn’t make women any less capable or talented in their chosen career path.
Some facts you could focus on while deciding if our society is for you: - Improved gender diversity creates better organizations: greater creativity and innovation, -improved teamwork and flexibility. -Pfizer and AstraZeneca. - According to the Harvard Business Review, companies with women in their top ranks are more profitable companies, with higher employee retention and greater overall staff morale. - A global survey revealed that 72% of corporative executives believe there is a direct connection between gender diversity and improved financial success. –McKinsey. With the hope we made a good impression, we leave you with the wise words of a great woman, Maya Angelou: “How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” Get in touch: www.suug.co.uk/societies/womenshub/
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fan museum
in-Chief
By: Sara O’Brien
If you’re in the mood to treat yourself, venture over to The Fan Museum, conveniently located in a Georgian townhouse in-between Cutty Sark and Greenwich stations. The museum itself displays a beautiful collection of intricate, unique fans from around the world, dating back all the way to the 11th century. The museum is divided into three sections, including the permanent exhibition, the changing exhibition, and the charming Orangery, where it is possible for visitors to have an elegant, yet affordable, afternoon tea. Voted the ‘Best Value Afternoon Tea’ by the Daily Telegraph in 2012, The Fan Museum does not disappoint. In order to have tea, you must also pay the admission charge which varies in price, between £4 and £1.50, depending on applicable reductions. On Sundays and Tuesdays the museum’s Orangery is open full afternoon tea table bookings at 1.45, 2.15, 3.15, and 3.45 and it is strongly recommended that you book a table in advanced.
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The set price for a full afternoon tea is £7 per person on top of the admission charge and includes tea or coffee, one slice of Victoria sponge cake, a scone, cream, jam, and your choice of a brownie or a slice of lemon cake. If you decide to visit the museum on a Friday or Saturday, the Orangery is open for tea between 12.30 and 4.30, operating on a walk-in service, not taking table bookings. On these days, you can choose to order individual cakes, scones, or tea at à la carte prices or have the full afternoon tea option. A trip to The Fan Museum is certainly the perfect way to treat yourself or a companion, while remaining on a budget. Offering a quaint and elegant atmosphere paired with quality, delicious cakes and scones at a more than reasonable price, the Orangery offers more than a standard cafè would. Whilst browsing, be sure to look in the boutique, where you can purchase afternoon tea gift vouchers which include admission costs, a lovely idea for a present to keep in mind, especially with the holidays coming up! Reservations can be made via email: museumassistant@thefanmuseum.org.uk or telephone at 020 8305 1441
London's Coffee Culture We all appreciate a corporate cup of Starbucks coffee here and there, but with the coffee culture in London exploding, artisan cafes are continuously popping up around London. Here are four hotspots that provide a cup for all to enjoy... By: Callum Sharp
Greenwich Peyton and Byrne
This light, bright student friendly café is perfect for any group work that doesn’t require a library. There are many tables available - some that can seat 6 - and a great level of chat and uplifting music to keep you motivated. The staff are welcoming and they sell over forty different types of tea, not to mention great quality coffee. There’s an eclectic mix of food available, offering healthy salads and cakes available to takeaway. Although it occasionally becomes a meeting place for mothers, the amount of room and price per cup makes the difference (£2.00 for an Americano to go). They also have free wifi, a bonus for anyone with deadlines.
Waterstones Café
The local Waterstones is an incredibly quiet, peaceful café. It’s a creative escape for anyone wanting to get their head down for those all important essays. Personally, I love a good bookshop café, but if you’re in it for the coffee it certainly doesn’t hit the mark. It does however have locally sourced sandwiches and treats, so definitely check it out. The staff there are very accommodating and the calm atmosphere creates the perfect place for some writing inspiration, perfect for powering through those reports.
Further Afield Store Street Espresso
Store Street is a personal favourite because the quality of coffee is simply outstanding. They were using a seasonal espresso blend called Redbrick, which is roasted by the independent roasting company Square Mile. It was thoroughly enjoyable and had primary favours of dark berries and sugary caramel. Every latte is topped beautifully with hearts and rosettas, and for only £2.50, it’s worth paying for. The café has a minimalist feel and is naturally lit by the large skylight, which gives it a very cheerful atmosphere. It’s also extremely student friendly, offering student discounts and free wifi, which encourages people to stay and enjoy the space. There is a good range of snacks available too at around £3 per item, not bad for a central London spot.
Timberyard
Located just off of Leicester Square, this well charactered shop balances busy, open areas from quiet, tucked away ones perfectly. The coffee is superb, they had a single origin Guatemalan espresso on the go when I visited, which was perfectly balanced. They provide table service and serve your coffee on a rustic wooden board, giving it some class. Upon request, they can make any of their sandwiches with gluten free bread. They also have the widest selection of cakes known to man. However, this is more of a weekend treat; prices are high. A latte is about £3.00 and a sandwich is pushing £5.50. Spend wisely...
