The HYPE Issue 5

Vol. 20 Issue 5 28th Novemeber, 2018

Music

U2 make a powerful return to home ground Sarah Barrett discusses the U2 Experience + Innocence tour

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2 fans gathered in their flocks to see the Northside Dublin rockers come home for a four night stint bringing with them their ‘Experience + Innocence’ tour to the 3 Arena, following two nights in Belfast’s SSE Arena.

The tour kicked off in May this year and comprised of 60 concerts across North America and Europe from Las Vegas, Lisbon and Copenhagen to Chicago, Berlin and London. Back in September Bono had to cut two concerts short because he had lost his voice from overuse.

The band brought an augmented reality to the audience inside the 3 Arena accompanied by a sweltering set. They opened the show in a U2 fashion with a very powerful video on the fight to free the world from it’s ailments. Following on, they jumped into a back-breaking performance of the blackout with politically charged imagery. Bono spoke loudly and proudly to the crowd: “We’re a band from the Northside of Dublin called U2, formally The Hype.”

The setlist was mostly songs from the latest album ‘Songs of Experience’, but featured their biggest hits Vertigo, Elevation and Pride and one. Bono made reference to the band meeting as teenagers and recalled one of their first performances at The Baggot Inn and how the lads were gutted they never got signed as a result.

President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina were in attendance the first Dublin night. Also in attendance were Woody Harrelson and his comedian friend Kevin Bridges.

During a performance of ‘Beautiful Day’ on the first night, Bono gave Woody a shout-out. There was no

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supporting act for the foursome on any night of the Irish leg of the tour. In 1987, the album ‘The Joshua Tree’ launched them into stardom as the biggest band in the world. Thirty-one years later, it feels as though they got the homecoming they wanted in their hometown.

Throughout the set, every member of the band was behind giant pixelated images of themselves that blurred in between songs. Images of the band sat alongside im-

ages of Europe and pressing social issues. At one point on one of the screens, the audience were greeted by an image of Bono, and using facial distortion technology which looked like a snapchat filter, Bono turned into his devil alter ego Mr MacPhisto and candidly reflected on how stardom “expands and diminishes” the young man’s mind. Half of the audience reacted with cheer to all the imagery, the other half remained silent, trying to pay attention to the sound of the band and the strong political images they could see.

The set-list accompanied by politically charged imagery made the entire concert feel like a campaign for Bono 2027. The massive production was incredible to say the least and there is no doubt that the band are better than ever. But with Bono full of dad jokes and more humble than ever, he was cascading, stripped down. The band have reached their peak.

The show didn’t just entertain the audience but it provided an explanation of some sort. They are still trying to save the world. The band’s ego, mainly centralised by Bono, created a ripple effect on stage. The Guardian have described Bono as the “Samaritan who avoids the taxman”meaning he likes to keep his money offshore.

The U2 that were met by the audience in the 3 Arena were the U2 from the 80’s but richer and influenced by this century’s technological advances. The U2 abroad are not the U2 at home. Towards the end Bono said: “I’m not little Paul Hewson from number 62, I’m Bono”.

Spice up your life and support up and coming artists Peter O’Neill examines the business of reunion tours

t seems like the defining zeitgeist of the 21st century is nostalgia. Re-makes, re-boots and reunion tours and a never-ending haze of the past jumps out at you when you look at pop culture today.

From a business point of view, you can see the logic if you’re an older band that hasn’t been active in a long time. There’s a lot of safe money to be made in reunion tours or making a movie that’s either a sequel or a remake. You can’t really blame them especially if they’re low on income at the moment or just simply want to tour for the pure love of the act and also want to make an easy buck.

What’s more the issue is the space being taken up in art and in pop culture and the loss of valuable opportunities that in the past may have gone to new and young artists. Promoters and executives in record companies or movie studios are hardly going to take a risk on a new artist when they know they can make millions on a new Star Wars or Marvel movie.

Why would you spend your budget on supporting new artists and give them the top billing at a festival when you can just give it to Fleetwood Mac or the Spice Girls?

As much as their fans are probably delighted to see them again, there are plenty of great acts that would love the opportunity to play Croke Park or any of the major 2 headline festivals such as Coachella or

Glastonbury.

When you consider not only the consolidation of ownership in music, but also the lack of any real union representation that could potentially help newer artists get a leg up on their contemporaries, it’s unlikely that this will change. These industries, like most things in modern life, are owned by a small number of major corporations that control nearly every aspect of individual artists careers.

Their sole purpose is to take what little income is left in the music industry and bleed it dry.

When

streaming services were launched, many pundits at the time saw it as the way for new indie musicians to combat the hegemony of older artists and labels, but instead we’ve seen the monopoly grow in this area worse than ever. Thanks to the way they - particularly Spotify - operate, leaves artists with little to nothing from streaming listens.

This means touring is the only way to make money now in the music industry as an artist. Young musicians tour for years and years throughout the world just to break-even, praying for a rest somewhere. If all of the festival slots and touring money is being pumped into dinosaur acts the future for music looks very bleak.

Expect The Rolling Stones holograms to be still heading Glastonbury in five years, prepare for One Direction’s induction into the Marvel Cinematic Universe sponsored by Pepsi, and enjoy staring at your own personal feed of memories to distract you from the planet burning around you.

But hey, at least Oasis will half-heartedly reunite to play the Schindler’s List theme park opening.

Thank u Ariana Grande, next

Music

Aoibhín Bryant reviews the number one single that preaches one to be greatful for their ex.

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riana Grande’s Thank u, Next has smashed records across the board, surpassing 100 million hits on Spotify in 11 days and debuting at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Incidentally, it is also Grande’s first number

one ever.

Commercially, this song is genius. Grande dropped it right before that week’s Saturday Night Live aired, where her ex fiancé, Pete Davidson, is a cast member. This was also after Davidson made a joke about their breakup on the promo. Grande drummed up publicity with the (now deleted) tweet, “for someone who hates relevancy u sure love to cling to it huh”.

Furthermore, the first verse of the song name drops a number of her high profile exes, such as Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez, the aforementioned Pete Davidson and the late Mac Miller, who overdosed earlier this year. Grande managed to skyrocket to take the top spot by appealing to tabloid headlines.

Technically, the song has a 1990’s RnB throwback feel to it, similar to Janet Jackson, as well as the style of her latest album, Sweetener. Grande’s voice remains soft and airy throughout the entire song and she refrains from powerful belts - which was almost a staple in previous albums. The song is remarkably polished for a single that was released so quickly after her album and break up. Although, that isn’t a surprise, produced partly by producer veteran Tommy Brown and Grande’s own friends, Tayla Parx and Victoria Monét McCants, it would be a shock if this song was not a hit.

The message of the song has also explained its

popularity. The words, “thank you, next” in relation to past relationships sounds cold and unfeeling, but the song is the complete opposite of that. Grande is genuinely thanking her exes for helping her grow and prosper into the person she is today, there’s no negativity or bitterness within the song despite its subject matter.

Grande’s mindset is fresh and perhaps something that we can all take heed of. The emotional maturity and gravitas she holds in the song is inspiring and encouraging. Considering that a lot of her audience is a younger demographic, Grande’s words could leave a remarkable impression and for the better.

But it’s not just the teenagers that can learn a lesson from this song. How many times have we heard someone or even ourselves refer to their ex as “crazy” or “psycho”?.

This song encourages people to stop and reflect on past relationships and what they have learnt.

No matter how messy the break up, no matter how many drunken phone-calls occurred in the small hours of the morning, or

even, no matter how many times one had to resort to the block button - we have all learnt something from past relationships and they have moulded us into the person we are today.

Ariana Grande’s thank u, next brings something new to pop culture. It celebrates growth as well as self love, and how it is achieved by hardships and triumphs in our lives. The lyrics “One taught me love / One taught me patience / And one taught me pain / Now I’m so amazing” can resonate with almost everyone as they look back at their own lives. In summary, thank u, next not only preaches to be kind to your exes, or people you no longer talk to for whatever reason, but also to appreciate life’s challenges in general. They are what made you the person you are today.

Vance Joy runs down to the Olympia Theatre Lorna Lawless attends the Melbourne-based singer’s gig at the Olympia Theatre.

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hen a band like ‘Mumford and Sons’ has sold out the 3 Arena for the same night, an artist like Vance Joy could go unnoticed. However, Vance sang to a crowd of devoted fans during his show on the European leg of his tour Nation of Two in a packed Olympia Theatre on Friday the 16th of November.

Vance Joy (born James Keogh), the Melbourne native, was introduced to the world back in 2014 with ‘Riptide’, the song which put him on our airwaves. Vance then followed up with anthems such as ‘Mess is Mine’, ‘Georgia’ and ‘Fire in the Flood’ which saw him soar worldwide. ‘Riptide’ has over 200 million views on YouTube and over 500 million Spotify streams. However, Joy is no one-hit-wonder with ‘Mess is Mine’, ‘Georgia’ and ‘Fire in the Flood’ featuring another 400 million Spotify streams between them. Joy was also handpicked to open for Taylor Swift’s worldwide tour 1989 and also performed at Coachella.

Dublin was his final stop of the Nation of Two tour. Two sold-out Dublin gigs in this iconic venue packed with energetic fans is the perfect end to the tour. The opener for this concert was Canadian songwriter Scott Helman who had his break after the release of his full-length album Hôtel de Ville with star singles ‘Ripple Effect’ and ‘Kinda Complicated’ making waves since 2017. Helman brought energy and atmosphere to the Olympia to an initially chatty crowd. The songwriter’s music featured some impressive lyrics and a strong beat to grab the audience’s attention. An impressive performance from an up-and-coming young star.

