FREE
FEBRUARY 2017
ISSUE 269
AGONY AUNTS // GOING DUTCH // HIRAETH // BLIND DATES // SHORELINE // FITNESS FASHION
ARE REMAKES GOING BACKWARDS?
THE VINYL REVIVAL
ARMENIAN STUFFED PEPPERS
Is Hollwood too afraid to take risks?
Harry Ballmann on vinyls popular resurgence
A spicy and hearty meal
p.20
p.28
p.30
FEBRUARY 2017
from the editor Declan Murphy
SWANSEASTUDENTMEDIA.COM
As we look into the New Year, it isn’t just
never afraid to voice her opinion and
a time to set new goals for ourselves, but
was greatly respected across the political
also make sure we’re fulfilling our previous
spectrum. Lily was running as a councillor
targets. Life and fulfilment isn’t always about
for Uplands, and she would have been an
finding a better higher target, but more so
incredible councillor.
about making sure we maintain what we already have. This goes from everything
Her constant fighting for LGBT+ rights
from friends & family to academic targets
is remarkable and one that should be
to even more menial tasks. In the words of
continued, and how she faced adversity
JFK: “What you are speaks far louder than
with a smile on her face will always
what you say”, setting yourself new targets
astound me. She championed equality,
isn’t bad, but always make the time for the
understanding, and acceptance amongst
more permanent residents in your life.
all no matter who you are.
To remember Lily, I hand over to her friends
She was an amazing friend to so many
Chloe Hutchinson, Cat Brilliant and Peter
people, she was always there when you
DRozario.
needed someone to talk too. Lily was the most patient person I’ve ever met;
For Lily,
she would always take time to listen to another person’s point of view, for better
Over the Christmas period we lost
or for worse. Lily cared about everyone
one of our brightest stars and greatest
on this earth no matter what, be it your
gifts; Lily Jayne Summers. A simply
ethnicity, age, gender or class, which is
wonderful woman, her passing is deeply
testament to her character.
felt by many. Lily always amazed us with her persistent curiosity, enriching our
Lily influenced our lives in so many ways,
opinions of the world around us, and
and she pushed us to become better
her neverending kindness, passion and
people,
Time is something you never know if
patience for everything and everyone.
believed in all of us.
you have enough of, even deadlines can
She was a fascinating and incredibly
creep up on us suddenly. But I wanted
interesting person and her impact on
Lily was an amazing, intelligent, funny,
to take a closer look into something a
us and the world about her can not
beautiful woman, and I was proud to have
bit more serious than any assignment
described in words alone.
called you my friend. She will always be
or exam; the time you have left to live.
especially
myself.
She
truly
missed but never forgotten. Wherever
You never truly know how much time you
Lily’s work that she tirelessly carried
you are Lily, I hope you’re arguing with
have left with someone or something as
out for Swansea Labour Students and
them.
we’ve seen from the passing of a close
Swansea and Stoke constituency Labour
friend to many, Lily Jayne Summers.
parties cannot be understated. She was
Rest In Peace my amazing friend.
Editor
Film
Declan Murphy
Rachel Sanders
waterfronteditor@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontfilm@swanseastudentmedia.com
Deputy editor
Food
Hilary Webb
Heather Wood & Nathan Lloyd
waterfrontdeputy@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontfood@swanseastudentmedia.com
Design
Liberation
Hazel Stabler
Akosua Darko
waterfrontdesign@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontliberation@swanseastudentmedia.com
News
Music
Rhydian Morris
Harry Ballmann
waterfrontnews@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontmusic@swanseastudentmedia.com
Sport
Relationships
Kristina Marsh & John Fanning
Shannon Jones & Faye Vlietstra
waterfrontsport@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontrelationships@swanseastudentmedia.com
Creative writing
Societies
Zoe Stabler
Zoe Stabler & Caitlin Jones
waterfrontcreativewriting@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfrontsocieties@swanseastudentmedia.com
Culture
Tech
Sarah Harris
Declan Murphy
waterfrontculture@swanseastudentmedia.com
waterfronttech@swanseastudentmedia.com
Fashion
Student Media Coordinator
Ellie Thompson
Iain Fisher
waterfrontfashion@swanseastudentmedia.com
iain.fisher@swansea-union.co.uk
Features
waterfront is a free print and online
Shona Johnson
publication from swansea student media
waterfrontfeatures@swanseastudentmedia.com
and the students’ union.
features
08
culture
14
fashion
18
film
20
music
28
food
30
cymraeg
35
relationships
37
creative writing
41
sports
43
a valentine’ survival guide // FTO interviews
going dutch // shoreline events calendar
fitness fashion
are remakes going backwards? // alternative valentines picks
the vinyl revival
armenian stuffed peppers // swansea food: cheap & easy
hiraeth
agony aunts // blind dates
owl
boxing: ready for cardiff // raising the game
Calling all students returning Sept ‘17
Waterfront is Swansea University’s student voice Have an idea but can’t see what section it
Heads of Xtreme Radio, SUTV or Water-
Waterfront Deputy Editor
would fit in? Come and have a chat with us
front directly at:
Now in its 22nd year, we pride our-
can connect it to Swansea students then it
selves on being a print and online pub-
has a place in Waterfront.
by Hilary Webb,
about starting your own, new section. If you
lication produced by Swansea students, for Swansea students. From our current
As the second semester escapes our grip
waterfronteditor
team some of us have been keen beans
we’re excited to meet and prepare the
@swanseastudentmedia.com
since our first year, others have been
next generation of Waterfront Editors while
Declan Murphy
dragged into it by friends and some
we’re still here. Over my four years at Swan-
found their place here by accident. But
sea University I’ve gone from Food Editor
however we got here, we’re all sad to be
to Features Editor to Deputy Editor and it
waterfrontdeputy
preparing to fly the warm, safe Swansea
has been the most exciting, stressful and
@swanseastudentmedia.com
nest and to try and make it in the real
enriching part of my education here (ex-
Hilary Webb
world when we graduate this year. As
cept for that degree thing, obviously).
painful as it is to advertise, this means that come the next academic year there’s
By joining our team at Waterfront you also
going to be a lot of empty seats at our
get to join the happy family that is Swansea
content meetings.
Student Media, a group of fabulous, slightly strange students who share resources,
manager@xtremeradio.org
Currently formed of fourteen sections,
ideas and snacks to produce quality jour-
Fred Kirby
with
nalism and broadcasting, both televised
seventeen
editors
and
design-
ers we cover everything from Music to
and on the radio.
Food, Fashion to Technology in Waterfront, with even more, including News
We’ve now settled into our new office on
and Sport, on our fast evolving website
the ground floor of the Digital Technium on
swanseastudentmedia.com. We will soon
Singleton Campus, so whatever your de-
be looking to find replacements for many
gree, experience or ideas we’d love for you
of our Editors, so get your foot in the door
to pop in and join Waterfront and Swansea
by having a look at the paper and seeing
Student Media. And who knows, maybe
if any of the sections appeal to you. Get in
you’ll be taking the reins off of us in a few
touch with the current Section Editors and
months…
show us what you’ve got. No matter what your experience we’ll help you with brain-
Find Swansea Student Media in the Digi-
storming, writing and editing so that you’ll
tal Technium, Singleton Campus, online at
be putting us all to shame in no time.
Swanseastudentmedia.com or contact the
sutv@swansea-societies.co.uk Lewis Israel
8
ISSUE 269
Onion rings, not engagement rings A Valentine’s day survival guide...
by Shannon Jones
& Faye Vlietstra
It’s that time of year again: Valentine’s
everything
Day,
where
becomes
overpriced and love seems
to be the only thing in the air, and not just Port Talbot. If
you’re
single
you
probably hate the thought of it, actually, if you’re in a relationship you still probably hate it, unless you’re
couples.
one
of
*those*
Nevertheless,
here are our tips on how to enjoy and embrace that loving feeling.