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Being a Student at Christmas It can be quite hard to get into the Christmas spirit when you are worrying about the amount of reading you have to do and the essays that you haven’t finished (or maybe even started) yet. By making some preparations with your house or flatmates feeling festive can become a lot easier. By: Lucy Weller
Decorate your house or halls: decorat-
ing your house or the halls that you live in when you go home you will be greeted by a happy winter wonderland that will provide a well-deserved break. Asking family members for decorations that they may not need or buying cheap items from a pound shop such as baubles or ceiling decorations can help to transform a home around Christmas time.
Have Christmas dinner with friends:
invite some housemates and friends to a Christmas dinner. It doesn’t have to be fancy and can still be done on a budget but it is a nice way to celebrate before everyone goes home. The cost can be cut if you ask everyone to split the bill between them. They shouldn’t
mind too much since it will be one person who has spent all day cooking the meal for them!
Presents: If you have a lot of people that
you would like to get gifts for, Christmas can be a difficult time if you are not used to a student budget. It can be made easier if you get all of the friends that want to get gifts for each other together and organise a Secret Santa. This means that everyone writes their name on a piece of paper and everyone picks out a name but doesn’t tell anyone who they have. This way everyone gets a present and it can be a really nice one since no one is worrying how much they are spending and you can set a price limit when you pick the names.
Christmas Presents on a Budget By: Paige Wilson Okay, so I know Christmas can be a really expensive time of year, especially on a student budget. The overdraft is flowing, the ‘to buy for’ list gets longer and idea’s (and money) are limited. So, I’ve come up with a few quick, easy and cheap ideas for those nearest and dearest this year.
Idea one: My mum does these every year, so simple, personal and perfect for boy or girl, young or old. Buy a pillar candle - they’re so cheap, I found five of them in a set, all different sizes for £4.50 from Tesco; stencil a design, writing or image on to the candle in pencil, scratching into the surface so you can see the design, then get some acrylic or fabric paint (both work perfectly) and paint over it. I did this really simple one for my friend for Chinese new year last year. 8
Idea two: Know someone whose just got a new
place? Or just decorated? How about make them some bunting - unique and personal. Granted, it is more time consuming that the candles, but it so much fun to make. I picked up some scrap material that I liked from the local haberdashery, which cost me about 50p a piece. I just cut them into squares, folded them in half to make triangles, sewed up the edges, strung ribbon through the top and tacked it over so it would hang nicely. My one is a bit girly, but you can chose any design and make it for anyone. Maybe make some miniature ones that could be used for a quirky tree decoration?
Idea three: Collect old jars, clean them and then
decorate and fill them. Maybe with some ribbon and then fill them with notes, or a gift card, or create an old-school sweet jar?
Christmas in Greenwich By: Heather Scott Christmas on a student budget usually results in the panic of drowning your upcoming deadline date sorrows with a bottle of terrible three pound wine, and singing around a traffic cone Christmas tree with pound shop fairy lights strewn around it. So, instead of suffering from this inevitable ill-fate, why not get yourself out from your study pit of doom, and cheer yourself up with the festive events happening around Greenwich this Christmas. Greenwich Market will be transformed into its annual Christmas market, selling all kinds of quirky festive gifts from the renowned arts and crafts stalls. So, you can even find the perfect Christmas gift for that distant cousin that you never know what to buy for and is always so picky.
With all the beautiful pubs in Greenwich, you’ll never have to look far to get into the Christmas spirit… and I’m not talking about the ghost kind. Pop in to the Cutty Sark Tavern on the 11th December for an ‘Xmas Session’ from 8pm onwards, and if you sign up to the Gypsy Moth emailing list over Christmas, you’ll get a free drink of Bombay Sapphire! If you feel like you need a bit of healthy exercise after eating your advent calendar in one day, then the Chafford Hundred Running group are hosting a 5K and 10K run through Greenwich Park on the 21st December. Everyone gets a free mince pie, and you can feel guilt free for the rest of the holidays. Win-win.
The winter festival at Southbank Christmas in London, the city won’t have ever looked more beautiful - and Southbank is certainly no exception. Just a short journey from Greenwich, Southbank has been transformed over this festive period, offering choirs, midnight runs, charming decorations and markets; all committed to spreading festive joy and spirit. So, celebrate surviving the first term and head down to Southbank for free events to suit every student Scrooge. By: Jade Burnett
The Christmas Market closes Tuesday 24 December The Christmas market’s traditional style opens up its 50 wooden chalets to the public across Queen’s Walk this season, each serving unique gifts or warming festive beverages . Each individual chalet has seasonal produce to offer, from sheepskin rugs, local mead, handmade decorations, mince pies and door wreaths - as well as other unconventional treats like lobster mac ‘n’ cheese . Some stalls offer beautiful handmade jewellery which are perfect sentimental gifts when you’re stumped for ideas.
Real Food Christmas Markets Every Friday-Sunday
Pedal powered snow globe
Further spreading the Christmas spirit, Southbank In the weekends running up have set up the pedestrianto Christmas, there will also be powered snow globes yet special editions to the Real Food again on the Riverside Market. Walking through this Terrace. These bicyclequaint market nestled in the powered trees light up and Southbank Centre Square, you are whirl snow around - after unable to escape the tantalising some pedal graft on your smells of the fresh cooking food. part! Located at the Festival The market aims to provide Terrace and Level 2 Foyers a platform for the talented at The Royal Festival Hall, be Independent foodies in London sure to visit and spread some and it’s definitely worth a trip! Christmas joy.
