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Year: 2013

Doris Lessing – the death of a literary icon

Written by Elizabeth Mitchell on . Posted in Books.

On 17th November 2013, the world was shocked by the news of Doris Lessing’s death aged 94. The author’s life had been more varied than most of us could dream.

Lessing was born in Persia (modern day Iran) in 1919, and moved with her family to Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1925. Leaving school at 15 to become a nursemaid, she began writing and educating herself in politics and sociology, which had a profound impact on her work. Lessing fled to London in 1949 following her divorce from her second husband, German Communist Gottfried Lessing. 1950 saw the publication of her acclaimed first novel The Grass Is Singing, a study of racial politics of southern Africa. Lessing’s 1962 novel The Golden Notebook, which examines male-female relations, mental illness and societal breakdown, is deemed her breakthrough piece. Although her work was heralded as a feminist masterpiece, Lessing distanced herself from the formal movement.

Having already received numerous accolades, Lessing was awarded the crown of them all, the Nobel Prize for Literature, in 2007. Aged 88, she was the oldest recipient of the prize and only the 11th woman to have won it. Although initially thrilled, Lessing later stated that winning the Nobel Prize had been a “bloody disaster” as she never had time to write anymore and thought she never would again. Published in 2008, her last book, Alfred and Emily, explored how Lessing’s parents’ lives might have unfolded if not for the First World War.

Doris Lessing will be remembered for pushing the boundaries in every aspect of her life: as a writer, a woman, and a mother. She truly was the ultimate maverick of her time.

Introducing Neukolln

Written by Mancunion on . Posted in Food & Drink.

As an amateur of wine, being invited to review a new and upcoming Berliner-inspired bar did seem to be an odd choice before I realized my CV states that I have a B in GCSE ‘Deutsche’. Brushing aside those long forgotten moments of academic glory I made my way down to Spinningfields on Thursday evening, to be present at one of the most eccentric bar launching parties that I’ve ever had the pleasure to invite myself into…

‘Neukolln’, the name of this bar deserves a note or two, for otherwise the average culturally inept student wouldn’t understand the point of its financial backers. Basically, ‘Neukolln’ is a trendy suburb of downtown Berlin. It has garnered fame and fans through the development of the most peculiar bar scene in Eastern Europe, in spite of the fierce Moldovan competition. In this area on the outskirts of the Teutonic capital, disused shops and cafés are ‘requisitioned’ by students with piercings and twenty-something year olds in torn jeans for a basic night of casual drinking. A few quick text messages on someone’s borrowed ‘handy’ and a friend brings an old fridge, another two struggle with a dusty sofa and finally some decent and trending (not in the UK charts’ sense) music. This eclectic gathering is crowned with some chilled beers and over there in Berlin, it promises for a decent night. It doesn’t fall short. It really is taking drinking back to the bare basics and hoping a disgruntled shopkeeper doesn’t keep a shotgun under his pillow.

Leaving Jeremy Paxman’s general knowledge lesson to one side, I actually find myself genuinely attracted to the simple and basic nature of the bar. It really is laidback and the guy and the girl behind the bar are being kept busy playing with the tills.

Located on the ground floor of a building in Spinningfields which is set to be knocked down, the owners haven’t wasted a penny on appearance. Wooden stools, the odd table and a bar that could all have been bought from IKEA over the weekend, the place is a throwback to the bar on the estate in E4’s Misfits series.

We were thirsty, so we got drinks.

Unlike the ‘cool’ and very laidback interior design, the prices are a tad steep for those who get by on the meagre student budget. However, being thirsty we purchase a few glasses of white wine and some traditional imported beer from the Bavarian lowlands. It came to about a tenner, so we got more rounds. Plenty more rounds soon follow…

In terms of drinks there is quite a large selection available and more than enough to tickle the average beer amateur’s fancy. We’re talking about 15 different types of bottled beers, the majority of them are understandably ‘Deutsche’ but there are a few others that made it over the tracks… The average price of one of these fine 0,5l bottles just falls shy of a fiver so look at is a short term investment. The same way a fresher looks adoringly at Glen’s vodka: In the morning you’ll have bigger things to worry about.

The white wine is really decent over there too. It comes in glasses which is unfortunate but probably for the best considering how far Spinningfields is from Fallowfield, financially. Plenty of Riesling to be sampled and we were duly informed that the bar had struck some deals with other infamous beer halls in the surrounding area in order to enlarge their menu, in the same way a traditional Bavarian sausage eater enlarges himself, on a monthly basis. Therefore we plan to return and sample some more delectable and actually, very refreshing alternatives to whatever they serve on tap in Wetherspoons these days.

However no true Berliner-inspired bar can ever claim to inspire itself from one of Europe’s most culturally diverse and quite frankly, brilliant cities without spreading the traditional German student cuisine of green humus and classic ‘deutsche’ brown bread.

Words cannot even come close to describing the culinary ecstasy of humus, gently and generously, spread over the traditional ‘deutsche’ brown and healthy bread. We helped ourselves like stereotypical Germans at a comedy event: what we lacked in finesse we made up in awkwardness.

At the end of the night, once a great many green humus toastees had been consumed and a greater amount of white wine glasses and bottles with colourful german insigna sat empty, we made our graceful exit.

The barman and barwoman thanked us for behaving and in return we thanked them for being generous. I would definitely recommend this bar to anybody who just wants a different feel, another experience instead of the average and mundane expensive joint which sprouts up in Spinningfields like mushrooms at a festival: expensively and at a great danger to students.

Feeding freshers for under a fiver

Written by Francesca Lawson on . Posted in News.

So you’re settling in to student life now, no doubt becoming accustomed to Sainsbury’s discount shelf and piercing the film of the microwave meal. Could be worse right? But there’s nothing quite like a decent home cooked meal.

Forget all the excuses, “I can’t be bothered”, “fresh produce is too expensive”, “I’ve not got time”, there is a way to eat well on a budget – communal cooking.

Communal cooking involves getting a group together and sharing the daunting task of preparing a hearty meal. You’ve heard the saying ‘many hands make light work’? That’s exactly the idea. If you’ve only just moved in, rope in your flatmates! Cooking a meal together is a great way to bond; you’ll learn how to work with and round each other in an often small kitchen, plus you’ll get to share the delicious results. And as you’ll be living with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, you’ll get the opportunity to widen your culinary horizons.

It is possible to cook without breaking the bank. The proof? Steak night, Sunday Lunch and a Chinese banquet all came in at under £2 per head. A simple tip: don’t be fussy! For example, a value range joint of meat – provided it’s cooked well – tastes just the same as any other. Moreover, draining the juices after cooking can be used as a base to make an accompanying sauce. Ingredients might seem expensive, but dividing the cost between the group minimises this, and the end result is definitely worth it.

Cocktail Class

So you’ve had your delicious home cooked dinner, and you’re getting ready to go out. Wow everyone at pre-drinks with this original cocktail invention: The Bakewell Martini.

