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Year: 2018

Photo: Albert Herring @ Wikicommons

Accelerated degrees could see students save on tuition fees

Written by Shivani Kaura on . Posted in News.

Students in England could soon choose to undertake  an “accelerated” two-year degree course in the future, with a 20% yearly increase in tuition fees.

The shorter course, condensing three-year degrees with 30 weeks of teaching into two-years and 45 weeks of teaching will be subject to parliamentary approval in the next coming months.

Although the current annual tuition fee stands at £9,250, the cost of the “accelerated” programme will cost around £11,000 per year, almost a fifth less than the long-term course.

The government has argued that this will “encourage more flexible ways of studying”, giving more mature students the opportunity to undertake a degree.

In an attempt to reduce the number of mental health-related problems amongst students, it has also been suggested that this more cost-effective route for higher education will allow students to worry less about their finances. Recent research has shown that 31 percent of students in the North West are concerned about money whilst studying at university.

However, some can argue that the more time-limited and intensive course can spur mental health problems, as students will be given fewer holidays and shorter deadlines.

Universities Minister, Sam Gyimah said: “Accelerated degrees not only make it possible for the next generation of students to access higher education and the undeniable financial, academic and personal benefits it has to offer but drives the sector to offer dynamic choices that serve students’ needs.

“Providers will be able to tap into a new market of students, particularly mature students and those who commute, who were previously locked out of higher education.

“This provision creates a new arena of competition that delivers for students, taxpayers, and employers.”

Despite the proposals for the scheme sounding positive, concerns have risen about problems related to extending staff contracts and the interference of research projects.

Chief executive of the Russell Group, which includes the University of Manchester, Dr. Tim Bradshaw said: “Greater choice for students is always good but I would caution ministers against ‘overpromising’.”

Following the Accelerated Degrees Government consultation in February, Dr. Bradshaw added: “The Government’s own projection for the likely take-up of these degrees is modest and we actually hear many students calling for four-year degrees, for example, to spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad.

“I wouldn’t want disadvantaged students to rule out a traditional three-year course because they didn’t believe they could afford it. Upfront support with living costs is available and graduates repay their student loans based on their earnings.

“Doing a more compressed degree also reduces the opportunity for part-time work, potentially increasing short-term financial pressure.

“Instead of gimmicks which risk undermining the international reputation of our higher education sector, the Government should focus on fixing the underlying problems with our current student finance system, which piles debts on students.”

This new plan promises to leave students up to £25,000 better off, although the quality and standard of the degree, backed by education heads, is still questionable compared to the three-year course.

The University of Manchester have declined to comment on the future of short-courses at UoM.

Photo: Sam Whitehouse

Review: ‘One Minute’

Written by Patience Kanjira on . Posted in Theatre.

‘One Minute’ was the tragic story of a chaotic world in which Daisy, played by Jojo Rogers, has gone missing and the tumultuous consequences that then follow as we see how the people involved in her search have been thoroughly changed by the event.

Co-directors Kat Humphrey and Florence Dixon did an amazing job in building the relationship between Daisy and her mother Anne (Georgia Brown) by choreographing a moving motif between the two characters for the audience to see as we came in to take our seats. The movements showed fluidity and grace. The embraces between the two characters, coupled with the piano ballad played throughout the play, was heart-warming and even sad considering the context of the play.

A huge congratulations to the success of the show has to go to Sam Whitehouse, the designer of the production. The use of the projection counting the days Daisy was missing, kept reminding the audience of the aching theme of the play. There was a beautiful image created on stage to highlight the change of season to Autumn, where leaves were poured on Daisy as she stood centre stage.

Grainne Flynn shone in her role as Mary-Louise, effectively showcasing her skills in creating a believably disturbed and anxious woman. Mary-Louise was clearly obsessed with the tragedy of a young girl and her inability to move past it perhaps due to her own tragic past. Mary-Louise’s relationship with Catherine played by Rosie Randall highlighted the necessity for support and friendship through difficult times.

Another notable relationship was between Gary (Kenan Vurgun) and Robert (Asan Iqbal). They were two members of law enforcement trying to save Daisy and then deal with her death, but they both fail to see themselves coming undone. Both performers effectively showed the emotional strain felt by law enforcement during tragic cases. It was to the actors’ and directors’ credit that they highlighted the humanity we often lose sight of regarding for those in law enforcement.

The anguish and pain shown by Georgia Brown, as her character Anne was told the news that the police were going to stop the full investigation into her daughter’s death, was heartbreaking portrayal of a mother’s grief. An honourable mention to Jojo Rogers, who may not have had a speaking role as Daisy but perfectly displayed all the emotions of fear and sadness through her facial expressions and body language.

Overall, One Minute was a good performance which highlighted a current and saddening issue.

macfest Photo: Wikimedia commons

MACFEST: The Art, Culture, and Science of Islamic Civilisations

Written by saoirseakhtarfarren on . Posted in Arts.

In solidarity against the Manchester Arena bombings, scholars within the Islamic community have come together to retrace the trajectory of Islamic heritage by educating people on the rich, diverse culture of Islam.

Art, Culture & Science of Islamic Civilizations was a talk carried out by an expert scholarly panel, outlining key Islamic individuals that enabled the development of society as we know it.

The panel, intentionally or not, would describe ‘Islam’ as the reason for development in disciplines such as astrology and science, with Dr. Ibrahim asking the audience, “do we have a bad heritage or a good one?”

This highlighted in my mind that the term ‘Islam’ has come to define a group of people rather than a faith practiced by individuals. By revising and teaching the forgotten history of Islam, as central proponents of global social development, it also highlighted the conflict that Muslims face in fighting a daily battle against negative stereotypes of their faith.

Indeed, living in a context where Islam is often associated within a negative framework, it felt refreshing to gain knowledge of such a plentiful history, which, I’d argue, most people are unaware of.

The hour and a half talk felt lecture-like, frequently communicating with the audience in an informal fashion; and assisted by a British Sign Language translator to the left of the stage.

Dr. Ibrahim opened with the pivotal role the Muslim world played in the Silk Route as makers and traders of silk to the Western world. With a fond admiration of eleventh century thinkers, Dr. Ibrahim also explored the diversity in scientists and astrologists, such as Al-Biruni, who through detailed writings and drawings, was the first man to discover what created a solar eclipse.

Dr. Zohor Idrisi began her journey in Morocco tracing the influence Muslims had in agriculture and astronomy as pioneers of crop cultivation in rice, sugar cane, and citrus fruits (to name a few). As the Middle East were central traders globally, Idrisi’s concluding line remarked the irony of the American citrus industry as the largest and wealthiest in the world.

Aiming to ‘spread honey, not hate‘, Amir Arshad, the event organizer was also thrilled by the diversity in Islamic cultures showcased at MACFEST. Along the inside of the venue, vibrant tables displaying goods from Bosnian, Pakistani, North African and Syrian cultures, oozed a unique character and identity, whilst all sharing a strong Islamic heritage.