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New Year Around the World New Year is a time of celebration and reflection worldwide. As can be imagined, there are a variety of weird and wonderful traditions across the globe. Here are some of our favourites: By: Hina Ali • In China children dress in new clothes to celebrate the New Year. People carry lanterns and join in a huge parade led by a silk dragon, the Chinese symbol of strength. Another Chinese tradition is that of children receiving money in red paper envelopes.
• In Denmark it is thought that throwing dishes on someone’s doorstep on January 1st assures they will have many friends in the year ahead. They also stand on chairs and then jump off them together at midnight, to banish bad spirits and bring good luck.
• On New Year’s Eve in Japan, Buddhist temples ring their bells 108 times to welcome Toshigami, the New Year’s God. The Japanese also send thank-you cards called nengajo that wish a Happy New Year to friends and relatives.
• A Finnish New Year tradition is called molybdomancy, which is the act of telling fortunes by melting “tin” (actually lead) and then quickly throwing it into a bucket of cold water. A heart or ring shape means a wedding in the New Year; a ship forecasts travel; and a pig shape signifies plenty of food.
• In some South American countries wearing coloured underwear will determine your fate for the New Year. Red underwear means you’ll find love. Gold means wealth and white signifies peace. • Mexicans celebrate New Year’s Eve by decorating homes in colours that represent wishes for the upcoming year. Another tradition is to make a list of all the bad events over the past 12 months and throw it into a fire, symbolising the removal of negative energy from the New Year. • Spaniards eat a grape with each of the twelve chimes of the midnight countdown while making a wish. The tradition dates back to 1895 when some savvy vine farmers realised they had a surplus of grapes and started the tradition to get more customers. • In Belgium, New Year’s Eve is called Sint Sylvester Vooranvond. Belgian children write New Year’s letters to their parents or godparents on New Year’s Day.
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• In Argentina, people believe that eating beans before the clock strikes midnight means they will have good luck in their careers in the year ahead. Some also believe that if they carry a suitcase around their house, they will travel more in the year to come. • During the New Year’s Eve celebration of Hogmanay, “first-footing” is practiced all over Scotland. The custom dictates that the first person to cross the threshold of a home in the New Year should carry a gift for luck. • Round shapes (representing coins) symbolise prosperity for the coming year in the Philippines; many families display round fruits on the dining table. Others wear polka dots for luck. • In Greece, New Year’s Day is also the Festival of St. Basil. One of the traditional foods served is Vassilopitta. Whoever finds the coin baked in the cake will be especially lucky during the coming year.’
Pumpkin Spiced Muffins with Pecan Streusel and Brown Butter Glaze
At home, in Chicago, as soon as October 1st hits until Thanksgiving, there is pumpkin everything: pancakes, muffins, pie, soup, lattes and the list goes on! Naturally having been brought up on pumpkin all my life, when I came across this recipe I was eager to make them, as I have not had my pumpkin fix this autumn. Needless to say, I’m so glad I did! The recipe calls for canned pumpkin but if you’re feeling a little ambitious you can roasted a small pumpkin. If you want to use a pumpkin the instructions for roasting it are on the website. By: Brittany Prunsky
ingredients:
Directions:
For the muffins:
1. Preheat the oven to 175ºC and line a muffin pan with paper liners or spray with cooking
120 ml unsalted butter 360 ml all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2-teaspoon ground ginger 1/4-teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8-teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2-teaspoon salt 120 ml pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) 180 ml granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1-teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel topping: 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2-teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons brown sugar 3 tablespoons cold butter 1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the brown butter glaze: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 360 ml powdered sugar 1-teaspoon vanilla extract 3 or 4 tablespoons milk
spray. 2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the butter starts to turn slightly brown (you will be able to tell when the butter in the centre turns a amber/brownish colour) 3. Pour butter into a bowl to cool to room temperature. 4. In a medium bowl, stir together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. 5. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, browned butter, eggs, and vanilla. Keep stirring until mixture is smooth. 6. Start to gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients (pumpkin mixture). Stir until both mixtures a combined. 7. Pour the batter into each other muffin cups, filling up each cup about ¾ full. 8. To make the streusel, in a bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. 9. Add the butter into the mixture by combining with your fingers until the mixture has a crumbly look. 10. Add in the pecans and stir until combine then sprinkle over each muffin evenly before putting the muffins in the oven to bake. 11. Bake the muffins for 20 minutes or until you can stick a toothpick or fork in the middle and it comes out nearly clean. 12. Let the muffins cool to room temperature before adding the glaze!!!! 13. To make the glaze, brown the butter again. Refer back to #2 for instructions (only 3 tablespoons this time). 14. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, browned butter, vanilla, and 3 tablespoons of milk (if the glaze ends up being too thick to drizzle, add the extra tablespoon of milk). 15. Drizzle the cooled muffins with the glaze and enjoy!