You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a strainer, a muddler (or alternatively a wooden spoon will suffice) and plenty of vodka, amaretto and raspberries.

Muddle the raspberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. As the raspberries essentially serve as a mixer, the quantities are at your discretion. Raspberries are predominantly a late summer and autumnal fruit, so for a seasonal variation, swap the raspberries for cranberries and finish with a touch of cinnamon.

Add 50mls of vodka and 25mls of amaretto to the shaker, along with a handful of ice, and close it. Shake well for at least 30 seconds, keeping a firm hold on the lid to avoid spillages. After this, remove the lid, tap the bottom of the shaker against a surface to even it out, and strain into Martini glasses. Pop a few more berries in the glass to garnish, and serve. A delicious cocktail to get everyone in the party mood.

Fact: There’s a lot of dispute over what can and can’t be identified as a Martini. As ‘Martini’ is the name of the traditional cocktail glass, this qualifies as a Martini, despite containing no ‘Martini’ brand Vermouth.

10 Foods to eat Before a Night Out

Written by Faye Waterhouse on . Posted in News.

So you’re going out but don’t know what to have for tea… don’t want to be stuffed? Don’t want to be the one suggesting a kebab before you’ve even got to your destination? Do want to be able to dance the night away with bounds of energy and prepare your stomach for what’s to come? Oh and avoid the possibility of a hangover? Here are 10 foods to put you in the mood for a night out.

 

  1. Salmon

The fish slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, slowing the time it takes for alcohol to get through your bloodstream. It also contains lots of omega 3 useful for brain power which could be necessary the next day.

 

  1. Pasta
    A really accessible food most people have sat in their cupboard, the carbohydrate lines the stomach well.

 

  1. Yogurt
    Dairy helps to neutralize the acid that you’ll be intaking later and I think is a lot more appetising than glugging a pint of milk before you whizz through the door.

 

  1. Avocado
    The fruit will help to replace the potassium lost to dehydration later in the evening and half counts as one of your five a day.

 

  1. Asparagus
    The vegetable has been proven to metabolize alcohol and protect the liver cells. It is also light so won’t leave you feeling bloated.

 

  1. Ginger
    It helps to increase low blood sugar and is seen to have nausea preventing properties useful for the next day.

 

  1. Watermelon
    The fruit is mostly made up of water hydrating you fully for the night to come.
  2. Chicken
    The protein helps you to feel fuller for longer stopping your late night hunger cravings.

 

  1. Rice
    The complex carbohydrate will give you slow release energy to keep you going into the early hours.

 

  1. Salted Nuts
    You’ve been working hard all day, not had time to go home and not eaten since lunch. These are probably the best emergency option. The sodium will help increase the level of electrolytes in the body giving you a head start before you feel dehydrated and they are rich in antioxidants too!

Lemon Drizzle Cake Recipe

Written by Faye Waterhouse on . Posted in Food & Drink.

Who doesn’t like this classic cake? This fail-safe recipe works for the beginner or the Mary Berry’s among us. The cake should be moist with a sharp tang. Easy to make but even easier to eat!

Ingredients

 

  • 200g butter
  • 200g golden caster sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 50g plain flour (sieved)
  • 125g ground almonds
  •  2 lemons
  • 5-6 tablespoons of icing sugar

 

    1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius line a 20 inch cake tin with baking parchment.

 

    1. Whisk the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (might be worth melting the butter slightly beforehand to avoid getting sugar everywhere!)

 

    1. Whisk the eggs in one at a time.

 

    1. Add in the ground almonds, sieved plain flour and the lemon zest of both lemons.

 

    1. Bake for 35 minutes.

 

    1. Leave the cake in the tin and stab it (not as brutally as that sounds) to make 15 holes and pour in the juice of 1 lemon. Leave to cool.

 

    1. Stir icing sugar and the juice of the other lemon together to make the light layer of icing and smooth on top. Best shared with your favourite people!

Recipe Book Review

Written by Bernadette Chapman on . Posted in Food & Drink.

My shelves are bursting with recipe books, all shapes, sizes, and types.  Their pages often unspoiled, and they fall open in a couple of places covered in sauce and potato on the very few recipes I’ve returned to or even cooked at all.  The problem with recipe books is that there are rarely more than a few recipes that catch the eye, and, more importantly perhaps, they don’t really teach you anything about cooking, or about how to wing it and make something delicious from the half a cabbage, leftover potato and egg in the fridge (some sort of hash, anyone?).  Useless is Heston’s snails on toast recipe, taking up a whole page with its ingredients list and complex shenanigans.  Where would I get snails?  I don’t have a garden.  The books I return to over and over again are the books that tell you about food.  These are the ones that act as a starting point from which to jump off in to all sorts of soups, stews, and savoury delights.

My firm favourite is a book that is both useful and a delightful read.  Tamara Adler’s ‘The everlasting meal’ offers a novel approach to cooking.  She starts the week with a big pot of salted water, and from there creates the base for a whole week’s meals.  The water should taste a little saltier than tears, and less salty than sea water.  She then adds some vegetables (and meat if she’s feeling fancy) and uses these as a base for salads, soups, or pasta dishes.  You can use the vegetable water to cook pasta in, then add some olive oil, cheese and garlic to the cooked pasta with a few of the vegetables.  With an oven one, you can follow the same principle, roasting a job lot of vegetables, and throwing in a few potatoes wrapped in foil.  There is nothing handier than having left over potato in the fridge, it can be added to eggs and fried with some onion to make frittatas.  It can be used to cover some vegetables in a dish to make a kind of vegetable shepherd’s pie, or it can be used with dill, onion and a bit of mayo for a potato salad.  Adler’s attitude to leftovers is creative and inspiring, and whilst being economical (always good), it’s the imaginative nature of this alternative approach that I find so beguiling.  Unlike a recipe book, it teaches you a useful approach to cooking that you can apply to your meals every day.

The second book, excerpts of which can be found in the Cook supplement in the Guardian if you’re interested, is Niki Segnit’s ‘Flavour Thesaurus.’  This book looks beautiful on a bookshelf and, like Adler’s, offers a different approach to cooking.  Segnit has listed ingredients, grouped in to genres like ‘woodland,’ which includes nuts and squashes, and ‘earthy,’ which includes root vegetables and mushrooms.  In each ingredient section, she offers flavour pairings, some classic, like mint and lamb, and some not so classic, like rhubarb and oily fish.  Alongside suggestions of how to include these flavour combinations in your cooking, she often embellishes the ingredient entry with personal vignettes, and a geographical context to foodstuffs, like how they serve garlic and almond in Spain (in a cold soup called ajo blanco, apparently).  The book is great when you have something knocking about that needs eating, but you’re not sure what to do with it.  I discovered an amazing addition to a tuna sandwich through Segnit, and will be eternally grateful!  She suggests mushing up an avocado with a little white wine vinegar and dill, and serving it with tuna.  Absolutely gorgeous, and something a bit different to do with an avocado than just have it in a bacon sandwich (although that is also divine).  A good bacon sandwich suggestion from Segnit is to add a mix of one part horseradish to 4 parts mayonnaise.

