FREE
JANUARY 2018
ISSUE 276
THE HOME OF BREAKFAST NOW OPEN!
06 NEWS
19 Fashion
29 cymraeg
NUS: Meet your delegates Gill's Gone - Ex-UKIP AM resigns
Spring/Summer '18
Creu cyfloedd I wneud gwahaniaeth Y gaeaf yma Y Gymdeithas Gymraeg
08 features Exam tips from the Advice Centre Looking after yourself during exam season Reaching Wider Nine reasons to stand in our elections
16 Liberation Pakistan's attack on transphobia
20 Photography EXIST.
22 relationships Agont Aunts Blind Date
24 MUsic Little Mix: Glory Days tour Morrissey: Low in High School Interview: Astroid Boys
32 Film Netflix binge: Atypical Review: Call Me by Your Name The Naked Gun Top 5 shows to relax to
38 Food Recipe: Hearty Irish stew Cosy contenment at Hoogah
Editor
Features
Rachel Sanders waterfronteditor@swanseastudentmedia.com
Emily Williams waterfrontfeatures@swanseastudentmedia.com
Deputy editor
Film
Emily Maybanks & Kassy Fox waterfrontdeputyeditor@swanseastudentmedia.com
Becky Elms waterfrontfilm@swanseastudentmedia.com
DESIGN & ARTWORK
Food
Iain Fisher waterfrontdesign@swanseastudentmedia.com
Kassy Fox & Hannah Fenlon waterfrontfilm@swanseastudentmedia.com
ProoFing
Liberation
Maddy Young proofreader@swanseastudentmedia.com
Zoya Chishti waterfrontliberation@swanseastudentmedia.com
News
Music
Megan Thomas waterfrontnews@swanseastudentmedia.com
Sarah Harris waterfrontmusic@swanseastudentmedia.com
Sport
Relationships
Greg Stone & Lulu Thornton waterfrontsport@swanseastudentmedia.com
Heather Harvey & Emily Jane Griffiths waterfrontrelationships@swanseastudentmedia.com
Creative writing
Societies
Emily Maybanks waterfrontcreativewriting@swanseastudentmedia.com
Heather Dimmer waterfrontsocieties@swanseastudentmedia.com
Culture
Technology
Carys Svendsen waterfrontculture@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfronttech@swanseastudentmedia.com
CYMRAEG
Iain Fisher iain.fisher@swansea-union.co.uk
Alex Nethell waterfrontcymraeg@swanseastudentmedia.com
Fashion Gwen Miles waterfrontfashion@swanseastudentmedia.com
Student Media Coordinator
Waterfront is a free print and online publication from Swansea Student Media and the Students’ Union.
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Rachel Sanders
So, we’re all full of turkey and stuffing and Terry’s chocolate orange, and now we find ourselves beginning a new year. For some that means a new start, for others new resolutions, for others new shenanigans. For students it means exams. Joy. Whatever this new year means to you my advice is enjoy it – all of it; the good with the bad, the tough with the easy, the crazy with the mundane. Ultimately, we cannot control what we are given in life, but we can control how we view it. So, to help you on your way to positive vibes (and good grades) here’s a list of top tips (or resolutions if you are so inclined):
• Do one thing every day that makes you smile (read a book, walk on the beach, drink a hot chocolate – it’s up to you!) • Talk to people more • Try one daring thing every month – Don’t like heights? Climb a mountain. Picky eater? Try a new cuisine. Been secretly pining after that person? Go and speak to them! • Hug more – because everyone loves a hug (and being in Wales, you could even cwtch!) • Spend 5 minutes every day focussing on you – just you • Read Waterfront! It makes your life better – it just does From all of us here at Waterfront, good luck with the exams!
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
MEET YOUR DELEGATES The National and Welsh NUS elections are coming up and the results are in for who is going to represent Swansea University. The National Union of Students is made up of over 600 participating students unions, including ours! They hold a policy conferences to ensure that they keep up-to-date with the needs of students across the country. It’s not only national, they also hold regional conferences for which delegates are also elected to. Here are the people giving up their Easter holiday to represent us all in Glasgow! Ulysses Jones Coming in first we have Ulysses Jones! After a clever winning strategy of social media and memes the ex-Waterfront Deputy Editor and current host of Xtreme radio show Whistlestop Tour of Culture shall be representing us in the National conference in Glasgow. Ulysses promises to focus on student participation and use his experience campaigning in last years Societies and Services Officer election to deliver results for the students of Swansea University. Chizi Phiri Next up we have our Students' Union’s very own President! Running alongside Chris Freestone, Shona Johnson, Fardowsa Ali and
by Megan Thomas Joe Davern under ‘Delegates for Diversity’ Chizi will be joining the rest of the successful candidates in Glasgow. Chizi has promised to focus on issues affecting students mental wellbeing. She has pledged to fight for more support for victims of sexual harassment and abuse; support for issues around student mental health; support for women in leadership and lowering costs of living for working class students. Ross McKendrick Previously the Chair of the Marxist society for 2014/15 and 2015/16, Ross ran with Rosie Summers and Lewis Griffiths as the left wing opposition. Ross has promised to fight for free education, for more democratic elections over the processes in Universities and to call for a student strike against high rents and poor quality housing. Chris Freestone Our current Societies and Services officer also ran under the ‘Delegates for Diversity’ campaign. Freestone has promised to promote an environmentally friendly Students Union, more support for parents of students, to fix the problems with student accommodation
and most importantly, the make the price of pints cheaper! Fardowsa Ali Then last but not least, Fardowsa Ali. You probably recognise Fardowsa as our BME (Black and Ethnic Minorities) Officer! Also running under ‘Delegates for Diversity’, Fardowsa has pledged to support her fellow delegates and students while at Glasgow! Now for the election the the Welsh conference in Cardiff! Ulysses Jones, Chizi Phiri and Fardowsa Ali will also be representing you in Cardiff, but joined by the brilliant Shona Johnson! Shona is the current Welfare Officer for Swansea Students Union and also ran with ‘Delegates for Diversity’. She pledges to support her fellow delegates and help ensure that you get all you can out of your Students Union. As Welfare Officer, her history of running campaigns with Fardowsa and Chizi proves that this is going to be a fantastic team! Congratulations to everyone who got a delegate spot, all of us at Waterfront wish you the best of luck!