As informative as the panel was, I was unsure whether the venue was suitable for such a talk. The vibrancy of the tables felt to deter the audience’s attention away from the panelists. It was a struggle, at times, to get complete silence in the room which was unfortunate.

While the manpower behind MACFEST is undoubtedly strong, I wonder whether the festival can really serve its purpose in a venue that is used largely for Islamic functions. As a talk that came from professors, I’d like to see this showcased in a university setting to attract a diverse range of individuals to become informed on wider Islamic history and culture, which subsequently influences endless disciplines.

Dr. Salim Ayduz’s closed the talk with a quote from Prince Charles, who remarked “the debt our own culture and civilisation owe to the Islamic world“. Indeed, all individuals would benefit from such a talk in order to deepen an understanding of today’s civilisation that is owed, in many ways, to Islamic culture.

Rom-Com Photo: Nicholas R. Andrew @ Flickr

Is it time to move on from the rom-com?

Written by sophiemarriott on . Posted in Opinion.

There is a particular mood which creeps up at the end of a day spent bouncing between lectures, the library and the Morrisons meal deal queue. It seems to require that you do nothing with any of your limbs or brain. It’s at the end of these kind of days that we get the messages asking for a movie night, to watch something light and fluffy. Yet quite often ‘light and fluffy’ actually has a pretty problematic set of values; making the relaxing night in a little bit less wholesome.

Easy access to light entertainment is one of the joys of the modern world, way up there with air travel and central heating. However at times it seems we’ve become too reliant on so-called ‘easy-watching’ and we are unable to demand the same standards of morality that we would for something deemed more intellectual.

At the risk of sounding like a kill-joy, or perhaps in full intention of it, when I am asked if I want to stick on a rom-com, I’m filled with dread. This is not because cynically I don’t care to watch other people find happiness, although perhaps this factors in slightly. For the main part, however, it’s because so many of our most-loved love stories make me squirm where they should be melting my heart.

The slim, beautiful, polished women has deep-rooted complexes that are somehow immediately solved by the foppish but charming, almost always white and wealthy, Prince Charming. A figure who will strut his way into her life, invariably mess everything up somehow, but be forgiven for it because love overcomes.

Hetero-normative love overcomes the fact that the love story started with Richard Gear picking up a prostitute in Pretty Woman. It subsequently ends with this lucky lady being rescued from her life of sin and whisked away to a far comfier [sic. wealthier] existence where she can have all the pretty clothes she wants.

Stereotypes of ideal women are ‘challenged’ with less than perfect female leads like the bumbling Bridget Jones or the sharp and cold Margaret Tate in The Proposal. Yet neither women get to exist in any storyline other than the one which shows how far they deviate from the ideal. Bridget Jones’ story is a back-to-back caricature of why she is so completely unsuitable. Thankfully, however, she gets the man and then it doesn’t matter anymore. People will no longer judge her, because somebody loves her.

There is a Hollywood toothpaste tube which has narrowed the values which cinema can propagate. There is no reason why films and TV which are designed to tailor our more vegetative states cannot extol positive gender and race relationships.

Even on the days when you want something which has absolutely nothing to do with your degree programme, it should be possible to find something to satisfy a craving for light entertainment which doesn’t stroke a global implicit bias towards gender stereotypes in relationships.

Photo: Martin Parr

In conversation with Martin Parr

Written by Theo Bennett on . Posted in Arts.

Martin Parr’s new exhibition at Manchester Art Gallery is titled Return to Manchester, and a return it certainly is, as it’s the city in which he produced his first work as a photographer in the early 1970s.

Born and raised in Surrey, Martin moved to Manchester for university in 1970. Of course, it’s a move that I’m sure most of the readers of this article will have experienced themselves. “It felt raw and exciting… I thrived on it,” he recalls fondly.

It’s charming to see the way Martin embraced the city, which shines through in his early work which is on display as part of the exhibition, and also the way the city embraced Martin, as clearly evidenced by the warmth of his welcome back here at the gallery. Without a doubt, the mutual affection between Martin and Manchester remains.

By putting a collection of pictures taken of Manchester in the 1970s and ‘80s side by side with a collection taken in 2018, this exhibition highlights simultaneously the changes and the continuity across these periods.

Given the perspective he has, I was interested in finding out what Martin felt the most significant changes had been over the past fifty years. “Two of the main things I photographed for this exhibition didn’t exist before: Salford’s MediaCity and the Northern Quarter.” And have the people changed? Yes and no, according to Martin. “Since the gentrification, there are more people like those you see elsewhere in the country, like in London and Bristol,” he says. But in the predominantly working-class towns surrounding Manchester there are still many people Martin would consider “more classically Mancunian”.

Martin’s response to this question hints at something I’d been itching to ask him, considering his decades of experience exploring the British and their culture. Deep divisions within British society have become impossible to ignore – is art like Martin’s capable of bridging these divisions? “Probably not,” he answers frankly and honestly. I’m interested by this response. It’s a testament to Martin’s view of his art, not as a force of change, but simply as a document of it.

I ask him about the Brexit vote. “It heightened the ambiguity,” he says. “It’s an expression of contradiction.” At first, I’m not quite sure what he means by this, but as he elaborates I see that Martin sees contradiction and difference as essentially one and the same. Good and bad, old and new, familiar and foreign, these ideas exist in the same place at the same time but mean entirely different things to different people. Perhaps ‘contradiction’ is the best way of putting it.

As the conversation draws to a close, I pose the final question I was interested in hearing Martin’s take on. Since the arrival of smartphones, everyone’s become a photographer. Has this had an impact on the art form of photography? “I welcome it,” he answers without a moment’s hesitation. “Photography is the ultimate democratic art form, and now there’s more people interested in it than ever before. I think Instagram is a great platform.” I shouldn’t be surprised at Martin’s willingness to keep up with the times. It’s this that has allowed him to maintain the ability to capture so brilliantly people and places at a particular moment without losing his touch over the years.

I leave the gallery with the feeling that I’ve gained a little bit of an insight into the mind of someone with an exceptional knack for showing us the fascinating way in which he sees the world. It was a pleasure.

animation Photo: Tama66@Pixabay

Manchester Animation Festival: Ce Magnifique Gâteau!

Written by Josh Sandy on . Posted in Film.

Following on from the popularity of their previous short film, Oh Willy…, Emma De Swaef and Marc James Roels return to the Manchester Animation Festival. This time with the similarly bizarre but thoroughly enjoyable Ce Magnifique Gâteau! (This Magnificent Cake!).

Comprised of five slightly interconnected stories, the film explores the European colonisation of Africa in the late 19th century. It is shown through the eyes of a variety of misfortune-laden characters, including a troubled king, an indigenous pygmy working in a luxury hotel, a failed businessman, a lost porter and an army deserter. Of course with this subject matter comes scenes which force reflection on what is a shameful part of European history. In particular one scene stands out as a shocking demonstration of ignorance behaviour by the colonisers towards the indigenous people.