I return to both books again and again, and often get something new out of them every time.  Give a man a recipe, and feed them for a day.  You know the rest.

Interview: Mount Kimbie

Written by Patrick Hinton on . Posted in Music.

After a two year UK touring hiatus, Mount Kimbie are once again travelling these shores in support of their critically lauded second album Cold Spring Fault Less Youth. Beside a table laden with a balanced rider of alcohol and celery sticks in Manchester’s Gorilla, I spoke to the duo.

“The tour’s going really well at the moment, we just want to keep building on that and really make this tour amazing because we haven’t really done the UK for a long time” says Dominic Maker. With the band’s second album being constructed more towards live sets, I question whether the tour feels different this time around. “It’s definitely a more live orientated album in that there’s way more instrumentation and singing. We’ve got an extra pair of hands now in Tony our drummer and, yeah, we’re just building on the ideas that we had on that record on the stage. It definitely is a different live show to what we had before, although we’re still playing songs from back then.” Kai Campos adds “We never really played the first album like it was on the record anyway, so it was always kind of leaning towards going in that direction before we made the second album so I think it sits together pretty well.”

Mount Kimbie toured debut album Crooks & Lovers extensively, so was this progression towards live sets planned? “We certainly didn’t consciously talk about a particular change in direction, although it was quite a long gap from recording the first one so it was quite natural for us to want to do something a bit different and I guess that a lot of that was informed from quite extensive touring. But at the same we wanted to make the studio record that we wanted to make, not think about how we were going to perform it live. So in that sense it was a similar process in that we just worked in a studio and then came to rehearse it much later on.”

“A key difference is probably that we started playing the songs out before they were finished, that was a very different process from the first record which had long been finished before we thought about playing them, so they were informed by performance at some point along the way.” Campos goes on to reveal a live performance influence: “We’ve just been touring the states with a guy called Jonwayne who’s quite an incredible showman. He has a very different approach in every respect to what we do, we were both learning together and sharing ideas and even collaborating on stage which was great. He’s the kind of guy that can insult every audience that we played to on the whole tour and come out of it well which is something that I’d never be able to pull off, so yeah, very different but very inspiring as well.”

Mount Kimbie have seen a lot of the world through their touring schedule. “We love travelling around and meeting people and seeing new things, it’s great when you go to places that you’re not that familiar with. On the American tour we went to Mexico for the first time and that was an amazing experience albeit quite a short one. In terms of favourite places, Tokyo’s definitely up there because of the food and it feels completely far removed from anything we’re really familiar with over here. I think America is probably my favourite area to tour in because it’s very interesting and you’re going through different climates and landscapes all the time.” America has one downside however, as Maker further imparts: “The venues – most of them aren’t very good. A lot of what we’re doing is down to how good it sounds and we had a good sound guy out there and sometimes it was a real shame because the sound system just wasn’t up to it, that really happens a lot out there, they’ve got a lot of old venues without much money; but the audiences were great.”

Despite their latest album not necessarily being hugely dance floor orientated, ‘Made To Stray’ was a ubiquitous anthem at the summer festivals, and has a huge response when dropped at dance events such as Manchester’s Warehouse Project. I asked whether the response to this song had come as a surprise. “Yes, it has,” admits Maker. “I remember we went out pretty much just after  the album was released and we heard that song out in a club and it was a great moment as we haven’t really ever experienced that with any of our music before. It’s had a lot of really good backing from people who are really pushing it and we keep hearing about accounts of people hearing it out in various places around the world and that’s only a good thing.”

The band currently have no set plans on where to take their sound next. “We just want to start writing again and it will all start to fall into place. I think really the key thing for us is we want to keep writing as opposed to before where we had so much time off, we want to keep the ball rolling and hopefully work on some exciting projects with other people and just really take it as it comes.” Archy Marshall aka King Krule collaborated with Mount Kimbie on two tracks of their latest album. “It was great, he was a really great artist and inspiring guy to work with” says Kai. “It was really nice to have a genuine front man to work with who really added something that only really he could. We’d love to do some more with him in the future definitely.” Who else would the pair like to work with? “We’re always quite careful in terms of our output so it’s really got to be something that works and is a natural thing which it was with Archy. So, there’s a couple of people but it’s as it comes – if something comes up that feels good.”

Another notable collaboration occurred recently when the legendary DJ Koze contributed a remix to Mount Kimbie’s latest EP. “We were trying to figure out who would be interesting to rework some stuff, remix EPs are something that record labels like to do to keep momentum and stuff and can be not the most exciting thing in the world to be doing – but having said that, this one’s come out really well I think. Koze was an influence of mine from a long time ago so it’s always nice when those things come around, and I’m pretty elated with what he’s done with it. It’s cool we worked with him, definitely.”

Speaking of record labels, what influenced the band to sign with Warp Records after the culmination of their Hotflush contract? “They never asked us about what the record was going to sound like and they didn’t want to have anything to do with that really so that was something that we felt good about. They’ve seen and worked with bands in a lot of different places in their careers and as a label they’ve changed over the years and adapted. They’re a really good home for what we’re doing at the moment and where we want to go.”

Cold Spring Fault Less Youth is out now and details of Mount Kimbie’s worldwide tour can be found here http://www.mountkimbie.com/live/. 

Feature: The M20 Collective

Written by Samuel Ward on . Posted in Music.

I sit opposite Joel White and Yemi Bolatiwa, two University of Manchester students who appear to have ambitions slightly bigger than the average Joe around campus. As we sip our pints in the student’s union, Joel describes how the two crossed paths. “It was a really grim night with terrible weather. We were both playing at an open mic night at the Ram [and Shackle] in Fallowfield and my band was looking for a singer at the time. We heard Yemi and loved it. She was just about to leave and we managed to convince her to come to a practice”. “Yeah and there I found that Joel and an ex-bandmate had a project they were working on at the time. It sounded like a great idea and I wanted to get involved. So after the bandmate’s departure, we tested out some ideas. The result was a free festival in the Northern Quarter in summer involving DJ’s, musicians, artists and contributors of all kinds. It was a huge success and made us realise we can both do something bigger than just make music” adds Yemi.

Using art, whether that be music or spoken-word or anything, M20 aim to fill any cultural gaps that exist between the native groups of Manchester. More precisely, they want to help people, students or whoever else, to create and take part in events that will benefit everyone. “We want to help people to contribute to the scene. Students are part of the union and the union is bad at advertising it. Bring the energy back to student life! Don’t turn a blind eye to what’s going on around you and what you want to get out of university. Maybe break the routine of club nights and the segregation between universities and introduce some diversity in the options students have. Expand people’s horizons and re-introduce the DIY ethic”.

“We want to create opportunities for people to meet and work together” explains Joel. “Yeah, we’re not starting a new phenomenon, we just want to make a new platform. We don’t want to be do-gooders but we’ve been here long enough to see how dull things can get around here”. “Yeah, very dull”.