NEWS // MEGAN THOMAS
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GILL'S GONE: EX-UKIP AM RESIGNS On the 27th December Nathan Gill, AM for the regional constituency North Wales, resigned from his post.In a statement released on Twitter Gill has said: “It’s with great sadness and relief that I am resigning as AM for North Wales and Mandy Jones will take my place.”
by Megan Thomas Nathan Gill has proved a controversial figure within the Welsh Assembly. In August 2016 it was announced that Gill had left the UKIP assembly group, citing “infighting” and tensions between its members as “distracting”. He’d already been heavily criticised for backing down to his promise to choose between his position as an AM and his position as an MEP. Five members of the UKIP group called for him to resign his Assembly position. Gill’s poor attendance record has been heavily criticised. After he left the assembly UKIP group, Welsh UKIP leader Neil Hamilton has stated that Gill’s departure “won’t make much difference”, as they “don’t see him much in the Assembly”. More recently, Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Gruffydd has described his
lack of attendance as a “betrayal”. Gruffydd asked for the presiding officer to review Gill’s attendance record claiming that Gill was “clearly unable to fulfil his duties”. Nathan Gill has announced that his decision was motivated by his desire to concentrate on his duties as a UKIP MEP. Stating on Facebook that: “With the country now in the process of leaving the European Union, it is clear that the most pressing issue facing Wales is Brexit” “I feel it is right that I concentrate on serving my term as an MEP and do my bit in helping to get the best deal for the country. As the only Eurosceptic MP in Wales, I have a duty to give the majority of voters who backed ‘Leave’ in Wales the representation that they deserve and need in Brussels.” Finally Gill pledged to maintain an “open door” to all Welsh
politicians wishing to consult him as they move into the “next critical stage of negotiations.” Gill has now been replaced by UKIP’s Mandy Jones, the next candidate on the UKIP list. Jones has said that she shall be prioritising “supporting local businesses in delivering good jobs and campaigning for better local health and transport services in north Wales.” Welsh UKIP leader Neil Hamilton has given his support to Jones, who now raises UKIP’s total seat count in the Assembly to 6. Hamilton has said that. “We are looking forward to 2018, where we will be even more active and vocal, as we continue to stand up for the people of Wales against the cosy Cardiff Bay consensus” Whatever happens, this is certainly going to be an interesting period in the history of Welsh politics.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
Exams are a part of most courses now and everyone reacts in different ways to them, but for lots of students exam time brings anxiety and worry. It’s normal during exam time to be worried and stressed, but there are things you can do to try and be as well prepared and calm as possible. Here are our top tips.
Preparing for an exam Little & often is the key for revision; do not leave it till the last minute. Revise in 15-20 min segments.
Make a revision plan; practice past papers, make notes and if you are unsure, ask your lecturer.
Drink and eat regularly and healthily; try and get 8 hours’ sleep a night!
Study in different places with different people.
Exercise little and often as much as you can - get those good chemicals pumping!
Fit in some time to relax, time for just you; a candle lit bath, watching a film, a long walk.
FEATURES // EMILY WILLIAMS
Day before the exam • Double check the time and venue of your exam. • Get an early night. • Relax as much as you can. Set your alarm for the morning.
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Morning of the exam • Wear comfortable clothes. • Pack all your equipment, your student ID, and water. • Have a light breakfast. • Leave in plenty of time.
At the exam venue • Check you’re in the right venue. • Leave your phone outside the exam room, or at home. • Empty all notes from your pockets. • Breathe!
Not well enough? Remember that there could be times when you are unwell or experiencing personal problems, which mean you’re not fit enough to sit an exam. Did you know that you can apply before and 5 working days after an exam
to defer it to a later date if you feel as though you were not well enough to sit it? You will usually need some evidence such as doctors’ letter etc.; talk to your college or the SU Advice Centre about this.
Advice & Support There is lots of support for students facing anxiety and stress around exam time; you are welcome to pop into the SU Advice Centre in Fulton House on Singleton Campus for a chat (we are open Monday-Friday 10am-3pm). We also offer a 1-1 8 week CBT based course called Live life to the Full which can help you learn new techniques for dealing with anxiety and low mood. The University also runs stress awareness courses, for more information visit http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/documents/863/ Stress%20Control%20Poster.pdf. We also have the doctors at the University Health Centre, the University’s Wellbeing service and Welfare team, who can also support you. If you have a diagnosed disability or mental health condition,
the Disability Office can also support you with adjustments, such as extra time, or alternative smaller venues etc. Please visit the assessment centre for more advice and information. Emily Rees, the Students’ Union Education Officer quotes: “It’s important to remember that you are not the only one going through this stress and anxiety; talking about what you are worried about really helps! My final thought is that it’s okay to not be okay. Feel free to pop in for chat with me or the Advice Centre anytime.” To contact the Advice Centre, phone: 01792 295821 or email: advice@swansea-union.co.uk
FEATURES // EMILY WILLIAMS
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LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF DURING EXAM SEASON January is exam season, and January exams are the worst because the weather is miserable, we all have post Christmas/New Year blues and none of us can remember what happened before Santa came down the chimney or we had that New Year kiss. So, here are eight suggestions for how you can look after yourself during the exam season. by Emily Maybanks
Draw up a timetable for yourself that not only includes study sessions but also exercise, sleep, food etc.
Firstly, it is important to eat well during exams. We’re all pushed for time with revision, and it is easy to forget to eat well - it is oh so tempting to order food in rather than cook a decent meal. Eating well and staying hydrated is important to keep those brain cells working. Secondly, it is important to get enough rest, especially the night before an exam. You may be the chancer who can sit an exam on only a few hours’ sleep - but you won’t be doing your best.
every few hours. Your mind will be more prepared to absorb information when it returns.
Getting some fresh air during revision and before/after an exam is a good way to decompress. Go for a walk on the beach or in the park, listen to music, lay down in the freezing cold grass (if you’re brave) and look at the sky.
Revise in a comfortable environment. This is key! You have to revise in a place and at time that is right for you. Some people like to revise in a quiet corner in the library, some people in bed in their pyjamas and others in a lively coffee shop. Whatever works.
Take time out to relax every so often. Watch a film, read, write, exercise, do what you enjoy doing each day and give yourself a regular break from revision
Time management is vital during exam season. Managing your time efficiently between revision, eating, resting and taking time out can be tough at times, but it is important.
Find your inner peace. Exams and revision are incredibly stressful for everyone. It’s important to try not to panic too much but no one ever stopped panicking by being told to not panic. So, instead, focus on your inner calm. Find that spot of silence within yourself which nothing can touch. Go there, every day, for at least 5 minutes. And remember, you can only try your best - if it doesn’t go to plan, the world won’t end, you will simply find another way. Finally, a point that many students forget to implement - after the exams, treat yourself; book a holiday, go shopping, go for a meal, dress up and go out anything that makes you smile. I hope these tips help you to exam success. Good luck and keep smiling!
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
In July, 15 young people who are care experienced joined Reaching Wider for a 2 day residential programme. The young people came to us from across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot and were studying in Years 8 to 11.