Joy immediately had the crowd in awe after just one

song through his meaningful lyrics perfectly placed upon an infectious beat. There is no doubt that Joy is an incredible songwriter who expresses life experiences with thoughtful lyrics without sacrificing the melody. The songwriter balances the emotions of his songs with simple rhythms, all the while pulling it off

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Joy immediately had the crowd in awe after just one song through his meaningful lyrics perfectly placed upon an infectious beat. There is no doubt that Joy is an incredible songwriter who expresses life experiences with thoughtful lyrics without sacrificing the melody

effortlessly. The pure happiness the singer expressed kept the crowd on a high for the whole set. During his performance Joy and his band decided to mix things up with a remix of Lionel Richie’s ‘All Night Long’ mashed up with Justin Bieber’s ‘Sorry’. The crowd responded with full energy singing every word back. ‘Riptide’ played later in the set and the crowd sang so passionately and loudly that Joy was overwhelmed.

The colourful and happy lights, interrupted by Joy’s anecdotes of his life, gave for an honest performance.

It became obvious that the singer’s voice was strained from the previous performances when mid-way through a song he had to stop and start again in order to hit the very high octave note . This added to the humble, honest and happy performance. The humble songwriter gave credit to his immensely talented band, which featured brass, multiple times during the concert. It is clear that the performance, portrayed to be effortless, had been very well rehearsed and thought-out. The singer was note-perfect during his whole set.

On the day of the concert, Joy released his latest live album Live at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and it features most of the set-list from the gig. This album gives a good idea of what it’s like to see the singer perform live.

There’s little else left to be said for this outstanding performance by Joy and his band but the concert contained everything you would expect: effortless good sound and incredible story telling.

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Film

Stan Lee’s legacy will live on

Rachel Halpin looks into the life and works of the late and great Stan Lee who died at the impressive age of 95.

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egendary comic book writer Stan Lee passed away at the age of 95 in Los Angeles on November 12. He is leaving behind a legacy that will continue to live on even after his death.

Stan Lee started his comic book career in 1939 with Timely Comics doing smaller jobs, and within two years at this company he started getting opportunities to do actual comics. His comic book debut was a text filler called Captain America Foils the Traitor’s Revenge.

At the age of 19 Lee was made interim editor of the company and continued to work for there for 31 years. For a lot of his time working at the company he was the editor-in-chief.

In the late 1950s, Lee’s publisher asked him to create a new group of superheroes to compete with rival comic-book publishers DC Comics. He began working on this assignment with Jack Kirby. The first group of superheroes they created was The Fantastic Four in the 1960s. This was the official beginning of the Marvel universe.

Even today there are writers, such as Ed Brubaker who writes Captain America comics, still releasing their own version of the characters.

They are writing them in new stories and scenarios, which may be used in the future for movies and television shows.

Though previous movies and television shows have been created based around the Marvel Comics, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is the largest franchise in Marvel and is a global phenomenon. It started in 2008 with the release of Iron Man starring Robert Downey Jr as the titular character.

The MCU has now expanded over 20 movies and multiple television shows. All these are set in the same universe, which has led to many crossovers during the years.

The first being The Avengers (2012), a movie so momentous to the franchise. It was so pivotal that the majority of the actors who played the ‘original Avengers’ have matching tattoos that are made up of symbols about each character.

The last crossover movie in the MCU was Avengers:

Infinity War, which starred nearly all the superheroes that have been in the franchise so far although some characters did not appear. The sequel to this movie is due to be released next year.

Stan Lee was notorious for making cameos in the movies based on his comics. His first appearance in a Marvel was in The Trial of the Incredible Hulk in 1989.

His cameos have become an iconic feature in Marvel movies, a feature that fans of the movies look out for. He has had some memorable lines such as “Are you Tony Stank?” in Captain America: Civil War (2016).

After Lee’s death there were concerns about what is going to happen with his cameos in future movies.

Some fans of the franchise want the Marvel character of Deadpool from the Marvel X-Men universe to stand in for Lee’s cameos, most people are against this idea as “there’s nobody that can replace him”.

Following his death the Russo Brothers, who have directed multiple movies in the MCU, have confirmed that Lee had filmed his cameo for upcoming movie Avengers 4 . He filmed this cameo on the same day he filmed his latest cameo which was in AntMan and The Wasp (2018).

Stan Lee is a person who will be missed by many people from all generations, from those who have grown up as the comics were being released to the kids of today who are fans of the movies based around the characters that Lee has created throughout his lifetime. His memory will be forever kept alive by his works and his characters.

The Hate U Give tackles uncomfortable topics Róisín Phelan reviews the film The Hate U Give

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he opening scene of ‘The Hate U Give’ sets the precedent for what is to come. At a humble kitchen table a father, played by Russell Hornsby, gives his children ‘The Talk’. It is a speech explaining the dangers they will face because they are African-American, and how the people that should protect them, the police, are the people they have to be most careful of. Hornsby plays this scene with a sincerity and familiarity that heightens the audience’s interest and emotional investment in the film instantly.

Based on the New York Times best selling young adult novel by Angie Thomas, it is clear from the beginning that it’s plot will revolve around this family, and the importance of the children understanding and following the rules of their father’s talk.

Released in Irish cinemas on October 22nd, the film approaches the topic of police brutality in America, through the experiences of teenage girl, Starr, played by Amandla Stenberg after she becomes the sole witness in the murder of her friend Khalil by a police officer.

Director George Tillman Jr. excellently portrayed 4 the contrast between the two worlds in which Starr

lives: her African-American majority town of ‘Garden Heights’, and her private, majority white school, through lighting and music. When Starr is in school, the set is bright, light, airy and pristine, but when Starr is on her local streets, it’s musky, dim and messy.

The soundtrack also reflected the conflict and contrast with sweet soothing songs such as ‘Ocean Eyes’ by Billie Eilish playing while she is with her white friends, and grittier, powerful rap anthems such as ‘DNA’ by Kendrick Lamar and ‘Goosebumps’ by Travis Scott playing when she is with her black friends.

This film is not an easy one to watch.

Scenes of riots, funerals and protests looked authentic and were gut-wrenching to see. A credit to the cast, and Audrey Wells who adapted the book into it’s screenplay, for keeping scenes honest and painfully true.

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The twenty-year-old breakthrough actress Stenberg has starred in two other films in 2018, The Darkest Minds and Where Hands Touch. The Darkest Minds was screened in Irish cinemas and had reasonable success, but was based on a fictional apocalyptic world, showing the ability of Stenberg as an actress to move between different genres effortlessly.

The Hate U Give Young Infants F*cks Everyone (THUGLIFE), inspired by Tupac, was a phrase which acted like a spine throughout the film. Reappearing just often enough to remind viewers that the stunts, gunfights and riots, though entertaining, had a real effect on the kids in the film and in real life.

Most notably, it was used in Khalil’s final conversation with Starr, directly before he was shot, and at the very end of the film when Starr’s younger brother takes matters into his own hands, an example of a young infant who has grown up in hate. Overall, I would recommend taking the time to see this film. Though not necessarily aimed at an older audience, it has a universal message that is a joy to witness on the screens of Irish and international cinemas.

This film is not an easy one to watch.

Scenes of riots, funerals and protests looked authentic and were gut-wrenching to see. A credit to the cast, and Audrey Wells who adapted the book into it’s screenplay, for keeping scenes honest and painfully true.

Film

The Crimes of Grindelwald, an underwhelming success Joseph O’Gorman reviews the latest addition to the J.K Rowling collection of Stories, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.

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antastic Beasts: The Crimes of the Grindelwald is the second instalment of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter follow-up series. After the success of the wonderful Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, can the sequel hold itself against it? The short answer is, not quite.

The film takes place a few months after the events of the first movie. Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) has returned to London to his work as a magizoologist after his adventures in New York. Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) is continually gaining support in Paris, and indeed, all across the wizarding world, and continuing his search for Credence (Ezra Miller), a boy with mysterious powers.

The Crimes of Grindelwald is an almost excellent film.

Eddie Redmayne is a joy to watch, as always, and Jude Law is a wonderful choice as a young, albeit underused, Albus Dumbledore, but they don’t rescue the film from its weaknesses. It tries to accomplish too much. It has several plotlines, but they just don’t quite mesh together. The

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film follows Newt Scamander and his adventures the days of Hitler. with magical wildlife, but is also about defeating There is a certain amount of fan-service in the film.

Grindelwald? Is it about saving a vulnerable from Without giving too much away, a beloved character the clutches of an evil wizard? from the Harry Potter series makes It works to a certain extent, but The series is hard to compare a return, along with some name there is a feeling of an information dropping that will please the loyal to its predecessor. JK overload within this film. We One shot in particular is Rowling is credited as the fans. are introduced to a raft of new wonderfully nostalgic, the classic characters, which for the most writer, and David Yates, who pan across the mountains over to the part, are completely irrelevant. castle, accompanied by directed the final four Potter Hogwarts They’re underdeveloped and add famous theme tune. We also learn films, and the first Fantastic about the interesting backstory of an nothing to the plot.

