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Month: February 2019

Extinction Rebellion supported by SU with 2% majority

Written by Emily Broncz on . Posted in News.

A motion requesting official support of Extinction Rebellion was passed at the University of Manchester Students Union Senate on 7thFebruary. Achieving a majority backing of 68%, barely above the 66% threshold required to pass a Senate motion.

The direct action climate change pressure group gathered widespread attention last November after protestors managed to halt traffic outside of the SU, with eight arrested after another protest on Oxford Street, Manchester.

One of those arrested was Students’ Union Activities Officer, Lizzy Haughton, on the charge of “wilfully obstructing the highway”, which she denies and is due to stand trial in April.

Arguments for passing support for the motion included a view that Extinction Rebellion’s interventions are a necessity after government failings to correctly address environmental concerns.

Concerns about Haughton’s motion were raised by Sara Khan, the Liberation and Access Officer. Khan explained that, due to the movement’s alleged encouragement of members to get arrested, the movement could not be viewed as being fully inclusive.

While this mission might work for those hailing from a “white, middle-class background”, Khan expressed doubt it would resonate as well with people from minority groups, such as the trans and BAME communities, who “don’t have such a cosy time in jail cells” and historically “encounter police violence”.

Further justifications for opposing the motion included viewing the movement as lacking “political substance”, with a grounding in legislative aims beyond demands to get arrested.

The SU also passed a motion to support a ‘yes’ vote in the UCU ballot for strike action, scraping by with 67% in favour. The issue has been discussed previously at many Senates and continues to be a widely debated area.

International Students Officer, Riddi Viswanathan, pledged support by stating: “I believe it is extremely important we support this motion.” It is a motion widely supported by the NUS and, to a lesser extent, by the SU.

Other motions included the university taking on the plastic pledge, thereby aiming to become ‘greener’, which was supported by an overwhelming 98% of the vote.

95% voted in favour of the SU supporting EU and EEA students in relation to Brexit, although Viswanathan highlighted that there was a lack of legal and immigration expertise and resources in the SU to offer any level of support.

A motion of no confidence in the NUS president Shakira Martin was defeated, despite 50% voting in favour.

The Arthur Lewis Building, where recently a plaque has been unveiled in honor of its namesake and the UK's first black professor. Photo: Mike Peel @ Wikimedia Commons.

Concern as UoM schools of Social Sciences and Law set to merge

Written by Josh Sandiford on . Posted in News.

The Head of the School of Social Sciences has informed students that the Schools of Law and Social Sciences will be merged to a form a single School, pending approval by the Board of Governors and the University Senate.

A position paper was published last September, looking at the benefits and risks of a merger between the Schools of Law and Social Sciences. There have also been a number of workshops and events in which students were able to go and give their views on the proposed merger. Key themes arising from feedback sessions arranged by the Students’ Union will be included in the proposal that is soon to be submitted to University Senate and the Board of Governors.

An email received by Social Sciences students said: “Firstly, we want to thank those who submitted comments during the feedback period, which ended on 14 December. Having considered the feedback on the position paper, the Working Group’s view was that a merger would be beneficial to both Schools, with no academic disadvantages. In reaching this decision, the Working Group looked at both the advantages and the disadvantages arising from the merger of the two Schools.”

The email is also signed by the University of Manchester Students’ Union’s (SU) General Secretary Fatima Abid, and Olivia Meisl, the SU’s education officer. If approval for the merger is given, the single school will be called the ‘School of Social Sciences’ and this would take effect from the 1st August 2019.

The School of Social Sciences currently includes subjects such as Economics, Philosophy, Politics, Social Anthropology, Social Statistics, and Sociology. In recent years there has been a move across the University to larger, more evenly-sized Schools, with the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH) and the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) both reducing the number of Schools in their Faculties to three and two respectively.

However, there have been widespread concerns about the merger among students in the School of Law. Anuli Changa, Head Student Rep of the School of Law, said: “My understanding from students I’ve spoken to is that they feel that the identity and reputation of the School of Law will be lost with the merger. This could affect employability opportunities.

“There was also a general feeling that the consultation, survey and feedback would have little impact and that the decision had already been made.

“There are fears that the merger will put administrative strain on the School of Law and a lack of individualised support for a School which has four courses with different needs.”

Becca Windsor De Taboada, Law and Politics student rep, said: “I made an effort to communicate to them, as a rep, that students were unhappy with the idea. The explanations as to WHY this merger was happening weren’t good no matter who I turned to, and the ‘asking us for our opinion’ aspect of it just seemed to be a bit of a farce.

“I’m disappointed at the outcome and worried about what it will mean for the reputation of and resources at the law school.”

The Email notes that it will be important to keep a “Law School” identity going forward and states that a “brand-testing” exercise is underway.

If the merger is approved, a further working group will be set up to direct the work needed to “realise” the transition to a single School. The email states that more details will then be provided to students, including how they can get involved further.