So I’m taking you’re not fans of fresher’s week? “It’s terrible. It just feels like we’re feeding corporate machines and it gives a warped view of Manchester”.”I agree, students are in a bubble and not enough is going on around these parts. We don’t want people to stick to the oxford road corridor, or stick to the same clubs. Local gigs are almost invisible and I think a better local scene would definitely appeal to a lot of people”.

But this sounds a bit ambitious to me; after all it does rely on people getting off their arses. “Yeah it’s ambitious but there’s incentive; I personally care about local music and it’d be great to have more students playing the music and contributing to the community, instead of being in the crowd. Plus it will give coverage to anyone who wants to be heard”. “We’re also giving people opportunities to develop their initiative and entrepreneurial skills” Yemi explains.”It’s a great way to use the marketing and advertising skills I gained during my degree”.

So what is currently in the pipeline? “An idea in the making is holding gigs in small spaces with small crowds. We’ve been thinking a lot about living rooms”. That’d be pretty darn cool. “We’re also planning some more events at Antwerp Mansion, we really like those guys”. Antwerp Mansion recently held a £1 gig showcasing a wide range of local music. “We’d also like to start increasing ouradvertising and have students contributing to that too, making posters or art for events. We want to bring out the creativity in people”.”Yeah, the bedroom artists. If people have ideas, then we want to make them happen”. It seems it’s up to you people, get out there and contribute!

M20 are holding Solomon Sessions #1, an evening of free live music, art, spoken word and fashion later this month. You can also hear Joel and Yemi’s band, Pareidolia, on facebook.

Top 5 Patriotic Ensembles

Written by Scarlett Whittell on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

The bold design of the Union Jack, with its statement red white and blue pattern, has become an iconic look in the world of fashion. Come with me on a stroll down memory lane, as I look at the most memorable outfits and accessories which have been inspired by this British symbol.

 

1) Geri Halliwell

In 1997, Ginger Spice decided to jazz up her LBD with a Union Jack tea towel. Little did she know that her domestic creation would go down as one of the most celebrated outfits in history! We must control ourselves though, not everyone looks that good in a dish cloth. Don’t be tempted to throw away your entire wardrobe in order to start a tea-towel fashion revolution.



Getty Images

 

2) Tom Daley

I am fully aware that Tom Daley isn’t a fashion icon. But come on, he looks so damn good in those tiny union jack speedos, it would be a travesty not to include a picture (try not to drool in public). Well done Tom, well done.

 

Getty Images

 

 

3) Katy Perry

Even proud California Girl Katy Perry can’t resist! In 2010 she stepped out in a statement rubber dress, emblazoned with the British and American flags. Inter-continental fashion, I like it.

 

Getty Images

 

4) Ollie Locke

Aka. The ultimate patriot. The sadly missed ex-MIC star seems to have an endless supply of union jack suits, as well as a ‘Union Jag’ car to match. Apparently a statement clutch just doesn’t cut it in the celeb world anymore…

 

Austin Powers Movie Image


5) Austin Powers

Mr Locke is not the only owner of such an impressive accessory. It was darling Austin that set the trend in Goldmember, with his oh-so-tastefully named ‘shaguar’.

So that’s two union jack cars, two dresses, loads of suits and a teeny tiny pair of trunks. Just going to quickly repeat the last one, TEENY TINY TRUNKS. Yep, I think we all know who the winner is.

Best of British: Streetwear

Written by Emmanuel Demuren on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

Image: lifestylemirror.com

Indie, that was best of british five years ago. Indie needs little explanation, so I’ll save your time and mine. These days the tide has changed, “streetwear” brands-often described as “wavey”-have taken the throne and I’m very glad that they have.

Streetwear’s origins have been traced back to Shawn Stussy, creator of the infamous “Stussy” brand who was a surfboard designer and began selling Tshirts with his own designs in Los Angeles in the late 1970/early 1980’s. These surf/skate origins have remained ever-present in the essence of modern streetwear; clothes designed for maximum comfort. What is particularly interesting about the streetwear movement is the way that it doesn’t necessarily mean anything in particular. The ambiguity of the phrase “streetwear” has meant that brands have been able to form their own particular styles under the broad heading of streetwear.

Image: theclassyissue.com

Carhartt’s subdivision called “work in progress” which is responsible for their distribution in Europe are better known for urban variations of the traditional workwear that the company was originally popular for. This culture influenced ethos is at the heart of what is particularly cool about streetwear brands; the way that they are influenced by the subcultures that they are created in. For example, Supreme is a clear reflection of New York skate culture; it is a manifestation of the lifestyle through fashion.

The second factor that defines streetwear is the culture of exclusivity. Many clothes come on sale for a limited amount of time and once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. So, in a way, collecting items of streetwear manifests into a hobby for many; people want the “rarest garms”.

 

Image: thedailystreet.co.uk

What is great about the uncompromising link between streetwear and the culture that it is formed out of is the way that we now have brands emerging in the UK that are shaped by aspects of our british culture. Perhaps the clearest illustration of this is the highly sought after “Palace skateboarding”, founded by Lev Tanju who said that the name itself was a sarcastic reference to the far from luxurious London “skate houses” that Tanju and his mates lived in. Tanju remarked “I want to do something different that’s honest and I want to show people how sick London and skateboarding is.” That’s what is so sick about streetwear; it’s necessarily linked to the cultures it stems from.

EXCLUSIVE: The Family review and interview with the cast

Written by Robbie Davidson on . Posted in Film.

Dark comedy is a notorious difficult genre to get right. The Family makes a half hearted effort to be a ‘dark comedy’ but sadly fails. But it is not without any redeeming features despite what a well known TV personality was heard to utter as we left our preview screening. Robert De Niro, despite his best efforts, is still has a great screen presence even if he sacrificed artistic integrity for the pay cheque a couple of ‘Meet The Parents’ ago. Besides, De Niro can play gangsters in his sleep (and probably would if the money was right) so The Family is hardly a stretch for the Hollywood great. Indeed at a press conference with the man himself, and co-stars Michelle Pfeiffer and Dianna Agron, De Niro spoke of his plans to reunite with Martin Scorsese in the future- the result of this hopefully more gratifying than The Family.

  De Niro plays mafia boss, Giovanni, who has been placed into a witness protection program with his family after he ‘snitches’ on crime kingpin, Don Luchese (Stan Carp) and now has a heavy price on his head amongst his former Mafia friends. There were some other elements which contributed to Giovanni ending up living in Normandy with his family, but they seemed irrelevant, especially to the director, Luc Besson, who quickly forgets to provide any explanation as to why the FBI would chose to hide a family in a rural village in northern France. De Niro was similarly perplexed as to why his character would be placed in Normandy of all places.