The first film succeeded with Beasts takes directorial reins. unexpected, yet important character this approach, because it focused in the Harry Potter series. on Newt himself. A simple plot;Obviously the source material The series is hard to compare to its magical David Attenborough is not at the same level, but predecessor. J.K. Rowling is credited loses his magical animals in New as the writer, and David Yates, who York City, and has to retrieve this is still an enjoyable film directed the final four Harry Potter them. The film was worsened films, and the first Fantastic Beasts regardless of its flaws. by adding the unnecessary takes directorial reins. Obviously, the and convoluted subplots about source material is not at the same Grindelwald and Credence. In the sequel, this problem level, but this is still an incredibly enjoyable film despite has reached a new level. There are two or maybe even its flaws. The chemistry between Eddie Redmayne and three films happening in one. One is the lighthearted Dan Fogler is lots of fun, and the beasts look fantastic, as adventure of Newt, his buddy Jacob, his animals and love you could well imagine, with the baby Nifflers a highlight, interest Tina. The other, a dark thriller about an evil wizard a range of soft toys waiting to happen. gathering power amongst the normal population, while All in all, this is not a perfect movie. It is convoluted at searching for a boy of unparalleled power. Grindelwald is times and tries to accomplish too much in too little time. It a good villain; Johnny Depp may just be playing Johnny does have a certain charm however, and Potterheads will Depp, but in this case at least it works. inevitably enjoy it.

A particular highlight is the rally scene; calling to mind memories or images of the Trump rallies or even back in

Widows, an empowering heist thriller

Lucien Waugh-Daly Steve McQueen threw classic-style heist movies on their heads with Widows, a film of female empowerment

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ith this remarkable heist drama, director Steve McQueen has transitioned from coordinator of superb performance showcases (Hunger, Shame) to mastermind of vivid historical epics (12 Years A Slave) to the talent behind this complex, unpredictable and stunningly wellrealised genre film; the likes of which we rarely see done on a grand cinematic scale.

Based on a script by Gone Girl author Gillian Flynn, itself adapted from a mostly-forgotten British TV series, Viola Davis stars as the widow of an infamous criminal (Liam Neeson), left to clean up the pieces after his crew are killed during a robbery. She recruits the significant others of his accomplices — Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo — to assist her in fulfilling his final scheme, and they work to channel their grief into ingenious collaborative thievery.

The four lead actresses are impossible to fault: strong, sympathetic and dynamic in their command of the screen.

That three of them are women of colour is significant: Widows and its Chicago southside setting are heavy with the disappointment of post-Obama poverty, unfulfilled promise for minority communities and the subsequent desperation of many to break out. McQueen’s film has a disruptive realism that highlights the shallow materialism of a film like last summer’s Ocean’s 8, where jewels and gowns were swiped for the sake of fun. The women of Widows have no choice.

Approaching the widows with their criminal ultimatum

is the duo of Bryan Tyree Henry (Atlanta) and Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out), two of the most urgently in-demand actors of the moment. McQueen makes great use of their electric talents; in one scene his camera spins around Kaluuya staring into the eyes of a young rapper mid-

performance before a gun is pulled from nowhere. This particular duo of director and actor is so strong, one imagines they’ll be collaborating on several further occasions.

Tyree Henry’s character is running for local ward against nepotistic incumbent Colin Farrell, the son of racist local stalwart Robert Duvall. The legendary Duvall has less than 10 minutes of screentime, but they are unforgettable: he’s finally giving the performance David Dobkin tried to coax out of him in 2014’s The Judge.

He and Farrell spew and bark at one another and firmly assert what underrated performers they are.

Gillian Flynn’s script builds to simultaneous criminal, political and personal crescendos with nary a second spared to take a breath. There’s a fluid incorporation of colour-blind and gender-blind casting and plotting; Viola Davis has commented publicly on the rarity of an interracial couple like herself and Neeson being represented in a Hollywood film.

McQueen has a naturalism to his storytelling that facilitates the diverse goals he’s achieving. Police brutality and government corruption provide the backdrop to the drama, but it’s fundamentally an entertaining, fast-paced mainstream movie about a team of very cool women stealing a lot of money.

What makes Widows a special film is that is has no interest in simply being a token female-led heist movie.

It’s a Michael Mann-inspired political thriller with its gaze on the darkest side of modern Chicago and its soul ripped from the best 80s and 90s crime cinema, with relentless overtones of female empowerment. It’s an incredibly rewarding watch.

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Television

Making a great second season Caitlín Laird reviews the second season of Netflix crime-documentary Making a Murderer.

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aking a Murderer Part 2 the follow-up to part one came out on Netflix on the 19th of October and it has captured the minds of just as many people if not more than the first one.

Part one ended with both Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey being found guilty and sent to prison for the murder of Theresa Halbach.

Part two of the chilling documentary gives us a look in to Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey’s lives in prison, the impact that has had on their families and how they are both continuously fighting to prove their innocence.

The main new figure that has been introduced in part two of the documentary is Steven Avery’s new lawyer Kathleen Zellner. She is known for proving the innocence of wrongly convicted people in the past and was not going to pass the opportunity of taking up the case and presenting Steven Avery.

The second part of the documentary is full of twists and turns. Brendan Dassey also has new lawyers who fight tirelessly in the documentary to try and free Brendan and convince the prosecution that his confession was coerced. In multiple episodes you think Brendan Dassey is about to get out of prison and

then that is ultimately shut down in the next episode.

Kathleen Zellner goes over every bit of evidence from the blood spots, to the way the body was thrown into the car, to how the gun was used, how it was shot and so much more.

From her findings and work on trying to comprehend who did it she too believes that Steven Avery was set up and did not commit the crime he is in prison for.

This ultimately pushes Kathleen Zellner to keep fighting on proving that Steven Avery is innocent. One of the most interesting suggestions of Zellner in the documentary based on what she has found is that she comes to believe that Bobby Dassey, Brendan Dassey’s older brother and Scott Tadych who is Brendan’s step father have something to do with the murder of Theresa Halbach.

This causes tension in the family between Steven and his sister Barb Tadych who is Scott’s wife and also Brendan and Bobby Dassey’s mother.

Near the end of part two we hear a phonecall between Barb and Steven which ultimately leads to a roaring and screaming match from Barb and Scott about Kathleen Zellner and Steven Avery.

From this phonecall Barb let’s slip a piece of

information that she lied about beforehand which is now going in to evidence.

Part two ends with the hope from Steven Avery and his family that both he and Brendan Dassey will be proven innocent and will get out of prison with the hard work of both of their lawyers.

Since part two of the documentary has been released, Kathleen Zellner has been constantly updating followers of what is happening with the investigation of the case on Twitter.

She holds question and answer sessions and recently she has told her followers on twitter of new evidence she has found in relation to Scott Tadych and Bobby Dassey.

This is great for people who genuinely want to know about Steven Avery and what is actually going on, but it also has caused prosecutors in Steven Avery’s case to give out, as some people believe it is all for show and how can such a successful lawyer want all of this on Twitter.

With this they believe that the documentary is one sided and is insensitive to Theresa Halbach and her family.

Whether there will be a part three or not is undecided, but it is definitely not the end to the story of Steven Avery and Brendan Dassey.

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“The main new figure that has been introduced in part two of the documentary is Steven Avery’s new lawyer Kathleen Zellner. She is known for proving the innocence of wrongly convicted people in the past and was not going to pass the opportunity of taking up the case and presenting Steven Avery”

Best and worst tv shows of the year

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Lucien Waugh-Daly looks at this year’s best tv shows

s multiplex cinemas remain dominated by comicbook heroes and endless remakes, prominent Hollywood talent continues to head to the small screen, resulting in yet another year of terrific TV offerings catering to a vast spectrum of tastes. But while there are always a handful of big shows that dominate the discussion among young viewers, here are 8 shows from 2018 you might not have seen, that are more than worth diving into as the Christmas break from college approaches.

Co-created by Adam McKay (The Big Short), Succession takes a screwball approach to the New York media elite. A Rupert Murdoch-style billionaire facing retirement must choose one of four obnoxious adult children as his corporate heir. Succession is like Arrested Development with billionaire cocaine addicts: we are somehow delighted and charmed by the outrageous infighting between these despicably manipulative siblings.

The cast are stellar, and the intelligence and energy of the labyrinthine, wordy teleplays is reminiscent of Aaron Sorkin with a touch of Armando Iannucci. Meanwhile, Donald Sutherland and Brendan Fraser starred in Danny Boyle’s miniseries Trust, an electric adaptation of the infamous Getty kidnapping. Trust is a historical drama with a rock n’ roll sensibility: both a nail-biting, relentless 6 crime thriller and a fascinating deconstruction of

excessive wealth and the downfalls of fame and fortune.

Also this year was Alan Ball (Six Feet Under)’s little-seen Here & Now, an ambitious and tediously-confrontational social drama about a diverse adoptive family in present day Portland. Ball throws every 2018 social issue into the cauldron of ideas - PC culture, religious extremism, gender identity, fake news - along with some funky superstition about butterflies and volcanoes. It’s a messy and unsubtle experiment, but ultimately a very entertaining one that captures the unfocused state of American liberalism like little else has managed to.

Donald Glover’s meandering, soulful urban poem Atlanta stepped up a level in its second season, diving into the heart of contemporary black America and validating Glover as a cinematic auteur unequalled in his vibrant melding of personal and political statement. Yet Atlanta is not an inherently serious show, and is strongest when returning to its absurdist comedic roots. Jim Carrey fans were justifiably excited about Kidding, a 10-episode comeback vehicle for the one-time comedy superstar, the story of a beloved children’s entertainer called Mr. Pickles and his public collapse into enraged lunacy following the death of his son. Carrey grounds the show with his enigmatic central performance, but it’s Kidding’s surprisingly sensitive exploration of how TV affects people’s lives - with episodes touching on drug addiction,

cancer and the death penalty - that sets it apart from other postmodern comedies.