The email ends: “If the merger is approved, we will ensure that you continue to receive the high-quality education which we know you value greatly. On a day-to-day basis, a typical student is unlikely to experience a significant change, and certainly no adverse change.”

A University spokesperson said: “These proposals, which are subject to final endorsement by Senate and the Board of Governors, would see both Schools benefit from significantly increased opportunities to collaborate in areas such as research, access to external funding and support for students. We have been fully engaged with staff and students throughout this process, and will continue to listen to their views and ideas.”

Photo: Tabercil @ Wikimedia Commons

Racism, actually

Written by Cachella Smith on . Posted in Opinion.

Actor Liam Neeson has denied accusations of racism following a confession of intent to kill any black man who provoked him in an interview published in The Independent last Monday. His New York premiere of Cold Pursuit has since been cancelled.

Lemn Sissay, Chancellor of The University of Manchester, has been engaging with the matter on Twitter, tweeting: “flick Liam-dust from each shoulder and walk away”, amongst other comments.

Neeson’s claim was made as part of an anecdote from around 40 years ago when he walked around in the hope of harming a black person. His intention was formed with a motive of vengeance for the rape of a close friend by a black man. He actively ventured more than once into what he termed ‘black areas in the city’, equipped with a weapon.

The explanation, or excuse, given to ABC’s Good Morning America was that had the perpetrator been of any nationality, citing a Brit and a Lithuanian amongst others, his reaction would have been the same. This is an explanation which, however, fails hideously in my eyes to redeem him from an accusation of racism.

Branching into the Oxford Dictionary, we can define racism as belief that all members of each race possess characteristics specific to that race. Projecting, in the way that Neeson does, the crime of one man onto another, due to the common colour of their skin is fundamentally racist whether the race in question is British, Lithuanian, Nigerian, or any other.

Neeson digs his hole further with ABC suggesting that political correctness is a thin layer covering latent bigotry. He even suggested his claim was designed to encourage a discourse on racism.

There is no argument as to whether Neeson’s initial actions and statement were racist. There is little room for manoeuvre when a wealthy white man admits to wandering the streets with the intention of harming any unknown black person for the sheer sake of it.

My claim however is that even in his attempts to refute this idea he continues to uphold a racist discourse that is damaging to our society today. To shrug off his own claim with the suggestion that people only pretend to be politically correct, refuting the danger that he posed to innocent people with the response “they could have killed me too, at the time”, and blaming his “primal hatred”, all abhorrently continue to construct the average black person as the enemy.

Significantly his choice of ‘primal’ takes us back to our first stages of evolution. An adjective that, yes, alludes to an archaic human nature, but at the same time conjures up the need of a fight for survival.

John Barnes took an interesting stance, suggesting that the power of Neeson’s story was not in his actions or thoughts, but his ability to recognise his actions were wrong and denounce the society which gave them to him. Barnes however only allows Neeson to once more use racism to excuse racism.

It becomes no longer a question of whether Neeson’s justification is enough to absolve him of his racist comments last week, let alone his racist actions forty years ago, but now a question of how exactly Neeson can justify his justification.

What exactly does it say about society when the apology for racism is racism itself?

Photo: Kit @ Wikimedia Commons

University’s worth it

Written by miaedwards on . Posted in Opinion.

In recent years, growing resentment over increased university tuition fees has led many to challenge the idea that obtaining a degree is a necessary career step. Thousands of prospective undergraduates are opting instead to pursue apprenticeships, or to develop their careers within a company. This is entirely understandable; university is not affordable for many, and for others there are sufficient professional opportunities elsewhere that demand no fees in return for boosted career prospects.

The commodification of education is outrageous, but academic development is not the sole service that universities boast. Unlike school, our campus provides opportunities to develop independence, interpersonal skills, and your CV. My high school in West Sussex had no school paper, no societies, and no employment networks. Our socials were run by those popular pupils whose notoriety meant that they had easy access to positions of power, so events were tailored to their social groups’ preferences. If we wanted help with our CVs, we were sent to a nearby school where the advice was better.

Here, I can run for leadership positions whenever I choose. I have influence. I can invest time in my interests and feel heard. I can actively help to organise social events where I can meet people who have similar preferences to me. I can write for a paper, record a radio show, try a new sport, start any society that I please. If I want help with getting work experience, there is an entire team dedicated to helping me do so. I can access training materials, workshops and speeches. I can watch debates and meet experts in their respective fields.

Those who were privately educated might be less excited by these opportunities. When I told a friend about my interests in feminism and my disappointment in my school’s lack of focus on it, she replied: ‘Why didn’t you just start a society?’

To me, this was laughable. My school had no societies. Private schools are constructed to encourage the same independence and opportunities as university. I do not mean to undermine state schools, but rather to emphasise that lectures are not the only component of university that I pay for.