Trying on a latex mask
The young people had the opportunity to take part in a ‘Casualty’ themed experience kicking off with a workshop on make-up techniques used by media make-up artists in films and TV shows. The young people took part in a workshop delivered by FE professionals who showed the young people how to use make up to create black eyes, cuts and bruises. They were also shown and were able to try out and wear prosthetic masks created for use in films and TV shows such as Dr Who.
The workshop was great fun and it was clear to see their confidence grow as they became proficient in using the makeup materials to produce remarkably life-like injuries. The session also helped to demonstrate the broad range of courses available to study both at FE and HE level. Rob Ellis from the money@ campus life team delivered a ‘Game of Life – Life as an Undergraduate’ themed budgeting event to the young people. The young people had to make their own student life decisions such
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
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Reaching Wider offers casual work opportunities for university students who wish to gain experience of working with young people
as choosing and funding their student accommodation, paying bills, celebrating birthdays and special events and collecting their Care Leaver bursaries provided by the university. The young people worked together in groups to make the decisions that every student has to make when they come to university. The event helped to highlight to them the financial support available to them if they did decide to study at university. During the evening, the young people enjoyed a trampolining session at ‘Limitless’ before journeying to Frankie and Benny’s for their dinner. To finish off an action packed day, the young people watched Despicable Me 3 at Vue Cinema in Swansea. After a good night’s sleep in Swansea University’s Penmaen Halls of Residence, the young people took part in a ‘Creative Casualties’ screenplay writing workshop. Dr Heidi Yeandle-King worked with the young people to write their own ‘Casualty’ style screenplay, building upon the knowledge they had gained from the makeup session the day before.
Wound dressing, with the graduate medicine students
The final workshops were delivered by Graduate Entry Medicine Students at the Singleton Teaching Unit, Swansea University Medical School. The young people learnt about wound management and recognition of the sick patient using the ABC approach. These were very hands-on workshops where the young people became experienced at dressing a variety of fake wounds and in the use of stethoscopes and practicing CPR on dummies. There were also opportunities for the young people to talk to the medical students about their own paths into Higher Education and ultimately onto a graduate medicine course. At the end of the two days, every single young person said that they knew more about FE and HE as a result of the experience and that they each felt more confident that they could go to university if they wanted to.
A young person’s guide to FE and HE for Care Experienced young people has been produced by Reaching Wider and can be found via the Reaching Wider website: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/ reaching-wider/careexperienced/ Reaching Wider offers casual work opportunities for university students who wish to gain experience of working with young people. Our opportunities can fit around your timetable, boost your CV, count towards your HEAR (Higher Education Achievement Report) award and also offer generous rates of pay. If you are interested in working for us we would love to hear from you. Contact us at www.swansea. ac.uk/reaching-wider/ and reachingwider@swansea.ac.uk
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
RHESWM I SEFYLL YN EIN HETHOLIAD! Mae’r etholiadau ar y gweill ac ry’ ni’n chwilio am fyfyrwyr i sefyll ar gyfer safleoedd Swyddogion Llawn Amser a Rhan Amser. Ond pam ddylech chi?
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Bydd eich llais, eich syniadau, eich gofynion yn ffurfio profiad myfyrwyr Ddim yn hoffi sut mae pethau’n cael eu gwneud? Newidiwch y peth!
Byddwch chi’n gweithio gyda’r Undeb a’r Brifysgol ar benderfyniadau MAWR Chi fydd yn penderfynu ar bethau sy’n effeithio ar fyfyrwyr.w
Byddwch chi’n sefyll allan i gyflogwyr y dyfodol Swyddi a lleoliadau hollol unigryw.
Does dim angen 3 – 5 blwyddyn o brofiad Yn wahanol i ofynion rhan fwyaf o swyddi, gall unrhyw un fod yn Swyddog.
Gallwch chi ennill cyflog o £17,703 y flwyddyn
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Byddwch chi’n ennill sgiliau a phrofiadau unigryw Mae swyddogion eleni wedi cwrdd Hilary Clinton a Theresa May ac wedi teithio’r DU a thramor.
Byddwch chi’n rheoli sefydliad gwerth mwltimiliwn o bunnoedd Does dim lot o raddedigion newydd yn gallu dweud hynny ar ei CV.
Chi fydd llais dros 17,000 o fyfyrwyr Meddwl bod myfyrwyr yn haeddu cynrychiolaeth deg? Dywedwch eich dweud
#Gwnewch eich marc Gall eich ymgyrchoedd a pholisïau effeithio ar fyfyrwyr am flynyddoedd a chreu hanes y Brifysgol
Mae’r Swyddogion Llawn Amser yn ennill arian ar ben yr holl fanteision eraill.
ENWEBIADAU’N AGOR 2IL CHWEFROR ENWEBIADAU'N CAU 23AIN CHWEFROR
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
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REASONS TO STAND IN OUR ELECTION! Elections are coming up and we’re looking for students to stand for Full Time and Part Time Officer Positions. But what’s in it for you?
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Your voice, your ideas, your demands will shape the student experience. Don’t like how things are done? Change it!
You’ll work with the Union & Uni on BIG decisions Have the final say on things that affect all students.
You’ll stand out to future employers These are graduate jobs and placements like no others.
You don't need 3 – 5 years experience Unlike most job requirements, anyone can be an Officer.
Earn a salary of £17,703 a year Full Time Officers make money on top of all the other benefits.
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You'll get unique experiences & skills This year’s officers have met Hilary Clinton and Theresa May and travelled around the UK and abroad.
Be the head of a multi-million pound organisation Not many recent graduates can stick that on their CV.
You'll be the voice for over 17,000 students Think students should be represented fairly? Do it your way.
#MakeYourMark forever on Swansea Your campaigns and policies could affect students for years and go down in history.
NOMINATIONS OPEN 2ND FEB NOMINATIONS CLOSE 23RD FEB
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
PAKISTAN’S ATTACK ON TRANSPHOBIA by Zoya Chishti Pakistan is one of the most conservative countries in the world. It’s a country where homosexuality is still illegal, child marriage makes up 21% of all marriages and where spousal abuse was almost legalised. One of the better-known challenges Pakistan faces is the widespread transphobia that has terrorised the trans community in Pakistan for decades. While there are no official precise figures on the number of transgender or third-gender people living in the
country, estimates range from 80,000 to between 350,000-500,000, with perhaps 60-70,000 in Karachi alone. The atrocities carried out against the community over the years include social exclusion, refusal of work, verbal abuse and even murder in some of the more extreme cases reported. However, despite the historical transphobia, Pakistan has become one of ten countries in the world to provide an option “X” on their passports.