The creators of Glee and American Horror Story applied their format of campy cynicism to the procedural drama with 9-1-1, as we follow a team of emergency responders on an array of utterly ridiculous, often ripped-from-theheadlines incidents across Los Angeles. Angela Bassett and Peter Krause are among the strong personalities rushing to save an assortment of idiots from perilous scenarios, usually of their own making.

Two animated programmes, both on Netflix, made an impact during autumn. Big Mouth, one of last year’s breakout animated shows, improved hugely in its second run of episodes, expanding its horizons beyond the humiliating trials of puberty, introducing compelling depictions of mental health and modern sexual culture into its bizarre canvass of Hormone Monsters and Shame Wizards. It’s a show about being 14 years old that’s targeted at an audience well past that stage of their lives.

While Bojack Horseman wasn’t on top form this year with only its bloated, heavy-handed funeral monologue episode Free Churro creating any real cultural waves - it remains one of the sharpest satires around, utilising its cast of animated animals to touch upon the #MeToo movement and digging further into the dark mindset of America’s most depressed celebrity horse.

Television

Blackadder goes forth

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Joseph O’Gorman looks at the final series of Blackadder

lackadder Goes Forth was the fourth and final series of the BBC comedy, which aired in 1989. This series follows Captain Edmund Blackadder (Rowan Atkinson), his dim-witted lackey Private Baldrick (Tony Robinson), and the wildly enthusiastic Lieutenant George (Hugh Laurie), and Blackadder’s schemes to avoid going “over the top”, out of the safety of the trenches.

This series was more satirical than the previous, as it simply was dealing with a bigger issue; The Great War, as it was known. The characters frequently reference their distaste at the methods of their generals; for example at one stage Blackadder quips “This war would’ve been a damn sight simpler if we had just stayed at home and shot 50,000 of our own men a week”. This is a consistent theme of the series, dealing with the futility of trench warfare in a light hearted manner, and the “lions led by donkeys” view of World War One. The standout episode of the series is the finale, Goodbyeee, with the ending of which forever seared in the mind of many viewers. While the whole sitcom had a kind of snark edge to its commentary on class issues, it never got quite this dark. But in reality, how else could a show about soldiers in World War One end? Thousands of British and German soldiers ran at lines of machine guns for no good reason, other than being told to do it?

The real genius of it is that the comedic aspect of the

episode is so subtly removed, as inevitable conclusion draws near, characters begin realising that they finally have no way out. There is no escape, not even for the scheming Blackadder, or

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Blackadder Goes Forth was the fourth and final series of the BBC comedy, which aired in 1989.

Baldrick and his “cunning plans”. This is cemented by the scene where Lieutenant George is happily talking about the day he enlisted, a mixture of nostalgia and funny

anecdotes which gradually fades away to the realisation that all his buddies from home are already dead. That’s the genius of Goodbyeee; from laughing to stunned silence within a very short space of time.

The real gut punch is shortly before the end; the wildly enthusiastic George trails off mid sentence while talking about how noble it was the die for your country, before telling Blackadder “Sir? I’m scared”. The episode plays on hope very well, which serves to accentuate the devastating finale. The scene where the grovelling Captain Darling is dismissed by General Melchett (Stephen Fry) for example, after begging him to reconsider, hoping to escape the battle thanks to his position.

Most telling of all however, is Blackadder’s final talk with Baldrick. The running joke through the entire show of Baldrick and his “cunning plans” ends with Baldrick being told to save his plan for later by his Captain.

Hope is the last thing to leave you when you’re standing before certain death, and Blackadder not taking that from Baldrick was a great kindness. This is made all the more poignant when you remember the abuse Baldrick had received for his previous “cunning plans”.

The final scene is simple, yet so effective. Blackadder’s final line to his men is “Good luck everyone”, as luck will be the only thing to get them out alive. The charge cuts to slow motion before fading to a poppy field. An incredibly poignant ending to an all-time classic tv show.

Daniel Sloss brings brightness to dark topics

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Daniel Sloss makes thoughtful insights and presents them peppered with humour, according to Róise McGagh

f you don’t know or haven’t heard of Daniel Sloss, stop reading and get Netflix running. The young Scottish man has been promising great things since his late teens, when he was the youngest comedian to perform a solo season in London’s West End at 19. Now, at 28 he has several successful shows, two of which are on Netflix.

DARK and jigsaw are two brilliant, hour long episodes from his comedy special on Netflix, full of very dark humour. Each of them follow a pattern of jokes around a current issue in society and then a short monologue about the issue that generally brings the crowd to silence, and then one or two jokes to lift the mood at the end.

The serious discussion he has about love and society in ‘Jigsaw’ has broken up over 10,000 couples, cancelled 40 engagements and caused 54 divorces, according to his Twitter. “All I’m doing is asking you uncomfortable questions that you don’t have the courage to ask yourself,” he says.

He performed his new show ‘X’ in the Tivoli theatre just off Vicar’s Street in Dublin on Friday, November 2nd. The show did not sell out, I managed to get a last minute ticket that day for €20 and there were plenty of empty seats. The size of the venue, the Tivoli, that seats 700, added to the overall intimacy of the show.

As in his Netflix shows, the stage was simply set up with a mic, a stand and a table with two pints perched on top. He came strolling on confidently and dressed down

in a black t-shirt and jeans. The show followed his usual format and the issues he was concerned with this time were children, his experience with them and how being a man he wasn’t allowed to coo in fear of being called a paedophile. He also discussed toxic masculinity and the #metoo movement in a dark and humorous way.

Three-quarters of the way into the show he talked about rape in a serious manner, and how one of his friends had been raped by one of his long-term friends after he introduced them. He said he hoped that if his show did one thing that it would be to reach out to men and help stunt rape culture by getting them to notice these behaviours in people they interact with and to not turn a blind eye.

It was a powerful performance that had left the large majority of the audience in tears. He rounded off the end of the night with another few dark jokes to lift the mood.

He has previously defended his use of dark humour, as laughter helps make a situation “more humane”.

It didn’t hit home the same way that his show ‘Jigaw’ did as that was a broader issue but it was a more moving and inspiring show. Speaking out on the topic was a great use of the spotlight and the humour made it very memorable and engaging. With any luck it will come out on Netflix in the next year.

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The serious discussion he has about love and society in ‘Jigsaw’ has broken up over 10,000 couples, cancelled 40 engagements and cause 54 divorces, according to his Twitter. “All I’m doing is asking you uncomfortable questions that you don’t have the courage to ask yourself 7

Art & Stories

Caravaggio painting has lived in the National Gallery of Ireland for 25 years

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Craig Shaaban reflects on the Renaissance artist whose famous work has resided in our National Gallery for 25 years.

he great masters of the Renaissance were noblemen who were responsible for building the bridge between the Middle Ages and Modern history. Gutenberg’s printing press was a catalyst for new ideas to be shared and distributed. Shakespeare was at the height of his powers. Great explorers like Vespucci and Columbus found new worlds. Painters were commissioned to produce depictions of biblical stories.

The Renaissance, which means ‘Rebirth’, was 300 years of intellectual enlightenment. There are a select few who were truly revolutionary in a time where revolution was ubiquitous.

Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571) was a painter characterized by his arrogance and temper. His short and tempestuous life produced some of the greatest paintings during this period of cultural metamorphosis.

His temper forced him to flee, from Rome to Malta, after he stabbed another man with his sword. This event would lead Caravaggio to paint the iconic “Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” as he sought papal pardon for his wrongdoings. The painting was granted as acceptance for the crime he committed.

Caravaggio’s work predominantly features stories from the Bible. Unlike his artistic peers, he was an advocate of drawing straight on the canvas. He had no time for meticulous sketches of hands, feet or faces. This technique gives a sense of immediacy to his paintings.

In 1599, he was commissioned to paint ‘The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew’, and the ‘Calling of Saint Matthew’ on the Contarelli Chapel. Upon completion, Caravaggio was never short of artistic support from patrons.

Perhaps his most famous painting, ‘The Taking of Christ’(1602) (pictured), was considered lost by art historians. The painting interprets the crucial biblical

moment of Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Christ. It takes place in the Garden of Gethsemane and features the Temple Guards arresting Christ after Judas identifies him with a treacherous kiss. “The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him and lead him away safely” (Mark 14:44). Christ is seen praying in a gesture of faith. The Fleeing man to the left is Saint John the Evangelist, who is terrified by the act of treason. Caravaggio is thought to be the spectator on the right who is holding the lantern. The use of darkened shadows (chiaroscuro) is used to highlight the action of the painting. It draws our attention to what is occurring and forces us to see the miserable act taking place. The moonlit scene is evident from the glare on the Guards armour.

The painting was commissioned for the Roman Marques Ciriaco Mattei. The piece travelled around Europe until it eventually ended up in the home of a Cork born woman named Marie LeaWilson. Wilson had bought the piece for an unknown fee while visiting an estate in Scotland.

At the time of purchase, it was believed to be a painting by Gerard Von Honthorst titled ‘The Betrayal of Christ’. Wilson eventually donated the painting to the Jesuit House of Writers on Lower Leeson Street in the

1930’s. The painting was later sent to Italian Conservator, Sergio Benedetti, initially for assessment. It was then when the ‘lost Caravaggio’ had been found.

The infamous painting was donated by the Jesuits to the National Gallery of Ireland in 1993 where it still hangs. There is no entry charge to visit the gallery which features paintings from the likes of Rembrandt, Monet, Picasso and Vermeer. Caravaggio’s masterpiece is now immortalised within the walls of the Gallery.

Asking for it depicts lad culture on stage in the Abbey Theatre

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Aoibhin Meghen discusses the play Asking for it at the Abbey Theatre

sking For It ia at the Abbey Theatre and is a chilling depiction of ‘lad culture’ perpetrating rape culture as Louise O’Neil writes with a scalpel, making an incision into one of the darker sides of Irish society.