Independence is also encouraged through self-catering halls, an academic structure which requires self-organisation, and constant situations where you can meet new people. University aids the development of employable character traits. Whilst I do not condone the excessive costs of my degree, it is important to note that there are many ways to take advantage of the facilities here that have no relevance to coursework or exams.

Of course, we should strive for equal educational opportunities which involves protesting the elitism that university fees encourage. But whilst we campaign, we should focus on the chances presented to us to take part in new activities and acquire skills that would be a lot harder to develop elsewhere.

Remember the privileged position that we are in. Do not ignore the options surrounding you that will never be so readily available again. Perhaps we are not getting our money’s worth; get your opportunity’s worth instead.

Photo: Pete Riches @Wikimedia Commons

What is ‘political correctness’ for – apart from enraging Piers Morgan?

Written by oliverstorey on . Posted in Opinion.

The recent Gillette advert can be hailed as a testament to a society prepared to challenge outdated norms that damage the health and well-being of society. For some, it was an example of positive ‘political correctness’.

Others, such as Piers Morgan, however, chose to internalise the advert’s message. He, and many others across social media, perceived the advert as a direct attack on their own attitudes and behaviours. He chose to self-obsess and react in outrage dominating the discourse on a subject that was never about Piers Morgan.

The advert highlights the negative culture of misogynistic and toxic masculinity. Culture, however, is a shared sense of society’s individual beliefs and cannot be designated to individuals. Therefore, people unwittingly appease a culture of toxic masculinity, perpetuating the damaging consequences for society.

By not targeting individual behaviour, but collective attitudes, the advert’s primary message is directed to the victims of this culture. The bullied lad, the sexually harassed girl, and even the toxic ‘male’ character; they all grow up to become victims of this damaging culture.

Would Donald Trump be the same man he is if his “locker room” antics had not been placated by his peers? Would Harvey Weinstein have been allowed to sexually assault so many women if they didn’t believe it was required to further their career, in an industry partly defined by toxic masculinity? We need a frank discussion and confrontation of these unacceptable principles so our culture can grow beyond its current state.

Unfortunately, ‘political correctness’ has become a dirty phrase. Subjective alternatives should not replace dogmatic irrationality so arrogantly, however virtuous they may seem. For example, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council banned the use of the word brainstorm, as it offends epileptics. A survey carried out by the Epilepsy Society in 2005 found that the term is “not offensive to the vast majority of people with epilepsy”.

We forget that the purpose of political correctness is to engage those with different views in conversation, not to shout down contrary perspectives. How can liberals hope to supersede outdated views if they apply their own in an arbitrary manner? Both sides of this argument should try to understand the others’ thought process, while maintaining composure and integrity.

The legitimacy of ‘political correctness’ suffers due to some obnoxious uses of it. The Spice Girl’s recent promotion of a women’s empowerment campaign paid female workers 35p an hour to make the campaign’s t-shirts. This ‘virtue signalling’ is an act of expressing solidarity with ‘woke’ youth for popularity while doing nothing or little to support their cause.

Ironically, Piers Morgan himself was virtue signalling on Good Morning Britain when he chose to express solidarity with “masculine men” that he says the advert portrays as “evil”. It is easier and entirely more popular to be outraged and strong-minded on a subject that actually requires a measured and more respectful intellectual response.

Piers sadly misses the point that ‘political correctness’ is not about an individual’s virtue or offence, it is not for forcing new rules and ideas on people, and it does not grant moral superiority. It is a way of approaching conversations that help change individual attitudes, which in turn transform our collective culture; increasing the protection and expressionism of the most vulnerable in society.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons @Conor Lawless

Six Nations round-up: England triumph over Ireland

Written by Chris Perrin on . Posted in Sport.

England secured an impressive win on the first weekend of the Six Nations, beating Ireland by 32 points to 20. Eddie Jones’ men had come into the fixture as underdogs against a strong Ireland side, victorious against world champions New Zealand in November and in search of a second consecutive Six Nations title.

It was England, however, that was quickest out of the blocks, with winger Jonny May scoring after a minute and thirty seconds. The try came about through a combination of strong ball-carrying, decisive passing, and a harrying rapidity down the flanks. This was also present in England’s second try, which came soon after Ireland went ahead in the 25th minute.

Passing the ball with purpose from a ruck, Elliot Daly’s well-executed grubber kick spelled trouble for Ireland’s Jacob Stockdale who failed to bring the bouncing ball under control within his own in-goal area. He was pounced on by Jack Nowell, and the ball fell to Daly who scored to give England a half-time lead.

Ireland reasserted themselves and started to display dominance at the start of the second half. England’s lead was reduced to just four points through an Irish penalty. With the game in the balance, there was a strong sense that whichever team scored next would take the momentum and go on to win the match.

