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Day: 21 October 2016

Preview: OMG! Girls in Tech

Written by Georgie Hines on . Posted in News, Science & Tech.

Gender imbalance in technology is a worldwide issue, with only 26 per cent of digital industry jobs occupied by women and only 16 per cent in IT. It is thought that by 2040 this gap will only increase, with only 1 per cent of the tech industry being female.

The OMG! Girls in Tech conference is a collaboration between three North West-based companies determined to break the stereotype of women in tech: Clicky Media, an award-winning web design and digital marketing agency, Liverpool Girl Geeks, a group of female-only tech experts, and UKFast, one of the country’s leading web server hosting companies.

The event, ran by an all-female team, has been “designed to discover talent, develop skills and kickstart careers in the digital and tech industries” and “presents a fantastic opportunity to expose young women to the unique and exciting opportunities that the tech industry has to offer.”

The free-to-register conference will be held on the 28th October, running from 9.30am to 5pm, at the UKFast campus in Manchester.

Aside from keynote speeches from Kate Willard of The Stobart Group, and Oliver Yeates and Sam Gadsby of Clicky Media, workshops will be held throughout the day. These include everything from building your own brand, marketing and social media to virtual reality.

Oliver Yeates, CEO of Clicky Media, which is one of the fastest growing media agencies in the North West and is at the forefront of the supporting women in tech, spoke to The Mancunion about the company’s involvement in OMG! Girls in Tech and the fight for equality in the industry.

Clicky Media is unique in its industry, as 50 per cent of its staff are women. Mr Yeates commented that he acknowledges the effect a male-dominated environment can have on a company, noting that this environment can be quite off-putting to women, and that he has found that a gender “imbalance doesn’t make for a very cohesive team”.

He also added that the digital industry is growing faster than most parts of the UK’s economy and “if we increase women’s clarity it would add £2 billion to the tech economy which is another reason people are trying to make a difference.”

Mr Yeates said he hoped the event would be different in that they will not only “spark some imagination” of what women can do by working in technology but by bringing examples of “some distinct paths for women to enter the industry”.

Recognising that is a stigma around this topic, he says: “It is ingrained culturally that boys are better at tech”, and emphasises that we should “be capitalising on [young adult females] who are undecided” in what career they want to pursue.

“Many girls express an interest from a young age and yet, currently, only 7 per cent of girls take computer studies at A level and only 17 per cent of those studying computer science in higher education are women.”

He said: “It is never too late to change if you have a passion for it… [we] hope that the exceptional line-up that we have planned for the OMG! Girls in Tech event will be the catalyst for change.”

Chelsea Slater, speaking for Liverpool Girl Geeks, has said: “It is so important for young girls to recognise all of the opportunities there are in the digital and tech space and this is the perfect arena to do it. As well as getting ‘techy’ with code, we will be raising the girls’ confidence, introducing them to mentors, and showcasing girl geeks from the North to help them thrive within the industry!”

United Player Ratings: Manchester United vs Fenerbahçe

Written by Magnus Henderson on . Posted in Sport.

A much rotated Manchester United side welcomed Fenerbahçe for Thursday night’s Europa League game. With United’s poor performances in the competition so far, fans were not particularly optimistic for an attractive game given Mourinho’s apparently lack of ambition for the competition. Fans were, however, excited to see Robin van Persie grace Old Trafford one last time. The Dutchman was integral in the Reds’ last Premier League title triumph in the 2012/13 season. The two following seasons were spoiled by sporadic flashes of brilliance rather than the consistent class van Persie showed in Sir Alex Ferguson’s last campaign. No matter how poor he was in those final two years, Van Persie will always be cherished for delivering the record 20th domestic league title.

Mourinho gave much deserved rests to Blind, Herrera and Valencia—after their fantastic defensive performances against Liverpool—and rotated the squad to include some of the more fringe players. Rooney started in his old hunting ground, the number 9 position, while Carrick, Mata, Martial and Shaw returned to the first eleven.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

United started slow. Passes were misplaced and the Fenerbahçe players were crowding out the Reds’ forward players easily. It took until the 30th minute for United to threaten the Turkish side, and even that seemed to come against the run of play. A switch seemed to flick and United suddenly opened up their attacking potential; two goals from Pogba and one from Martial in fifteen minutes meant that United went into the break 3-0 up. Lingard finished off the visitors with a fine strike after half time, only for (the one and only) Robin van Persie to grab a consolation goal.