The play, which began in the Abbey Theatre this November is based on the second novel by Cork writer Louise O’Neil and has been adapted by Meadhbh McHugh and Annabelle Comyn for the stage.

In ‘Asking For It’ Emma O’Donovan, played by Lauren Coe, is a carefree schoolgirl in 5th year. Her life is filled with arguments with her mother, gruelling Irish grammar, gossiping with friends and obsessing over boys. She is the ‘queen bee’ of her school, so renowned for her beauty that there was even a billboard put up of her in her small Cork town after a GAA gala.

However, these parts of Emma are all abandoned after one despicable night. After a local football game Emma and all her friends attend a house party to celebrate.

But, the next morning Emma is found by her parents, unconscious and barely clothed, on the front doorstep with absolutely no memory of how she got there. It is the events that lead up to this moment that will alter Emma’s entire life. Completely unbeknownst to her she had been gang raped by a group of local boys the night before, it is only when images are put up on social media that Emma realises the truly horrific things that happened

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her that night.

Coe encapsulates the character of Emma, she is both despicable and pitiful. A girl who is cruel to her friends, tries to kiss their boyfriends but she is also a victim, forced to have sex without any consent, so out of her mind that she could not even give consent. Asking For It does not encourage you to like Emma which makes the story all the more difficult to digest.

The chilling description of the images from that night emphasise how rape can take away a victim’s ownership of their own body. As Emma looks at the photos she says all she can see “pink flesh” as if it isn’t her own.

She is completely detached from the photos, when she looks at them saying “She is an it.” The disgusting acts

and graphic photographs have completely dehumanised Emma, even to herself.

Frank McCusker, who plays Emma’s dad gives by far the most affecting performance of the night. When the pressure at last gets too much he completely breaks down, a man who has been so cold loses control and it is almost as if you can hear the tension constantly present in Emma’s home snap marking the final breaking point in Emma’s family.

McHugh and Comyn’s clever use of pre-recorded dialogue played throughout the production ensures that the audience don’t lose that intimate connection that they have with Emma in the book. This way of depicting Emma’s thoughts allows audience members to experience each moment with her immediately rather than retrospectively.

The set also contributes hugely to the development of the play. The stage is mostly bare except for a number of large translucent cubes at the back of the stage. These serve as the house for the party, allowing us to see what is happening in every room. However, in the second half the set becomes much more compact as the cubes fold down to create a much smaller space, an incredible way to portray the claustrophobia of Emma’s life.

‘Asking For It’ could be no more relevant to Irish society than at this point in time, the final applause is solemn as the audience come back to the real world, a world filled with stories just like Emma’s.

Health & Beauty

Go with your gut

Gut health is linked to hormone regulation, digestion, immune response and even more importantly your overall mental health. It’s time to take it seriously. Lorna Lawless talks through the science behind it all.

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ut health, the words increasingly are thrown around on blogs, medical journals and in the food industry. If we have good gut health it can have positive effects on our entire body from psychological to physical health.

Having a strong healthy gut helps to build a stronger immune system. The health of your gastrointestinal system is extremely important to your overall well-being.

It has the ability to affect your body’s vitamin and mineral absorbency, hormone regulation, digestion, vitamin production, immune response and even more importantly your overall mental health. Sometimes the gut is referred to as the “second brain” by medical professionals due to the evidence of the connection between gut health and brain health.

The human microbiota consists of a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi and other single-celled organisms that live in the body. The microbiome is the name given to all the cells insides these microbial cells, in other words, the name given to the combined genetic material in a particular area of the body. Every human has between 10-100 trillion of these cells in their body. Our microbiome is influenced by factors from birth which then change throughout our lives. Some suggest that modern lifestyles deplete or reduce the diversity of our gut cells for example antibiotics designed to kill specific bacteria could potentially kill good ones too.

Now that we have the background lets discuss the gut microbiota, which Dr. Rodney Berg, of Louisiana State University Microbiology and immunology department stated that, this gut microbiota can have “profound effects on the anatomical, physiological and immunological development of the host”. This gut microbiota contains over 3 million genes, making it 150 times more genetically varied than the human body according to a report done by ‘Medical News Today’. It also added that gut microbiota of each person is totally unique. It can contribute to how an individual digests food, fights disease and even their mood and psychological processes. As well as absorbing energy from food, gut microbes are essential for us to take in nutrients.

There is strong evidence to show that the gut could be keeping you awake at night. Dr Michael Breus a clinical psychologist of the American Academy of Sleep

Medicine agreed that this could be a major possibility.

“There is no question in my mind that gut health is linked to sleep health, although we do not have the studies to prove it yet. Scientists investigating the relationship between sleep and sleep-related physiological functions in a number of different ways: shifting circadian rhythms, altering the body’s sleep-wake cycle, affecting hormone that regulate sleep and awakeness.” Dr.Breus suggest taking probiotics (a live bacteria) because there is a study published in Frontier of Behavioural Neuroscience that suggests that this could have a significant effect on quality of non-REM and REM sleep (rapid eye movement i.e deep sleep).

Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London also believes gut health is related to our moods. The professor

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It can contribute to how an individual digests food, fights disease and even their mood and psychological processes.

As well as absorbing energy from food, gut microbes are essential for us to take in nutrients. stated to the Guardian that “We know that people who live with depression and people who sleep poorly both have abnormal microbes in the gut, which would suggest there is a very real connection between all three.” “If we can also look after the gut, this may have an impact on both sleep disturbances and mood disorders.”

Now how can we improve our gut health? Within the Irish industry, gut health medicine is a relatively new phenomenon. The consumption of probiotics taken daily in order to promote gut health but also to improve IBS

symptoms has changed the game for many people. A new product called Symprove has been advertised through online influencers but also many medical professionals in Ireland. According to their website, Symprove is a unique, liquid formulation containing four strains of live and activated bacteria which are delivered to the gut to support the microbiome. The 4 strains of naturally occurring bacteria are grown on an extract of germinated barley. Due to Symprove’s water-based formula, the stomach doesn’t recognise it as food and this means the bacteria passes straight through without activating digestion and therefore reaches the targeted areas of your gut alive and ready to thrive.

An independent study at UCL London shows that Symprove is clearly able to survive, thrive and colonise in the gut better than other products tested. Symprove is also gluten and dairy free. It comes in two flavours Original and Mango and Passion Fruit. It’s recommended to do a 12-week programme, then you should feel the results.

It is available to buy 12 weeks from their website for approximately €180 or Meagher’s Pharmacy do a deal on their website.

Alflorex is the second probiotic Irish pharmacists recommend to improve Gut health. Alflorex is the only product in Ireland that contains the unique 35624 culture.

It was voted winner of best gastrointestinal product for 3 years in a row at the Irish Pharmacy OTC Awards. The naturally occurring bacteria used in this product is one of the same bacteria’s passed by mothers to their babies at birth. This product also is globally recognised gold standard in scientific research. It’s a go-to for individuals suffering from IBS or any constant stomach upset. Alflorex comes in capsules you take with water. Alflorex can be bought in most pharmacies for approximately €29.95.

Research into gut health is still developing but it’s clear from studies already there, it is essential to look after your digestive system. If you want to improve your digestive system with food alone, focus on fibres and greens to improve its health naturally. Avoid processed foods where possible and just become more aware of what you are putting into your body because it affects you physically but also can have a massive psychological effect.

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Health & Beauty

Building Bulk

Eoin Harte discusses the do’s and don’ts when it comes to supplements.

Gym supplements have become a craze in Ireland, as people flock to stores such as Holland and Barrett to get their hands on the latest protein powders that will help them to achieve their perfect body.

While these supplements are not necessarily harmful if sourced from a reputable retailer, the number of teenagers shoving as many protein products down their gullet as possible is a reason for concern.

These teenagers, who are often just young lads who are trying to improve in their sport are spending large amounts of money on Whey Protein when they could easily get the necessary amount of protein from natural sources. While products such as protein bars and protein shakes are a quick fix that allows athletes to ingest large amounts of protein instantly, they will not be as useful as natural foods. These shakes will also likely supply your body with more protein than is needed and will simply pass out of your body unused.

Even if you are a vegetarian or vegan and animal products are off limits to you, foods such as

nuts and kidney beans have high levels of protein that will help muscle regeneration and growth.

Fulfil protein bars, which are available in the Londis on campus, are tasty but most are coated in chocolate which means if you’re looking to be a real health freak that these probably aren’t for you. They are probably one of the best with regards to ingredients but still are not the best option.

TREK protein bars, which admittedly are not quite as tasty and have a lower protein content as Fulfil bars, are made from raw whole food ingredients and are suitable for vegans.

The amino acid creatine has become massive in recent years and increases the body’s ability to produce

energy rapidly. However, research is undecided on whether or not creatine can actually improve muscle strength.

While research would suggest that creatine is far more healthy than using anabolic steroids, with only anecdotal evidence to support claims that it results in kidney damage, heart problems, muscle cramps and dehydration.

However, Whey Protein products do have some surprising benefits away from the obvious bodybuilding benefits. In a study published in the scientific journal “Clinical and Investigative Medicine” found that whey protein may help reduce weight loss among HIV-positive patients.

Taking these products will not help with packing on muscle if aspiring bodybuilders do not eat the required amount of food. This point is lost on many young men, who have been naturally lean all their lives and look to pile on the pounds.

While they will increase the amount of lean muscle on their bodies, without increasing the amount of calories in your diet a bulky build will not be possible. Ideally the calories should come from healthy sources, but even eating unhealthy foods can help build muscle if you’re willing to go down the route of a ‘dirty bulk’.