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Richard Ayoade and Peter Bradshaw introduce
Truffaut's La Nuit Americane (Day for Night, 1973) By: Lisa Fontaine and Oliver
Richard Ayoade and Peter Bradshaw’s Q&A was as much of a highbrow insight into the processes of filmmaking as it was a witty and comedic pared down one on one. Introducing Truffaut’s notorious La Nuit Americane (Day for Night, 1973), the discussion between the two Cambridge graduates could have easily turned into a foray of Ivy League humour- but not with Ayoade. Bradshaw’s ‘Cambridge’ air was matched by Ayoade’s humility and a comic self-deprecation that his fans will recognise from his appearances on such shows as Never Mind the Buzzcocks. Ayoade briefly opens by talking about his two feature films, Submarine (2010) and The Double (2013) giving an invaluable insight to aspiring filmmakers or anyone interested in the process of filmmaking. Ayoade also read from his autobiography, which is filled with knowledgeable wit, (Ayoade on Ayoade: A cinematic Odyssey) aloud to the audience in such a way that recalls his early stand up. Reluctant towards talking about his time spent at Cambridge, Ayoade discusses his influences and his childhood, which he jokes was “actually, thinking about it, terrible.” Citing Truffaut as a major influence, Ayoade and Bradshaw compare Truffaut’s Day for Night (1973) to Godard’s Le Mepris (Godard, 1963), to which Peter
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Bradshaw stated “Godard owes Truffaut everything.” Richard Ayoade recommended Hitchcock/Truffaut as “one of the greatest books there is about filmmaking by two masters of film”, and then went on to illustrate the importance of Truffaut’s Day for Night which itself is a film about filmmaking. Sometimes what is left off screen is what’s interesting. Day for Night chronicles the making of a fictitious film, centring on the chaos, loves and infidelities that go on when the cameras aren’t rolling. In the lead role is Truffaut himself, playing the long-suffering Director, Ferrand - a hint of autobiography perhaps? Ferrand repeats “Making a film is like a stagecoach ride in the old west. When you start, you are hoping for a pleasant trip. By the halfway point, you just hope to survive”. With dramas from breakdowns, car crashes and stud stuntmen stealing the production crew, the likelihood of surviving is threatened at every turn. Day for Night represents the film crew as one big family; albeit like a dysfunctional reality TV family. Truffaut doesn’t attempt to glamorize the film industry. This is Truffaut’s portrait. And in this beautifully chaotic picture lies the influence for many fantastic directors such as Ayoade.
EGON SCHIELE: THE RADICAL NUDE 23 October 2013 - 18 January 2014 Courtauld Gallery By: Nilsu Öztürk Counting down the days since the announcement, I couldn’t wait to turn up in the early days of the Egon Schiele exhibition. But here is what happens when you don’t book your tickets in advance to see the work of such acclaimed artist; there was a long queue outside. It doesn’t take long until you make it into the gallery although it is painful to see other people going in front of the line. Therefore, you should probably consider booking your tickets online. Although the setting was Freud’s Vienna, Schiele could be seen as an artist who was far ahead of his time. Regarding what he decided to choose as the subject of his work, it wasn’t a surprise when he was arrested in 1912 for violating public morals. Nevertheless, as it was pointed out in the exhibition, he never used an eraser or concealed his corrections in his drawings so it is unlikely that he would let the authorities ‘correct’ him or obey any convention that would restrict his art. When you reach the top floor to enter the area that is reserved for the exhibition, you will see people cluster around each drawing. But after you manage to squeeze in and have a peak at one of the most radical works of its time, frustration leaves its place to excitement. Focusing on his breakthrough in 1910, only 40 drawings and watercolours are on display. Though it might not be what Egon Schiele managed to achieve during his short career (he died at the age of 28), it is the first exhibition in the UK after 25 years and an experience not to be missed for art enthusiasts. The exhibition is on until the 18th of January 2015. Don’t forget to take your student card with you, then you have free admission for the permanent collection and discount for an exceptional exhibition such as the ‘The Radical Nude’.
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The Black Hand His art has been covering the streets of Tehran – capital city of Iran – but the face behind it remains a mystery. His identity lays on a single name, Black Hand, and he´s a street artist who is as controversial as he is talented. By: Ana Marta Laranjeira
He’s most well known for his use of stencil, which is quite a popular tool amongst other graffiti artists since it is an easy way to assure good results at the scene (as the biggest part of the work is done previously, while creating the stencil). Also the fact that it is relatively quick to get the job done compared to other graffiti methods does come in handy if one is trying to protect his/her identity or avoiding encounters with the police due to the illegal nature of the act.
His art portrays what is wrong in the society – mainly the Iranian one – and sends strong messages about politics, human rights and social matters in general.
Currently, Iran does not have any laws regarding graffiti which means that, in reality, it’s not illegal. Still, the danger lies exactly there. Taking into account that there are no regulations, the authorities have the opportunity to accuse one of anything that they find convenient at that moment. The uncertainty is the most dangerous factor, especially for someone who does what Black Hand has been doing.
Iran is the only country in the world where it’s perfectly legal for one to sell his own kidneys and that fact is most definitely not easily accepted by the artist. The graffiti was later on removed from the streets, just leaving his tag behind.