The Dutchman received an immediate standing ovation and was greeted by chants of “Ooh Robin vs Persie” from his goal until he left the pitch. United fans do not forget the service great players give to their club. Even after two transfer requests and three seasons of very poor form, Wayne Rooney’s chant was sung on both occasions that United was awarded a penalty, in the hopes that the skipper would tuck one of them away. He passed on the duty to his French colleagues, but the affection for the Englishman is still prominent with the Old Trafford faithful, despite the media whirlwind engulfing the individual.

 

Player Ratings

De Gea: 7

Despite having a very quiet game, the Spanish number one still managed to pull out two very good saves at the end of both halves. Could have reacted quicker to claim the ball for van Persie’s goal, but that would be a very harsh criticism.

Darmian: 8

A very impressive outing for the Italian who is supposedly out of favour with Mourinho. Completely dominated Fenerbahçe’s left forward, Volkan Sen, to the point that he was substituted in the second half for a lack of effect. Struggled slightly more with the pace and physical presence of Emenike, but marshalled his side of the defence until the final whistle. Has obviously improved on his major weakness from last season (getting forward) and helped initiate plenty of attack down the right side, especially in the first half.

Bailly: 7

Not as stellar a performance as against Liverpool. Misjudged a through ball in the second half but the Turkish side did not capitalise on the Ivorian’s lack of concentration. Could have done more to stop Emenike’s ball from coming into the box for van Persie’ goal, but we can only assume that the young centre back worships the Dutchman as much as the rest of United’s fan base does, so we will let this one slide.

Smalling: 7

Solid and as composed as always. Dealt with van Persie’s physicality easily in the first half and was aerially dominant. Subbed off at half time to preserve his fitness.

Shaw: 7

Not as sharp as Darmian on the other wing. Was caused a few issues by Alper Potuk in the first half but grew into the game and asserted his authority on his flank, especially in the second half. Had freedom to burst forward often after the break but failed to make any real impact on United’s attacking flow. Probably has not done enough just yet to warrant a first team place over Daley Blind.

Carrick: 7

A very stereotypical ‘Michael Carrick’ performance. Steady Eddy in possession and fairly sound defensively. Allowed Pogba to roam forward at will, which decided the outcome of the match in the end. Played a fantastically accurate long ball to Mata for the first penalty. Controlled the game with ease, but was not put under much pressure from Fenerbahçe’s ‘hands off’ approach when it came to pressing.

Pogba: 9

The star man on the pitch. A very firm, but composed, penalty in the first half opened up the scoring. His second was probably United’s best goal of the season so far; teed up by Lingard on the edge of the area, Pogba strode up to the ball and forcefully side-footed a curling shot into the top corner. Not only were his goals impressive, but his all-round display of dominance in the midfield gave United the upper hand on the night.

Lingard: 8

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Another very effective game from the ever criticised youngster. After his call up to England, housemates of mine were moaning at the lack of quality in the national side if Lingard is to be considered an option. Overlooked and unappreciated Lingard worked tirelessly against Fenerbahçe and his constant swapping with Martial and Mata caused the Turkish side all kinds of problems. Very smartly laid the ball off for Pogba’s thunderbolt and produced a fantastic strike of his own in the second half to clinch all three points.

Mata: 8

Won one penalty with a brilliant touch, set up a second with a brilliant pass. Mata’s fine form under Mourinho continues as the Spaniard had another quietly effective night, pulling the strings of United’s attacking quartet.

Martial: 7

Struggled to have the impact which you might have expected from the Frenchman last season. Definitely not as effective as last year in his one-on-one dribbles, which was his most impressive asset. Still, Martial made a very good run for the second penalty and tucked away the spot-kick with confidence. Improving slowly, but surely, and will be knocking on the first team door regularly in the not too distant future.