However, peppered throughout the often fairly bleak film, there are a surprising number of humorous moments. They range from the truly childish to the so-shocking-you-have-to-laugh which helps to lighten the film.

One of the film’s most stand-out aspects is its animation style which, similarly to Oh Willy…, is stop-motion featuring handmade needle-felt puppets as the characters. The puppets themselves are incredibly detailed and bring with them an odd kind of inherent sympathy which, given some of their actions, creates an interesting juxtaposition between the innocent looking and the unimaginably cruel. In addition to the puppets, the sets are equally beautifully designed with co-director Marc James Roels confirming in a post-screening Q&A that no CGI was involved, making it clear how the film took over 6 years to make.

In terms of overall plot, despite the fact it’s been a few days since watching, it is still very difficult to make any kind of sense of the events that unfolded during the film’s frankly very modest 45-minute run time. Even the post-screening Q&A shed no further light on this aspect of the film, with Roels responding to a particularly facetious question about the film’s meaning by simply stating “it means whatever you want it to”. At first this answer may perhaps seem like a cop out. However, in a world of superhero films with the same exhausted narrative and middle-of-the-road comedies following a tired formula, it was wonderfully refreshing to be able to disengage and just focus on the sheer insanity a film and get totally lost inside De Swarf and Roel’s dream-like world.

In addition to the film’s peculiar visuals, the soundtrack, largely classical music, forms a crucial part of its appeal. It bridges the gap between the seemingly normal characters and their surreal surroundings.

Overall, Ce Magnifique Gâteau! was a true highlight of this year’s festival line-up. It’s certainly worth a watch for anyone looking for a truly unique piece of storytelling about a subject that’s an often forgotten part of European history.

Rating: 4/5

Photo: Rachel Rackowe Cork

Life drawing at Studio Bee – a perfect midweek activity

Written by rachelrc on . Posted in Arts.

Have you ever been interested in drawing? Have you ever thought about doing an art class but are too nervous or do not feel quite “good enough?” Well, the life drawing class at Studio Bee in Manchester’s Northern Quarter provides a warm welcome and a positive atmosphere, which allows everyone to feel comfortable drawing.

Whether you are experienced or not, this life drawing class is a fantastic opportunity to practice your skills, meet people, and have a lovely glass of wine.

You may be thinking “life drawing? Isn’t that when you draw a naked person?” You are correct. Life drawing is graphic and it is what you are most likely expecting and imagining in your head, but surprisingly it isn’t an awkward experience.  The model was absolutely fantastic and well experienced. I will admit that I was a little shocked when I first saw the naked model – but of course, I wasn’t expecting anything else so I just cracked on with it!

On arrival, I did have a few issues finding the class because it is down a dark alleyway (in a suitably bohemian fashion) and isn’t the most visible place. However, once I discovered the studio, the welcome was warm. What’s great about this class is that you are provided with all the artistic materials needed — ensuring that anyone can participate.

Attendance at the bi-weekly classes is high, so it was a little bit crowded, but everyone had enough room to draw. We started drawing a few short poses to warm up, followed by five-minute poses and finally 15 minutes.

After an hour of drawing, with music on in the background, there was a 20-minute break which included lots of wine and snacks that are all included in the price. The break provided the opportunity to relax, walk around the space, and admire each other’s work.

After the break, the drawing continued until half 9, which was followed by even more wine and a cheese board — how civilised! If you wish to receive some feedback, you can have your work critiqued by the talented class leaders.

However, the fun doesn’t end there — at the end of the night, there is the possibility to go and have a pint at the bar underneath the art class. Everyone gets 20% discount on drinks if they are part of the art class, providing more opportunities to socialise.

Overall, whether you’re a budding artist or not quite the Picasso, I would recommend this class! Attendees are a mix of students, young adults and older people, all brought together by the opportunity to improve their drawing skills, have a glass of wine (or three!), and enjoy themselves. For 10 pounds (or 8 pounds if you’re a student) I think this art class is really worth it!

volunteering Photo: Greater Manchester Nightline

Unpaid on purpose: volunteering

Written by Ellie Martin on . Posted in Societies.

Students today have a lot of pulls on their time. After taking into account lectures and hours of study, a CV without years of experience in the desired field feels almost like a waste of time. The unpaid internship has a tighter grip around our time than we want it to, with paid experience similar to a golden snitch; difficult to find and nigh impossible to actually get considering the amount of applicants. Productivity culture would have us chalk up every hour of the day as contributing towards a certain goal, and after a while this can be very overwhelming. Having the mentality, whether consciously adopted or sub consciously absorbed, that every second needs to add value to our lives is fatiguing.

With such strains on each precious minute of our time, sometimes it feels good to just give it to somebody else. A shocking statement in this climate of productivity, but making every second count for a goal big or small is exhausting, and the relief, I would advise, is simply giving away a couple of your hours to someone else. Sticking it to those productivity gurus and allowing some of your time be completely unproductive (in terms of yourself and your personal goals) and using it to add value to somebody else’s life.

I don’t enjoy reading articles stating the benefits of volunteering for the volunteer, as I feel that they miss the point somewhat. I do not deny that those personal benefits are real, and can be advantageous towards your career, however giving your time to volunteering purely for those sweet CV points misses the value in volunteering solely for the good of the other person. Doing good for someone else’s benefit in a proper and helpful setting is simple and good, and adding a productivity mindset into the mixture takes away that simplicity. Life as a student is complex enough, and with constant demand on our time an energies, take a break by giving away your time, and do it freely, without expectation of reward or personal benefit. With that in mind, here are three organisations in and around campus that are open to volunteers.

Nightline is a well-known organisation on campus. It’s a student listening service which is open at night and run by students, for students. Every night of term, trained student volunteers answer calls, emails, instant messages, texts and talk in person to their fellow university students about anything that’s troubling them. 

The interesting thing about Nightline, and what makes it accessible for volunteers, is that it is a listening service. Volunteers do not offer advice but support, and allow the caller to come to their own decision. A listening ear is what you’ll be providing, not guidance. Whilst the first Nightline was set up to reduce student suicides, Nightlines today receive calls from students troubled by a variety of issues: from academic stress, bullying, or debt to loneliness, depression, or bereavement; from arguments with flatmates or worries about a friend to addictions, eating disorders, or self-harm; from relationship or family problems to sexuality, sexual abuse, or abortion. Nothing is too big or small to contact Nightline about – whatever’s troubling a caller, Nightline is there to listen.