On the 65th minute this pivotal moment came. England once again attacked with blistering pace after a scrum. May’s kick over the Irish defensive line was met by Henry Slade, who charged onto the ball and scored. Owen Farrell then converted a long-range penalty soon afterwards, giving England a twelve-point cushion with ten minutes remaining.

Matters were made worse for Ireland when in the 75th minute Johnny Sexton’s wayward pass was intercepted by Slade who scored his second try, putting the match beyond any reasonable doubt and securing a four-try bonus point for his country. Ireland’s John Cooney scored in the 79th minute, but it was too little too late. On the day, England were deserved winners. Not only was this an important result, it was also an impressive performance that displayed great character and discipline.

In their next Six Nations fixture, England will face France, who will no doubt be looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat to Wales in their opening game. Les Bleus squandered a sixteen-point half-time lead, going on to lose 24-19. Ireland will travel to Scotland, who for seventy minutes ran riot against Italy, building up a thirty-point lead. Fatigue clearly set in however, as Italy scored three tries in the final ten minutes. The match ended 33-20.

In the Women’s Six Nations, England kicked off their campaign in style, cruising to a 51-7 win against Ireland. France also won convincingly in their opener, beating Wales 52-3. England and France are joined at the top of the table with Italy, who beat Scotland by 28 points to 7.

The Six Nations is a competition steeped in history. Its high-stake matches and passionate national rivalries make it one of the most exciting sporting competitions. Even if you are not an avid rugby fan, it is certainly worth watching.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons @HBaraka

British Runner Susannah Gill wins World Marathon Challenge

Written by James Gill on . Posted in Sport.

Susannah Gill has won the World Marathon Challenge after running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. The daunting competition involved 183 miles of running which she completed in a world record time of 24 hours, 19 minutes, and 9 seconds.

The 34-year-old finished the last race in Miami in 3 hours, 26 minutes, and 24 seconds. This may be well off the pace of Olympic runners, but  the average time for a man in the US to run a marathon was 4 hours 22 minutes, according to Running USA. These men also haven’t just completed six other marathons.

After the final race she said: “It was a crazy ambition that I wanted to do. The challenge seemed absolutely irresistible to me. Ten years ago, I just wanted to get fit and run the London Marathon. Now, marathon running has literally taken me around the world.”

In the men’s equivalent, American Mike Warden won with a time of 2 hours 53 minutes and 3 seconds in the Miami race and 20 hours, 49 minutes, and 30 seconds overall.

Less than 200 people have achieved the same feat as Gill since Sir Ranulph Fiennes was the first in 2003. By comparison, 533 people have gone into space.

“It’s been an extraordinary week. I’ve loved it but it’s been tough. Although none of us have slept in a bed for a week, and we’ve probably never had more than three hours’ sleep at a time in a plane seat, strangely none of us want to go to bed because that means it’s all over”, Gill added.

“It’s actually more fun to be here and support other runners and make sure everyone gets home and gets their medal, which is what it’s all about. All ages and abilities have been united. It’s the most extraordinary experience, it’s unique and I loved it.”

Photo: Flickr @Keith Allison

Defensive masterclass or offensive shambles: Super Bowl LIII

Written by James Gill on . Posted in Sport.

Cast your mind back to January 1973. Aerosmith had just released their debut album, CBS sells the New York Yankees for $10 million, and the pilot for Last of the Summer Wine airs in the UK. The Miami Dolphins are looking to beat the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII to achieve the first-ever perfect undefeated season.

90,182 people cram into the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to see what is sure to be an epic stand-off between two great teams. The temperature is 29 degrees Celsius, the hottest ever Super Bowl, and the fans can’t wait for the game to begin.

However, they were faced with the lowest scoring game of Super Bowl history, a 14-7 win for the Dolphins, who got their perfect season. 45 years and 45 Super Bowls later, no game has scored lower than the 21 points seen in 1973, and fans have been treated to some magical games. That is, of course, until 2019.

Sadly for American Football fans everywhere, Super Bowl LIII broke the record for the fewest points scored, just 16 in 60 minutes of play as the New England Patriots beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3.

The match was a repeat of Super Bowl XXXVI, in which head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady defeated the Rams 20-17 to win their first Super Bowl rings. 17 years later, the Belichick-Brady partnership is still going strong and this victory is their sixth.

In the early stages of the first quarter, Brady was struggling. His first throw of the game was intercepted and the Patriots were forced to use two timeouts as they tried to adapt and adjust to the Rams’ game plan. Thankfully Brady had wide receiver Julian Edelman to get the offensive game flowing.

He picked Edelman out with a 25-yard pass to put the Patriots within field goal range which Stephen Gostkowski successfully converted from 42 yards to set the score at 3-0. For the rest of the first half, there was little in the way of offensive action.

The Patriots shut out their opponents completely, with the Rams only gaining two first downs the entire half. Besides the field goal though, the Rams were defensively solid too. The missing piece of the puzzle was their offence.