    But to sacrifice the French location would be to sacrifice most of the culture related jokes which Besson insists on just in case we weren’t sure just how foreign American and French people are to each other. In fact Besson’s apparent disdain towards the French and France in general is all the more surprising given that he is actually French himself. Perhaps years of being ridiculed as being the most ‘Hollywood of French filmmakers’ by his compatriots has finally got to him.

  But if The Family is the standard by which we judge him by, then the criticism is hardly an unfair one. Having spent the last decade producing movies with Liam Neeson/Jason Statham (insert as appropriate) travelling around Europe shooting people, it’s refreshing to see he’s equally capable of directing films filled with mindless violence and nonexistent morality.

From left: Dianna Agron, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Chris Heweitt

The trouble is that you can see what Besson wanted to do, and what I sensed the cast signed up to do: to portray a Mafia family forced to adapt to normal life after a lifetime of crime; balancing the everyday challenges of meeting the neighbours, combating bullies and first love, whilst the threat of retribution from their old lives hangs heavy over them. But all that rests heavily on you actually caring about the family. But when mother Maggie, (Pfeiffer) blows up a shop because the owner mocks American culture, or Giovanni fantasies about sticking his neighbour’s face into hot coal for criticising his barbecue, we’re meant to laugh?

   Comedy and violence can work together as long as the cardinal rule remains that violence has consequences, as so many of De Niro’s previous films have shown. Except here all that the onslaught of violence achieves is a lot of innocent civilians dead and the family relocating, with an unjustified sense of  ‘togetherness’. Most perversely of all, daughter, Bella, (Agron) all ready to  kill herself because the boy she slept with doesn’t want her anymore, thinks better of it when the potential to kill some baddies presents itself instead. If you want to see a film about  murderers in a foreign country trying to cope with the consequences of their actions, watch In Bruges– a film with real darkness and real comedy.

★★

 

Cornerhouse Pick of the Week: Short Term 12

Written by Mancunion on . Posted in Film.

Short Term 12 follows a 20-something supervising staff member, Grace (Brie Larson), of a foster care facility as she navigates the troubled waters of that world alongside her co-worker and longtime boyfriend, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.).

One thing that struck me was the unenviable task the staff had, treading the fine line between being a friend and carer. The instruction given to the new recruit, Nate (Rami Malek), was to just say no to everyone for the first few weeks so they didn’t take advantage of him. Nate is believably naïve, self-centred and finds himself in way over his head.

The final scene is one of the most beautifully-shot, funny yet tangential to the plot. A recurring theme is the children attempting to run from the centre and, by extension, their problems. In this scene, Sammy (Alex Colloway) drapes an American flag over his shoulders and runs in slow motion, chased by the frontline staff.

The plot centres around an at-risk child, Jayden (Kaitlyn Dever), as she is introduced to the centre. Grace sees a kindred spirit in Jayden and, despite stating that she cares for all of the kids in her care equally, Grace seems to go above and beyond to try and save Jayden from her problems.

The other main plot thread is the relationship between Grace and Mason. Despite advocating the value of expressing thoughts and feelings, Grace does not practise what she preaches. It is evident that both have first-hand experience of the care system and Mason is lucky to have had supportive foster parents. Grace is all too aware of the problems Jayden is going through and the coping mechanisms she adopts.

On that note, I feel obligated to warn viewers that the film does touch on sensitive themes, including self-harm, sexual abuse, abortion and suicide. Thankfully these themes were all explored in a mature, tasteful and elegant manner.

Scripts focused on fostering are dependent on child actors faithfully portraying the delicate scenes.  Fortunately, brilliant turns by Colloway, Dever and Keith Stanfield as a kid approaching his eighteenth birthday give their scenes the needed frailty and emotional clout to faithfully depict their characters. The adult cast is by no means lacking though. Larson brings a multi-layered performance that should receive some recognition, even if just to win her next role.

I feel the film loyally portrayed events that could arise in an American care centre. The culturally diverse cast helps to show that anyone can be left without someone to care for them at that age.

The film could have easily been defeatist and dreary with the themes it explores. Luckily it remains positive, heart-warming and even cute.

Preview: Noah

Written by Jack Crutcher on . Posted in Film.

As with any screen adaptation of a best-selling book, you could say there are certain risks that come with the journey from page to screen. But unlike other projects of this nature, the film in question is attempting to re-create one of the best known stories the Bible ever told. This really begs the question, why would anybody want to take on the pressure of adapting a book that can claim to have changed the world and that still consistently sells millions of copies worldwide, centuries after it was first published?

This coming March Noah will, god willing, arrive in UK cinemas with a fair amount of hype already surrounding its public image. Director Darren Aronofsky has assembled an eye-catching cast for, what he and Paramount Pictures will hope turns out to be, an equally eye-catching epic. Russell Crowe will take on the role of Noah, Jennifer Connelly will play Noah’s wife Naameh and Anthony Hopkins stars as Noah’s Grandfather, Methuselah. Emma Watson, Ray Winston and Kevin Durand also star in what shapes up to be an impressive, if not dangerously weighty cast. With so many big names on show and the stories Biblical origins making it such a visceral work to millions, the pressure and expectation on this film to succeed, where similarly brave projects have historically failed, could not be higher. And it is fair to say that production has not gone as smoothly as Aronofsky and Paramount would have liked.

Last month it emerged that initial screenings of Noah intended to gauge public reaction to its take on the original story had not gone to plan. Feedback from Christian and Jewish audiences in New York were far from positive, and said reaction has since caused a dispute between Aronofsky and production company Paramount. Paramount have preceded to show different cuts of the movie to varying audiences in an effort to figure out which cut will best please the broadest demographic of people. Ultimately Aronofsky wants artistic license to make the film he envisaged, and Paramount perhaps understandably, want a film that will bring commercial success in an increasingly competitive market, leading to deadlock.

It is not a surprise that a film which deals with a story so integral to the beliefs of millions of people worldwide is proving difficult to find a balance between the art of cinema and the cold reality of finding acceptance in a money making industry. Whether Noah turns out to be Biblically accurate or not remains a contentious issue – does it need to be? That may depend on your religious conviction. However its commercial success is more than probable. Aronofsky has had almost unencumbered success with past work and boasts a portfolio that includes both Black Swan and Requiem for a Dream. With the impressive cast and a film-loving public desperate for a Gladiator-esque blockbuster, with scale and conviction a plenty (enter Russell Crowe), Noah has every chance of making floods of money in 2014.

UK Release Date: 28th March 2014.

Contrary Corner: Almost Famous but never quite the hit

Written by Nikolas McNally on . Posted in Film.

The box office bomb of Oliver Hirshbiegel’s royalist-bait Diana biopic to compliment it’s critical mauling shows the rare commercial failure of a genre littered with banal Oscar begging (The King’s Speech) and vapidly toothless portrayals of their muses (Notorious and The Iron Lady, which manage to transform The Notorious B.I.G into Mother Teresa and Margaret Thatcher into something only half Satanic). The general success of biopics is disheartening not only as it stifles the chances of film studios gambling on funding innovative fiction, but because the storytelling scarcely lives up to the interest of their subjects.