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Above, is one of his pieces. On this graffiti we can see what looks like an auction for a man’s kidneys - represented on the red painting - and though you might try hard to interpret the meaning behind it, this image is more literal than you may think.
With pieces like these, the man behind the art doesn’t want to create controversy just for the sake of it. It is all about spreading a message, informing the public and, consequently, empowering the people, and what better place to display such knowledge than on the walls of the streets that belong to all of the citizens. Nevertheless, the world is now a global village where everything is connected. This enables his message to reach people in various countries. One shot of a camera transforms such ephemeral art (due to constant efforts of the authority of taking them out of the streets) to something eternal, and a “share” on a social network gives rise to a world-wide debate. From experience, I can say that investigating what is behind each one of his graffiti is quite a rewarding experience. You can find Black Hand on Facebook (www. facebook.com/black.hand.graffiti) where he showcases his work.
Top 10 Tips
on how to achieve a successful career
in the Fashion Industry
Working in the fast paced world of fashion is a dream many young people in London aspire to whilst studying at university. Here at Latitude we were lucky enough to get an interview with Jessica Evans, Market and Retail press officer at Vivienne Westwood, one of Britain’s most famous and well known designers. Jessica herself studied at Nottingham Trent University, graduating with a First in Fashion Marketing and Communications in 2010. In our interview Jessica gave us some of her Top 10 Tips on how to achieve a successful career in the Fashion Industry. By: Sophia Evans 1. Develop a broad knowledge of fashion history. Go to exhibitions,
museums and observe historical art and fashion often. This will help you to understand present and future fashions and trends. Even in my current role my historical fashion knowledge is one of the things I call upon most and there are references you should be able to recognise instantly. Plus when you’re a student you can get concession tickets!
2. Take advantage of your university’s relationship with trend predictors. Com-panies
such as WGSN, Mintel and Drapers offer undergraduates access to their ex-panse of knowledge on consumer behaviour, trends and news. They can paint great visual pictures of our society in the future, which is not only interesting and useful to your degree, but also great to refer to in interviews.
3. Read the Sunday papers and supplements. Outside of the obvious
monthly fashion titles, the Sunday papers are highly regarded by the fashion industry and they are a great way to stay up to date with the latest international, as well as fashion news. (Pay particular attention to the Sunday Times Style and the Telegraph’s Stella.)
4. Write often. It is really important to
practice your writing and reporting, find the most interesting or insightful slant on a story, write a review or a report on an exhibit you visited. This will help you in any fashion PR role as it is a daily demand to stay excited and enthusiastic about your brand.
5. Get yourself a copy of Guardian Style- it is a life saver and also rather witty! A great guide to the unspoken bad habits of the written English language.
6. Do as many relevant internships as you can whilst you are a student. Aside
from the obvious benefits, internships provide you with an invaluable insight into the different job roles within the fashion industry that you may never have considered before.
7. Be prepared that your degree may not be the main focus of discussion in an interview.
Prospective employers want to know you outside of your education, the experience you have and things you have done that give an insight into your person-ality and make you an interesting individual.
8. Get a life! Ensure you have a life outside
of fashion- for me its food; cooking, baking or finding new recipes. When you do enter into full time work you will be grateful for your escape outside of fashion, it keeps you interested.
9. Learn French, or at least polish the
basics! I wish someone has told me this as a student, it would make life a whole lot easier now.
10. Don’t ever, under any circumstances say that you have a ‘passion for fashion’- you may well do, but there are a number of less cliché ways to articulate this.
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What luggage and human lives have in common By: Andrea Graf
Every international student is facing a particular challenge before starting Uni. I am not talking about the visa process, the endless hours searching for the most convenient flight or saying goodbye to your beloveds: all these, though, are tough things to deal with, no doubt. But what can be more difficult than trying to fit your entire life into two suitcases? How can you ever restrict your entire existence to two pieces of luggage, which, by the way, are supposed to conform with Ryanair luggage policy? That is an experience which might teach you one important lesson: to decide means to forego. Here are a few peices of advice for getting through this mean process. Choose the items you absolutely have to take with you. The emphasis here lies on choosing the things you love the most, bringing everything, as I stated earlier, is not an option. Usually it is relatively easy for us to identify our favourites, as they stand out from the crowd of items we are rather indifferent to.
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Look for the things you wanted to take with you, but have miracously disappeared. Nothing vanishes, but it is a fact that as we actually tend to possess so many things, we often lose them. We forget them at friends‘ places, at school or at the gym. And it is a unwritten law that we start recognizing the value of things after losing them. Take all the things you (objectively) don’t need and find the courage to throw them away. It might be quite difficult, I know, but you will feel better after having got rid of all the needless items filling precious space in your life. To sum up, isn’t a suitcase a good analogy for our lives? Aren’t we facing similar situations? There are experiences we can’t live without, which we decide to take with us forever. On the other hand there might be memories, friendships, things we would like to have forever, but which we unluckily lost. And finally everyone of us has at least a couple of experiences, things occupying space in our lives, which are of no use and should be thrown away.