Mind is a Manchester-based charity that focus on improving access to mental health services.  It has a particular program named YASP that is designed for young people aged 15-25, and that also has a focus on homelessness in young people in the Manchester area.  They provide volunteering opportunities for those in the same age group, perfect for students. What is particularly interesting is its YASP Internet Cafe which provides a chilled space for young people to use. It’s open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am-4pm. You can volunteer your talents in the kitchen making food and treats, or as a mentor. It helpfully is located on Stockport Road with a bus stop just outside, so very accessible to all.  

The Gaskell Garden Project is based in Manchester, and started out in 2014 as a growing group of friends. This included refugees and asylum seekers as well as UK citizens, who gardened together in the tradition of permaculture, sold surplus produce, and used the money raised to further the welfare of our refugee & asylum seeker friends. They do incredibly important work in their community, providing a place for people to come together to grow food, cook together and share meals and experiences. Having volunteered here myself I can really vouch for the value of this organisation. What I love about the project is that there is a strong focus on friendship; those who come to the project are seen as friends, not service users. The project has expanded to running their own festivals, workshops and events. They also provide vital access to those in need by fixing and providing bikes. A whole world of opportunity opens up when transport is available without a financial burden, which is what makes this element so valuable.

You can register your interest with these organisations by visiting their respective websites and filling in the online forms.

Photo: Manchester Sikh Society

Get involved: Langar on Campus

Written by jaspreetkaur on . Posted in Societies.

The Manchester Sikh Society is excited to welcome Mancunians to our annual Langar on Campus on the 3rd of December 2018 from 10am-4pm in Manchester Academy.

Langar is an institution unique to the Sikh faith. Forming the core of Sikh practice, Langar was a revolutionary concept developed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first spiritual leader of the Sikhs during the latter portion of the 15th century. Langar, or the ‘free kitchen’, was created amidst the incredible sectarian, caste, race, and religious discrimination found in the 15th century.

The practice of Langar was incredibly revolutionary in that it epitomised and put into practice the Sikh concept of absolute equality amongst all of humanity. It is for this reason that all participants sit together on the same level and partake in the same meal of vegetarian Punjabi cuisine. Therefore, everybody experiences equality in actual practice because kings, paupers, high and low castes, and all humanity are sitting at the same level regardless of race, caste, class, or creed. What is even better still is that Langar is run entirely by volunteers, and the meals are free to all those who need them as well as being found in every Gurdwara across the world.

It is with this concept in mind that the Manchester Sikh Society is bringing Langar to the University of Manchester campus. In addition to bringing awareness to the world’s fifth largest religion, Sikhism, free hot and delicious food will be distributed on campus to promote unity, love, and compassion. Everyone is welcome, regardless of their religion, caste, gender, economic status or ethnicity. The aim of the event is to bring people together despite their differences, and what better way to do that than with a shared meal? So, we hope to see you in Manchester Academy on Monday, the 3rd of December!

If you want to get involved with the Sikh Society, either have a look at their Facebook page or drop them an email at [email protected].

This article has been collectively written by the Sikh Society.

Photo: Luke Prince @ Flickr

Most are willing to change their consumption habits to tackle climate change

Written by Krishan Jethwa on . Posted in Science & Tech, News.

Last month, hundreds of scientists issued a warning about climate change. To keep to the target of only a 1.5C increase in global temperatures requires “rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society.” This call for global change seemed to fall on the deaf ears of governments and politicians, too concerned with other matters of national importance.

Despite this, recent research from the University of Manchester shows the public are willing to change their consumption habits for environmental reasons, showing an encouraging result for collective willingness to combat climate change.

They spoke to a wide range of people, exploring options like sustainable packaging, sharing tools, leasing products like washing machines, and replacing electronic devices less often. The consensus was that people supported a shift towards resource efficiency.

The reaction to the supermarket chain Iceland’s controversial Christmas advert underlines how eager the public is to change their shopping habits to benefit the environment. Many people on social media were surprised by the damaging effects of palm oil to habitat conservation and biodiversity, and many shoppers looked to remove it from their baskets.

Palm oil is derived from tropical oil palm trees. Its mass production has led to deforestation and the loss of animal habitats. The more shocking statistic is that nearly 50% of the products we use daily contain palm oil, making it so commonplace in western homes.

Companies have started to feel this growing pressure from the public to make more sustainable options available to them. This seems to have paid off, with E.ON being one of the first large electricity companies to offer a completely renewable energy tariff named ‘Clean Energy.‘ Many coffee shops also have started to encourage the use of reusable coffee cups in a bid to reduce waste.

How much small changes to our consumption habits can make is debatable. With climate change being one of the largest problems facing mankind, bringing your reusable coffee cup to university will simply not be enough.

Projections show that the UK will exceed the carbon reduction targets it has promised to keep as part of the Paris Agreement. More widespread changes need to be forced through by government laws and stricter industry regulation to get us back on track.

Currently, most government policies are centred around environment focus on vehicles and energy consumption. This is particularly because energy production and transportation make up 25% and 14% of greenhouse gas emissions respectively. They are also the easiest to reduce by imposing government regulations.

The primary problem is that regulations which significantly reduce carbon emissions are argued to inhibit economic growth. Regulation on industry emissions and inhibiting emissions from a single company may influence its potential revenues.

In the US, Trump’s denial of climate change means oil industries in the US may have the opportunity to drill in the areas of the Arctic and Atlantic that the previous administration banned. The lifting of these bans could lead to a boom in the American energy industry. If so, it could potentially make other counties less likely to stick to their energy commitments to remain relatively competitive.

Meanwhile, European governments still show signs to honouring their Paris Agreement pledges. They have even become slightly more productive in the past few years. The UK has gone so far to pledge that half of the new car sales will be hybrid or electric by 2030.

Optimists hope these regulations, along with the increase of more conscious spending by consumers, can change global consumption patterns. But whether this will be enough to stop us from causing irreparable damage to the atmosphere remains to be seen.

Photo: Isaiah Hull

Interview: Isaiah Hull

Written by Sade Omeje on . Posted in Books.

The first time I saw Isaiah Hull, I was sat alone in the audience at Contact theatre, thinking about my uncle. My uncle was a great poet, and as I’d later find out, a source of inspiration for Isaiah too. It was the first solo spoken word event I’d been to and the poetry was moving, the performances raw. From that day, two, maybe three, years ago, I’d see Isaiah often. From small spoken words events in the basement of Solomons café, Withington, to more recent shows in Chorlton’s Morley Cheeks on a Tuesday night. Now, though, Isaiah is doing much more than the odd local show here and there.

Now he performs far and wide, from Ted talks, to the BBC to opening for Skepta. He often travels down to London to recite his poems, to bask in the brilliance of the capital’s many wordsmiths. When we met, in Manchester, we talked about how fast everything moves in London, how quickly you can get swept up with the masses. He shook his head and laughed. “Aw, London man. London is like Manchester on steroids, like Manchester times two.”

I had a copy of one of my uncle’s collections of poetry with me when Isaiah arrived, shuffling in from the darkness outside, straightening up in the warm glow of Grindsmith coffee shop. He was wearing a long black overcoat and ordered a hot chocolate. We sat in the corner, settled into low-built sofas. The waitress brought him a cappuccino.