Enter Almost Famous; an exception to the latter which wears both its heart and sharp tongue on its sleeve. Based on director Cameron Crowe’s experiences in the 1970s as a 15 year-old writer for Rolling Stone, the film chronicles teen prodigy William Miller’s (Patrick Fugit) time on tour with up-and-coming band Stillwater, where his quest to obtain an interview is drowned by the alluring wilderness of rock ‘n roll and escapism into a fever dream world much unlike his own.

Though the film is a love letter to the 60s and 70s rock that defined the times, Almost Famous portrays the scene surrounding the music with a less devout intricacy. Crowe candidly sheds light on the band’s envious inner turmoil and the hypocrisy of supposedly ‘doing it for the fans’ as well as the unabashed sensationalism of mainstream journalism, with Rolling Stone editor Ben Fong-Torres almost salivating at a version of the interview featuring the band’s near-death in a plane crash amidst comically stupendous acid trips. Most poignantly though is Crowe’s depiction of the warm yet fragmented relationships between wayward souls on the road, particularly through William’s infatuation with the whimsical Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), a self-branded ‘band aid’ (a.k.a groupie). The character’s gravitational pull towards the lifestyle and each other is threatened by real-world responsibilities and relationships, disillusionment towards idols (‘Just make us look cool’, the Stillwater lead singer responds in lieu of an actual interview) and unrequited affection. Though the script is laced with sharp one-liners and moments of warmth, the film evokes a distinct bittersweet resonance when exploring the implications of this nether-zone between fantasy and reality, as wide-eyed idealism towards a seemingly carefree life is grounded down to weary disenchantment.

‘Be honest and unmerciful’, legendary rock journalist Lester Bangs (Philip Seymour Hoffman) advises William, a message most biopics could stand to heed. Despite failing to break even when in 2000 and remaining largely undiscussed, Almost Famous, through a stellar soundtrack, shrewd script and affecting performances all-round, deserves a look-in as a refreshingly honest biopic. ‘Experience it. Enjoy it. Just don’t fall for it.’

Review: The Counsellor

Written by Leo Mates on . Posted in Film.

I’d like to start this review by saying this: I really wanted to like this film. In fact, I wanted to love it. Unfortunately, The Counselor is just terrible. The film revolves around a lawyer (Michael Fassbender), inexplicably only known as “Counselor”, who involves himself in a drug deal with an extravagant drug dealer/nightclub owner who likes cheetahs (Javier Bardem) and a middle-man who likes women (Brad Pitt). The deal goes wrong, because this is a movie and that’s all that ever happens when a drug deal is involved, and Fassbender realises he’s gotten himself in too deep. Also, Fassbender is going out with Penelope Cruz, who may as well be wearing a sign saying “I will end up dead because of this deal”, and Cameron Diaz pops up every now and again to deliver nonsensical dialogue in a monotone. I’m aware that that’s a really terrible description of the plot, but unfortunately that’s because I never had any idea what was going on (I saw it with a friend who felt the same way, so I’m pretty sure it’s not just me). The film is littered with scenes that have no relevance to the rest of the plot, and characters are frequently thrown in without any explanation of who they are or why they’re there, and are promptly forgotten the moment the scene is finished. The entire story grinds to a halt at one point as we stop to listen to Javier Bardem tell us, in a speech that lasts a good five minutes, about how Cameron Diaz had sex with the windshield of his car (I wish I was making this up). Even worse, we get to see Diaz do just that, whilst Bardem mimics the audience’s shocked and slightly disgusted faces in what I can only assume was meant to be a fantastically clever bit of fourth-wall breaking. At the end of the speech, Fassbender asks him, ‘what does this have to do with the deal?’ at which point Bardem has to sheepishly admit that it has nothing to do with the deal, or the plot, and the entire incident is never mentioned again.

I could go on for pages and pages, pointing out just everything that either made no sense in this film, or was just outright unpleasant to watch. I could tell you about how tonally, it’s about as consistent as a tiger caught in a tornado, as it shifts from gritty gangster drama, to thoughtful discourse on the nature of death, to porn film. I could even tell you about how Cameron Diaz has about as much acting ability as a jacket potato. Unfortunately, my word limit won’t let me, so I’ll end by saying that I do in fact think that this film should be seen, if only as an example of how a fantastic cast, a world class director, and a truly great scriptwriter (Cormac McCarthy, writer of No Country For Old Men and The Road), is no guarantee that a film will be good. That’s what saddens me most about this, the sheer amount of talent that has been completely wasted. So do see it, but see it as a cautionary tale. But for god’s sake, don’t pay for it.

Dating for the 4G generation

Written by Moya Crockett on . Posted in Lifestyle.

Until this summer, I’d never heard of Tinder. My friend Grace and I were having lunch, and she was simultaneously chatting and scrolling through her iPhone, in that casual way that young people barely notice and proper adults find stunningly rude. Suddenly, she grinned, and held up her phone for me to see what was distracting her. Floating above two photos – one of my friend, one of some guy I’d never seen before – swirly letters proclaimed, “It’s a Match!” I didn’t understand what I was looking at. “You and Alex have liked each other,” the screen informed, matter-of-factly. Grace had two options: “Send a Message,” or “Keep Playing.”

This, then, is Tinder; this, then, is romance reduced to its barest bones. It is to online dating what a tweet is to a lengthy blog post, in that only the most basic details make the cut. The free app uses Facebook to create a profile (a couple of photos, your first name, age and interests), and your location to match you with people nearby. You can see what, if any, friends and interests you have in common. If you like their profile, you swipe right; if it’s a no, you swipe left. If you “like” someone and they like you back, you’re a match, and the floor is yours to start exchanging messages.

I was, quite frankly, astonished. Internet or mobile dating, to my uninitiated mind, was reserved for middle-aged divorcees and thirty-something women who’ve suddenly remembered that they wanted to have a kid at some point – in other words, people who’ve exhausted all their other options. But we’re young, and we’re not so unattractive that people actively run away screaming from us on the street. We have uni, and nightclubs, and house parties, and festivals, and friends-of-friends, and all those other tried-and-tested methods of finding someone to be your boyfriend or girlfriend, or at least maybe have sex with you. And yet here was my attractive, intelligent, responsible, funny friend, cheerfully swapping messages with a stranger who she’d met on her phone.