Still, remember that building muscle takes time and that the results you may expect to see in the space of a few short months will likely take much longer.

Scentsation

Roisin Maguire how we can use essential oils to our advantage in our everyday lives.

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romatherapy, or essential oil therapy, refers to a range of traditional, alternative or complementary therapies that use essential oils.

The use of essential oils goes back thousands of years.

Aromatherapy applications include massage, topical applications, and inhalation. Essential oils have been found to have antimicrobial activity which are agents that kill microorganisms and stops their growth which can be used to kill bacteria.

Aromatherapy is normally used through inhalation or as a topical application. Topical applications include massage oils and bath and skin care products that are absorbed in the skin. For best effect, massage the area where the oil is about to be applied to boost the circulation which will result in better absorption. However, just because it’s an oil doesn’t mean it’s always safe to rub on your skin. Always consult your doctor to prevent any allergic reactions.

Areas of the body where we secrete the most sweat are the best for absorption. Essential oils should never be applied to the skin directly but must be diluted by a carrier oil such as olive oil or almond oil.

Oils can also be inhaled. They evaporate into the air using a diffuser, or a spray or steam bath. Inhalation can improve respiratory conditions and have psychological benefits. Simple oils such as chamomile, rosewater and lavender can create calm however, it will not completely eradicate anxiety and stress.

Always buy from a trusted provider who produces pure oil with nothing added apart from vegetable

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oil. Test a small amount on your skin to see if it’s suitable and never use on damaged skin.

Scents are powerful stimuli that directly enter the brain, triggering intense emotional responses. By inhaling essential oils, your brain will signal certain emotions that can leave you feeling energized, optimistic, and hopeful. Aromatherapy is a great way of maintaining a healthy mind.

Lavender essential oil is used to help with depression.

Lavender essential oil can even reduce symptoms of PTSD and postpartum depression. As lavender essential oil encourages relaxation of the mind, it can also be a powerful sleep aid.

Certain essential oils can help reduce inflammation due to powerful anti-inflammatory properties in these oils. Tea tree oil is one that most people would be familiar with in the use of reducing redness and inflammation caused by acne. Peppermint essential can reduce inflammation in the intestines relieving symptoms of Crohn’s disease.

Aromatherapy also reduces pain. Ginger, frankincense, and myrrh essential oils can provide fast relief to the muscles, joints, and tendons for arthritis pain. Chamomile oil can quickly relieve pain related to the digestive system,

as well as menstrual cramps and this is why some people religiously drink chamomile, peppermint and green tea during this time. Their healing properties are more natural than taking painkillers especially as people can become resistant to some painkillers over time.

The use of essential oils can also boost the immune system and prevent the development of certain illnesses. Peppermint, and tea tree essential oils can greatly prevent colds by keeping your passageways clear of congestion and bacteria.

Holland and Barrett have an Aromatherapy section online which includes all the oils available, the description of their use, the price and where it comes from, however, you can find a cheaper version from other stores.

During busy times and exam stress, it’s easy to relax and destress using essential oils and filling a bath. They are relatively cheap to buy, completely natural and it’s easy to find a good diffuser online for the right price.

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Lavender essential oil can even reduce symptoms of PTSD and postpartum depression.

Health & Beauty

Alex Steinherr X Primark

Penneys just released a skincare range with skincare-expert and social media guru Alex Steinherr. Béibhinn Thorsch gives us the lowdown on the skincare collection.

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enney’s have long been known for their decent quality dupes of high-end brands and products such as Glossier blushes, Huda palettes, or KKW Beauty contour kits. However, the latest release is one which does not aim to copy, but instead rival, these brands.

Penney’s have teamed up with Alex Steinherr, a beauty director from Glamour magazine, to create a core collection of 20 products to choose from. High-quality ingredients mixed with Penney’s prices seems like a dream, with the range spanning in price from €4 to €6.

The entire range is fragrance-free, gentle, cruelty-free, vegan, phthalate free, sulfate free, paraben free, contains no essential oils and is totally customisable. There may be nothing this range cannot do.

The range was created with the idea of mixing-and-matching products to achieve your perfect skincare routine, without the need to stray between brands with possible conflicting ingredients that may be doing more harm than good to your skin Steinherr has a long history as a beauty journalist, first working at Cosmopolitan for six years and has now spent a decade at Glamour.

There are lip masks, eye creams, anti-blemish formulas, cleansers, micellar waters, overnight masks, and moisturisers, each as part of the five separate ranges.

These ranges are Sleep Spa, Pore Balance, Maximum Moisture, Plump & Glow and Pollution Solution.

The huge array of products and high quality yet simple ingredients seems to make a failure of this launch impossible, as there is something for everyone. Each product is

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The entire range is fragrance-free, gentle, cruelty-free, vegan, phthalate free, sulfate free, paraben free, contains no essential oils and is totally customisable. There may be nothing this range cannot do.

formulated for specific reasons, with instructions on use, and simple elegant packaging. The price is simply the cherry on top, as well as the accessibility of the range in select Primark stores.

Steinherr made a promotion video with Primark (Penneys) which goes through all of the products and ranges, uses and benefits of the products. “The whole range here is multipurpose,” Steinherr says in the video.

In a statement announcing the launch of the products on Instagram, Steinherr wrote “I have dedicated my career to sharing the best quality skincare I could find. I’m extremely passionate that everyone deserves beautiful skin, which is why I’ve often been disheartened by some of the cheaper alternatives on the market.”

Steinherr says the products are “results driven”, saying the products focus “on real skin needs: safe formulas, a blend of innovative and proven ingredients and fresh textures for visible results.”

Previous skincare products available from Penneys were simply not as coherent and focused as this latest release, which far outdoes the past mix of an attempt at a signature beauty range which extended into Korean-beauty inspired masks and treatments, and some oneoff pollution protection or skincare ranges, among others which have come and gone.

The fact that Primark is CFI certified, making it officially cruelty-free, is a huge step for Primark as it is an extremely expensive and difficult process. Even more exciting is that there are still products to be added to the collection in the coming months, adding even more thrill to what is already the most positive beauty news this year.

Brace your face

Want to know the science behind the latest cosmetic procedures bloggers won’t stop talking about? Carrie McMullan is here to give you all the details.

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icrodermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure which gained popularity during the 1990s as a technique for encouraging the production of new skin cells.

The procedure targets skin conditions on the surface and just below the surface by eroding away the top layer of skin to uncover the skin cells underneath.

It is carried out using a handheld device which sprays nontoxic aluminiumoxide or organic sodium bicarbonate crystals over the skin. It is typically used in facial treatments but can also be used on the neck, hands and chest, according to Medscape, a website which provides medical information for clinicians.

The concept of dermabrasion was first used by the Egyptians in 1500 BCE who would remove scars using sandpaper. It was in the early 1900s that the term ‘dermabrasion’ was first coined and the procedure was later developed during the 1950s when practitioners would use a device based on dental equipment to erode the skin. This required the use of local anaesthesia and carried a risk of complications such as excessive bleeding, infection and scarring, according to Medscape.

In 1985, two dermatologists Dr. Marini and Dr. Lo Brutto developed microdermabrasion which did not require any anaesthesia and recorded minimal complications, according to Medscape.

As microdermabrasion only affects the upper layers of skin, it is not a suitable treatment for conditions below the epidermis layer such as deeper wrinkles and scars, according to Medscape. However, a similar procedure called micro-needling can be used to treat deeper skin conditions.

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction ther-

apy, is a cosmetic procedure which encourages skin to make new tissue by damaging the old tissue. It is used to reduce the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks and can also be used as an anti-ageing treatment, according to the health information website Healthline.

A fine-needle roller or pen device is used to create small holes in the top layer of the skin. As the skin heals, it produces collagen which fills in the holes giving the skin a smooth appearance, according to Cleveland Clinic which is an American academic medical centre.

“The rolling action creates tiny punctures in the skin’s surface. Firstly this is a huge positive in relation to penetration of ingredients. One of your skins main roles is protection; it is so good at protection that it often blocks cosmetic ingredients from penetrating. Micro-needling effectively creates tiny channels in the skins surface allowing active ingredients to drop easily into the deeper layers where we

can achieve exceptional results. In fact micro-needling has been shown to increase penetration into the skin by up to 80%,” wrote Jeanne Brophy, a skin specialist who runs the Jeanne Brophy Facialist clinic in Dublin, on her blog.

The Laser and Skin Clinic located in Dublin 2 offer microdermabrasion and microneedling at prices between €90 and €250. Microdermabrasion starts at €90 for a solo treatment and costs €150 with the addition of a facial or collagen booster. Microneedling starts at €150 for a small area and costs €250 with the addition of a stem cell booster or mesotherapy which are additional anti-ageing treatments.

The Dublin Skin & Laser Clinic based in Tallaght is priced between €90 and €395.

They offer a single session of medical grade microdermabrasion for €90 and a course of three sessions for €240. They offer a single session of microneedlingat €150 and a course of three sessions for €395.

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Food

Food

Grub Guide: Elephant and Castle Nicole Cassidy gives us her thoughts on Temple Bar’s Elephant & Cas-

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great atmosphere and quality food in the heart of Dublin is hard to beat. Tired of eating in fast food restaurants and want something nutritious that will tickle your taste buds?

Elephant and Castle is one of the most popular restaurants located in the heart of temple bar since the doors opened in January 1989.

Famous for its American style burgers and hot chicken wings, where did the idea for this restaurant develop from?