Third-year quarterback Jared Goff looked overwhelmed by the Patriot’s defensive strategy, getting sacked four times. Goff had possession for just 10 minutes compared with 20 for Brady, highlighting his lack of ability to convert plays into first downs.

It wasn’t until the third quarter that Goff managed to make a breakthrough. Todd Gurley made a couple of first down runs to finally start building some momentum for the Rams. The drive culminated in a Super Bowl record 53-yard Greg Zuerlein field goal to tie the game up at 3-3 with minutes to go in the third quarter.

40 minutes of football played and all there was to show for it was two field goals. This would not be the first Super Bowl without a touchdown however, as rookie running back Sony Michel scored his sixth touchdown of the playoffs, and the most important one of his career so far.

Goff and the Rams had no reply. The Rams offence that scored an average of 32.9 points per game in the regular season could not score even one touchdown. With four minutes left in the fourth quarter, there was a glimmer of hope however for an upset.

The Rams needed to kick a field goal, recover an onside kick, then drive for a touchdown. Those hopes were quickly squashed though as Goff through the same pass two downs in a row and cornerback Stephon Gilmore intercepted the second to seal the game for the Patriots.

The result seemed like destiny. Tom Brady and the Patriots were discarded as contenders at the start of the season yet here they were, fighting for the Super Bowl for the third season in the row.

The Belichick-Brady era has broken almost every record you could imagine. Oldest player to win a Super Bowl, oldest manager, most career NFL wins, most Super Bowl wins by a team, a player. The list goes on and on.

The most important number though is 199. Without this one, the football landscape would undoubtedly look completely different. 199 is the pick of the NFL draft in 2000 that the New England Patriots used to sign Tom Brady.

After his name was called out, Brady reportedly went to Robert Kraft, the Patriots owner, looked him in the eye, and said “I’m the best decision this organisation has ever made”. Nine Super Bowl appearances and six Super Bowl wins later, it seems he was right.

Super Bowl LIII had a massive amount of non-football fans tuning in too. Not for the football game though, but for the half-time show. Over 1.2 million people signed a petition to get the song Sweet Victory, from the TV show Spongebob Squarepants, performed during the show.

The creator of the show, Stephen Hillenburg, passed away in November 2018, and in a tribute to his legacy, and to the impact he’s had on millions of people across the world, the fans wanted to give something back.

Maroon 5 confirmed in the build-up to the Super Bowl that Spongebob would be involved and the stage was set for an incredibly touching moment. Think then of the disappointment when the introduction to the song was played for mere seconds, only to introduce Travis Scott’s Sicko Mode.

The disappointment didn’t end there either, as Maroon 5’s set descended into a Magic Mike-esque strip/singing combo with neither done remotely well. The only sweet victory to be seen on Super Bowl night was by those who chose to go to sleep instead.

Photo: Flickr @NAPARAZZI

England suffer embarrassing defeat in West Indies Test Series

Written by James Gill on . Posted in Sport.

The West Indies have achieved their first Test series win against England since 2009 by securing a second Test victory in Antigua to put the score at an insurmountable 2-0 with only one Test remaining. England captain Joe Root will be hoping that they can avoid further embarrassment and not suffer a whitewash by winning the final Test in St Lucia.

The opening test took place at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, a ground where Hanif Mohammad became the first Pakistani batsman to score a triple hundred, hitting 337 runs back in 1958, the eighth-highest score in a single Test innings ever.

England failed to achieve that figure of 337 runs in total over both innings, reaching a dismal 323 all told. Captain Joe Root’s side fell to a 381 run defeat, the seventh-heaviest Test defeat England have ever suffered, with West Indies off-spinner Roston Chase taking an impressive eight wickets for 60 runs.

It could be said that the Test was lost after England’s first innings. 77 was all Root’s side could muster, not due to world-class bowling, but due to horrendous batting. Burns, Root, Stokes, Ali, Buttler, and Foakes all fell for four or less.

After the West Indies declared in their second innings 627 runs ahead, England would need to smash the current fourth innings chase record of 418 set by the West Indies in 2003. When Root fell, the score was 167-4 and all was not lost yet, there was still a glimmer of hope for a comeback.

Sadly, the final six wickets were lost for 34 runs in another shambles of a batting performance. After the loss Root said: “we have played way below our potential. We have to remember that there are still two games left in this series and we have to come back very strong very quickly and learn a few lessons.”

“At no point will we underestimate these guys, we haven’t so far. It just shows how difficult it is to win away from home. There are some guys that are hurting. It doesn’t make us a bad side overnight. It’s about picking ourselves up very quickly. We’ve got to learn very quickly.”

Root’s sentiment was echoed by coach Trevor Bayliss and the England side was hoping to bounce back in the second Test taking place at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.