Grace assured me that there was no stigma attached to Tinder. “It’s not weird. Everyone at my uni’s on it.” But as David Mitchell put it in a recent article in the Observer, although “everyone’s saying how internet dating is the future – the technological solution to busy, modern disconnected urban life,” the mere fact that you have to bring up the concept of shame implies that there is some shame in it. “Nobody ever bothered to point out that there’s no shame in eating soup or going for a walk.” Indeed. I think this gets to the crux of what innately weirds me out about Tinder. Is it not just a bit cringe? I have always, perhaps mistakenly, placed at least some value on the subtle art of playing it cool when it comes to romance. Maybe I’m wrong, but that period of liking someone – that torturous, squirmy time of not quite knowing whether they even know you’re alive, but then, oh, CHRIST, they’ve texted you, and maybe they’re only asking what your plans are tonight because they want an invite to your friend’s house party, but also, maybe this is the best day ever, but then of course once you get to the party you will have to be incredibly nonchalant yet effortlessly charming – isn’t that the exciting part of the whole ordeal? You can’t play it cool if you’re on Tinder. Tinder wipes the mystery out of fancying someone in the swipe of a screen. It’s the technological equivalent of walking up to someone on the street and shouting “YOU’RE FIT!” in their face.

But it seems that millions of young people don’t share my reservations. Tinder is targeted at people between 18 and 35 years old, and it’s insanely popular, currently averaging around 2 million users a day. The average Tinder user checks the app 11 times per day, seven minutes at a time. In the spirit of journalistic enquiry – and reasoning that there must be something in this kind of phenomenon – I ignore my misgivings. I download the app.

Ten minutes later, I have been completely absorbed. I am flicking through photos of boys I’ve never met and dismissing them almost immediately. No, thank you, Joe, 23; I don’t like boys who wear vests. Ew, no, thanks, George, 22 – weird eyebrows, bad shirt. It’s horribly compelling. For something ostensibly so personal, the process is bizarrely sterile, almost abstract. It doesn’t feel at all like these are real people. It feels like I’m flicking through the Argos catalogue and not seeing any toys I like. There are a couple of absolute crackers, and not in a good way. Special mention has to go to “Niall, 25”, who has chosen as his profile picture a photo of him on a mad one at a foam party, topless, in a Santa hat, sticking his tongue out at the camera. Truly, every young girl’s dream. I’m also surprised to see the amount of boys that have put their Snapchat names on their profiles. Why? Am I being naïve? Is it because they think girls might send them pictures of their boobs? Why? Screenshots of Niall and characters like him can be found at a Tumblr called Twats of Tinder, which is possibly the most 2013 sentence I’ve ever written. For the most part, though, there’s nothing overtly wrong with the boys I swipe into the rejection pile. They’re just normal-looking guys, and while some of them are probably interesting and kind and funny and likable and charming in real life, it’s pretty difficult to get any of that from what is essentially a Top Trump card. I try to imagine what kind of dazzling profile might prompt a swipe-right from me, and it’s a struggle. I certainly can’t see myself ever going to meet someone from the app in the actual living-and-breathing 3D world.

The majority of Tinder users, it transpires, are with me on that. A recent poll found that only 1 in 5 people who use the app have actually met up with one of their matches, which seems a low figure, particularly when you consider that other mobile dating apps have a 66% average meet rate. Of all the people I know who use Tinder, the vast majority of them are quick to dismiss the idea that they might actually be using it to find romance. “No, no, obviously not,” says Tom, 22. “It’s just fun to be able to be like, yes, no, no, no, yes. Like a power thing, maybe.”  The other Tinderers I know concur. No, they say emphatically, obviously they’re not really trying to meet people on it. When I ask why not, they’re all weirdly evasive. The closest I get to an explanation is from a friend who says, “The girls on Tinder aren’t edgy enough.” He’s joking (I think), but ties in with my earlier point about wanting to at least maintain a façade of cool in your quest for love.

For all our many great qualities, our generation does tend towards narcissism, and the attention span of your average 18-to-25-year-old is probably not that dissimilar to that of a gnat. Every human being since the dawn of time has loved the quick, meaningless ego boost of being told that you’re hot, but Instagram and Facebook mean that we’ve become almost reliant on this kind of positive reinforcement. And you only have to fidget through the painfully long opening credits of a film from the 1950s to recognize how much we’ve come to hate waiting for anything. Tinder requires zero emotional engagement and indulges our vanity with the promise of a match, and so in many ways, it’s the perfect app for young people today. But actually, my little foray into Tinder-world has reassured me that it’s no threat to actual romance. It might be a little depressing, but for most people, it’s just a bit of fun.

Before I go to delete my account, I have one last scroll through the profiles. I don’t seem to have anything in common with anyone on here: as I’m told again and again: “Shared Interests: 0.” Alright, alright. Do I occupy such a niche gap in the market? Aha! Andy, 23. One shared interest. Well, it’s a start. What do Andy and I have in common? I click. We both, at one point, have liked a Facebook page called “I lol’d at this seal.” Alright. I’m out.

Do you agree? Have you experienced dating on Tinder? Get involved in the comments below, or email us at [email protected]. 

Study Abroad Report: Beijing

Written by Mancunion on . Posted in Lifestyle.

When I arrived in Beijing at the end of this summer to study Chinese, I had some serious adjustments to make. An average day at uni here begins at 8am. I know – 8am! Despite the early start, there can be no zoning out during class. Chinese is the common language between the English, American, European, Asian, and South American students, and so that’s the language in which we’re taught. No English. Only Chinese. For about four hours straight. It’s hardly surprising that people put their head down in the breaks to snooze.

We’ve all been assigned Chinese language partners, and it’s honestly frustrating how good their English is in comparison to our Chinese. They’re able to discuss their opinions on politics, popular culture, art and food, which is doubly impressive when you realise that most of them have never travelled farther than Beijing. It was pretty nerve-wracking to realise upon arrival that I couldn’t really speak any Chinese. But hey ho, we are definitely progressing: I mean, I had a full-on Chinese phone conversation with the water supplier, and

he turned up to the correct address with the correct amount of water and everything.

The first thing to say in regards to the nightlife here is that no, not everyone goes red when they drink alcohol in China. There’s a huge clubbing scene in Beijing and its definitely not just for the foreigners. Some clubs are packed with merry Chinese crowds grinding on one another, just like in a cheesy club in Manchester. Other clubs are full of desperate westerners who believe that your mutual western-ness means you should spend hours talking to them. I get it – common ground and all that – but sometimes you don’t want to go for dinner just because you both speak English! Speaking of dinner, Chinese food in China is so much better than in the UK. The street food knocks the socks off Kebab King. Top dishes include melt-in-the-mouth steamed dumplings, egg coriander pancakes, tofu to satisfy any steak lover, and street BBQ of anything, from chicken hearts to aubergine to squid. For dessert, there’s ice cream, weird

jellies and bubble tea drinks that can keep me entertained for hours. And when it all costs less than a pound, you’re free to try everything! The low cost of food in Beijing means that it’s possible to live like royalty on a budget of about £25 a week.

The biggest difference between student life in China and the UK is that going to university in China doesn’t seem to symbolise “growing up.” There is a huge lack of emphasis on becoming independent, developing social skills and making your own decisions. The focus of university is simply to study, study, study. This is boosted by the lack of privacy given to the Chinese students: they share a room with up to five other people, and there’s a big lack of communal space and kitchen facilities, supposedly because it’s too “dangerous.” Many students have no choice but to study, because what else are they going to do? Relationships are compromised, too – the courtyard outside our halls is full of Chinese students snogging till midnight because they have nowhere else to go. I’m all for studying, but this is kind of depressing. Come on China, social education is important too.