LIBERATION // ZOYA CHISHTI
The history and context With how diverse the world is, it is only natural that there’s a large variety in terms of the definition and understanding of gender and sexual orientation. In the west and other large parts of the world, transgender is an umbrella term, and is defined as being the state of gender identity or expression not matching one’s assigned biological sex. This is completely independent of sexual orientation. In Pakistan and the subcontinent, they have a different understanding of gender identity. Intersex, a general term used for a variety of conditions in which a person is born with a reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male, is included under the “transgender” umbrella in Pakistan. The native word used instead of transgender is “Hijra” throughout the subcontinent, but is considered derogatory in Pakistan. Looking back through history, the trans community were once accepted and welcomed members of society. The history of their communities across south-east Asia date back more than 4,000 years and they appear in ancient texts as bearers of luck and fertility. For centuries they were sought after to perform blessings and ceremonies, and had long-standing religious respect, especially in India.
Modern day discrimination The transgender community of Pakistan have faced a tremendous amount of discrimination throughout the years, and
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can be identified as one of the most marginalised group in the conservative Muslim nation. In 2015 alone, over 45 transgender individuals were killed in the northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. One of the most recent highly publicised incidents was the death of a 23-year-old trans activist in Peshawar in May 2016. Alisha was rushed to a hospital with gunshot wounds, and later died as result of massive delays in her treatment. The reason for the delay was due to a debate over which ward she should be put in, male or female. In a scathing editorial, a Pakistani e-paper, Daily Times, wrote that, “In the light of apathetic attitude and its justification by hospital authorities, it would not be farfetched to conclude that an abhorrent form of apartheid mentality prevails in Pakistan in which transgenders elicit such contempt that their lives are not given even an iota of value.”
Moving forward In 2012, the Supreme Court declared equal rights for transgender citizens, including the right to inherit property and equal opportunity in education and employment, and the year before, they were given the right to vote. In 2016, Pakistan saw its first transgender model debut in a stunning photoshoot that she dedicated to “ending transphobia”. In January 2017, Senator Babar Awan introduced the Transgender Persons Bill as a private member’s bill into the Senate. The bill seeks to ensure the fundamental rights of transgender people are upheld in Pakistan. Pakistan have also introduced an “X” option on passports, which is
a massive step forward for the trans movement. This move by the government means that people now have the option to have their gender preferences recognised, and that is a fantastic win for the trans community and activists. Although these are all milestones in the ongoing battle against transphobia, there is a lot more that can be done.
What is really needed? The general view amongst the trans community in Pakistan is that a change in legislation is not enough to bring about meaningful change. The real problem is the attitudes of a mainstream society that shuns and abuses them, often forcing them into begging or prostitution to earn a living. The violence that still occurs further shows that “Pakistan is not a safe place for people who are different, especially transgenders. And in this increasingly intolerant society in which space is getting increasingly protracted for those who deviate from the norm, it is essential that the loud and violent voices of intolerance be shunned”. Today in Pakistan, too many still care far too much about what other people are doing, or how other people are living their lives. This is only slightly agitating on a small scale, but can reach life threatening proportions for marginalized groups like transgender people. Until society stops upholding everyone to outdated standards and definitions of gender and gender expression, the violence will not cease. Activists need to make their voices louder, and people within Pakistan need to openly condemn the violence, or the loudest voices of intolerance will continue to prevail.
FASHION // GWEN MILES
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Bold colours and patterns at Madrid fashion week 2017
SPRING/ SUMMER '18
New year, same fashion editor
by Gwen Miles
There’s no better way to bring our fashion section into 2018 than by looking back on the runways of 2017 to see what trends might appear on the highstreet this season.
In Milan, Gucci introduced a SS18 collection based on ideas of resistance and individuality – what better themes to draw on for a fresh new style as we kick off a new year? This translates into maximalist, eccentric outfits with echoes of the 80s in glittering dresses, fur coats and boxy shapes. The appeal of sheer clothing seems to be persevering, with designers like Fendi and Dior creating elegant evening dresses from thin, summery fabrics. Combine this with
the rise in vinyl skirts and trousers at the end of last year and it’s safe to predict that night-out looks will be edgier than ever this season. It’s all about colour for 2018: fresh pastel tones are perfect for when the weather starts to brighten up after winter, but block colours in primary shades were also popular in the designs of Versace and Calvin Klein, amongst others. Keep an eye out for ‘Crayola Chic’ in your favourite stores if you fancy making a statement this springtime.
Hub and home of the Swansea skate scene, Exist Skatepark are a local, indoor, not for profit business who were founded in 2011. Exist work all year round, fundraising to keep the park open during the warm, dry (ish) summer and working within the community to support the skate scene. They work closely with Swansea University's Skate Society, bringing people together through a mutual love of skating. Support local, not global!
EXIST.
Pictured: Jacob Roberts Photography by: Hamish Lawson
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
Heather and Emily are Waterfront’s very own Agony Aunts and Matchmakers. If you’re interested in going on a Blind Date, have a Campus Crush or a question for the aunts, contact them at: waterfrontrelationships@swanseastudentmedia.com Dear Agony Aunts, I failed my first piece of coursework and I’m doubting that Uni is for me. Any advice? Okay, first things first we’d suggest talking to the lecturer of the piece of work you failed. Ask to meet them to discuss your work and why they gave you the mark they did. They should be able to give you pointers on how to improve your work for next time. If it was the content that you struggled with they should be able to help you to understand the course more. Talk to your coursemates and see how they got on and if you’re struggling with the content they might be able to help you study so you can improve for next time. If it was your academic writing or referencing that let you down try to arrange a meeting with your college’s Academic
Writer (the person who can read through your work with you.) Talk to your personal tutor and they can advise you on what this means for your overall mark for the module and how this may affect your year.
Dear Heather and Emily, I have three exams in the space of ten days, and I’m worried about the amount of revision I’ve done. I haven’t revised much over the Christmas period due to constant family parties and catching up with friends. I think I’ve left it too late to revise a good amount for each exam and I’m worried failing one will prevent me from going on my year abroad. This definitely isn’t the best situation to find yourself in,
although try not to panic too much. Try not to spend all of the time leading up to the first exam just focusing on revising for that one, leaving minimal time for the other two. It’s always good to draw up a revision timetable and to follow that as much as possible. A bit of revision for all of them is better than doing really well in your first exam and then completely failing the last one as you’d run out of time. Maybe try some group revision sessions? If a friend has done a solid amount of revising over the holiday, they’ll find it useful to teach you in order to solidify their knowledge and in turn, you’d both be benefitting from shared knowledge. We’d suggest talking to your personal tutor or lecturer for more advice and more specific exam help.