In New York, a man George began to get fed up of not being able to eat what he desired on his lunch breaks. After retiring from his job, he followed his passion for quality food and Elephant and Castle became a New York classic within a number of years.

The restaurant made its way to Dublin when the head chef in New York came home to Ireland, as was denied her visa to travel back to America.

After this happened, George decided to come to Ireland and find a location as similar to the one in New York as possible. He wanted to recreate the famous New York restaurant, knowing it would be a hit in Dublin.

Temple bar was the ideal location, the business began to take off and has been booming ever since. The wooden décor, from the floors to the furniture and walls makes this restaurant different to others in Temple Bar. The closeness of tables creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a chilled date night or a catch up with family and friends.

The staff are always polite and very helpful in making the experience in the restaurant even more enjoyable. It is always spotlessly clean, the food presentation is lovely and you are not left waiting long to be served.

As its thirty-year milestone is approaching, Elephant and Castle are planning on expanding to meet the demands of the business.

This will be an excellent move for the business and will give more customers the chance to try

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tle restaurant.

the top quality food.

If you have missed out on eating here due to the large queues or waiting lists, according to their website, Elephant and Castle want their customers to “Watch out!

You won’t miss us again!”

Elephant and Castle is open seven days a week. They cater for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. They are open between 8:00 am-11: 30 am for breakfast Monday to Friday.

Brunch is only available during the weekend between 10:304:30 pm. Opening hours for lunch and dinner are 11:30 am - 11:30 pm Monday to Friday and 4:30-11:30 pm Saturday and Sunday.

Although there are many amazing options on all of the menus, the most popular dish is the “Spicy chicken wings in a basket” for €13.50. If you are a lover of hot sauce these are the wings for you!

The best thing about these wings in comparison to others is the quantity, combined with the secret ingredients which make the sauce so desirable. They are great as a main course or for sharing as a starter.In Lovin Dublin’s “chicken wing bucket list 2018” Elephant and castle is said to have been voted the best chicken wings in 2017.

Although the wings are one of the main attractions, for those who do not enjoy spicy food there are plenty of other options to choose from.

The lunch and dinner menu has a wide variety to choose from and has something to suit all taste buds.

For something light to start, the small three leaf house salad or the baby Caesar salad both with grilled chicken are recommended.

The menu options consist of soups, main course salads and warm dishes from grilled chicken with lime and coriander to fillet steak with peppercorn sauce, potato gratin and garlic greens. They offer omelettes, home-

made burgers, Elephant and Castle sandwiches and five tasty side dishes including herb fries with sage and rosemary and garlic greens with lemon zest.

For those of you with a sweet tooth, there is a large variety of desserts ranging between €6.50-€8. While you are waiting for your meal you can enjoy cold and hot drinks, a glass of wine or a bottle of beer from the large drinks menu.

If you decide to visit the restaurant over the weekend it would be advised to pop in and book your table early as bookings fill up fast and there is not an option to phone ahead of time unless you are booking for a group of 6 people or more.

If you find yourself with free time whilst waiting on your table why not visit some of Temple Bar’s other attractions for a drink, relax and enjoy some Irish music and culture.

The restaurant is a great tourist attraction as it is a seven-minute walk from Grafton Street and O’Connell Street. It is an ideal point to meet for a bite to eat while exploring the city or taking a break from your Christmas shopping over the next few weeks.

If you would like to find out more information before visiting the restaurant or to have a look at the menus yourself visit elephantandcastle.ie.

Atmosphere 9/10 Food 9.5/10 Service 8.5/10 Location 10/10 Value for money 8/10

Travel

Wanderlust - Switzerland

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Lausanne is a beautiful city but comes at high price. Eoin Harte gives us a reality check on this incredible location.

ausanne is a beautiful and charming city but unfortunately due to high costs it won’t become a regular destination for the majority of people any time soon.

While the beautiful scenery and impressive architecture will grab the attentions of many, the eye-watering prices will turn away most potential tourists. Still there is much to enjoy in the small French speaking Swiss city.

Located on Lake Geneva near the French border, the view from the city is truly breathtaking. The Swiss Alps are clearly visible and provide a spectacular backdrop for the city’s inhabitants. The locals are polite and friendly and most can speak English well (as they live in a country that actually knows how to teach languages).

Visitors intent on walking around the city could be in for a nasty surprise. Lausanne is full of hills so be prepared for a good workout if you’re used to the flat terrain that Dublin has to offer. Thankfully there is excellent public transport available, with an underground metro and plenty of buses which makes traversing the city a piece of cake. There are even some outdoor elevators to get inhabitants up the really steep slopes.

However, those visiting the city in search of a vibrant nightlife will likely be disappointed. Last call in most of the bars in Lausanne is at 10pm and unlike in Ireland where last call often means that you can stay in the pub for another hour or so, the Swiss don’t tolerate such practices. Bar staff will clear the place out within five minutes and hand you a plastic cup to pour the rest of your pint in. Thankfully, drinking in the street is legal in Lausanne.

For people who have found themselves in Lausanne and intend on staying out for the night, the Flon area in Lausanne is the place to go. The Flon, which was formerly a district made up of warehouses was rehabilitated and now boasts a wide array of restaurants, bars, clubs, boutiques and cinemas. Spots to check out in the Flon include ‘The Arches’, which is an outside bar located underneath a bridge and MAD, a former warehouse turned nightclub, which has hosted several famous DJs such as David Guetta. The Swiss are fond of their beer and the bars do have some interesting craft beers on offer, but local drinks such as ‘sour beers’ are probably better left alone.

There are many worthwhile attractions for more easy going visitors. It is home to the International Olympic Committee and has been recognised as the Olympic

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Capital since 1994. The Olympic Museum is also located in Lausanne, which attracts more than 250,000 visitors a year. Inside the museum visitors can view more than 10,000 artifacts and learn about the history of the games, from the very first Olympic Games held in Ancient Greece, to first international Summer Olympics which was held in 1896, through to the most recent Winter and Summer Olympic Games in Pyeongchang and London.

The Olympic Museum is far from the only museum to be found in Lausanne. The Palais de Rumine is home to several of these, containing the Cantonal Museum of Fine Arts, the Cantonal Museum of Archaeology and History, the Cantonal Museum of Money, the Cantonal Museum of Geology and the Cantonal Museum of Zoology, all of which are well worth a visit. Outside the Palais de Rumine, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, is a vibrant market selling everything from second hand clothes to Swiss comic books and old military artefacts.

For art lovers interested in something a little unusual, the Collection de l’Art Brut is a must see. Located in the Chateau de Beaulieu in the centre of Lausanne, the museum displays the creations of self taught artists, many of whom were residents in mental institutions and prisoners. While some of the art pieces there are certainly for people with an acquired taste, the vast array of styles should mean there’s something for everyone.

One of the high points of life in Lausanne is the food.

If you’re a fan of cheese and chocolate you’re in luck. A stroll around the city and you’ll be greeted by a range of

aromas, all likely to lure you into the many shops and restaurants. While there are a few American chains such as McDonald’s and Starbucks, there are a refreshing amount of locally owned restaurants and cafes. Local dishes include cheese fondue (essentially a big pot of melted cheese which you can dip bread into) and rosti (mainly consisting of potato and butter which is not unlike hash browns).

However, even a short trip to Lausanne is going to set you back a good bit. Wages are very high in Switzerland and so is the cost of living. The average cost of a pint is around nine Swiss Francs (SFr), which converts to just under €8. This isn’t the worst of it either as an 80cl bottle of water in a fairly average restaurant by the name of L’esquisse, will cost you SFr9.50. Even the McDonald’s are expensive with a Big Mac meal costing in the region of SFr13, while a coffee in Starbucks will set you back SFr5.90. Globus, a Swiss department store that can only be described as Brown Thomas on steroids, sells beanie hats for SFr60 while a regular pair of jeans costs no less than SFr150.

So for any students thinking about a visit to Switzerland, think again. If you’re surviving on a student budget you’ll probably only make it a day before you’re out of money and dreaming of a four pack of cans that will only cost you a fiver. If you’re pursuing a degree that will actually make you money, you may be able to afford a trip to Switzerland in the (probably distant) future. You’ll have to eat cheese and chocolate at home for now.

If you’re a fan of cheese and chocolate you’re in luck. A stroll around the city and you’ll be greeted by a range of aromas, all likely to lure you into the many shops and restaurants

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Fashion

Highlighting The Hypebeasts

Sneaker culture has grown into hypebeast culture, inspired by the high-end catwalk brands. Clara Kelly dives inside the trend.

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rom bumbags to graphic t-shirts, so many streetwear trends have been making a splash this year in both the catwalk and the high street, but none more so than the sneaker Recently the focus of any outfit has become the trainers that complete it, a good runner has become this seasons biggest fashion staple.

From the obsession with the Nike and Off-White collab to the smaller scale mania over the latest Fila runners, it seems everyone wants to keep up when it comes to this trend. With some people even going as far as to camp out to have a chance at grabbing the latest and greatest shoes, before they sell out at the usual lightning speed.

From the classic fully white trainers, like the timeless air forces to the new bulky and multi-

coloured ‘dad shoes’ or ‘ugly shoes’ trend, they’re everywhere, but why have they become so trendy all of a sudden?

On the catwalk, we have seen brands such as Balen-

ciaga showcasing the same colourful block like shoes, and has definitely been picked up and shown through street style.

The Instagram influencers have been littered with these designer shoes as well as dupes. Statement sneakers have been gracing the feet of everyone, from celebrities to high fashion models At the beginning of the 20th century when companies like converse began to roll out a whole new type of rubber-soled shoe, we began to see what started as sportswear shift into something more.