If you ever meet Isaiah, you’ll notice the way his creativity consumes him. The way it overflows, in his speech, his gestures, his movements. Spilling over the way his cappuccino continually spilt and splashed onto his long black coat – he hardly even noticed. “When I’m not being creative, I’m lost.” He said with a shrug, his eyes focused ahead, before telling me about his most recent film project.

“Well, I’ve got this DSLR camera and every weekend I wanna film stuff. Shoot things as they happen, like visual images, natural filming and stuff.” I ask him what he means by natural filming and he goes into some detail about a group of squirrels in Alexandra Park, the way they move and the things they do; there is a poetry to his words even when he is just chatting.

This year he published his first collection of poetry, Nosebleeds. The poems are intense and, at times, uncomfortable; they are volatile yet calculated, stunning and transportive. They are synonymous with Isaiah. He handed me a copy of Nosebleeds to keep and I scanned through the poems with awe, fascinated by the explicit artwork throughout the collection.

We decided to swap books. I handed him my copy of my uncle’s collection and he hunched over it, inhaling the words like smoke. Smoking being something he hopes to give up in 2019. He muttered the titles of the poems, smiling. I asked him how he feels about poetry now, now that he’s moved on to film-making, as well as releasing a musical EP this July, as a prelude to Nosebleeds.

It’s as if he’s trying to master as much as he can, I said. He rocked back and forth, laughing, baring his teeth. “That’s exactly what I’m trying to do!” We both laugh. “But nah really, not that I’ve mastered poetry, but like, I don’t really read poetry anymore – at all.” The seriousness in his tone turns his body toward me as he says it, something he does often. “Poetry is like a separate muscle to me.” It’s something he can exercise whenever he wants, but clearly something that is flesh and bone to him, tangible.

Our drinks had gone cold but the sofa stayed warm, the conversation spilling over a little longer than I thought it would. We left Grindsmith as they started to lock up for the night, both of us turning left toward HOME, where Isaiah used to work as an usher. We talk as we walk, sharing stories about pets and siblings before he turns right under the archway, his silhouette highlighted by the fairy-lights scattered in the trees. I carried on towards my bus stop, eager to read the rest of Nosebleeds on my journey home.

Photo: The Mancunion.

The women who shaped our city

Written by Victoria Evans on . Posted in Lifestyle.

The exhibition Women Who Shaped Manchester captures the spirit and courage of women who helped shape the city as we know it today.  Running until 10th March at the John Rylands Library, the exhibition features exceptional female figures from the early 1900s. The sepia-tinted correspondences, documents, and photographs on display from the library’s archives emphasise the dedication these women had to their causes.

Follow the stories of the library founders, the mill workers, the pioneers of education and health. Similarly, you can join the protestors campaigning for women’s suffrage. The exhibition allows you to immerse yourself in the world and struggles of many astounding female figures.

Enriqueta Augustina Rylands founded the John Rylands Library in memory of her husband, John. Originally intended to be a theological library, it opened to the public in 1900 as a gift to the city. This provided the people of Manchester with a world-class literary resource. The Victorian neo-Gothic library situated on Deansgate was a unique space in the heart of a bustling industrial city, and remains a landmark today. As a result, The Manchester Corporation recognised it as an extraordinary asset to the cultural wealth of the city, with Enriqueta’s impact on the betterment of the city also recognised by being awarded the Freedom of the City scroll. The scroll, on display at the exhibition, symbolically depicts the Manchester worker bee and the lamp of enlightenment, stressing the importance of her legacy.

Manchester is home to the suffragettes. Although women had been campaigning for the right to vote for many years before, Emmeline Pankhurst, along with her daughters, Christabel and Sylvia, demonstrated their activism through deeds. In 1903, they established the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) and were repeatedly imprisoned for their political protests. Emmeline Pankhurst’s passionate letter from 1910 is on display, in which she calls on women to make the ultimate sacrifice for equality. She writes about the death of her young sister, who had been force-fed in Holloway Prison. The WSPU used hunger striking, in addition to stone-throwing, window-smashing, and arson as political tactics. Manchester is a city with a radical political history and the Pankhursts weren’t the only active women in the city; they inspired University students to march through Manchester in October 1908, engaging with the suffrage debate.

With regards to education, Mabel Tylecote studied and later lectured in the University of Manchester’s History Department. She wrote The Education of Women at Manchester University 1883-1933 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the University accepting female students. Tylecote worked for social reform and was a leading figure in Manchester’s political and civic life for years. Her main passion was adult education. Consequently, she fought to provide educational opportunities for people who would otherwise be denied them.

Furthermore, Madeline Linford launched the Manchester Guardian’s women’s page in 1922. Regarded as one of the most remarkable newspaperwomen of her time, her successful journalistic career has inspired female journalists today. Despite her personal success, Linford remained the only female editor for 25 years. Her story displays the strength of opposition to female ambition. Various articles from the newspaper are on display, as well as a photograph of the editorial team dated 1921.

Gaining an invaluable insight through original artefacts into a black and white world is key to understanding the impact of these women had on the wave of progress. Visit the exhibition to discover more influential figures, including those who worked tirelessly to construct a Manchester for women of the 21st century.

What will the extraordinary women of Manchester’s past inspire you to do?

surgery Credit: Autumn Stone MD @ Flickr

Let’s talk surgery

Written by The Mancunion on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

The last decade has seen an exponential increase in not only the cosmetic procedures (both surgical and non-surgical) available, but also the amount of people going under the knife.

Whilst once only associated with the Hollywood elite, the cosmetic industry has shifted, and has become something marketed for the everyday, and increasingly younger, consumer.

The growing cosmetic industry is worth an estimated £3.6bn, yet many of the most popular packages are those aimed at under 30s, and are the most unregulated – putting individuals at risk.

The talk of lip fillers is everywhere, and lip augmentation proved the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment of 2016. Yet where there’s demand, there’s money to be made.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) said the number of all types of procedures fell slightly last year. But it estimates that 40% of surgeons have seen problems with unregulated facial fillers, exposing the failings of the booming aesthetics industry.

The ‘Kylie’ Package, named after reality TV star Kylie Jenner, is a ‘bundle deal’ involving fillers in the lips, cheeks and jaw and is marketed through Instagram.

Lip fillers are the subject of Instagram giveaways and reduced to the price of a premium haircut, some as cheap as £95, showing there has never been such a demand for a quick fix to ‘fix’ what many young girls see as insecurities and shortfalls.

In 2013, an official Government review warned the growth of unregulated filler treatments was “a crisis waiting to happen”. It called for a change in the law to protect vulnerable young women – but this has not happened.

It comes as a government petition is taking off for aesthetic medical treatment to only be performed by medical professionals, and it’s alarming of how many young people are unaware of the dangers posed by this unregulated surgery.