RELATIONSHIPS // HEATHER HARVEY & EMILY JANE GRIFFITHS
Dear Agony Aunts, It’s my housemates’ birthday over the exam period and he has suggested we have a house party to celebrate. I’m the only house member who hasn’t replied to this message enthusiastically and I’ve been dubbed a ‘party pooper’ by the rest. I’m in first year but I still want to do well. This is a sticky situation as you don’t want to upset your housemate on their birthday, but it really isn’t fair that a house party has been suggested at such an important time in the semester. Maybe suggest that everyone goes out (after all student loan has just come in!) and just host pre-drinks at your house? It’ll be a great way for everyone who doesn’t want to drink too much to still be involved but with a more chilled vibe, and an earlier bedtime, whilst everyone else parties the night away. You need to think about your neighbours too; as a first year you probably live on campus or in the student village so it’s wise not to be loud during the exam period and end up disturbing a lot of people, who may end up calling security on you as quiet time is usually enforced during the exam period. Another suggestion to keep the peace is decorating your kitchen with birthday balloons and banners, so your housemate isn’t homesick on their birthday and they get to feel special for a day in amongst all the stress! It might be nice for you to let your hair down a bit for one night during the exam period but it is totally okay to not want to go too crazy and focus on your exams. Good luck!
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Rhian, a Masters student studying Communication, Media Practice and PR. Nick, a Masters student studying Politics met at JC’s for a drink. Here’s what they had to say about it! We send our Blind Date couples to JC's bar and Fulton Coffee on Singelton campus and 52° bar and coffee shop on Bay Campus, all serving a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, speciality coffees, paninis and home-made cakes.
Why did you choose to go on a blind date? R: It was new for me and to meet somebody. N: A little joke among some friends, goading each other to do it and I finally plucked up the courage to.
What was your favourite thing about them? R: Their personality, he was very kind throughout our date. N: She was warm and down to earth. Out of ten how would you rate the date? R: 7.5 N: 6 or 7 out of 10, I enjoyed it but was very nervous.
Did you fancy them? R: Not instantly. N: She was very charming. Would you like to see them again? R: We have arranged to meet for a coffee. N: Yes, we had a nice time.
How compatible were you with your date? R: I think we’ll be friends. N: We’re studying courses with some overlap; had some similar interests.
Were there any funny moments? R: A few N: Yes, we shared a few funny stories and a few awkward silences generated some laughs.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
LITTLE MIX Glory Days tour by Emily Hazell X-Factor winners Little Mix, one of the biggest girl groups in the world, returned to Cardiff in October for two sold out shows at the Motorpoint Arena. Just hours before the gig, swarms of excited fans filled the city centre, all sporting their favourite Little Mix merchandise. Even before entering the venue the atmosphere outside was electric, with people singing lines from their favourite songs, and chatting excitedly about the evening’s events. Once everyone was seated and the lights went down, the packedout arena erupted into high-pitched screams, as everyone anticipated seeing Little Mix arrive. As the infamous opening bars of their hit song 'Power' began to play, the audience sang along at the top of their lungs to every word as all four girls, followed by their dance troupe, emerged onto the stage. The setlist featured a variety of songs from all four of their albums, with hits such as ‘Wings’, ‘Black Magic’, ‘Salute’ and ‘Hair’ getting huge responses from the crowd. Interspersed between the hits was a selection of songs from their new
L-R: Perrie Edwards, Jesy Nelson, Jade Thirlwall & Leigh-Anne Pinnock album Glory Days, with the group explaining the stories behind certain tracks in between performances. All four girls sang effortlessly despite performing intense routines with their dancers, all the while keeping up the energy of the crowd as they encouraged them to dance along. People of all ages were moving along to the music, even one dad in the front row whom Little Mix jokingly singled out during the show for not knowing the words to one of their songs. The lively atmosphere that had been created was then slowed down halfway through the concert, as the girls reappeared from one of their costume changes wearing outfits decorated in feathers. A platform was raised above the crowd, which all four girls made their way across to perform a handful of their wellknown ballads, including ‘Secret Love
Song’ and ‘Your Love’. The energy was quickly restored as the audience was launched back into a series of danceheavy tracks, with Little Mix ending their set on their latest collaboration with CNCO, ‘Reggaeton Lento’. As the crowd began chanting ‘Little Mix, Little Mix’, eagerly awaiting the encore, the lights dimmed once again to reveal the girls emerge from below the stage, wearing knee-high sparkling silver boots and t-shirts with the phrase ‘Shout out to my Ex’. The crowd erupted into cheers and immediately began singing along with Perrie as she sung the opening lines to easily one of the most anticipated songs of the night. As the track ended and confetti rained down over the arena, the energy still buzzed with excitement from a night of showstopping performances; Little Mix had once again proved why they are one of the biggest pop acts on the planet.
MUSIC // SARAH HARRIS
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Morrissey: 'Low in High School' - Album review The name ‘Morrissey’ holds various connotations: the vegetarian, the pessimist, the frontman of one of the most influential Manchester bands of our time. A man of many words, many opinions and much melancholia. With much anticipation, the release of Morrissey’s eleventh solo studio album ‘Low in High School’ held great expectations for former fans of The Smiths, though many were left unjustified. ‘Spent the Day in Bed’ was the first track released from the album, and a disappointing first release it was. With poor lyrical form presenting a challenge to engage metaphorically, the only thing that
by Erin Allwood saved ‘Spent the Day in Bed’ from ruining the whole album before it was released was a catchy chorus that represents our corrupted media today. The next single released was ‘Jacky’s Only Happy When She’s Up On The Stage’, where not even a catchy chorus could save the dull and tedious track. ‘Low in High School’ lacks the emotion and romanticism Morrissey is known for, and replaces these unique and beautiful traits with raw carelessness. The inability to connect with the listener is rather astonishing for someone who gave a generation
of awkward outcasts a place to feel safe and not alone through his music. Morrissey has taken his opinionated and melancholic attitudes and image to a whole new level, leaving behind his controversial truths that gave young people a voice and replacing it with a futile, empty sound that leaves no impact whatsoever. Morrissey’s days of complex metaphors and melancholic lyrics combined with springy, tuneful melodies seem to be over, which signifies an end to the era of the anarchic poet that touched so many individuals who found their place in the world through Morrissey himself. Who knows what kind of Morrissey will be next? But I doubt it could be any more disappointing than this one.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
Interview
The way you fuse punk and grime together produces a very fresh and interesting style, how do you manage to bring it all together? I suppose, like, for me and Phil, we’re more into the punk/death metal/nu metal/thrash metal, and Skepta, too. So when we sit down to make music, it’s like a big pot of influences. Dell is on the dancing, Richie is on the hip hop, so when we sit down together, our influences all bounce off each other because everyone has their own take on it.