The stadium holds the unsavoury nickname of ‘Antigua’s 366th beach’ due to a Test match against England in 2009 being abandoned after just ten balls, following groundsmen applying an extra layer of sand after heavy rain in Antigua. The extra sand meant that the West Indies bowlers at the time, Jerome Taylor and Fidel Edwards, were unable to gain a foothold when running in, making bowling near impossible.

The incident was an embarrassment for West Indies cricket as the ground was suspended from international cricket for 12 months. England were surely hoping for something similar to happen during their Test, however, the only embarrassment here was the batting performance put forward by Root’s side.

They failed to even reach the run total of the first Test, achieving just 319 over both innings. Going into the West Indies’ second innings they only had to chase 14 runs to win the Test and the series.

As if the run total enough wasn’t enough to put England cricket fans into hiding, the fact that Darren Bravo batted for longer than the whole of England’s second innings should do it. Bravo batted for 342 minutes and hit 50 off 216, the third slowest fifty in Test history. England, on the other hand, batted for 211 minutes, clearly failing to learn from the mistakes of the first test.

Joe Root seemed a bit more resigned with his remarks after the Test: “We’ve been outperformed once again and that’s quite hard to take. Scoring under 200 isn’t going to win you many games of cricket.”

“West Indies know these conditions well and they’ve exploited them to their advantage. They’ve played some really good stuff at times and made it very difficult. They’re fully deserving of winning the series.”

The final Test takes place at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in Saint Lucia, named after the fast-medium bowler who captained West Indies to back-to-back ICC World Twenty20 titles in 2012 and 2016.

If the West Indies manage to beat the English, which is not a stretch of the imagination by any means, it will be their first whitewashing against England on home soil since 1986. The sides in ’86 featured such great names as Graham Gooch, Allan Lamb, and Ian Botham for England – and the same Viv Richards for the West Indies whose name-sake stadium was the site of Root’s side’s loss just days ago.

With just one Test left before the Ashes, England really need to put on a show if they want any hope of regaining the trophy they lost so comprehensively last time around. The final test starts on the 9th February and will finish, barring another England collapse, on the 13th February.

Manchester’s University sport – a round-up

Written by Harry Deacon on . Posted in Sport.

What students decide to do on their Wednesday afternoons off at university completely varies. With lectures finishing at 1pm, students can do as they please for the remainder of the day. Whether it is catching up on work, social lives, or most likely sleep, it is certain that the free time is valued by many.

However, for some, Wednesday afternoons are saved for sport, as they were designed for in the first place. Manchester offers tonnes of opportunities for talented students to showcase their skills at the top level and to represent the Uni while doing so.

Both men’s and women’s teams from a number of sports are performing extremely well, notably the women’s badminton 1st team. Unbeaten in their first 5 league games, they look certain to mount a title challenge in their division 2A. Next up in the league they face Lancaster.

Also in a rich vein of form are the women’s basketball 1st team. seven wins out of seven means they sit six points clear at the top of the Northern 2B table. However, with a tricky away trip to Hull showing just how tough their division is, this season is far from a done deal.

Basketball and badminton are not the only successes for the University’s female teams. With the men’s basketball 1st team sitting comfortably in 3rd with games in hand on those above, the Northern 1A title is up for grabs.

Also in division 1A are the men’s badminton 1st side. In a tight table they sit just below the two sides from Sheffield and one from Leeds. A crunch match on the 13th of February against Leeds could be pivotal in both side’s seasons.

Perhaps the best part of sport at university is that the options are endless and the opportunities to play any sport, well-known or not, are vast. The fact that there are four men’s squash teams, six volleyball teams in total, and six women’s netball sides proves the extent to which university sport has grown.

A perfect example of the strength and depth of the University’s sport is the women’s netball set-up. With the University being represented in the Northern Premier all the way to the Northern 7A division, clearly the interest and skill in women’s netball is abundant.

Both the squash and table tennis clubs are also performing brilliantly so far this season, contributing heavily to Manchester’s overall BUCS points position. However, the lacrosse, volleyball, and water polo clubs are leading the way in gaining points for the University of Manchester.

Both hockey and football are the most popular sports for many students. Boasting seven football teams and ten hockey sides it is evident that these traditional favourites are holding strong in Manchester.

Overall, the university has entered a staggering 78 teams into the BUCS league programme for 2018/19. Securing a total of 282 wins throughout the season, at a win ratio of 47%, the volume and quality of university sport in Manchester is truly impressive.

The results of this season leave us in 16th place in the overall BUCS league table, while Manchester Metropolitan University sit down in 34th. Unsurprisingly, the table is topped by the University of Nottingham, followed closely by Loughborough University.

Photo: Barny Fletcher - Bella Howard (permission given)

Hot Right Now: Barny Fletcher

Written by Alex Coupe on . Posted in Music.

The once definite borders between hip-hop, pop, and R’n’B have never been so blurred, and Barny Fletcher looks to be the next artist to warmly embrace free movement between genres.