Rooney: 7

Probably Rooney’s most complete performance all season. Did not lose the ball as often as he has done in previous weeks and did not considerably hinder United’s attacking tempo. Played a smart pass to Lingard for the Red’s fourth goal but fluffed a few good opportunities to shoot himself. Seems to be lacking in confidence to take shots and penalties, which is understandable.

 

Subs

Rojo: 5

Came on for Smalling at half time and cleared up reasonably well. His introduction correlated with Fenerbahçe looking more dangerous in the second half. Could have done better to track van Persie’s run for his goal.

Memphis: 6

Replaced Lingard for the final half an hour and looked more confident at taking on his man than he has done previously this season. Created a good chance for Martial in the final moments of the game and jinked his way past the centre back only for his touch to find the keeper before he could make the killer pass to Rooney.

Fosu-Mensah: 7

Came on in a midfield cameo for Paul Pogba and looked completely at home. Wrestled the ball off opponents with ease and his pace and stamina showed that he could be an effective midfielder in a three (box-to-box role).

Simon Rogan leaves The French and head chef Adam Reid steps in

Written by Miriam Mizzi on . Posted in News.

This week, I found myself scrolling through Manchester Evening News, and was shocked to see that Simon Rogan had left The French, three years into his five-year contract. Various sources have linked Simon’s decision to leave, to the failure to reach a Michelin star at the restaurant located in the Midland Hotel. However, Simon simply stated: “It’s now time to concentrate our efforts on developing and growing our businesses in Cartmel with L’Enclume and Rogan & Co. as well as ensuring that Fera at Claridge’s continues to be operated to our high standards”.

I spoke to head chef Adam Reid on what he envisages the future of The French to be like, and what he plans to do now his name will be on the door.

 

Hi Adam, how do you feel about being asked to take charge now Simon Rogan has left The French?

‘It’s an honour for me, it’s something every chef works towards in their career, to get their name above the door and cook their own style of food. It’s really exciting’.

 

What can we expect from the new menu? Have you got any big changes planned?

‘I’m developing, at the moment, the menu we are going to implement in November, which is going to be focused around my influences and my style and what I like in terms of taste. I’m a good Northern lad, so there will be nice hearty flavours which are quality driven, with refinement that will fit into a restaurant like The French.’

 

What advice would you give to somebody looking to enter the food industry? How did you start?

‘Well, I didn’t go to University’ [he laughs] ‘But I’ve been reading about Phil Howard and how he actually did a degree in Micro-Biology and decided to move on and become a chef. He’s now held two Michelin stars for 17 years. I think the main thing you have to remember, like everything in life, is that it’s hard work. It’s more of a passion than a job, you need to realise it will take more out of you than your 8-hours-a-day sometimes.’

 

How do you deal with the stressful situations you must come under?

‘I’ve basically lived in kitchens all my life, so it’s normal, it comes naturally. But, once you step up as I am now, you get pressures you’re not used to. It depends how you are as a person and being able to put things into context, and make the right decisions.’

 

What is your personal focus with The French? Are you looking to gain a Michelin Star or is your focus elsewhere?

‘It’s not a competition where you put your name in a hat and you have to perform better than everyone else. At the end of the day, you open a restaurant to reflect what you’re about and what you want to achieve. What we want to achieve is a great environment, serving amazing food, with brilliant service. We want our customers to leave fulfilled, that’s our main focus, and maybe in the long term we can get the accolade.’

 

In the long term are you planning on staying in the North West? You represented the North West in the Great British Menu finals, have you ever thought about going elsewhere, or are you here to stay?

‘I lived in Manchester for a few years when I started working as a chef. I moved away to peruse my career, so I’ve been away. I came back to Manchester to help re-open The French and the opportunity has now come to do this, and I don’t see myself doing anything else at the time being. Things like this are a project and I’ll be looking to do this for the next few years and see where we can take it.’

 

Is there anything else you’d like to talk to us about?