Do you feel like your messages come across a lot stronger due to your fuse of two very flexible and rebellious genres? It’s great because we aren’t confined to one genre, so we are able to cross platforms and speak out to a lot of different people.
by Erin Allwood Who would you say are your main influences? For me, I would say Megadeth. I always try and sneak bits and bobs in but I always get told off and I have to strip it back because they just can’t handle it!
How does it feel being signed to a label like Music For Nations? We had offers before this one and turned them down because we wanted to wait for the right one to come along, which it eventually did. It’s great we wanted to maintain creative control, what we can post, how we look. Our whole label isn’t major label ethos, it’s a lot more DIY, so we didn’t want to come out of a label as a fresh
new band, we just want to do our thing and Music For Nations is flexible enough to let us do that.
You played at Download and Reading Festival, would you say performing at a festival and performing at an arena are very different? Yes definitely. At festivals, you know, everyone’s on it and it’s like animals! It compares because at a festival, people are out for the weekend so they’re constantly trying to preserve their energy, but in an arena, everyone’s out for the night so they want to go mad. Personally, I prefer playing venues.
What’s it like touring with a band like Enter Shikari? It’s wicked, like I remember listening to Enter Shikari in my school quad with my H&M techno hoodie on!
MUSIC // SARAH HARRIS
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L-R: Big H, Comfort, Traxx, Dellux & Benji Like its weird because we’ll be in soundcheck, and they just come out and play Mothership and it’s just so cool. They’re such a great band and they’re really good guys.
Do you find that the more personal your songs are, the more you can connect with an audience? Definitely. I suppose there are a mix of messages throughout them all and they’re all relevant to what’s going on right now and what’s
going on personally between us. Hence the album title, ‘Broke’; it’s not just that we haven’t got any money, like everyone’s broke. Broke mentally, broke society, broke everything. So hopefully people can see that reflected and whoever needs to relate to it, can.
Thinking about Welsh musicians, we usually think of Tom Jones or Katherine Jenkins. Do you think you’re giving young Welsh musicians a fresh take on dreams
and success, thus encouraging them to try for themselves? It’s nice, like especially for a band like us who are from Cardiff to get signed to a label like Music For Nations because it’s reachable. Cardiff is a small place, and it shows other people who are in bands that it is possible. I’m not sure but I haven’t heard of anyone from Cardiff being recently signed so it’s nice that we can be of inspiration to people.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
SECTION // EDITOR NAME
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CREU CYFLOEDD I WNEUD GWAHANIAETH Y GAEAF YMA gan Kezi O'Hare
Mae yna sawl elusen sy’n canolbwyntio ar y digartref yng nghanol Abertawe. Mae Zac’s Place yn ffocysu ar ddarparu bwyd pob bore, yn roi cyngor feddygol ac yn asesu anghenion tai yr unigolion. Efo Shelter Cymru, maent hefyd yn helpu asesu sefyllfa tai pob person sy’n cerdded trwy’r drŵs. Nid dim ond y rhai sydd ar y strydoedd yn barod, ond hefyd rhai sydd mewn perygl o ddod yn digartref. Maent hyd yn oed yn helpu myfyrwyr efo cwestiynau neu ymholiadau. Gallwch chi rhoi arian un waith, neu dewis cefnogi pob mis. Mae Creature Sound yn lle ar gyfer cyngherddu cerddoriaeth ond ar ddydd Nadolig y blwyddyn yma, maent yn cynnig cawod i bob person sydd eisiau hi. Serch hyn, nid oes digon o sebon neu pethau i ymolchi gyda nhw. Maent yn gofyn i unigolyn i roi unrhywbeth ynghlyn â cawodau iddyn nhw i ganiatau bod pawb sy’n cyrraedd yn cael cawod poeth ac yn teimlo’n hyfryd ar ddydd sy’n un o’r diwrnodau fwyaf anodd i rai heb cartref neu teulu. I fenywod ar y stryd, maent yn niweidiadwy, yn enwedig pan mae’r
Elusen Shelter Cymru yn helpu y digartref
Elusen ‘Proud Pads’ yn helpu menywod digartref.
misglwyf yn dod. Heb arian, mae’n amhosib i brynu cynnyrchion sy’n atal unrhyw digwyddiad aflonydd sy’n agored i bawb weld. Mae’r cwmni Proud Pads efo cynnyrch eco-gyffeillgar ac mae’n bosib i ail deffnydio nhw. Gall hwn helpu i ddelio â rhywbeth sy’n digwydd i fenywod bob mis dros y byd. Os i chi eisio gwenud gwahaniaeth heb helpu elusen, gallwch chi dewis i wneud rhywbeth fel unigolyn. Yn bwysicaf oll, gofynnwch beth sydd
Mae’r gaeaf yn garw ac yn anfaddeugar i sawl bobl yng Nghymru, heb sôn am y rai anffodus heb lloches neu rhywle i galw cartref. Yn Abertawe, mae swm enfawr o unigolion digartref ar y strydoedd rhewllyd gyda ran fwyaf o bobl yn anwybyddu nhw neu’n hyd yn oed yn ymosodu arnynt, heb rheswm. Fodd bynnag, mae yna sawl pethau gallwch chi ei wneud y gaeaf yma, i helpu bobl heb bwyd, cynhesrwydd neu cwmni. angen arnyn nhw. Gall hwn amrywio o fwyd, fel ‘meal deal’ am £3 o Tesco, neu diod poeth, neu hyd yn oed siaced twym o siop elusen. Mae’n bwysig i gofyn oherwydd mae’n hanfodol i gofio bod nhw’n pobl ac mae anghenion nhw yn newid o ddydd i ddydd. Mae llawer o bobl yn anghofio bod nhw’n pobl hefyd. Wrth ysgrifennu yr erthygl yma, y peth dwi eisio pobl i wybod yw i gymryd sylw ohonyn nhw. Os gennych chi amser, aros a siarad iddyn nhw. Gall hwn gwneud gwahaniaeth enfawr achos mae’n bosib bod neb wedi siarad efo nhw trwy’r dydd. Cofio i ddim fod yn nawddoglyd, mae neb yn haeddu yna. Os i chi heb arian neu amser, rhowch digon o barch i edrych ar eu wynebau wrth gerdded. Dyma’r peth o leiaf gallwch chi wneud. Peidiwch fod yn unigolyn sy’n anwybyddu y rai sy’n llai ffodus y gaeaf yma. Mae gennych chi’r siawns i wneud gwahaniaeth. Dyma sut i darganfod yr elusennau: http://www.zacsplace.org https://sheltercymru.org.uk http://creaturesound.com/index.php/menu/ https://www.proudpads.com/ what-are-proud-pads/
CYMRAEG // ALEX NETHELL
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Y GYMDEITHAS GYMRAEG gan Mari Lois Williams
Tymor Yr Hydref Mae’r Gymdeithas Gymraeg wedi bod yn hynod brysur yn ystod tymor yr Hydref, ac yn hynod lwyddiannus. Rydym wedi gweld cynnydd yn ein ffigurau aelodaeth ac wedi bod yn codi arian tuag at elusennau. Rydym wedi cynnal a mynychu nifer o weithgareddau yn cynnwys: • Crôl Teulu • Noson Cwis • Ymuno â Chymdeithas Plaid Cymru ar gyfer noson gemau bwrdd • Ymuno â’r Gymdeithas Ddawns yn noson ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Un o uchafbwyntiau’r tymor diwethaf oedd y Ddawns Rynggolegol yn Aberystwyth. Roedd hyn yn gyfle gwych i’r Gymdeithas Gymraeg gwrdd â Chymdeithasau Cymraeg eraill Cymru a thu hwnt, yn cynnwys Caerdydd, Aberystwyth, Bangor, Y Drindod Dewi Sant a Lerpwl. Mae merched y Gymdeithas wedi bod yn brysur yn sefydlu Tîm Pêl-rwyd merched iaith Gymraeg y Brifysgol dros y misoedd diwethaf. Mae’r tîm wedi mynd o nerth i nerth ac wedi chwarae yn erbyn tîm ‘intramural’ Prifysgol Abertawe, Prifysgol Aberystwyth a Phrifysgol Bangor. Hoffai’r tîm ddiolch i Gangen Abertawe o’r Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol ac Academi Hywel Teifi am eu
Crôl Teulu y Gymdeithas Gymraeg haelodau wneud darlleniadau ac eitemau yng nghinio Nadolig Capel Gomer a gynhelir ar Ragfyr y 3ydd yn Nhŷ Tawe.