As runners were adapted for streetwear, they became much more creative, a unique runner can be used as a form of expression, much like fashion in general.

We saw the spread of sneaker culture from the NBA when it inforced a dress-code to the hip-hop community in general, to its steady rise to being easily one of, if not the most popular choice of footwear in general.

The luxury sneaker is nothing new, with Air-Jordans being one of the first

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and most critical examples of this. These sneakers became a part of the culture within some American communities, becoming a symbol of their common values and ideals. The reason we have seen the spread of the sneaker has a lot to do with the spread of these ideals.

This shift has been reflected too in the catwalks this season with every major fashion brand from Gucci, Acne, Yeezy, right up to Prada all focusing looks on the sneaker. Some major high fashion brands such as Kanye West’s Yeezy focus always on centering the runner.

These brands realise that a bold statement sneaker is a way to tap into the ‘hypebeast’ market and target the people who willingly and eagerly wait for the newest and ‘boujiest’ sneakers to drop online.

We’ve even seen brands such as Zara and Boohoo take inspiration from this and make some pretty good dupes. So if you don’t have hundreds to shell out to, keep up with this trend, you don’t need to worry.

At the beginning of the 20th century when companies like converse began to roll out a whole new type of rubber-soled shoe, we began to see what started as sportswear shift into something more.

Christmas Party Do’s and Don’ts

Sarah Moore gives some ideas for how to get just the right look for your Christmas work events this year.

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egardless of where you work, Christmas work parties are an annual opportunity for employees to showcase their character through what they decide to wear.

Unlike a night out with friends, it is important to express yourself in a way that is both stylish, festive but appropriate. Where the party is held can give a good indication of how you should dress in terms of formality, but there are a few safe options that can help guide you towards the perfect look.

To start with the boys, a fitted shirt, trousers and some kind of shiny shoe whether they be black or brown, with a simple belt will suffice. If you trust yourself, go for a white shirt with blue jeans/light brown trousers, and brogues. If it’s very casual feel free to nab an exciting Christmas jumper and wear it with black jeans.

Unfortunately, the ladies face a far more difficult choice. If you choose comfort over style generally, go for the favourite combination of jeans, heels and a nice top.

Misguided recently launched an entire section on their website dedicated to this beloved trio.

Jumpsuits offer convenience and a chance to look really elegant. Primark recently brought in a stunning Christmas collection with one black jumpsuit that is a steal. Priced at €18 this blazer fitted jumpsuit with a satin finish will end their search for the company’s next CEO. The smart look of a matching blazer with trousers/skirt and heels has really come into its

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“Christmas is a fun time to use colours like red, burgundy, gold and silver to incorporate a festive vibe.”

own. A fitted look creates an expensive outfit. Velvet is one material that is being used more in this area and can look funky in an emerald or purple colour. Tartan can also give true Christmas vibes, and looks alluring in a matching set.

Christmas is a fun time to use colours like red, burgundy, gold and silver to incorporate a festive vibe. ASOS offers a wide range of unique coordinates that are easy to style formally.

The Christmas work party is a good excuse to showcase some sparkles especially in the form of a dress. No matter how cold, ladies will grasp the chance to debut their lovely legs but it’s important in this situation to make sure the dress doesn’t allow for any unforeseen, possibly embarrassing exposure. The bosses want to appreciate your efforts but not to see the whole stage. For this, tights may be a good shout.

Christmas is a fashion season in itself, it’s a great way to express joy in clothing. In this age, there’s no right way to tell people how to dress but for your work Christmas party consider you want to get across a few things: style, festivity, fun and professionalism.

In True Military Fashion

Fashion

Alongside military-inspired fashion trends, Dr Marten boots have evolved through decades and multiple fashion regenerations into a symbol of hardiness and pride. Béibhinn Thorsch explores the history of both.

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he Doc Martens website reads “Dr. Martens’ appeal to people who have their own individual style but share a united spirit - authentic characters who stand for something. People who possess a proud sense of self-expression. People who are “different.”

The rise of the brand in the way it has come has been a surprise to all. The boot was originally invented by Nazi soldier Klaus Märtens who injured his ankle and used air-padded soles with a softer leather than the standard army issued boots.

Unused rubber from Luftwaffe airfields was used in the original production of the boots, which were a huge hit with housewives due to the comfortable soles. In the first decade, a vast majority of sales were to women over 40.

After seeing an ad in a newspaper for the German boots, in 1959 a British shoe manufacturer bought patent rights to the boots and made some improvements. The name was reworked, the heel was slightly reshaped, and the trademark yellow stitching was born - alongside the bouncing “Airwair” soles.

The iconic 1460 style was released in April 1960. The boot had eight eyelets and a smooth oxblood colour leather design. The boots were first popularised in England by workers such as postmen, police officers, and factory workers - but by the late 60s, the skinhead subculture began to adopt the boot.

Coming into the 70s the boots were popular among a number of youth subcultures which were separated mostly by the styles of music they listened to. The street-wear trend for girls was to buy small men’s sizes of the boots, which they would then customise (often with floral patterns).

The Docs website reads “With Britain plagued by anti-government riots and social resentment, youth culture rose up from the streets with yet more highly visual and individual tribes…”

The boots’ association with skinheads - who differ from the modern Nazi association with skinheads, but who were motivated by social alienation and alternative values - meant an association with violence.

As the 1990s grew a new grunge fashion era the boots grew once more in popularity. This was up until 2003 when the Doc Martens’ company sales declined to the point of near-bankruptcy. All but one British manufacturer of the boot was shut down, and most production was moved to China and Thailand.

In 2004, to overcome their struggles the brand launched an attempt into a wider market of young people. The boots were intended to be more comfortable, easier to break in and boasted some new design elements. The Vintage line still exists, which is said by the company as boots made to the original specifications of the boot. In 2010, the company offered 250 different

models of footwear and then launched a line of clothing and accessories in 2011. By 2016 the brand was looking to reclaim their fame and began a number of lawsuits based primarily on trademark law.

During the rise of the Doc Marten boots in England, there was a separate military-inspired fashion revolution in the rest of the Western world. As soldiers came home from the field, military-wear was integrated into civilian life. Not only were camouflage patterns and colours such as olive green or sand-dune beige coming into trend, but actual clothing styles were integrated.

The first and most surprising invention was the white t-shirt - which became an official part of the U.S Naval uniform in 1913. Designed to repel the bright sun and heat in tropical climates and to avoid dirtying their uniforms during chores. The white t-shirt was seen on stars such as Marlon Brando, heightening the popularity.

Bomber jackets and flight jackets were originally standardized in 1927, and are now fully established as a fashion staple. The original jackets were produced in a dark olive colour, though most vintage originals found today are in a shade of brown. The jacket was for pilots flying in open cockpits, and so designed to be windproof. There were many variations of the jacket, through seasons and also through constant improvements.

In the 1930s, new airplanes caused many issues due to the advancement in altitude.

U.S Air Force pilots reported that the sunglare gave them

serious side effects such as headaches and altitude sickness. The Aviators were created, soon to be adopted

by Ray-Ban, and were available for public consumption in 1937. They have never truly fallen out of the fashion scene since.

Field jackets are also a style which has recently been adopted especially suited for constantly changing weather with relentless rain, strong winds and sweltering humidity. The style has been adopted by Nike, Supreme, Adidas, and even higher-end brands like Marc Jacobs.

The parka has become a sort of star when it comes to military-inspired, thanks to its open ended design that suits all weathers and styles. The parka has a fishtail style had many flaps, large pockets, and was adaptable for windy weather. Adopted by 1950s mods as a winter coat and to protect their outfits while riding scooters, the fishtail parka fell into pop culture in the 60s and became fashionable in the U.S too Some of the oldest military garments, khakis date back to 1847 when the white uniform of british army soldiers made them too easy a target for snipers. The men dyed their uniforms using tea or mud. Khaki is derived from the Hindi word “khak”, meaning “dust-coloured”. The US Army later adopted this, and years later when American veterans returned to college they brought their khakis along - as they were durable and easy to wash and dry. In the 1950s the pants became associated with the preppy “Ivy League” look, and subsequently with dull office attire.

Military influence on fashion has been mostly influenced by the reintegration of soldiers into their homelife.

The story of Doc Martens, however, which coincides with this time period and which has similar origins, is an entirely different tale to that of pieces such as parkas, aviators, or khaki pants.

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EXPOSURE

Winter: A surprisingly snowy March. Credit: Rachel Halpin.

Spring: Sunny days sitting on the river Shannon, Banagher,Co. Offaly. Credit: Hugh Farrell.

Spring: A Spring sunset on Lahinch Beach. Credit: Alison Clair

Summer: Looking out onto the Tagus River, Lisbon, Portugal. Credit: Orla Dwyer.

Autumn: Leaves are scattered across the ground in Trinity College Dublin. Credit: Alison Clair.

Autumn: A rainbow sits over Ballymun, just after a shower of rain. Credit Sabrine Donohue.

Image Credits Page 1: Flickr Page 2: Flickr, Rachel Halpin Page 3: Flickr, Flickr Page 4: Flickr, Creditmyvue.com Page 5: Polygon.com, IMBD Page 6: Tubefilter.com, Lucien Daly Page 7: BBC, Tripadvisor Page 8: Wikipedia, TheJournal.ie Page 9: Symprove.com Page 10: Groupon.com, Cathal Finnegan Page 11: Yaycork.ie, Youtube Page 12: Flickr Page 13: Eoin Harte Page 14: Orfhlaith Carragher, Monsoon, Prettylittlething, Pinterest Page15: ASOS