FEBRUARY 2017
SHONA JOHNSON // FEATURES
There is no need to be OTT. We get it; you’re in a relationship so there’s no need to ram it down
Call us crazy on this one, but
everyone’s throats. Making an ef-
please, no proposals! It’s such a
fort is always appreciated, howev-
cliché to propose on Valentine’s
er the whole movie romance plot
Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s
isn’t always necessary or realistic.
Eve or any other holiday. If you’re
As long as your significant other
going to do it, make sure it’s spe-
knows you’ve put in the effort,
cial, and that it’s something you
they’re going to be happy.
really want. However, if you’re
Tips for couples
still thinking of going down the
Food food food! Yes, flowers are
jewellery route, there are always
nice, but the real way to some-
earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
one’s heart is food. There are so
The only ring you need on this
many nice places to go and eat
day, are the onion kind.
in Swansea, so pick one and take your significant other out on a nice romantic date. Heck, if you’ve got the skills then cooking for them will earn you major points.
Take the lemons out of your mouth and stop being so bitter. Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples, grab your friends, go out
It’s just another day. Some peo-
and have a good time. There’s
ple make a massive deal out of
Waterfront’s Food Editors reckon Slice in
no better date than one with the
Valentine’s Day, and you may
Sketty is the most romantic restaurant in
friends you already love.
see hearts everywhere, but that
Swansea, so hurry and book a table!
Tips for singles
doesn’t change the fact that you still have other priorities such as work and deadlines. Get up, and just carry on as normal, before you know it the big day will be over
Food food food! Yes, you too can
and everyone and everything will
enjoy a nice meal. Pick up the
carry on as normal.
phone, get on the Internet, because takeout is your friend. Treat yo self!
FEBRUARY 2017
SHONA JOHNSON // FEATURES
FTO interviews: The halfway point D: What would you say is your biggest win
ficult at bay because we have the MUGA
to date?
pitches with five-a-side going on there.
J: It might not sound that big of a win but for
Intramural netball has moved over to Bay;
WIth elections on the horizon I had the
me it was setting up the Welfare Committee.
I know the archers use the bay hall quite
chance to sit down with four of the FTOs
When I went to a lot of conferences and stuff
a lot.
and ask them a few questions about the
over the summer I realised that a lot of uni-
If you think about a Wednesday, the atmos-
year, how they’ve found it, their plans
versities have their own welfare committee or
phere you have here with people walking
going going forward and the challeng-
platform and there wasn’t one here. You’ve
around in their sports kit, this campus is re-
es they’ve faced. These interviews were
got Robyn’s Sport Swansea stuff and Sport’s
ally busy as this is where the buses go from
done in December and can be found in
Exec, Lloyd has got various people he works
on a Wednesday, this is where the sports
full online.
with like Minkesh and Martin, Robiu has got
village is based. I don’t think you’ll ever
his reps and Steph, Chris has got Charlotte
be able to replicate that at Bay. In terms
and his Societies’ Exec, I didn’t really have
of improvement it’s definitely happened
that close knit group of people so I set up a
because we’ve got more sports happening
group with people from the Union, University,
at Bay and more teams using the facilities
ResNet, where we can have this platform to
there. I think the big one for me is the
discuss our campaigns that we want to run so
transport between Bay and Campus. That’s
D: Are you making good progress with
we can make them more effective and it also
the thing that is a massive barrier to teams
your manifesto?
just makes things easier to communicate. So
going “We’ve got training on Bay tonight”
J: Yes. There’s a couple I want to work on
for me that was quite a big win.
and them going “Where are we going to
by Declan Murphy
Jack Fossey Welfare officer
more but just haven’t been able to at the
park? How are we going to get there? How
moment because of uncertainty with this
Robyn Lock
(the building) and there’s a couple I worked
Sports officer
on over the summer that’ve fallen through
much is it going to cost? Should we get a bus?”, there’s that. Whereas a lot of people are based in the center of town and
but generally I have managed to work on
can walk to town and if they’re training at
quite a few of them so far. When I got the
the Sports Village there’s parking permits
job I found this whole other side to the job
D: How have you been with Sport’s tran-
they can apply for.
and kind of almost made my own little man-
sition to Bay?
There’s a little bit of a barrier, and that’s
ifesto points afterwards and they’re things
R: Not happy at all really. I think there’s not
honestly the only barrier I see with sports
that I’ve worked towards as well. So I feel
really a massive presence of sport at Bay.
at Bay. That and maybe the gym is small so
as though the manifesto I’ve written out ex-
We’ve got the outdoor volleyball courts
in terms of participation in physical activity,
tends a lot longer.
that our volleyball teams do use but it’s dif-
not just in taking part in a sport. Just living
FEBRUARY 2017
SHONA JOHNSON // FEATURES
a healthy lifestyle, that’s not easy when you
spect. I was surprised I guess by how much
would happen, at least not in my year be-
have a gym that can have seven people in
change you can make and how fulfilling it
cause I had all the resources ready but I
at once. That’s something both the Univer-
can be and enjoy it.
never thought we’d get it finalised but it’s looking that by January it’s going to all be
sity and the Union know isn’t good enough but it wasn’t a priority when Bay was be-
D: Are you making good progress with
finalised and it’s going to be great news
ing built and now it has become a priority
your manifesto points?
for students really. A win for my manifesto
so there’s plans to talk about how we can
C: Yeah. Like I said, Summer is the most
point that I never thought – that was the
make sports at Bay better. There’s lots of
productive time for doing your manifes-
hardest one.
head honchos talking about that one along
to because there aren’t students coming
with myself but we are slowly getting there
through the door asking you as many
D: Have you run into any roadblocks?
I think.
questions compared to September and
R: Not really. It’s a weird thing to say that
term-time. I did probably two thirds of
I haven’t because the roadblocks that I’ve
D: What are you most looking forward
my manifesto all over summer and I’m still
come across – being in the role for one
to in 2017?
chipping away at bits of it. There are things
year – I know how to go around them. For
R: Varsity. I’m looking forward to Varsity in
that are slightly eluding my grasp, like the
example, I had the roadblock of putting
Cardiff. It was so good here last year I think
healthy food we’ve had many different
a microwave in the library in Bay Campus
Cardiff have got a lot to live up to. When
ways to tackle it and most of them hav-
but I was able to go around that by putting
it comes to us, there’s less students but
en’t come through yet. Our most recent
it in our Students’ Union building. There’s
there’s quite a festival feel. Cardiff know
endeavour is in the pipeline and hopefully
always a way of delivering something on
that and Cardiff are under quite a bit of
we’ll have some clarification on that very
this big vast place we call the University, if
pressure to replicate that sort of feel that
soon but it’s looking like by the end of the
there’s one department that’s not willing to
we get when it comes to Swansea. I think
year that I’d be able to tick that off.
work with you there’s another willing to do something and help you achieve what you
the weather helped last year as well.
Chris Wilson Societies &
Robiu Salisu Education officer
Services officer
want to achieve. I think a roadblock is what happened but it’s also about knowing how to overcome them and how to go around them basically. After being in this role for a year I think I’ve gotten used to going
D: Are there any big surprises that D: Are there any big surprises you’ve
you’ve found this year?
found since you’ve come into the role?