Personally, I am writing after going under the knife whilst at uni. After years of being very sub-conscious of the nasal bump on the bridge of my nose, I decide to have a rhinoplasty corrective surgery. This is not a decision I took lightly, but something I felt would thoroughly boost my confidence, which I consider to be priceless.

Of course, if you’re comfortable in your own skin then there is no need to consider any kind of procedure. However, if you are considering having something done, which is something I hear so regularly, I have compiled a list of my top tips based on my own experience which will hopefully be helpful and most importantly make people think twice about the seriousness of aesthetic treatments.

1. Be realistic with your expectations.

If you have an insecurity that you think could be improved by a procedure, it’s imperative that you know there is a limit to what can be achieved. Your surgeon or practitioner should also be very conscious of this and if you sense that they are perhaps offering an unrealistic result that is too good to be true, or too pushy, then this should be a major red flag!

2. Do your research.

Make sure you know exactly what the procedure entails and if there is any recovery time. As well as doing research on the procedure, it is also essential you do background searches on any potential surgeon or practitioner. You can access their medical history and check they have reputable qualifications and appropriate experience.

3. Shop around.

Meet with different surgeons to ensure you are 100% confident that they are right for you.

4. Be aware of the risks.

Usually a practitioner or surgeon will provide you with information on these, and it is really vital to read them thoroughly.

5. Use the online community for support.

This made a huge impact. I made a community of friends who could offer me advice and who I could air out any concerns with. Often having cosmetic work can be quite an isolating experience, especially as certain members of your family or friends may not fully understand. Therefore, I found this network a real comfort.

Photo: Firouzyan @ Wikimedia Commons

Physics Without Frontiers

Written by joshuawinter1 on . Posted in Science & Tech, News.

Ethiopia, Nepal, Yemen, and South Sudan are not countries generally associated with research in physics. However, the work of Dr. Kate Shaw, a particle physicist at the University of Sussex and founder of the international collaboration, Physics Without Frontiers (PWF), is helping a few passionate physicists develop the next generation of researchers from the developing world.

An outreach program of the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), PWF is establishing bespoke models for sustainable research in physics and mathematics in impoverished and war-ridden countries with the aim of improving their scientific capacity. On the 14th of November, Dr Shaw spoke at our University about the struggles and successes of PWF, their aspirations of sustainability, and the work that can be done to fully release the scientific potential of poorer nations.

PWF was founded by a group of ICTP researchers following a proposal to run a series of particle and accelerator physics masterclasses at universities in Palestine. Funded by ICTP and sponsored by the Laboratory of Instrumentation and Experimental Particle Physics and CERN, students enjoyed lectures on the physics of the Large Hadron Collider. They were able to access real LHC data, as well as informative talks on areas of active research and funding opportunities.

Working with departments of three Palestinian universities, the project was encouragingly fruitful. Some students achieved places at the CERN summer school, and many went on to complete postgraduate degrees. The few who had remained in contact with Dr Shaw and her colleagues continued in research, pursuing their PhDs with the ATLAS group at CERN.

Palestine is a prime candidate for PWF’s support. With extremely poor access to funding for research, physics is not seen as a prestigious subject. However, as a consequence, physics degrees are often comprised of extremely passionate students who lack the opportunities to further their studies and establish a career. Those that do obtain scholarships and visas often miss the deadline for their offers, due to conflict-related travel restrictions. The few that manage to follow a career in research cannot find funding in Palestine, forcing them to leave the country. The resulting “brain drain” only perpetuates the difficulties faced by physics in the Palestinian territories.

PWF, and many similar international organisations, were conceived to enable research within developing countries by connecting a global network of volunteer researchers and postgraduates with potential physicists in isolated areas. PWFs methods look to “inspire and motivate” and “train and educate” physics enthusiasts of all levels. Through supporting open day events, teaching lecture courses, organising workshops, and providing mentoring for postgraduates, the program aims to raise the appeal for physics and mathematics degrees, opening doors for graduates.

The successes of Dr Shaw’s team have been notable. PWF has run condensed matter and particle physics courses in Nepal since 2014. In that time, it has sparked interest for physics in local schools, introduced CERN computers at Kathmandu University, and seen students successfully apply for internships and doctorate positions at CERN.

However, in some regions, PWF models have failed to take root. Work in areas of conflict proves to be complicated, with many scientists forced to flee their home countries. An estimated 1600 refugee scientists have left Iraq since 2003 and consequently, its relatively strong science sector has lost a generation of academics. Unfortunately, there are few mechanisms in place within the scientific community to support academics that wish to return to their home countries, starving conflict-afflicted areas of the chance to recover.

As part of their attempts to maximise sustainability at weakly-funded institutions, PWF creates specific support systems for women pursuing physics careers. Although a significant proportion of undergraduates in developing countries are women (around 80% in North Africa and the Middle East), research is still performed predominantly by men. This is because many women prefer teaching jobs compared to the male-dominated world of physics research. They are also subject to travel restrictions that impede them from continuing their studies abroad.

PWF believes that by funding more women researchers, institutions will be able to tap into a much larger pool of potential physicists and raise the profile of research in their home countries.

If you are a PhD student, postdoc or lecturer in the physical sciences, computer science, or mathematics and would like to volunteer with PWF, you can find them at https://www.ictp.it/physics-without-frontiers.aspx.

Photo: GMCA

Paper bee straws launched around Greater Manchester

Written by Nicole Wootton-Cane on . Posted in News.

A new paper straw has been launched in bars across Greater Manchester with a distinctly Mancunian twist.

The straws, which are part of the city’s approach to eradicating single-use plastics, feature yellow and white stripes and a bee design inspired by the worker bee, which is the symbol of Manchester.

Many popular Manchester venues have placed orders, such as the Town House Hotel, Manchester Airport, Albert’s Schloss, Hydes Brewery, and The Lowry Centre.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “This is just the first step towards meeting our ambitious target against single-use plastics and I urge all bars, restaurants, and hotels to get on board with the campaign. Your involvement will make a real difference to the fight against plastic pollution.”

More than 130 hospitality and catering businesses have signed up to the ‘Plastic Free Greater Manchester Pledge’ that aims to eradicate any avoidable, single-use plastics in the industry.

The straws are part of the Mayor’s aim for Greater Manchester to be plastic-free by 2020.

photo: Tibetan Prayer @wikimedia commons

Review: Suspiria

Written by alfieclark on . Posted in Film.

An excellently performed, visually stunning art-house horror, Suspiria is another success for its acclaimed director, even if it goes a bit over-the-top towards the end of its lengthy run-time.