Tîm merched pêl-rywd y Gymdeithas Gymraeg cefnogaeth hyd yn hyn. Os hoffech ymuno â’r tîm, neu os oes gennych unrhyw gwestiynau anfonwch e-bost at ygymdeithasgymraeg@ swansea-societies.co.uk
Mis Rhagfyr Ym mis Rhagfyr fe wnaeth y Gymdeithas Gymraeg gynnal nifer o weithgareddau cymdeithasol yn cynnwys taith flynyddol i fod yn rhan o gynulleidfa rhaglen ‘Jonathan’ ar S4C, a chrôl cymeriadau. Dros y ddwy flynedd diwethaf mae’r Gymdeithas wedi bod yn mynychu cinio capel gyda Chapel Gomer. Y flwyddyn yma fe wnaeth rhai o’n
Fe wnaeth Gymdeithas hefyd cynnal digwyddiad hollol newydd ar gyfer y Nadolig eleni, sef Dawns y Nadolig. Bwriad y ddawns oedd rhoi’r cyfle i fyfyrwyr a holl gymdeithasau Cymraeg y Brifysgol i ddod at ei gilydd i gymdeithasu cyn gwyliau’r Nadolig. Beth i ddisgwyl tymor yma: • • • • •
Trip chwe gwlad i Ddulyn Crôl Pub Golf Taith Big Pit Crôl SgymGym A llawer mwy!
Mae’r Gymdeithas Gymraeg yn gyffrous am dymor arall o gymdeithasu a chydweithio gyda chymdeithasau eraill y flwyddyn yma. Trydar: gymgym_abertawe Instagram: gymgymabertawe
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
NETFLIX BINGE by Alexander Udraufski-Osborne I can’t believe it’s exam season already. It’s like I blinked and suddenly my housemates and I are up to our nostrils in revision! But, with stress and responsibilities inevitably comes procrastination, and what better way to distract yourself than Netflix. Atypical is the answer to one question, ‘what does it mean to be normal?’. The show follows Sam, played by Keir Gilchrist (It follows), who is a teenager with autism, and has recently decided to find love. He must embark on a journey of self-discovery, of sorts, while the rest of his family must grapple with change in their own lives. The eight-episode series centres around, what most would call, ‘normal’ teenage experiences such as getting a girlfriend, interactions with uppity popular kids and, underneath it all, the desire to fit in. With this, the show’s main comedy comes from how ‘abnormal’ the central character is. That being said, the show is definitely filled with plenty of compassion for
Sam and his struggles; it tries to give the audience a sense of what his everyday experiences are like. From demonstrating how clothes with too many zippers and textures overwhelm his senses, to the distorting of audio and visuals emphasising the heart-breaking struggle that Sam endures. Even though the show is firmly centred on Sam and his plight, you may find yourself, like I did, relating more to other supporting characters around him. Like Sam’s scrappy sister, Casey, who is played by Brigette Lundy-Paine; she is going through what could be considered the exact same trials and tribulations that Sam is, minus the autism. This, and all the supporting narratives, greatly compliments the show
by highlighting that all teenagers go through similar struggles. Atypical is simple yet unique, in the way it tells it’s coming of age story. This is one of the reasons why, for me, it is better than the most recent hit Edge of Seventeen. Like The Edge of Seventeen, Atypical utilises a good soundtrack. Featuring music from the likes of alt-J, you wouldn’t be criticised for listening to it as a ‘standalone’ playlist on Spotify. Atypical is a typical Netflix series that manages to hit a good balance between being entertaining, ground-breaking and, despite its heavy themes, an easy watch. If you want to share your thoughts and opinions you can contact me on Twitter: @ThatGuy_Alex
FILM // BECKY ELMS
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Review by Carlos Tseng A triumph at Sundance Film Festival and an even bigger success at Toronto and London, Call Me Your Name offers a nuanced insight into the human condition. It is a film that satisfies those who have yearned for that deep sensitivity and grandeur, which can be hard to find nowadays. In an era dominated by superhero flicks, Luca Guadagnino has created a modern masterpiece which stands tall among its contemporaries. It’s already been noted that it has been a great year for LGBT films, with releases like Carol (Todd Haynes) and last year’s Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Moonlight (Barry Jenkins). Call Me By Your Name tells the tale of 17 year old Elio (Timothee Chalamet) and his romance with 24 year old Oliver (Armie Hammer) during a summer vacation in North Italy. Much praise must go to the two leads, Chalamet and Hammer, who deliver heartfelt performances on difficult issues of love, friendship and lust. It’s sentimental but it’s that kind of turbulent romance that will grab you in ways which heterosexual romance films don’t. The uncontrollable, unconditional
love Elio and Oliver have for one another is simply beautiful, but it’s also brand new for both of them. The film is a journey as Elio begins to transition out of adolescence, and Oliver, a confident American graduate, also realizes his own secret desires. It’s an unlikely friendship, and an even more unlikely romance but the chemistry is so believable, audiences will be simply stunned. It must also be mentioned that there is still stigma against homosexuality in films. I certainly can’t imagine the reception Maurice received when it was first released in 1987, but the comments sections for online trailers and social media platforms have indicated that there is still some room for change in the way we perceive
homosexuality. Luca Guadagnino is not alone this year as Francis Lee and Eliza Hittman have both directed acclaimed homosexualitythemed films, God’s Own Country and Beach Rats respectively. But what makes Call Me By Your Name stand out from the crowd? It could be the acting or the script or the gentle soundtrack which accompanies the film. Ultimately, it is the masterful amalgamation of all the film’s separate elements. For those who are hesitant at the 130-minute runtime, fear not. There is every justification for this as Guadagnino exposes the fragility of human nature and the need for love and comfort. Call Me By Your Name takes off at a leisurely pace, but it is nonetheless raw and comes highly recommended. Brava!