Originally hailing from Milverton, Fletcher has quickly found his feet in London, and last year signed to TaP Music alongside the likes of Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey. Since then, he’s been working hard to put together a premier mixtape, enlisting help from renowned producers, DJ Shadow and Cadenza amongst others.

Following the success of ‘DOUGH’, a track released on Soundcloud and Youtube in late 2018, Barny landed himself on playlists for Radio 1 and 6 Music Playlists. That track bounced between hip-hop, pop, and neo-soul, but his latest offering hones in on his ability to rap.

‘Christ Flow’ isn’t a track yearning for deeper meaning. The hook itself, “it ain’t about much but it sounds tight though”, acts as something of a glue to connect the weird and wonderful thoughts which emerge from Fletcher’s brain and materialise over an 80s game show synth and a furious bassline. The video for the track is worth a watch as well – think Pulp’s ‘Common People’ supermarket scene… on acid. As the lead single off an unreleased debut mixtape likely to be influenced heavily by hip-hop and pop, Barny is also keen to emphasise the breadth of his taste and talent.

At just 20 years old, Barny Fletcher is looking to shake up the ever-homogenous market of popular hip-hop and, in turn, is quickly asserting himself as one to watch in the near future.

Photo: Claudia Neuray

Halima Cassell: Eclectica – Global Inspirations

Written by Claudia Neuray on . Posted in Arts.

The largest exhibition of Halima Cassell’s work up to date has just opened at Manchester Art Gallery. If you are looking for something refreshing to do for an afternoon, this is a perfect opportunity.

Ceramist and sculptor Halima Cassel was born in Kashmir and grew up in Manchester. Her multicultural heritage, as well as her recent travels to Japan, Italy, and Pakistan, all inform her work. A keen interest in architecture, geometry, and natural forms is also reflected throughout her pieces.

In Cassel’s own words, “I create a mood and feeling of dynamic tension in my work by playfully manipulating the planes and facets of the patterns against each other.”

Throughout the exhibition, one can admire Halima’s exquisitely-shaped pieces. Each line seamlessly merges into the other. Cassell’s talent lies in her ability to visualise patterns. She then transforms these into attractive 3D structures.

The lightness and delicacy of each piece belie the heaviness of the materials used. The various artworks are the product of between 100 and 280 hours or more of work.

Clay pieces are then left for weeks and even months to dry. The firing kiln is the ultimate, most precarious stage. Hours of labour could in an instant be negated. The pieces can crack or even explode under pressure at any time.

One of the most thought-provoking pieces of the exhibition is her latest work, Virtues of Unity. A work in progress, each element is composed of clay from a certain country. Each pattern is unique and portrays a specific positive aspect of the country’s culture. Once finished, Virtues of Unity will represent all 195 nations on earth.

The idea for it emerged from Halima’s international heritage. She was considered an immigrant in Britain. When returning to Pakistan, she was then referred to as a foreigner. This feeling of displacement developed her wish to create a piece which emphasised the commonalities, rather than the distinctions, between every nation.

I would recommend going when the Gallery is least busy. This allows one to fully immerse oneself into the intricacies of each piece, soothing in both their delicacy and detail. All in all, this is an exhibition which is sure to bring you both serenity and food for thought.

Photo: jus10h via Flickr

Album Review: Nina Nesbitt – The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change

Written by Josh Sandy on . Posted in Music.

There is something inherently risky about an artist releasing a sophomore album with a drastically different sound to their debut, and taking this risk has often led to the dreaded ‘sophomore slump’. However, Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt has managed to deftly navigate these potentially choppy waters. By doing so she has delivered an incredibly solid and listenable second album. Her first album, 2014’s Peroxide, was a heavily acoustic guitar-driven poptastic ode to youthful exuberance. However, her recent release has dialled back on the guitar and embraced lyrical depth alongside a significantly more varied sonic profile.

Conceptually, the album is a masterpiece. Nesbitt guides the listener on a journey throughout reflecting on what can only be described as her quarter-life crisis. She starts with capturing her struggles with growing up and her new-found fame in ‘Sacred’ and ‘The Moments I’m Missing’. It then moves onto a clearly affecting break-up in ‘Best You Had’. The album’s first half is heart-rending but avoids being simply an exercise in self-pity.

The album then changes tack with the most pop-influenced song ‘Somebody Special’ acting as a palette cleanser for the album’s decidedly more positive second half. This half focuses on the rebuilding of life following a failed relationship with ‘Empire’ and then on to finding someone new and moving on in ‘Last December’ and the eponymous ‘The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change’ being the album’s final flourish.

There are also some less heavily romance-inspired tracks, including perhaps the most genuinely affecting song on the album, ‘Chloe’. This track is an introspective look at one of the harshest realities of growing up, friends beginning to start families and the fear of drifting apart as a result of being at different stages in life.