R: There is a big surprise that’ll be coming
C: I don’t think I expected it to be this ex-
next academic year and students are not
hausting but also having this much fun.
going to believe that it has actually hap-
I never thought that the job would be
pened. I might have dropped it when I was
something you could be this passionate
in the Waterfront (Office) the other day but
about and enjoy to this extent. From the
I can’t really say too much because we’re
last three years before this being a student
literally on the final step of it happening, if
and the things I’m tackling now that when
that makes sense. It is to do with printing
I was a student I wished had happened
and I think you can guess what that might
or changed. It’s really fulfilling in that re-
mean. That’s something I never thought
around them.
read the full interviews online at: swansea student media.com
14
ISSUE 269
Going Dutch by Lauren Putt
It’s hard to believe that over a year
Nijmegen it would have been very unlikely I
My adventures in
ago I was getting ready to embark
would have met the lovely and kind people
the land of bikes,
on my third year abroad in Nijmegen,
that I did. It really was so international as
tulips, windmills
the Netherlands’ oldest city. My Dad
I not only met my Dutchies, (an endearing
very kindly took me and my brother to
term I use to describe my Dutch friends)
Amsterdam a few days before I would
but individuals from America, Germany,
start my adventure, which was not only
Poland, Sweden, Turkey, South Korea, and
a holiday but a sort of “getting-to-know-
even from the UK itself! I also was lucky
the-country” kind of thing, as I’d never
enough to travel to so many different cities
been to the Netherlands before.
and countries in Europe, going on a Three
and cheese
Days and Three Nights trip to Vienna, Not only is it a small country – one where
Budapest and Bratislava, visiting around
the distance between the north and the
15 cities in the Netherlands because of its
south is the same distance between my
small geographical size, and even popping
home town of Plymouth and London –
over to Frankfurt and Munich for a few
but one which now has a very big place
days. I’d never travelled so much in so
in my heart.
little time and really took advantage of the travelling opportunities made available to
When I think about it, if I had not gone to
me by living in Nijmegen.
FEBRUARY 2017
SARAH HARRIS // CULTURE
Whilst living in the Netherlands, I did pick up some of the Dutch language despite all of my University courses and classes being in English. It is a strange but very friendly language to hear, as it is a sort of mixture of German and English and has that infamous harsh ‘g’ sound which can sound a bit like you have something stuck in your throat. Here are the few basic phrases and words I learnt and you are more than welcome to try them out if you go to Amsterdam for a wild weekend away: Good morning = Goedemorgen Tot Ziens = See you soon Doei (pronounced as Dooey) = Bye! Fiets = Bike N i j meg e n M a rktp l a t z
Eet Smakelijk = Enjoy your meal Gezellig = A very important word in the
I also managed to catch on to the bike
LGBT+ society, as I am an openly bisexual
Dutch language which is described as
culture, despite falling off of it twice at
woman. I had so many laughs with the
untranslatable. However, for our benefit
the start! But, I persevered and hopefully
Dutchies I met and, despite the language
it means cosy; the feeling you get when
I am now as fit as a fiddle with legs made
barrier, felt a connection with a few of my
you are in good company and having a
of steel (at least that is what I like to
Dutch friends in the group. I discovered
nice time.
think). The Dutchies are so used to their
that one of them didn’t like milk in her
bikes that they certainly feel incredibly
tea (disgraceful!) and that a couple of
lost without them if they either break or
them could cycle home while drunk – the
get stolen. What is also very strange for
classic Dutch lifestyle (definitely NOT
us Brits is the fact that wearing a helmet
something I recommend you try!) I was
is something to be laughed at in the
so lucky to have such welcoming and fun
Netherlands, and it is so amazing what
friends while abroad and to have had such
stuff you can actually carry on the back
exciting, and sometimes, challenging
of your bike, from shopping bags, to a
experiences.
crate of Heineken beer and even a smallsized child!
If you get the opportunity to go abroad, I really would grab it as you never know
G ig a n t ic Clogs
What really made my year abroad
what will be waiting for you when you get
memorable was going to Nijmegen’s
off the plane!
Shoreline event calendar January
March
April
Refreshers week
Devised
Dr Faustus
January 28th - February 4th
March 15th & 16th
April 1st - 7th
A series of workshops which give poten-
Directed by William Windridge &
Written by Christopher Marlowe
tial new members the chance to expe-
Chess Hutin
Directed by Katy Card &
rience what to expect from the society. More info TBA.
A piece of abstract theatre devised by members of the society over the course
Being performed in the Grand Theatre’s
of several months performed in Diva’s.
Arts Wing is Christopher Marlowe’s
February Vagina Monologues February 16th Written by Eve Ensler Annually performed in Diva’s by female members of the society the Vagina Monologues discusses female sexual-
retelling of the German Legend Faust. A
24 Hour Plays March 18th & 19th
Agents of Change
in Diva’s. The lack of sleep won’t stop
April 6th
these guys from putting on a great show!
The Taming of the Shrew
A showcase performed in Diva’s which
March 29th & 30th
features several pieces each of which
Directed by James Beaumont,
Taking place in Volcano Theatre’s Bunker
Michael Jeffery
Space, Shakespeare’s classic tale of a
hometown after hearing of his cat’s ailing
tackles a different issue faced by men about what it means to be a man.
Jack Coates and Joe Nathan
Directed by Josh Hutin &
extremist is motivated to return to his
Directed by Darren Scott & Tom Crilly-McKean
February 24th-26th
the height of the troubles where an IRA
dark forces to satisfy his every wish.
formed after the 24 hours have elapsed
Written by William Shakespeare
A black comedy set in 1990s Ireland at
the magical arts and learns to summon
by our members which are then per-
Lieutenant of Inishmore Written by Martin McDonagh
brilliant scientist turns his focus towards
A series of pieces written and rehearsed
ity in a series of pieces which aim to empower and strengthen women.
Emily Porritt
May
wager between a father and a scoun-
Impress the President
drel who is convinced he can win the
May 18th
heart of his tempestuous daughter and turn her into an obedient wife.
A talent show where members of the society compete to win the adoration
health. The piece will be performed
of the President by taking to Diva’s
in Volcano Theatre’s Bunker Space.
stage and giving it all they got.
18
ISSUE 269
New term, New you: The key to fitness fashion by Ellie Thompson
With the sale of workout gear ever
the process? The start of a new year sees
really have the ‘stylish’ label associated
growing
industry
up to a 50% increase in gym membership
with them and this is interesting since
booming (estimated to be worth more
sign ups with 80% of the ‘New Year’s
we seem to spend most of our time in
than £6bn in 2015), it’s safe to say
Resolutions’ crowd dropping out by
the gym or exercising in this society, or
that the importance of looking good
the second week of February, meaning
at least dressing in comfy workout wear
while keeping fit was probably one of
that only 20% remain. In 2015, UK gym
even if we’re not moving. It struck me the
the top New Year aims for this year.
membership was up by 44%, making it
other day when someone jokingly said to
obvious that people want to feel good
me ‘you say you’re a fashion writer but
It doesn’t matter if you’ve given up your
about themselves when they look in the
your helmet doesn’t even coordinate with
New Year’s Resolutions already because
mirror – so why not also look as good
your bike? Shocking.’ This led me to want
‘new term, new you’ works just as well,
when you’re exercising?
to find out what stylish alternatives to
and
the
sports
and what’s better than to exercise while feeling stylish and good about yourself in
sportswear there were on the market, and I’ve noticed that workout clothes don’t
where to find them. Here’s a few I found.