If we don't vote, we won't have our voice heard By: Kavell Dennis
According to NUS’s latest research, three quarters of students plan on voting in the next general elections. This will be a 28% increase from the 44% of students that voted in the 2010 General Elections. At NUS’s Student Media Summit hosted by Amnesty International, the NUS Vice President (Union Development) held a press conference on these new findings. The results of the near 1500 sample size that NUS polled show that 72% are likely to vote in the next elections if it happened tomorrow. The research also showed that students were most concerned with “living, health and employment”. The data is taken from the database of NUS Extra Card holders and is considered “positive at this time.” If this turnout becomes a reality next May, students could have a great chance to make differences in the way that government makes their policies.
On why the percentage has increased, Mattey believes that “students are fed up of their voices not being heard.” Also that “people are talking about the issues important to them,” and want to take action after “promise after promise being broken.” Mattey believes that there are many issues that turn students away from voting in the general elections. This includes the idea that political language is “archaic” and that some students don’t find any point in engaging with a government that doesn’t cater to them. Also that we as students should “stop seeing [voting] as our only democratic actions,” and should start “holding people into account in between general elections.” “The simple fact is that if we don’t vote, we won’t have our voice heard.” With many students not voting, the collective vote of young people is not considered when policies are put into place. We cannot just rely on rallies and protests to be heard.
The idea of online voting was an idea that came up as it allows young people to “explore a range of things…capture a wide society that should be interested in politics.” Mattey also believes that by “interacting with politics [and] politicians” it will encourage the next generation to take control of politics as we should be trying to shape the political landscape. Mattey is passionate about the power of young people as demonstrated when she said “I think that young people are the key to fixing Britain and out democracy, which is why I’ll be campaigning for a new deal for the next generation this year.” One of the most important messages that Mattey stated is that students “get to shape the agenda and not just vote at the end.”
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LL Chats to Circa Waves! This Liverpool based indie rock band have been on the road non-stop since the release of their acclaimed EP titled ‘Young Chasers’ , which is a testosterone fuelled, groove shaking, head bumping thing of indie goodness. Here’s all you need to know... By: Callum Sharp
Whist working at the Liverpool-based music festival SoundCity in 2013, frontman Kieran Shuddall met members Sam Rourke (bass), Joe Falconer (guitar) and Sian Plummer (drums) with the intention to return a year later and headline the festival, but after an extremely successful EP release they have comfortably surpassed all expectations. On the Road
The four piece have just wrapped up an intense tour that took them across Europe and the UK supporting both The Libertines and The 1975. Straight after they ventured out on their own headline tour in the US and hit the UK once again. Considering life on the road isn’t all glamour and the reality is that you’re stuck in a van for most of it, fallouts are to be expected. Falconer gave an insight into tour life, describing the arguments as “petty sh*t, like people taking the back seat in the van... again. It’s such a small space, it’s not actual beef, it’s just sh*tty living conditions”. Fortunately these Liverpudlians have found a way to keep morale high, Sian put it in a nutshell, saying “If we’re not sleeping, we’re playing Tiger Woods in the van”. They clearly have their down time in good check.
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Expectations
Many critics have related them to acts like The Subways, Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes, but Falconer felt this was a shallow judgement. He reported, “It’s quite easy to relate to those indie bands in the UK, but actually I think Keiran’s songwriting is influenced more by the classic 1970’s singer/songwriter stuff, he really loves the form of it. We’re all into punk music which is a bit more scrappy, so I think that those sort of comparisons are fair, but if you dig a little deeper you find a lot more to it.” I certainly agree, they do indeed fit the stereotype of big names like The Strokes, but they have definitely found a niche groove that clearly many have taken a liking to.
The advice
Considering how hard it is to break into the music industry, it seemed fitting to take the opportunity and ask what the band felt the key to success was. Sian delivered a motivating response, stating that the best thing was to “...practice and play loads of gigs, and always listen to your audience, I think that’s key.” Well, your audience loves what you’re doing and we’re all very excited for next year. Expect festival dates, more touring and, fingers crossed, some new material...
THE PIERCES
@ O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire By: Nilsu Ozturk
Thanks to TFL, I rush into the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire thinking I’m late to meet Alabama sister duo Allison and Catherine Pierce aka The Pierces. However, the sisters aren’t ready yet and I’m relieved to be the one waiting for them in a bar that smells of warm beer. In couple of hour’s time I will see them on stage performing their songs. I’m thinking to myself and I remember the first time I heard their song “Secret” in Gossip Girl, I know it’s not their first time in the UK; they returned to promote their new album Creation. The sisters arrive and we start our interview by asking them about their creative process. Considering their new album, I think the sisters are fascinated by the ‘spiritual’. Allison says “I think anytime you are going to create art it is a search for meaning, you come face to face with who you really are, who you want to be or just nothingness because art comes from nothing… you have to find meaning in nothingness”.