‘Again, the style that we’re going for, we are a city centre restaurant, we want to focus on a good feel of what Manchester and the North Wests about really, I’m a Manchester lad. Some good hearty, tasty food going on, with an element of refinement. We want a restaurant about customers, not just what the chef wants to put on the plate. It’s a good opportunity to tie in with the local community.’

 

Adam Reid takes full control of The French in November and I, for one, can’t wait to see his vision come to life.

 

 

A Response: We are not sorry for protesting against the Tories

Written by Mancunion on . Posted in Opinion.

Last week, The Mancunion published an opinion piece by freedom of speech advocate Elrica Degirmen, where she attacked the student left’s “double standards” over freedom of speech. The article centred on a placard made by Freya, bearing the slogan, “the only cuts we need are Tories on the guillotine,” along with the cardboard Thatcher head that people may remember was stolen from the University of Manchester Tories during the Welcome Fair.

Firstly, we wish to correct an inaccuracy. Contrary to what the article claims, Freya is not an University of Manchester student—a fact made clear in a number of news articles following the incident. Therefore, no relation may be drawn between her and the SU’s safe space policy. So much for the ‘regressive’ left—at least we do our research.

Secondly, we wish to take issue with the statement, “I would wonder how people of her political views would react if those on the right called for those on the left to be executed. I presume that they would not be all too happy about it.” In case anyone does not remember, back in November 2011, then-Top Gear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, called on national TV for 2.6 million striking public sector workers to be “executed in front of their families.”

When people on the left complained that joking about trade unionists being slaughtered on a scale that would rival Nazi Germany was rather bad taste, we were told it was a just a joke and to get over it.

The idea that it is only the left that makes statements like this is frankly ridiculous. Furthermore, there is a marked difference between someone with a national profile saying something on national TV and an 18-year-old taking a placard for a demonstration.

It is also frankly ridiculous for the right to claim that they are somehow the chief defenders of freedom of speech. It was the Tories who made the Prevent strategy—which, amongst other things, threatens the freedom of speech of thousands of Muslims in the British education system—a legal duty. It was Margaret Thatcher who told General Pinochet, a man guilty of mass execution of political opponents, that he had done excellent work in bringing democracy to Chile. That is just one example of the political and material support that Tory Prime Ministers have given to a whole variety of dictators and despots.

It is the right who frequently attempt to silence supporters of the Palestinians by smearing the entire Palestine movement as anti-Semitic. Only this week, the Home Affairs Select Committee published a report into anti-Semitism, which, despite finding that the far right are responsible for 75 per cent of Anti-Semitic incidents, devoted most of its content to attacking Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and NUS President Malia Bouattia, despite both being principled anti-racists.

We would also like to address the argument that goes something like this: “Why are the left so intolerant of Tories when they’re supposedly so into diversity.” We are not entirely sure why those on the right do not understand that there is an important difference between someone attacking you based on issues of identity, such as gender, race, or sexuality, and attacking you for political opinions. A person’s identity  has absolutely no impact on anyone else’s life. Slashing welfare to the disabled, dismantling the NHS, and leaving refugees to drown in the Mediterranean does.

Now, to address the issue of the decapitation itself. We cannot help feeling that people are getting unnecessarily worked up over this. In reaction to the decapitation, a number of people commented online some absolutely ridiculous things. For example, some people—who have clearly never heard of the 1930s, the National Front, or Anders Brevik—decided that Lauren and Freya were “fascists”. But perhaps we reached peak absurdity after the news broke earlier this week that vandalism had been committed against two students running to be the BME officer, as well as other BME candidates. Online, someone wrote, “When Thatcher’s head is decapitated and property is destroyed at the Fresher’s Fair, there’s no outcry but when it’s Labour Students, the SU suddenly care.”

Is the beheading of a cardboard cut-out of the voted-“worst PM in the last 100 years” seriously being compared to racist abuse?

Lastly, on the point about destruction of private property. We understand that this did make a number of Tories rather upset. But when we compare it to the destruction of communities across North and South Wales, the dismantling of the Welfare State, and the whipping-up of toxic racism (that this week saw sections of the national press demanding child refugees have their teeth tested to prove their age) we have to say that we are not sorry.