FEBRUARY 2017
ELLIE THOMPSON // FASHION
easy to see what they are aiming for
sports bras, jackets and trousers. For all you
with bright-pink patterned pieces to
environment-conscious students out there,
a subtler look in monochrome. You’ll
the collection is also made out of recycled
The name of Asics comes from the Latin
soon want to wear the whole collection
polyester fabrics so you can workout and
saying “Anima Sana in Corpore Sano”
every day and not just for the gym.
be content with the knowledge that your
Asics which translates to “A healthy mind in a
clothing is sustainable.
healthy body.” Asics have Olympians falling
Primark
at their feet with 7 times US champion Alysia Montaño stating “it’s the one stop shop, go-to brand for me!” As well as an
I’ve heard endless praise for Primark’s
impressive range of running shoes (safe to
sportswear which you might think is
say I own a pair and they are the comfiest
unusual,
ever), the Japanese sportswear company
“new favourite place for bits to go to the
layer this t-shirt with other pieces for a
£30 to £130 depending on how serious you want to go.
gym” with “prices being great as well
H&M Sport
as the quality.” From tie-dye leggings (pictured) and fast-drying breathable tops
From running and outdoor activities to
to fluorescent running shoes and useful
gym and yoga, H&M Sport is aiming to
accessories such as a microfibre workout
inspire everyone with their high-fashion
towel, Primark is the affordable and stylish
sportswear range “For Every Victory” in
place to go to get a whole new sports
collaboration with the Swedish Olympic
wardrobe, so now you have no excuses
team. The collection is largely dominated
not to hit the gym!
by black, grey, dusty pink and gold hues for the more subtle gym-goer and the gear has been tested out by the Olympic team who gave advice on the design,
Fabletics Open for just 2 years and founded by actress Kate Hudson, Fabletics is the talk of the UK sportswear industry and offers “clothing and accessories which focus on fitness, function and style” with prices starting at a friendly £12. With the company’s strapline being ‘where fitness and fashion meet’, it is
from
and Macaroons says that Primark is her
to ensure gym sessions stay fun. You can
and women, trainers ranging from around
ranging
leggings. Lifestyle blogger High Heels
track shorts to lightweight printed tops
bright and cheerful running range for men
pieces
£4 for a crop top to £6 for cropped
has everything from brightly coloured
“stylish, individual look”. They also offer a
with
performance
and
wearability
of
the
products. The range focuses on providing quick drying and breathable materials for men and women and include track shorts,
20
ISSUE 269
Are remakes going backwards? by Joshua Price
Hollywood’s recent trend of churning out one remake after another is a big discussion within the industry right now. What does it mean for Hollywood to rely so heavily on existing brands in favour of any original content? It is a discussion that provokes high tempers and passions - no one wants to see their favourite film being ruthlessly commercialised. One recent trend I have noticed within
differs wildly on a thematic level. At the
them legends. Not only does the movie
remakes is that they seem to be going
end of the first two films, the leader of
refuse to acknowledge any notion that
backwards.
to
the seven remarks that the warriors have
the cowboys are not the victors but it
innovation or technical abilities, CGI and
paid a high price for their selflessness,
parades the myth of the west even more
bigger budgets mean that remakes will
having lost half of their numbers; despite
deeply. Despite the common impression
naturally be more advanced than their
winning the battle, the survivors must
that modern movies are more cynical
predecessors in this sense. What I am
cope with being obsolete once the fight
than those of yesteryear, it is the original
referring to is their social relevance.
is over.
movie that takes a more pessimistic
I
am
not
referring
and complex view of a cultural icon I first noticed this with the 2016 remake
As Yul Brynner puts it in the 1960
- questioning the very fantasy it has
of The Magnificent Seven (a remake of a
version, before riding off into an unsure
drawn you into - while the latest remake
remake - the 1960 version was a remake
future, “We lost, we always lose”. The
celebrates the icon’s stereotype to its
of the Japanese film The Seven Samurai).
final moments are not about glorifying
last breath. What does that say about us
In terms of the plot, all three films are
the western myth but deconstructing it,
as an audience?
basically the same, a group of villagers
noting that their victory represents the
hire seven cowboys/samurai to defend
end of an era. The 2016 version is almost
It goes beyond even that. This year
them against an army of bandits. But
the complete reversal, the leader states
saw Ben-Hur get the remake treatment
in its final moments, the 2016 version
their sacrifice and bravery will make
and get almost universally panned by
FEBRUARY 2017
RACHEL SANDERS // FILM
critics and audiences. The 2016 version
Should we be shocked that the 1958
film, Starship Troopers, will be any
lacked nuance, character development,
film was more forward thinking in its
different.
atmosphere, appropriate pacing and
progressive
homosexual undertones. Gore Vidal, the
version?
politics
than
the
2016
original screenwriter, added deliberate
The best remakes will always be those that
attempt
something
different;
references to a homosexual relationship
While these are two specific and recent
from turning a classic noir film into a
between two of the main characters.
examples, they seem to represent a
socially relevant gangster feature with
much larger issue with remakes and
Scarface, or turning a cheap science
Given the political climate of the time
filmmaking in general - studios seem so
fiction B-picture into a masterclass of
he could only allude to this but was still
hesitant to take a risk in any way, shape
body horror with The Thing. A talented
keen to include it as a key aspect of the
or form that they end up cutting quality.
filmmaker should be able to take an
film.
Paul Veerhoven was a director known
existing story and improve upon it to
for making genre films that held an
make it relevant for the society that will
Surely, in the more accepting society of
undercurrent of dark social satire. Two of
be watching it. Right now Hollywood
2016, the remake could explicitly state
his films, Robocop and Total Recall, have
just seems interested in grabbing your
this aspect? Sadly, no; the implications
already been remade and their ingenious
attention (and your money) any way
of homosexuality are removed. Maybe
social commentary replaced with generic
they can, even if the reaction is “They’re
the studio considered the subject too
plots and bland style. It’s unlikely the
remaking
controversial for the target audience?
planned remake of Veerhoven’s other
succeeded.
that?”
they
have
already
22
ISSUE 269
Alternative film picks for Valentine’s day by Rachel Sanders
Make love weird with ‘Amelie’ ‘On September 3rd 1973, at 6:28pm and 32 seconds, a bluebottle fly capable of 14,670 wing beats a minute landed on Rue St Vincent, Montmartre. At the same moment, on a restaurant terrace nearby, the wind magically made two glasses dance unseen on a tablecloth. Meanwhile, in a 5th-floor flat, 28 Avenue Trudaine, Paris 9, returning from his best friend’s funeral, Eugène Colère erased his name from his address book. At the same moment, a sperm with one X chromosome, belonging to Raphaël Poulain, made a dash for an
with the innocent, beautiful, mischievous
your usual dashing hero, but he is perfect
child in us all.
in every way for Amelie and the film. This is one of the reasons I love Amelie
Amelie (Audrey Tautou) discovers a
so much; everything is unexpected yet
later, Amélie Poulain was born.’
propensity for helping people one day
everything is exactly where it should be
when she uncovers a hidden box in the
- it makes you feel at home.
Thus begins one of the quirkiest love
wall of her apartment. With this newfound
stories of all time. If you are after something
power, she decides to perform good
Lots could be said about the awesome
a bit more entertaining (and intelligent)
turns on those around her – all the while
cinematography, the incredible music
than the usual rom-com rubbish, then
staying incognito. Inevitably, this leads
score, the unsurpassable script and the
seek out this little French gem from 2001.
us to the question – who helps Amelie?
incomparable acting but that would be
Winner of numerous awards, the film is the
But, rather than the dashing, handsome,
giving the game away. The joy of this
simple tale of a complicated girl, or the
rich bachelor swooping in to save the day,
film is discovering its secrets for the
complicated tale of a simple girl – I have
Amelie is encouraged, nay even forced,
first time, and the second, and the third
not figured out which. Either way, it is a
to help herself at the behest of the
– for every time you watch it, you see
delight to experience. And experience this
mysterious ‘man of glass’ (Serge Merlin).
something new. Discover a new, natural,
film you do, not watch, not see. You feel
The unsuspecting, object of her love
weird, and beautiful love this Valentine’s.