Suspiria is a supernatural horror film directed by Luca Guadagnino, known for last year’s romance, Call Me By Your Name. The film is a remake of the 1977, Italian, horror film of the same name by horror legend Dario Argento, a film considered a horror classic, meaning that from the outset this film had high expectations to meet. This version tells the same basic story, following an American woman, who joins a prestigious dance school secretly run by a coven of witches, including Tilda Swinton as Madame Blanc. However, this film adds various new elements to the story, focusing far more on the politics of the coven and setting the action in the political backdrop of 1977’s divided Berlin, as well as themes of female empowerment and sisterhood. As emphasised by Guadagnino himself, it is less a remake and more a homage, allowing it to stand on its own whilst still showing respect to its source material.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its cast. Dakota Johnson is a fantastic lead, and between this and Bad Times At The El Royale, I’m glad to see that starring in the Fifty Shades trilogy hasn’t harmed her career. Tilda Swinton is, of course, great and for this film she deserves extra credit for playing three different roles, one of which is that of an 82 year old man (a role that is credited to a pseudonym in the credits, which I did not notice was her during the film) and her third role…which is something to behold and I won’t give anything away here. Of course, most of the characters are part of the dance troupe, and the dance sequences are performed beautifully, with one in particular, which leads to a nightmarish conclusion, being the highlight of the film for me.

In Suspiria, Guadagnino creates images that will stay with you long after leaving the theatre, albeit for vastly different reasons. Whereas in Call Me By Your Name it was the sheer gorgeousness of the landscapes that gripped you, here it is horrific shots of body-horror, eerie quick-cuts to violent or creepy imagery, and gritty shots of occupied Berlin in the winter, that all combine to have your spine-tingling throughout. It’s been a long time since I felt this on edge and filled with dread in the cinema. This is assisted by a haunting soundtrack by Thom Yorke, basing his work on Krautrock of the 1970s. 

However, it is 152 minutes long, and I did not find this necessary. Whilst I did not mind the addition of some political elements, some scenes focused on this certainly could have been cut to accommodate the pacing. The most significant issue holding me back from giving this a perfect score, however, was the climax. Without giving too much away, I was disappointed that it resorted to little more than extreme violence that I’d expect to see in a Blade movie rather than an art-house picture such as this. 

Though I feel it lost its way towards the end, I was still highly satisfied with Suspiria. It is an engaging and haunting art-house horror picture that creates a terrifying world that I absolutely intend to revisit one day — if I’m feeling brave enough.

 

Rating: 4.5/5

Photo:BagoGames @flickr

Review: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

Written by issyrayner on . Posted in Film.

Disclaimer: I’m a Harry Potter fan. I wore my Gryffindor scarf to the screening. I own well-used copies of everything by JK Rowling, and I’ve seen the play twice (go, it’s great). So, for Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, I had to choose: watch as a fan (surely most people have seen/read something Harry Potter?), or as a critic of a stand-alone film, as though the seven books, nine films, website, stage-play, tie-ins, and theme-parks don’t exist?

In 1927, Gellert Grindelwald (magical Hitler, with the acting stylings of Johnny Depp) escapes the Magical Congress of the United States of America. We follow lovably eccentric magizoologist, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), whose primary objective is to search for and protect vulnerable magical orphan Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) from Grindelwald’s indoctrination. Acting on the instruction of an unexpectedly suave forty-five years old Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law), Newt navigates Paris and the dangerous rise of wizard-supremacy with his pals from the first film: muggle/No-Maj Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), witch sisters Queenie (Alison Sudol) and Tina Goldstein (Katharine Waterston), as well as school sweetheart, Leta Lestrange (Zoë Kravitz) and her fiancé/Newt’s brother Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner).

With me so far? Just about? Not really? Exactly.

The screenplay was written by novelist J.K. Rowling, and it shows. Rowling is a master of the intricately plotted novel. The Crimes of Grindelwald is an audio-visual novel – an anthology of the wider world beyond Hogwarts. Devoted fans will joyfully marvel at familiar cameos, the inner workings of the French Ministry of Magic, and all the squeal-worthy nuggets of nostalgia (I admit to getting swept up in these moments). For the fans, you cannot fault the film’s entertainment value.

Trouble is, Rowling leans too far into this and the film itself gets lost. There are at least six plots: will Grindelwald get his hands on Credence? What is Grindelwald’s ambition? Who is Credence? Who else is after Credence? Will Newt and Tina get together? What’s happening with Jacob and Queenie? Ad finitum.

Most tension comes from a worry of losing track of what on earth is going on; the objective gets lost in this beast (sorry) of a narrative. Seemingly every character (and there are a LOT of them) receives exponential development despite the three films left in the franchise. I felt for the parents staring blankly at the screen with no way to hook into the plot.

I cannot fault the visual effects, performances, or dialogue (“salamander eyes”? Charming as heck). Depp’s Grindelwald is a horrifyingly charismatic villain. Law sells the wisdom yet youthfulness of a still-developing Dumbledore. Redmayne is delightful, and Young Newt is a masterful imitator, but a stand-out is Kravitz as the intelligent but troubled Leta Lestrange as her turmoil oscillates between suppressed and overwhelming within a single close-up.

Potter fans have often wished for a Game of Thrones style in-depth exploration of the Wizarding World and unfortunately, they got their wish – just in one 135-minute, overwhelming eruption.

Rating: 3/5

Photo: Gerald England @ geograph.org.uk

Falling out of favour with fast fashion

Written by Emily Broncz on . Posted in Features.

From a student’s perspective, shops like Primark, Zara, and H&M are the saviours of the high-street. It can be hard to envisage where you could possibly find on-trend clothes and accessories for a better price. The dark truth of sweat-shop production and sourcing unsustainable materials is no secret to the masses but with those on a tighter budget seeing no real alternative, students often become dedicated followers of these fast fashion institutions.

Final year Politics and German student, Madeleine Lynch, has recently returned from a Berlin-based internship at a conscious fashion company named Fine Yellow and was ready to share her expertise as to how students can become a savvier shopper, and whether it is possible to escape from the trap.

‘Fast fashion’ is the term applied to the rapid and low-cost production of garments, often pursued to meet high consumer demands for the latest styles. Citing popular shops like Urban Outfitters, River Island, and boohoo, Madeleine explains that “brands often observe the latest trends from fashion weeks and then make thousands of garments as quickly as possible.”

Deviating from the traditional biannual fashion seasons, these being Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter, these retailers have allowed for up to 52 micro-seasons to evolve per year, each showcasing their own mini-trends. In 2013, the effects of being part of such a high-paced market reached their peak, with the Rhana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh seeing the collapse of a five-storey factory, resulting in 1,135 fatalities. The factory was home to the production of clothes for labels such as Mango, Monsoon, and Primark.

You would be wrong to think that students are entirely powerless, as the way we consume has the ability to trigger huge changes and, luckily, an accessible alternative does exist, as Madeleine describes: “Slow fashion is the opposite of this. The brands don’t rely on trends — they create garments consciously and stick to seasons or are even ‘seasonless’! The clothes are designed to be kept for life, the employees are treated fairly, and the materials used are environmentally sound.”