When asked what was it like to go through that with someone close, the answer gives it away that ego clashes are inevitable in any type of relationship, “It is both wonderful and hard…” I ask them the hardest thing they found to agree upon and apparently, there isn’t a specific thing but they have moments where their ideas would clash. Just hearing the word clash, I remember their clip from the song Kings, (where both sisters are going for the crown, which then breaks into two). I can’t help but ask if there is a message in the clip regarding their relationship. “Now that you say that it looks like we are fighting but really we have the same goal. The intended meaning for the video was to show that there is no king and everyone can rule their own destiny.” Their personal conflicts or the possibility of a feminist message regarding the chorus of the song ‘We could be kings too’ seems like a limitation to their message.
Finally I ask them to give some advice for young talents, Allison is quick to answer “Run, run away!”As they have waited quite long for their big moment Catherine has things to say about the ‘old skull method’ to break into the music industry which “is to get a record label and to have them create all the art that surrounds the music for you… A lot of them seem to help you but they don’t, they might hinder the process.” Like everyone else they seem to recognize the growing impact of social media and their advice is to upload your art so you don’t depend on the producers but the audience. Throughout very professional, the sisters show they have a balanced dynamic on stage, as they do in person. Allison shows her expertise with the guitar as she switches between electric and acoustic and Catherine accompanies the music with her harmonious dance. When the sisters leave the stage the flavor of their folk harmonies linger.
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writers showcase Hello everyone! Thank you for all of your creative writing submissions. In this issue, we are showcasing the four winners of our creative writing competition. I would like to congratulate Mostafa Al Shalchi, Rochelle Ayton, Rüya Yönak, and Matilda Svensson on winning! Each winner will receive a pack of four books donated to us by Palgrave Macmillan. Submissions not chosen for the competition will be published on our website or considered for the next printed issue. Thank you once again and remember to keep writing! Sara O’Brien, Creative Submission editor
Worthless
blue
The hole in my belly Open and empty Like a cocoon Without a larvae Before it twists
I tasted the blue. Its bitter salt burnt the naked voids Of my scarlet gums. I saw the blue. It enveloped my eyes, Floating down the calm, after the storm. The blue touched me. It was soothing against my skin, Against my wounds, Against my fear. I smelt the blue. It wafted through my nose like a fresh candle, Teasing my thoughts. I heard the blue. I suckled on its teat of calm whilst it merged the lullabies, Hushing my cries for sleep.
Pain As I see All my goals Like helium balloons – Rising, rising Out of my reach Rage Over this inadequacy This prison Filled with filth and shit That seeps into the body And makes it impure
Not even If I tear off my skin Can I get rid Of the smell Of who I am
Sanity and insanity are no different I don’t remember coming here, but right now everything seems sufficient I’ll wait for something entertaining, sit with me my friend ‘til it’s over After the rain, give me colours to paint the sky and, before I pass out of joy remember to fill in the blanks for me.
Here I offer you my self control, Help me keep my happy role.
Worthless
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Believe me, I’ve tried to lose it.
Oh my friend, mixed with vodka salt, shot, lime. Tequila. Without you there is no lover, nor solitude You understand us all.
Unwashable
By: Matilda Svensson
My Friend
By: Rochelle Ayton
By: Rüya Yönak
The Little Machine Man Delete. He could delete. His finger hovers over the key and he considers carefully the consequences. Fifteen thousand people – eliminated from the face of the earth. Fifteen thousand people with their intimate informations laid bare to the scrutiny of his little eye; their locations of origin and their favourite cheeses. Fifteen thousand petulant children who could not begin to appreciate the hold that his program has over their lives. His might is insurmountable though his intentions munificent – his work defies the juvenile sensitivities of prose, fiction, art. But it is not good enough. It can never be good enough, and it may be time to start over, to delete. One hand twitches methodically as he pinches and transports his ideas in midair, a finger from another hand still resting against the button that would tend to his diabolical intentions. His contemplations are hung in precise distances in the air around him, and he shuffles through them at will. He compiles his plans in the same way that he compiles their lives – with expert intuition. The little machine man scoffs at the redundancy of the scrawlings inside the screen before him. He notices with some embarrassment that his boss at the computer machines firm has made alterations to his code, and the thought
of that unfortunate plebeian throwing his expert work about as though it were his little plaything fills his brain-computer with contempt and causes his knuckles to tighten squarely against his palm. His boss was an oaf of a man who, it was clear, knew nothing of his own field of work. The clumsy philistine did not know his Java from his Netbeans, his SQL from his Python arrays, and could not compile a Ruby framework. Why, he could not compile himself out of a paper bag! The little machine man’s attention returns to the work that lies unfortunately before him. The controls, operatives, instances, properties; they are things to be looked at with derision. With some strain he is able to see past the rough tarmac skin of his nose, and the methods that he sees are nothing short of embarrassing. Such useless methods. He would show them a few methods of his own. They would fear his methods. Twelve years ago he had carved his name into the sand, his wrists had swung like angry pendulums. Now they had grown rigid and calloused, but their accuracy was a testament to the brilliant work completed over the years, and the quick calculated fluttering of his fingers as they dropped like hammers on the keys below would serve as a deterrent to the common, unrefined man. He meditates upon the common man’s fall from grace, giving rise to a feeling that is perhaps hard to place, but can loosely be described as pity for the human race.