Amelie to your very core as she chimes
(Nino, played by Mathieu Kassovitz) is not
Watch Amelie.
egg in his wife Amandine. Nine months
FEBRUARY 2017
RACHEL SANDERS // FILM
by Joshua Price
Subvert expectations with ‘Punch Drunk Love’ When did romantic films become so boring? I’m tired of seeing perfect people inhabiting a world in which everything follows the same basic formula with the same basic method, only to magically fall in love despite having zero chemistry together. Where is the romantic comedy for the unstable, insane person? It can be found in a gem of a film from 2002 titled Punch Drunk Love. Anderson subverts them to his unique
character study. Nowadays, Adam Sandler
If I were to utter the words “starring Adam
style and vision. It is a bizarrely funny and
has drifted so far from the promise he
Sandler” most rational people would avoid
sometimes dark view of relationships, one
showed in Punch Drunk Love that it’s tough
the film at all costs. However, this is not
that isn’t above being ridiculous and fanciful
to imagine him ever recapturing it.
a typical lowest common denominator
when it wants to be, but also obsessively
vehicle that we have become used to from
murky. Amid Anderson’s wonderful style
The strange intensity of the film is all the
Sandler, mainly because it isn’t really his film.
lies the story of a lonely man trying to
more remarkable in its strangely believable
Despite starring in it, Punch Drunk Love
maintain a connection with the first person
love story thanks to some terrific on screen
sees Sandler under the direction of Paul
he’s ever truly cared about. The plot is
chemistry and great writing. It is the simple
Thomas Anderson, the acclaimed director
quirky and exhilarating as it unfolds with
story of two misfits finding each other, but
of Boogie Nights and There Will Be Blood.
brilliant unpredictability - you find yourself
elevated to such complex and intriguing
In Anderson’s eclectic world, Sandler brings
having to laugh at the increasing absurdity
levels that it demands to be absorbed.
forth a hidden depth and complexity that
of it.
What makes Punch Drunk Love so unique
we have never witnessed from him before
is how it takes these darker aspects and While it would be easy to look at a
weaves them so wonderfully into its joyous
character like Barry and make him the
comedy. It is not a film that everyone will
The story focusses on a man called Barry
source of all the comedy, Anderson’s script
enjoy, that I can say for certain. It blends the
Egan, an introverted and socially anxious
displays a touching sense of sympathy too.
painful and profound with the ridiculous
single man. He has seven overbearing sisters
It understands his obsessions and fears;
and hilarious. For myself, the quirky and
who ridicule and emotionally abuse him
why he does not like people interfering
oddly touching nature of the film combined
regularly; he leads a lonely life punctuated
in his private life, why he is enraged by
with some truly fantastic performances
by fits of rage and anguish. Imagine trying to
seemingly simple things and why facing
from the likes of Philip Seymour Hoffman,
put a man like that in a relationship.
the world around him is so difficult and
a masterful story structure and incredible
terrifying for him. It is a dark and intelligent
direction, as well as being visually stunning
Punch Drunk Love has all the trappings of
form of comedy that works not just as a
from start to finish, all make this a joy to
your usual romantic comedy but, as always,
cheap laugh but also a strikingly poignant
watch even when it’s painful.
or since.
RE FRESHERS 2 017 *Official Varsity 2017 packages will go on sale on Thursday 2nd February For further information on our events head to our Official Swansea University Refreshers’ 2017 Facebook Event
UVF Vintage Clothes Fayre 11:00 - 17:00 The Core, Bay Campus Karaoke Night 19:30 - 23:00 JC’s
Hike the Waterfall County Buses from 10am on each Campus Brecon Beacons SINK 22:00 - 04:00
Sin City Tooters End of Exams Party 21:30 - 02:00 Divas
F.R.I.E.N.D.S ALL DAYER JC’s GWA Varsity Launch Party 21:00 - Late Idols & Walkabout
Varsity One Day Sale Online 10:00 swanseasu.nutickets.com/ varsity2017 SUSU Presents Comedy Night 19:00 JC’s Sin Savers 22:00 - 03:00 Sin City
Harry Potter Studio Tours Buses from 09:45 More info at the Travel Shop Swansea Sessions 17:00 52 Degrees, Bay Campus Open Mic Night 20:00 52 Degrees, Bay Campus
SUSU Presents Throwback Fayre with UVF Vintage Clothes Show 13:00 - Late Fulton House Refectory
Pub Quiz 19:00 52 Degrees, Bay Campus
Fresh Prince Party 22:00 - 02:00 Venue TBA
Swansea Sessions 17:00 | Diva’s R2
Pub Quiz 21:00 The Wonky Sheep
Open Mic 20:00 - 23:00 | JC’s
Pub Quiz 20:00 | JC’s
Hustle 22:00 - 03:00 | Sin City
Limitless Trampoline Park More info on our Facebook page Swansea SU Events Karaoke Night 19:30 - 23:00 JC’s Tooters 22:00 - 02:00 Divas
Day Trip to Bristol City International Football World Centre Cup Buses from 10:00 12:00 - 16:00 More info on our Facebook page Astro Pitches, Sketty Lane Swansea SU Events RBS Six Nations Italy V RBS Six Nations Wales Scotland V Ireland 14:00 14:25 JC’s/The Wonky Sheep/The Core England V France Swansea Sessions 17:00 16:50 52 Degrees, Bay Campus JC’s/The Wonky Sheep/The Core Sink or Sin 22:00 - 04:00
Open Mic | 20:00 - 23:00 52 Degrees, Bay Campus
Sin City SUSU Presents the Superbowl | 21:00 - Late
Venue TBA
FEBRUARY 2017
by Becky Elms
RACHEL SANDERS // FILM
A Netflix Original starring the amazing Kevin
catch
up
watched
it
The premise of the show may seem
anticipated
simple but this does not take anything
season five is soon to be released.
away from its sinister and seductive plot-
on
Valentine’s day binge watch: House of Cards
yet,
Spacey,
this
if
as
you
you the
must
far they are willing to go in order to get it.
haven’t eagerly
line. Intriguingly, as the anti-heroes, we Frank Underwood (Spacey) is a sly
still support Frank and Claire’s ruthless
politician willing to do whatever it takes to
pursuit of the presidency - despite
get to The White House. With scandalous
their digressions and violent behaviour.