The attraction to fast-fashion companies to most is the pricing. Many would view the converse of this as being expensive items, often out of reach of the hands of a student budget. This is not always a correct assumption: “Higher prices are not indicative of sustainability. Of course, slow fashion brands are going to be more expensive, but this is only natural when they are using quality materials and manufacturing in the UK or Europe.”

A common misconception is that a higher price on the ticket is an honest reflection of exceptional materials and good practice. Websites like rankabrand.org help those willing to become more conscious, be more discerning about their favourite brands, or up-and-coming labels receiving a lot of attention. Names which are featured receive a lettered grade from A-E to illustrate how sustainable they are, often based on how transparent their manufacturing policy is. Some of the results are shocking, with pricey student favourites like Carhartt, Vans and Ralph Lauren all credited with an ‘E’ — the worst possible rating.

The revelation of big-name brands not being pioneers of responsible and conscious production methods muddies the waters. If both the cheaper and more expensive ends of the scale are to be avoided, where should students be shopping? As it transpires, a transition away from fast fashion is more attainable than we think, with some surprising names committing fewer sins: “G-Star RAW in the Arndale is one of the more sustainable high street brands out there, as they use organic materials and recycled cotton. & Other Stories, although owned by H&M, use a lot of eco-friendly materials in their clothes, too.”

Missing the ‘MCR Student Social’, an evening bursting with tempting discounts, offers and prizes, all targeted towards Manchester’s student population, may not have been a terrible idea after all. An evening devoted to incentivising students into falling into the fast-fashion trap often overshadows the opportunities to find slow-fashion treasures, often located just next door. “Check out the second hand and vintage shops around the Northern Quarter as well as the vintage sales that pop up everywhere, as they offer really good deals! These stores can have really high-quality clothes that are great to have in your wardrobe.”

Excellent bargains aren’t just limited to vintage shops, either, as Madeleine also commented on a fantastic charity shop experience: “I found a YSL top in one for £3 which is high quality and looks good.” Pre-loved gems can be sourced on Depop and Ebay and in shops like Oxfam Originals in Manchester, with unique garments also being sold on arty platforms such as Etsy.

Taking the time to be more selective, whether that’s spending an extra £10 at the Arndale or having three more minutes scrolling through Depop, may not just be the key to finding your new favourite top, but also in helping to clean up fast fashion’s poor act.

Photo: pologi @ Pixabay

The hangover hustle: you’re losing more of your life to it than you think

Written by Rona McCann on . Posted in Science & Tech, News.

A study has found that the average Briton loses 252 hours, the equivalent of ten and a half days, each year to hangovers. Over a typical British lifespan of 80, the figure amounts to nearly two whole years lost.

As many students will be all too familiar with, suffering from alcohol-induced hangovers can take the form of headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, and nausea, along with a host of other symptoms that lead to productivity loss. Worryingly, losses in intelligence can even be pinpointed to drinking excessively.

Research is still largely indefinite on the science behind hangovers, but there are some processes that can be identified. When too much alcohol is consumed, a highly toxic chemical named acetaldehyde is produced as it reaches the liver.

Of course, our bodies are not completely defenceless in the face of toxins. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, a naturally-occurring enzyme, is released to combat the chemical.

Hangovers occur when so much alcohol has been consumed that these protective enzymes become overwhelmed. The resulting build-up of acetaldehyde then leads to the symptoms we perceive as a dreaded hangover.

2,362 respondents took part in the survey carried out by the team behind AfterDrink, a supplement designed to alleviate hangovers.

The survey began by asking how many hangovers participants experience each month. The average came out as three, with the highest response being a staggering nine.

It found that Britons will spend an average of £306 per year on takeaway food when hungover — that’s £8.50 each time. 88% of respondents admitted to purchasing a hangover takeaway even when they already have food available.

Participants were also asked how they spend their hungover days. As expected, watching films and TV came out on top, with 78% saying binging on these is one of their recovery tactics. Succumbing to our bodies’ desire to sleep followed closely behind with 72%.

Slightly more social activities made up the next favourites among respondents: going for a coffee and venturing on a walk were a hangover cure for 65% and 53% of respondents respectively, and rounding up the top five with 45%, was having sex.

Whilst it seems that the majority of hungover Brits opt for a lazy day, a motivated 8% revealed they exercise. 14%, however, disclosed that they start drinking again.

Although exercising with a hangover may seem like a good idea to feel refreshed once more — and to those still is bed, it is nothing but impressive — individuals should be careful. Alcohol, a diuretic, can dehydrate the body significantly. Engaging in physical activity before the body has fully recovered will further add to the loss in vital fluids, making you feel worse and putting organs at even more risk of damage.

“There is definitely a massive drinking culture in the UK, one of the biggest in the world, and it looks like we certainly pay for it in terms of productivity,” said AfterDrink founder Pedram Kordrostami following the study. “It’s quite shocking to think that you potentially lose 10 whole days a year to hangovers, and one of the main reasons I came up with AfterDrink was to try and recapture some of that lost productivity.”

Photo: Paul Walker @Flickr

Nine ‘rogue’ taxi drivers caught in Manchester city centre

Written by Josh Sandiford on . Posted in News.

Nine taxi drivers have been caught picking up shoppers illegally in Manchester city centre.

The operation — called Operation Aztec — was carried out by Manchester City Council’s Licensing Team alongside Greater Manchester Police.

Plain clothed officers posing as shoppers approached parked taxis and asked them for a ride they had not booked in advance.

It is illegal for private hire taxis to accept fares which are not booked in advance. Only Hackney Carriages (black cabs) with the correct license are permitted to undertake such journeys.

The taxi drivers were intercepted by marked police cars upon acceptance of payment and their cars were inspected. The drivers were also interviewed and warned that they could be liable for prosecution.

During the operation, a driver was found to have been driving without insurance. Their vehicle was seized and impounded by Greater Manchester police.

Drivers found guilty of operating illegally can face having their taxi licenses revoked by their licensing authority, and a hefty fine of up £7,500. They can also have between six to eight penalty points added to their driving license.

In the past two years, 66 cases have been pursued after a private hire driver was found to have illegally picked up passengers.

Sergeant Paul Lenarcic from GMP’s Safer Roads Targeting Team said: “Intercepting nine vehicles during Operation Aztec is a positive result for the partnership alongside Manchester City Council and we hope to see this continue as we carry on the operation in our joint bid to crack down on unlicensed and uninsured taxis.”

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, who went out with officers during Operation Aztec, warned that passengers put themselves at risk if they use unbooked vehicles.

Akbar said: “I saw many people putting themselves at risk by getting into an un-booked vehicle. When they do that they are not insured in the event of an accident, there will be no record of a journey having taken place and the driver cannot be tracked.

“The number of drivers caught during just one night of action should serve as a warning to others who think they can get away with illegally activity. They should be in no doubt that if they are caught, the council will take them to court.”