The district of Gulou is similar to the Northern Quarter: it’s full of Chinese hipsters in black maxi dresses with the sleekest long black hair, boys with high ponytails and leather jackets, and vintage shops that hold some pretty sweet deals. Earlier this week, I spotted a lady who wouldn’t look out of place in Manchester, dressed in a silver and pink ski suit with matching Air Max 90’s. While many a Manchester student might take a liking to this look, I think she might have been an accidental hipster. At night, Gulou is for the quirky and cool of Beijing: it’s a lot less sweaty than Wudaoku, the student area, and the advice is to “wear all black.” On our first night out in Gulou we were ecstatic to hear some Motown and disco tunes that made the Wudaoku’s Miley Cyrus obsession a distant memory.

While you guys in Manchester are gearing up towards a long Christmas holiday, in Beijing we’re in study mode until January. Beijing is adapting itself to the cool northern winds rushing in from Mongolia, and the street food vendors are wrapping themselves up and roasting chestnuts. China is truly different to the UK and constantly surprising: I’m very excited to see what the winter has in store.

Swansea University Pole Fitness Society re-instated

Written by Aidan Gregory on . Posted in News.

Swansea University students have voted to allow their Pole-Fitness Society to be given back its Students’ Union affiliation after losing it for being ‘linked’ to the “sex industry”.

The referendum, which saw a majority of 132 to 10 in favour, was put to the student body after the Union admitted its decision to ban the Pole-Fitness society from being affiliated with the SU was “wrong”.

The original decision to bar the pole fitness society was taken at a Swansea University Students’ Union Trustee Meeting in September, but the decision only became public late last month.

In the letter issued by the Students’ Union (SUSU) to the society the SU had argued that pole-fitness society was to be removed due to its “inextricable link to the multi-million pound sex industry”.

It went on further, “although ‘pole fitness’ is sold as an empowering activity, we believe that women have been deceived into thinking this is a way of taking charge of their sexuality and their own decisions.

“As a Students’ Union, we should not be deaf to the very real issue of ‘pole fitness’ playing a part in upholding this ‘Raunch Culture’ and objectification of women and girls and the impact of this on our female students.”

The decision immediately caused uproar at the University, and anger from the national pole-fitness community.

Bethan Morris, President of the Pole Fitness Society at the University, in an interview with SU-TV, argued, “the aspects of the letter where they insinuate that if you partake in a pole-fitness class, you’re basically putting yourself at risk of domestic and sexual violence is absolutely ridiculous.”

Also, she said “pole fitness is in no way associated with the sex industry” and “the idea that we’ve hoodwinked young girls into coming is also absolutely ludicrous.”

Sam Remmar from Pole Dance Community (PDC) weighed in to the argument.

In an open letter to the SUSU, he wrote, “We would like to question why you think the society does not promote gender equality when the group takes on both male and female members and is clear in its promotion. We also noticed you have a cheer leading society which is still active and only takes on female members.”

The letter gave the student governing body three options – justify the decision, admit they were wrong, or all tender their resignations.

Following the result of the vote, the pole fitness society will be reinstated with immediate effect.

Review: My Mother’s Castle by Marcel Pagnol

Written by Shanda Moorghen on . Posted in Books.

Born in 1895 in Marseille, Marcel Pagnol was one of the finest playwrights and novelists of his generation. He is often credited with being at the forefront of early 20th century French theatre with popular plays like Marius and Fanny. However, Pagnol made his name as a novelist with Jean de Florette and Manon of the Springs as well as with a series of autobiographical novels known as Memories of Childhood.

Published in 1957, My Mother’s Castle, the second novel in the series, was his most critically acclaimed book. In it, Pagnol reminisces on summer holidays he spent with his family in the hills of ‘Les Bellons’ at ‘La Bastide Neuve’ in the early 1900s. Young Marcel meets Lili, a boy from the hills who teaches him how to set traps and hunt. Marcel and Lili quickly become best friends and spend most of the summer together. Marcel’s father Joseph, a teacher, also spends his mornings hunting, while his mother Augustine, a seamstress, cares for the other two children of the family, Paul and Germaine.  As the summer draws to a close, the family prepares to return home – much to the dismay of Marcel who attempts to run away with Lili.

Back home, however, the family finds it difficult to settle back into their routine, and Joseph devises a plan that will allow them to enjoy the best of both worlds. Initially, taking a rather long route, they go to the hills every weekend, but the trip proves too tiring for the family. Thanks to Bouzigue, one of Joseph’s past students, they manage to find a shorter route, which involves going through several private properties. However, this proves to be a particularly stressful time for Augustine, who crumbles in fear every time she approaches a particular castle.

Pagnol works his storytelling magic throughout this tale of nostalgia, loss and one son’s unequivocal love for his mother.  My Mother’s Castle is a gem of French literature and probably the most beautiful tribute Pagnol could give to his mother.

Several years later, Pagnol bought the castle – his mother’s castle. “All this time, she never knew she was at her son’s place,” he later said.

Dysfunctional families in American literature

Written by Katie Myerscough on . Posted in Books.

American Pastoral by Philip Roth

A devastating Philip Roth masterpiece, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel traces the disintegration of middle class athlete-turned-businessman Seymour ‘The Swede’ Levov’s first marriage and his complete estrangement from his daughter-turned-domestic terrorist Merry. The novel, set in 1960s’ Newark, uses the political and social furore of the time as a backdrop for Levov’s unravelling. Nathan Zuckerman (Roth’s oft-used literary stand-in) narrates and attempts to piece together Levov’s story from a few newspaper clippings, chance meetings and half-remembered stories. Stunning in scope and execution, this novel stands as one of Roth’s finest and as a powerful evocation of the end of the American Dream.

The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

They don’t come much more dysfunctional than the Lisbon family in Jeffrey Eugenides’ 1993 debut The Virgin Suicides.  The suicides of the five girls of the family are narrated by a huddle of teenage boys who, years later, are still fascinated and nonplussed by the girls’ short lives and tragic deaths. This slim novel is set in 1970s’ Grosse Point, Michigan and is richly descriptive and evocative. A sense of melancholy hangs over the narrators as they pick through the Lisbon’s trash trying to find clues that would point to the reasons behind the girls’ deaths. As readers, we join them, on the outside looking in, trying to make sense of the insensible.

Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner

A complicated, involved and difficult novel, this is ultimately a rewarding if rather frustrating read. Some of the frustration comes from the impossibility of pinning down the Sutpen family, the reasons for their rise and the designs behind their complete collapse in the antebellum South. While nothing is certain, what is clear is that issues of sexual jealousy, incest, and fears of miscegenation circle and encompass the Sutpen family. This allows Faulkner to raise (if not answer) questions of race and gender, memory and motivation, triumph and tragedy.