Now, I am aware this isn’t the most
affairs,
the
This is the shows biggest success. The
romantic choice but it is a convincing
political world is more brutal than you
hyperbolic depiction of the political world
argument that the House of Cards
first thought. Claire Underwood (Robin
is probably not far off what we imagine
release date is more important than
Wright), Frank’s wife, proves to be just
the game of politics to be like. In this way,
Valentine’s day. So, order a takeaway
as devious as they both aim to get him
the show satirises modern politics and,
with your partner and catch up with the
to the top. The couple are obsessed with
with current politics the way it is, we need
ruthless path to presidency of the USA.
power and it is compelling to see just how
this satire.
addiction
and
murders,
28
ISSUE 269
The vinyl revival
by Harry Ballmann
I’m going make the case for vinyl and it’s pure procedural brilliance. It is a package. It is a ceremony. It is a method of listening that must satisfy us until we can hear our beloved artists play live during the summer festival season. For many contemporary music listeners, they simply do not wish to spend hours trawling through aimless record stores seeing cover after cover of albums they’ve never heard and would probably would
FEBRUARY 2017
HARRY BALLMANN // MUSIC
never listen to. Indeed, this may seem as odd as it does a waste of time. But for those in the know, those with the interest to pursue quality music, vinyl is the way forward. The early 90s spelled the start of the age of convenience, progressing into the age of streaming, yet for a statistic to suggest that there have been more vinyl purchases than downloadable purchases, it has left an avid music fan wondering, what is it about that age old method of listening which is prevailing? I’ve listened to vinyls all my life, scattered around my family home, listening to music this way is a part of me I suppose. However, since the emergence of online methods of music listening, the whole dynamic of music is in flux: people are listening via CDs, streaming, downloads and vinyls and you can’t forget the most lovable method of live music. Now that these methods are out in the open, I can
something aesthetically pleasing, a few
embrace the album in its entirety, feel the
give a full and hopefully compelling case
pages of lyrics and photos to look through,
nuances of the music through the crackle.
for vinyl, backed up by the statistics of its
an artistic cover to look at, ultimately in
It is less condensed than a stream, even
success, ultimately leading to it’s inevitable
order to create your seemingly ‘hipster’
when listening to FLAC or WAV. It sounds
importance in the sustaining of the proper
converted bookshelf or luggage trunk into
better, there is nothing that compares,
music industry not dominated by Warner
a store for the vinyls you bought in your fur
other than obviously, seeing your beloved
Brothers and Virgin records, but by XL
lined denim jacket. I digress.
Foals or 1975 live which you guys reading
Records and back to the days of Atlantic
this article (to become more interested in
Records, representing those who wish to
Taking the small, seemingly insignificant
make music over money.
piece of plastic may be a ball-ache for
vinyl) inevitably love.
some, but a ritual for others. You can
I’m not saying that liking the ‘non-
Of course, the main arguments against
embrace the music, you feel it from the
mainstream’
vinyl are its practicality and in some cases,
start to the end, a momentary reflection
inevitably mainstream is a bad thing. You’re
it’s cost. Plastic does cost money. Virtual
half way through as you flip the side
buying their music and you’re enjoying it.
music you don’t actually own, costs
and the best part of all, it brings back
For the industry, that’s more than anybody
comparatively very little and indeed, takes
the beauty of the album. You listen to
can ever ask. And this is with the help of
up little space. With vinyl however, you do
the whole thing, cover to cover, both
vinyl: it is cool, it’s aesthetically pleasing,
own it. You have something to possess,
sides. There is no shuffle, which lets you
it sounds better. So, long live the revival.
bands
which
are
now
ISSUE 269
Armenian stuffed peppers
30
You’ll need: 5-6 medium/large red bell peppers, charred For the filling: 80g of cooked rice (per person) 1/2 fried courgette, chopped finely (I used some from an antipasti jar to save time) 2 Lombardi peppers, chopped finely 1 tbs fresh lemon juice 1 tsp lemon zest Handful of fresh parsley, chopped For the mince: 100g green lentils 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 clove of garlic, minced 1tbs tomato purée 1tbs sun dried tomato paste 1tbs dried parsley ½ tsp mixed spice 1 tsp cayenne pepper 1-2 cups of water 1tsp bouillon 1 cup red wine For the sauce: 1 carton/ jar of passata 1 clove of garlic, minced A glug of olive oil 1 (Heaped) tbs of pepper paste Soy garlic yogurt mix 2-3 tbs of soy yogurt 1 tsp lemon zest 1 tbs lemon juice 1 tsp garlic infused oil
By Nathan Lloyd
A sprinkle of smoked paprika
S FEBRUARY 2017
HEATHER WOOD & NATHAN LLOYD // FOOD
tart by making the mince.
PS: Be careful around open flames! The amount of times the
I’d recommend doing this in
pepper (now a ball of fire) fell off the ring- and I was wearing
advance so you have a batch
oven gloves!
ready for you to use.
We
usually have big batches of
As they are cooling I’d recommend cooking the other
lentil mince in the freezer that
components.
my boyfriend cooks up while I’m in work on a Sunday. It’s
Cook the rice as you would normally, remembering to cook
so versatile (if you remove the
slightly less than usual as you are stuffing it with a rice mixture
cayenne and mixed spice) and
rather than serving it with rice. While it’s cooking start the sauce.
can be made into all manner of creations from pies, ragù, Chilli-
Heat up a saucepan and fry off the garlic with the olive oil until
you name it!
translucent. Next, add in the pepper paste and cook for another
This batch I’ve included the extra spices as I knew this batch
minute. Then add in the passata and let it simmer until the flavours start developing.
was only for making dolma. The rice should be done by this point. Set aside and leave to In a small cast iron pot fry the chopped onion and garlic until
cool.
soft. Add the paste and the purée and heat through. Pour in the lentils and stir until thoroughly coated with the sauce. Add
Return to the peppers, de-core and deseed them, making sure
the herbs, spice and bouillon with lots of freshly cracked black
that you cut them close to the top so that you have a vessel to
pepper. Cover with the water and put the lid on. Simmer for
fill. Remember to keep the tops, though.
at least forty minutes, an hour won’t hurt – this will allow the lentils to truly swell and soak up all the liquid.
Grab the mince, empty it into a mixing bowl and combine it with the rice. Then, add in the lemon juice & zest, chopped peppers,
After an hour the mixture should be rich and just about ready.
courgette and parsley. Season well.
Stir in the wine until the mixture reconstitutes itself – allow to cook through for another twenty minutes until the wine has
Then pour the sauce into a baking dish and sit the peppers in
cooked out. Leave aside to cool slightly, or store overnight/
the tomatoey-peppery bath. Fill the peppers up to the brim with
freeze*.
this aromatic mixture and re-hat them with their tops. Place into a preheated oven at 180°C for 10-15 minutes.
*If using thawed/chilled mince, I’d recommend heating it through before stuffing.
Once they are in the oven, you can make the topping. Combine all ingredients together, (except the paprika) until it becomes
Once your mince is ready the rest is simple and fairly quick to
thick and glossy.
make! Take the peppers out of the oven and de-hat them once again When you’d like to make the dolma, simply put each pepper
( no fear they’ll have their hats back on soon enough!) and
over an open flame ( I used my gas hob) until it begins to
smother with the lemony-garlic yogurt. Top with the smoky,
bubble and blacken. Once burnished and black, take off and
fiery paprika and return the tops on (see, I told you). Serve with
leave to cool down.
a side salad or on their own. and enjoy!
FEBRUARY 2017
HEATHER WOOD & NATHAN LLOYD // FOOD
The event is run every Wednesday
Swansea food: cheap & easy
between 4pm and 6pm in the Fusion Café which is located on the first floor of Fulton House, in the east side. All food is first come first serve, and many different types of hot food are served throughout the two hours. All proceeds from the meal are donated to the charity Discovering SVS.
by Heather Wood
Big heart of Swansea: loyalty card
In the finale of Planet Earth 2 last year
app are: Pizza Express, Joe’s Ice Cream
we saw the team exploring the new
Parlour, Las Iguanas, The Crepe Vine
habitat providing an urban area for a
and Mad Cow Milkshake Parlour! You
offer free or fast food, it does offer
wide scale of animals. However, animals
may even see a gathering of cyclists
a discount when you do venture out
aren’t the only thing that are able to
in Castle Square, awaiting their next
into restaurants within Swansea. A free
thrive in Urban areas in modern society.
order.
loyalty card that you may have picked
While this last item on the list doesn’t
Budget keen and apathetic students
up at Freshers Fayre is still available
are able to flourish too. With more and
to every resident in Swansea and can
more services being made to bring us
be picked up from these following
food that is cheap and simple to access,
locations:
it’s never been easier to find. Swansea Grand Theatre Box Office
Deliveroo:
Derricks Records
December saw the arrival of
Wilkinsons
Deliveroo to Swansea. Deliveroo is
Dragon Hotel Reception
an independent service made up of
Cross Keys
cyclists and motorcyclists. They offer
First Call Coffee, High St
delivery service from both independent
Crusts
and chain restaurants to all over
Jacks Kitchen
Waste-free Wednesday #WFW:
Evening Post Reception
A service offered by the Union, unlike
This card offers discounts such as £5
card is accepted with their service,
the earlier food service, this doesn’t
of at Frankie and Benny’s, 25% of at
although tips can be paid through card
delivery. But unlike Deliveroo payment
Peppermint and even 10% of at the
or cash. With the app you are able to
is up to you. The concept of this is
Smoke Haus. Search their website for
track your order, see it being prepared
donating what you think the food is
more information at:
and follow it en route to your door!
worth, how much food you are served
Restaurants that are available on their
or just simply what you can afford.