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
FILM // BECKY ELMS
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Leslie Nielsen as Frank Drebin
THE NAKED GUN by Finn Basketfield
Exam season can always be a tense, stressful time for everyone, no matter the subject or number of exams. That’s why when you take a break from cramming revision (or, more likely procrastinating) it helps to have a film which is relaxing. The Naked Gun is the perfect film for this. Starring the 'late and great' Leslie Nielsen (Dracula: Dead, Loving it and Scary Movie 3), Ricardo Montalbano (Star Trek 2:The Wrath of Khan), and from the makers of the cult classic Airplane!, this film is brilliantly ridiculous. This much is obvious from the plot alone; Ricardo Montalbano’s
sinister plan is to assassinate the Queen, with the use of a brainwashed baseball player, when she visits the US. Of course, the only man who can stop him is Leslie Nielsen’s character, Frank Drebin. The jokes come thick and fast and many will struggle to pick them all up the first time, but, this a perfect excuse to watch the film again. The classic one liners, (“Nice beaver!”) and the visual comedy (the first-time Nielsen and Montalbanp meet) combined make this film a classic worthy of its title. Rest assured, this film will always make you laugh if it’s your first, or hundredth time watching it.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
TOP 5 SHOWS TO RELAX TO by William Kriescher For us students, Christmas ushers no break, but merely signals the dreaded January exam period, a time when every student prepares themselves for late nights and hard work. So, when you find yourself needing a short break and some time to yourself, what should you be watching?
Rick & Morty
#1
Even though this show is insanely popular, there is still a select few resistant souls who have never seen this amazing show. Rick and Morty is an animated cartoon created by the fantastic Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland. It is about a young boy, Morty, and his genius grandfather, Rick. However, this is a show that takes the innocence of a grandfather-grandson relationship and warps it into a twisted, hilarious comedy that is sure to entertain anyone with a dark sense of humour.
#2 Friends It is well known and enjoyable, but hey, it's also a classic that deserves a spot on this list. Based around six friends living in New York, this is a comedy that could be considered the 90's Big Bang Theory. It's funny, engaging, and will keep you watching until the end.
FILM // BECKY ELMS
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#3
Parks & Recreation
Okay, so I only heard of this show recently and I'm angry someone didn't tell me sooner; it is amazing. Before Chris Pratt was a Guardian of the Galaxy, he was a comedy legend by the name of Andy Dwyer. With outstanding one liners and moments that will have you doubled up in stitches, this is a TV show you do not want to miss.
#4
The I.T. Crowd I met one of my best friends in University by quoting this show. Anyone who has watched this can vouch for it's outstanding British humour, genius characters, and grippingly interesting content. It is so good that it has earnt its place as a cult classic, and it’s one that I can’t recommend enough.
Family Guy
#5
Seth MacFarlane proved his genius with this hit TV show. It is full of characters and storylines that are sure to keep you watching. It is one of those shows that you have probably watched many times before, but don’t mind returning to because it is so good. The show centres on the Griffin family and, best of all, their talking baby, Stewie.
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
HEARTY IRISH STEW by Hannah Fenlon
ISSUE 276 // JANUARY 2018
You will need: 2 lamb chops 2 large potatoes 1 medium onion 1 carrot Salt & pepper to season
How to make: 1. Cut the meat into neat pieces, removing any fat. 2. Peel the onion and dice, do the same with the carrots. 3. Peel the potatoes. If large cut in half, if small leave whole. 4. Cook the lamb in a frying pan until browned, then place in either a large saucepan or slow cooker. 5. Put the vegetables in the saucepan/ slow cooker and fill with water. 6. Cook on medium-low heat if in a saucepan or high heat in the slow cooker for two or more hours. The longer it is left, the more tender the meat will be.
Optional steps: You can add powdered vegetable or potato soup into the water to thicken it up and add more flavour. You can also make dumplings and put these on 15 minutes before you serve.
FOOD // KASSY FOX & HANNAH FENLON
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Photography: Hamish Lawson
COSY CONTENTMENT AT HOOGAH Swansea's newest cafe
by Annie Harte Following its exploding popularity, you might have heard of the latest well-being craze of ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘hoo-ga’). Hygge stems from Danish culture and attempts to embody a cosy and content lifestyle which is exactly what Hoogah - Swansea’s newest bar and kitchen - offers. Located on Bryn-Y-Mor Road, Hoogah is a vision of fairy lights, vintage furniture and quirky cushions which will certainly catch the attention of any passers-by. The menu is simple and sweet, offering brunch, pretzels and sourdough pizza. I tried both the
hummus pretzel and the vegan pesto pizza and wasn’t disappointed. The pretzel was delicious: spicy chilies, thick-cut ham and oozing with gooey melted cheese. After just half of the pretzel I was pleasantly full but I couldn’t not try the pizza! Even though I’m not a vegan, this was one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had - move over, Dominos! The sourdough base, along with the freshest tasting tomato and green pesto topping was an absolute delight. I didn’t even think about cheese… Okay maybe I did, but it’s safe to say that my friends and I all left feeling extremely happy. Hoogah’s extensive drinks menu ranges from classic hot drinks (complete with soya, almond and coconut milk) to a selection
of botanical cocktails which I will 100% be going back for. What added to the comfortable environment was the relaxed attitude of the staff. Even though they had been open for only two days, they were attentive from the moment we first stepped in up until when we left and this made a huge difference. It’s obvious that they’re passionate about giving Swansea somewhere that’s about socialising in a friendly environment, with good food and good people. Hygge should make you think of candles, oversized scarves and hot mugs of coffee so if this sounds like your kind of thing (come on, what student doesn’t love/rely on coffee?) take a leaf out of the Dane's book and get into Hoogah!