By: Mostafa Al Shalchi His eyes, at first, produce little oval proofs of his nostalgia, but he soon notices that his ponderings have been nothing but fabrications – useless programs written by his sullied computer-brain. Indeed, he can not remember a time when common man had commanded a position of grace, they are and have always been useless. All of them – useless. He will crush them like the little insects that had at a point long ago served as his greatest companions, though his memory is selective and these bugs have been deleted – eliminated from the program. What he remembers are the letters etched into the earth – four letters – a project intended to humiliate his captors and finally assume control of his thenobfuscated fate. The waves of the sea maintained their indifference and made sand cakes of his palliative conquests. Now, he has become the captor, and he will enjoy their panicked plans and pathetic ruminations as they tremble under the fierce shadow produced by his computer-machine monitor. The little machine man once again reboots his attention and this time, his computer machine weapon too. The fan has become audible and its noisy revolutions are now far too aggressive for optimum focus. All must be perfect. Hot sweat drips like oil from his index finger, placed neatly upon his tool of mayhem. He is ready.
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The Home Workout Considering we’re all students, we decided to put together a budget home bodyweight workout to keep you in check during the Christmas period... By: Callum Sharp
The rules: Perform this circuit three times a week, performing three sets of each exercise and between 8 and 10 reps.
The Exercises:
Burpee
Start in a standing position with feet shoulder width apart. Squat down and put your hands on the floor. Kick your feet back so you’re in a plank position. Then, perform a press up, slide your feet back to a squat position. Perform a squat jump and repeat.
Pushup
Get into a plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder width apart, lower your body keeping your back flat, core tensed and elbows tucked in. Push up and repeat.
Squat
Stand shoulder width apart and keep your posture straight, bend at the knees and keep your hips back as if you’re going to sit on a chair. Continue down to full depth and push back up. Don’t lock your knees out, but keep them bent at all times.
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Crunch
Lie face up on the ground and bend your knees up to roughly a 45-degree angle, keeping your feet flat on the ground. Tighten your abs and raise your head and shoulders off the ground and ‘crunch’ your core. To avoid neck straining, cross your arms over your chest instead of putting them behind your head.
What the FAQ? Frequently Asked Questions answered by your own Students’ Union Advice Service I’ve got a problem with an assignment, due at the end of January. The problem is I don’t have a clue what I’m supposed to do! I can’t say the dog ate my work, because I’ve got no dog (and I’ve got to submit my work electronically). I don’t know where to start. Help! Positively, you know you’ve got a problem and you’re asking for support well before the deadline for your work. It’s a big step for a lot of people to admit they’re struggling, when other students seem to be having no problem (appearances can be deceptive, though!). There is support available at the University, but you’ll need to ask for it. Every student should have a personal tutor: they’re the first people we would suggest you speak to if you have a problem with your studies. They may be able to help, or if not, they should be able to identify who can. See: www.suug.co.uk/welfare/personaltutoring/ There are as many reasons for students to have problems as there are students. For general support on study skills, including information on research, using the library, and one-to-one study skills tutoring, see www.gre.ac.uk/studyskills Many students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties struggle to manage their own learning without support. If you or your tutor is concerned that you may have learning difficulties, or you have a long term health problem or disability affecting your studies, we would encourage you to contract the Disability & Dyslexia Team. You can book appointments through your Campus Student Centre. See: www.gre.ac.uk/dd
If you’re disabled, it’s up to you, not anyone else, to declare your disability. If the University knows about it, the University should consider what it can do to support your learning, and you may be entitled to additional help through the Disabled Students Allowance. Contact the Team for further information. Worried about your Maths skills? The University has set up the Greenwich Maths Centre to help students gain confidence in maths skills, from basic skills up to degree level. See: http://www2.gre.ac.uk/about/ faculty/ach/services/maths-centre A lot of overseas students have very good English language skills in our opinion, but may lack confidence to communicate socially and in groups. If this is relevant to you, find out more about Language Connect conversational groups at http://wp.me/p421y-o We would expect whoever you speak to, to treat you with respect, and to help you identify a solution that works for you. And if that’s not the case, then get back in contact with us.
Sexual Health Free love for Greenwich students? Well, not quite, but register with Greenwich Sexual Health for free condoms, STI home testing kits, and information on contraception and local sexual health services. For more information, see www.suug.co.uk/welfare/health/sexualhealth Whatever your sexuality, whether or not you’re sexually active, we’d encourage you to take the time and get the information for when the time is right. And if you need pointing in the right direction for support, do speak to us. Our service is confidential, and we won’t judge you.
For free and independent advice on money problems, contact your Students’ Union Advice Service. We are licensed to provide free money advice by the Financial Conduct Authority. And for information on student finance, scholarships, bursaries and University hardship funding, contact the University Money Doctor Service, or contact your Campus Student Centre.
Got questions of your own? Email the Students’ Union in confidence at: suugadvice@gre.ac.uk
Phone: 020 8331 8267
For further information, see:
www.suug.co.uk/welfare (Avery Hill & Greenwich-based students) www.gkunions.co.uk/advice (Medway students) 23
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