Swansea, offering up a delivery service that some restaurants may not have previously offered. The service is offered through a mobile app, and only
The Perfume Shop
http://www.bigheartofswansea.co.uk/
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FEBRUARY 2017
MEGAN MCNAB // CYMRAEG
Hiraeth by Megan McNab
Beth sy’n dod i’ch meddwl pryd ydych
Gwariwyd ambell ŵyl haf i lawr ar lan y môr yn
yn gweld eisiau cartref? Efallai’r bryniau
Ninbych y Pysgod, yn adeiladu cestyll tywod a
gwyrdd sy’n estyn ym mhob cyfeiriad.
bwyta hufen iâ wrth gerdded i lawr y promenâd
Neu awel y môr sy’n eich bwrw ar hyd yr
cyn sgipio nôl i’r llety. Os fyddai’r tywydd
arfordir. Hyd yn oed holl ffair a ffwndwr
digon sych, byddai pabell yn cael ei godi yn
y ddinas. Beth bynnag sy’n dod i’ch
safle gwersylla ar draws y Gŵyr, neu hyd yn
meddwl, gall bob person Cymreig cytuno
oed yn gwario’r dydd yn sgrechain ar roller
fod teimlad dwys hiraeth dros y wlad yr
coasters yn Oakwood. Rheini oedd y dyddiau
ydym yn galw ein cartref.
i edrych ymlaen ati wrth eistedd trwy wersi yn yr ysgol, yn aros am ddiwrnod olaf y tymor. Y
Pryd fyddaf i ffwrdd yn wlad bell o gartref,
teimlad dwys o ddyhead pryd yn meddwl yn ôl
yn gweld holl olygfeydd prydferth sydd
i’r hyfrydwch o fod yn blentyn yw hiraeth.
gan y ddaear i’w chynnig, does dim byd yn crynu’r teimlad affwysol o eisiau cartref.
Nid yw hiraeth yn derm sy’n haws i’w egluro.
Gallai fod yn edrych oddi ar ben mynydd
Does dim diffiniad penodol o beth yn gwmws
Vesuvius, a ni fyddaf yr unrhyw beth mor
yw hiraeth, ond serch hyn, mae pob person
braf â dydd uwchben Pen y Fan. Neu’n
Cymreig yn ei deimlo. Gall dim byd lleihau’r
edrych tua Moroco oddi ar Graig Gibraltar,
teimlad angerddol o eisiau ein gwlad pryd
does dim byd yn cymharu ag edrych draw i
nad ydynt ynddi. Gall dim byd cymryd i
Ben Pyrod wrth gerdded ar frigau clogwyni
ffwrdd o’r balchder sydd gennym dros ein
Rhossili ar adeg pryd does dim cwmwl yn yr
gwlad chwaith. Gallwn fod yn fyw ar ochr
awyr. Hyd yn oed wrth fwyta pasta ffres yng
arall y ddaear, mewn gwlad brydferth, ond ni
nghanol Rhufain, gall ddim byd curo blas
fyddai byth mwy prydferth na ein gwlad fach
anhygoel picau ar y maen fam-gu. Y teimlad
ni. Does dim ots ble y byddwn, neu pa mor hir
o weld eisiau cartref tra’n i ffwrdd o gartref
ydym wedi bod i ffwrdd o Gymru, mae hiraeth
yw hiraeth.
yn ein bwrw ni i gyd.
FEBRUARY 2017
SHANNON JONES & FAYE VLIETSTRA // RELATIONSHIPS
Agony Aunts Shannon and Faye are Waterfront’s very own agony aunts and matchmakers.
Hi Shannon and Faye, My friend is in Swansea to visit me, during her time here she hooked up with someone that I explicitly told her not to, as he’s a slimeball. To make things worse they had sex in my basement without a condom. How do I deal with her as she’s here for another couple of days? Sarah, Third Year
Hey girls, I have been with my
Your friend sounds like an idiot. If we
boyfriend for a year now, but I may
were you, we would want her gone, but
have got a bit too drunk and made
seeing as you have to put up with her
a couple of questionable decisions,
for a few more days, just try and get
which involved sleeping with another
through it. We are sure she feels pretty
guy. I think I still want to be with my
crappy (she should) about the situation,
boyfriend, but at the same time I had
but try and remember she’s your friend
fun. What should I do?
so don’t be too harsh on her. As for the sex without a condom part, dumb dumb
Lily, Second Year
dumb! Tell her that when she gets home she needs to get checked out ASAP and
If you’re interested in
Oh Lily, you know we fully embrace
she should talk to the guy to see if there’s
going on a Blind Date
letting your freak flag fly, but when you’re
anything she needs to know. Let’s just
SINGLE! It is not okay to cheat babe.
hope she’ll leave you in the same state
you want to put to the
From what you said it seems like you’re
that she arrived in. Good luck with the
aunts, contact them at
ready to enter the world of single. You’re
next couple of days.
waterfrontrelationships@
going to have to grab your lady balls, and
swanseastudentmedia.com.
come clean to your boyfriend and if we’re
or have a question
being honest, it’s probably going to end, if not then he’s a schmuck and nobody needs that anyway. Good luck and raise that flag, but for future reference: no more cheating!
While very knowledgeable, Shannon and Faye are not qualified to give out expert advice. Waterfront suggests that you take their advice with a pinch of salt and use the Students’ Union’s support services for serious guidance.
38
ISSUE 269
Blind Date In a bid to try and help more Swansea students find love this Valentine’s, we decided to matchmake two blind dates for you this issue.
Sam (24), a PhD Economics student and Matt (22), a fourth year American Studies student, met for a free drink in JCs. Here’s what they had to say afterwards. Why did you agree to go
S: About an hour, which was fine.
on a blind date?
M: Like an hour.
S: Me and my flatmate have agreed to try to do something that we have never done before every month, for
What did you think of their choice of drink?
the next 12 months. I had never been
S: Cider, you can’t go wrong
on a blind date, and hadn’t done
with cider, right?
“something new” this month.
M: I can’t remember, so it must
M: Because drunk me thought sober
have been underwhelming.
me needed to get out more. Did you kiss? Or was there any Were you attracted to the person?
potential for a kiss…or more?
S: Sadly not. Although he did
S: No, no, and definitely not.
seem like a nice guy.
M: No way Jose.
M: He wasn’t really my type. Out of ten, how would Did you get drunk? And if not, do you wish that you did? S: I didn’t.
you rate the date? S: 4 M: 6.5
M: By drink 2 I was pretty tipsy, so embarrassing.
Any chance of seeing each other again? S: Maybe as friends.
How long did the date last? Did you want it to last longer or end sooner?
M: Who knows where life will lead us.
FEBRUARY 2017
SHANNON JONES & FAYE VLIETSTRA // RELATIONSHIPS
Heather (21), a fourth year American Studies student and Laura (19), a first year Ancient History and Egyptology student, met for a free drink in JCs. Here’s what they had to say afterwards. Why did you agree to go
L: Both realising we loved Alex Kingston at
on a blind date?
the exact same time or when I threatened
H: Never been on one before so thought why not give it a go! L: Thought it would be fun and a good way to meet new people.
to walk because she liked peanut M&Ms. What was your favourite thing about the person? H: She’s really bubbly and
What were your first impressions? H: I liked her style. L: She was funny and cute.
coffee shop, which serves a
L: Her sense of humour.
range of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, speciality
Were there any turnoffs? H: Nothing major but she likes cats.
want it to last longer or end sooner?
L: She liked peanut M&Ms.
had somewhere to be but I think we could have chatted for longer.
couples to JC’s bar and
pretty easy going.
How long did the date last? Did you
H: It was about 1.5hours because I
We send our blind date
Out of ten, how would you rate the date?
L: About 2 hours, it was about
H: 8/10
the right amount of time.
L: Probably an 8 or 9.
coffees, pub meals, panini and homemade cakes. All of our blind date couples receive a complimentary drink courtesy of JC’s. If you would like to take part in a blind date, please contact Shannon and Faye on
Funniest moment?
Any chance of seeing each other again?
H: The fact that we spent 10 minutes
H: We exchanged numbers,
trying to find each other and freaking
so I think so yeah.
that the other hadn’t turned up.
L: Hope so, we exchanged numbers.
waterfrontrelationships@ swanseastudentmedia.com
FEBRUARY 2017
ZOE STABLER // CREATIVE WRITING
Owl by K Morris
I have lain awake listening for the owl’s cry. A note that chills Thrills Then does die. One day This bird of prey Will carry my soul away, Or so the superstitious say. Mice hide While I, in my pride Decide The owl’s erie cry Signifies that I will die. The bird has no interest in me So why can I not be free Of his cry That to my window nigh does rise, then, as suddenly, die?
FEBRUARY 2017
SPORT
picture: charlotte barnfather
Ready for Cardiff: Swansea University boxing club
Boxing president Dave Thomas praises the
fitness levels but to also enjoy the social
hard work, determination and progress the
aspect that the club can offer’. Dave joined
team has made so far during the academ-
the boxing team during his second year at
There is a new and exciting year ahead
ic year and opens up about the successful
university and has loved every minute be-
for Swansea University’s boxing club.
matches where the teams most advanced
ing a part of this society. Dave explains: ‘I
The boxing team holds the Varsity tro-
players have been undefeated.
first joined the club to improve my fitness
by Charlotte Barnfather
phy for three years and has big plans
levels and I generally wanted to take part
to beat Cardiff for the fourth year run-
The Boxing team is always encouraging
in a sport, but I was also drawn towards the
ning. The club is training for endless
new members to join the society. Newly
huge social reputation the Boxing Club has’.
hours, preparing for one of the big-
appointed president Dave Thomas said: ‘I
The team, which trains three times a week,
gest and most competitive matches of
would definitely recommend other students
takes on a large number of freshers every
the year.
to join the club, not only to improve their
year, it is a great way to meet new people
SPORT
picture: charlotte barnfather
FEBRUARY 2017
and improve your overall fitness ability with
ability. There is great emphasis on improving
trained to have matches – but most impor-
professional trainers running each session.
cardio, Dave said: ‘cardio is one of the most
tantly ready for Cardiff. When asked how the
Dave constantly motivates team members
important elements of boxing, players need
team plans to beat Cardiff, Boxing president
to turn up to training every week and said:
to have high levels of endurance to be able
Dave Thomas simply responded: ‘the team
‘I remind our team that every time they walk
to perform consistently at a high standard
is ready to beat Cardiff’.
out of the door, they are walking out fitter
during a game’, which is why there is such
than when they walked in’.
a dominant focus on circuit training every
Dave has grabbed the presidency role with
Monday evening.
both hands and hopes to make the boxing
Talking about membership Dave added
club one of the best societies Swansea Uni-
that ‘we don’t have a limit. We encourage
The boxing team describes themselves as a
versity has ever seen. Dave described his
students to attend a free taster session and
‘big family’, Dave praised the team and said:
experience so far and said: ‘I saw an oppor-
if they enjoy their experience and want to
‘although boxing is not a team sport, we are
tunity to get involved – so I took it. The club
return then there is a charge of £2.50 per
a big team. You are on your own in the ring,
has had many great committee members
session to pay the professional coaches’.
but you have the support of the whole club
over the years, so I hope to continue this
The team participates in intensive training
who always attend every match’. The boxing
success and maintain the excellent repu-
that involves, circuits, running, track, bag
club currently has seventy members not in-
tation of the club’. Dave wants to give the
work and boxing in the ring for advanced
cluding the coaching team of the committee
team the best opportunities available dur-
fighters only. The professional coaches; Tom
members and still it continues to grow. With-
ing his final year at Swansea University and
Edgar and Ryan Thornhill, push all members
in the club, the coaches have developed ten
is heading in the right direction to make
of the club to perform to the best of their
great advanced fighters who are ready and
2017 a year of great success.
FEBRUARY 2017
SPORT
Raising the game During 2016, many of the University sports teams undertook fundraising efforts for very good causes.
Here we
look at a few of the events and activities that took place.
Volleyball club The team hosted their open Christmas tournament at Singleton’s sports hall with over
year, for children in need, diabetes UK, Cystic
in the history of Women’s rugby at Swansea
60 people joining them. They raised approx-
Fibrosis (in memory of one of our old girls who
University which is extremely significant after
imately £120, which they intend to donate to
passed away) and for new equipment for the
being unbeaten by them in BUCS last season
the ‘heart screening’ project that the Univer-
club.
for the first time ever.
sity is developing. The tournament was open a couple of teams formed by the Basketball
Swimming Tennis
Club’s members and even one of their coach-
On the 30th of November, the two teams held
es’ family playing.
a pub quiz in Peppermint. It was a very suc-
to everyone and included players from 360º,
team
and
cessful evening with over 60 people attend-
Canoe club
ing, including swimmers, tennis players and
The team held a bake sale which raised £60
housemates and raised £190 raised for Wat-
for Macmillan Cancer Support. The Swansea
erAid! This has surpassed previous fundraising
Girls Canoe Polo team recently beat Bath Uni
Women’s Rugby Union
4 vs. 3.
For charity the team have raised a total of £796.92, which has significantly beaten their
efforts and they hope to raise even more for charity next term with other events.
total for the last year. The money raised has
Equestrian club
come from entering Ladies day, buying the
The Equestrian Club held its first charity event
Children In Need socks, holding a Macmillan
in November raising £200 for Teacher Aid. The
Coffee morning and holding a raffle and sell-
charity bingo night took place in JCs on cam-
ing t-shirts for Stand Up To Cancer.
pus and was attended by 40 students. Everyone had a really good time and people won a
Ladies Hockey Ladies Hockey have raised £1654 so far this
The team recently captured their first ever
range of prizes including equestrian stash and
away win against Cardiff Met University, with
a free riding lesson. After this success the club
the score 41-0, with no points conceded.
is looking to run more charity events in the coming months in the hope of raising more
They also beat Cardiff away for the first time
money for such a worthy charity.
SINK RESIDENTS | TOOTERS DJ