This emphasises one of Nesbitt’s greatest strengths as a songwriter – her ability to expertly zero in on the universal worries of her contemporaries. This is also demonstrated in ‘Loyal to Me’ in which she laments the current online dating scene with the relevant and rather brutally truthful line, “Hope you never let those pictures send, He’ll only go show them to his friends.”

In addition to the changes in lyrical style, there are also some extremely interesting and unexpected musical influences. The R&B influence on tracks such as ‘Loyal to Me’ and ‘Somebody Special’ is a radical departure from her previous work, but a very welcome one nonetheless.  There is also a newfound use of stripped back piano peppered with an 808 beat on both ‘Sacred’ and ‘The Best You Had’ which provides the perfect backdrop for her emotive lyrics.

Although the eclectic blend of genres makes for an interesting listening experience, there is a slightly jarring feeling between some of the more radically different tracks on the album. Of course, this doesn’t detract from the individual merits of the songs, but with such a strong lyrical concept running throughout the album the tonal differences are perhaps more noticeable.

Overall, The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change is an inspiring work that has clearly honed Nesbitt’s musical dexterity, paving a way for significant hype for her future career.

Rating: 8/10

Photo: Joanna Melville @ Sexpression Uk

Sexpress yourself

Written by georgiahickey on . Posted in Lifestyle.

Laina Cores is a co-chair of Sexpression Manchester, which is a branch of the national student-led charity and society at the University of Manchester. It aims to promote and empower young people to make informed decisions about their relationships, bodies, and sex lives. The organisation is volunteer-led consisting of 10 committee members, with 27 people coming to the training day this year.

Laina joined Sexpression because she realised that “sex ed was failing [me] and the people around me.” She says it was due to systematic failures, in which “there [is] a complete lack of guidelines.” Furthermore, “teachers find it hard to know what to say.” She also puts it down to a “lack of specialist training” and the disconnect between teachers and parents. While parents rely on schools to educate their children, schools also rely on parents to talk about issues surrounding sex. Laina believes there should be “a connection between external services, parents and the schools” in order to fully address the topic.

This realisation is what pushed Laina to join the committee and since then she has lobbied for better sex education. Her activism includes going to Parliament to discuss the issue with MPs. She also wrote her EPQ on sex education when she was at school and has now carried this passion into her university career.

Each year Sexpression runs Sex Week, featuring a range of events including talks, workshops, and a pub quiz which tackle topics like consent and sexual well-being. The events this year will run from the 11th-17th February at the Students’ Union and will be managed by Isabella Rooke-Ley. All the events are free for students with only one event — a talk with blogger Oloni — requiring a free ticket. Laina highlights three events she is most excited for. The first is an FGM awareness talk on the 11th. It will look at new research focused on Asia and the impacts of FGM on family members and the partners of victims.

The second is a talk with Oloni, an award-winning sex blogger, on the 16th. It will focus on sex and relationships, and the ticket link can be found on Sexpression’s Facebook page. The final event is a yoga workshop called ‘Taste of Tantra’. This explores the relationship between the mind and body and how it impacts sex lives and relationships. The University of Manchester yoga society is working in conjunction with Sexpression on this event.

There are also talks by BHA about HIV PrEP and testing for members of the BAME community, a group often under-targeted when it comes to HIV awareness. There will also be STI testing stalls around campus. Laina says that the advice centre in the SU is a great resource. It has testing services and also offers free condoms and tampons. Laina hopes Sexpression’s openness “makes other people feel open about it as well”. Laina said that some of the volunteers were even taught by Sexpression in school. This shows that the charity “have an impact on young people’s lives” that has continued into university.

At the moment, sexual health services focus on cure rather than prevention. Laina argues that we need “comprehensive and unbiased sex education” to prevent problems before they happen. Access to help, support, and education is the most effective way to make a difference. This is what Sexpression is about.

For more information on the campaign go to sexpression.org.uk. For information specifically about Sex Week, visit facebook.com/sexweek2019.

Photo: Piran Music Photography

Live Review: IN-SENSÉ

Written by Bella Fleming on . Posted in Music.

IN-SENSÉ are a typical generation Z band with an incredibly unique sound. Think Jorja Smith vocals meeting Goat Girl bass lines meeting Idles’ punk energy. But instead of sounding like a train wreck, a small niche has been found, and the music is incredibly impressive. This is how I would describe the band IN-SENSÉ, the latest newcomers on the Manchester indie scene block.

As the gig began, the lights in The Castle Hotel were turned off and four fluorescent faced figures took their place on the stage. All that could be seen was the luminous face and body paint on the stage, leaving an air of mystery as to who was behind the paint. It was a great way to start the gig, immediately capturing the attention of the curious crowd.

Despite having no music released yet, IN-SENSÉ were impressively able to excite the crowd, and before the first song was finished people were already jumping and dancing along. Lead singer Sahala Larnyoh had such a charismatic presence, engaging the crowd from the very first note played. She had an aura that many can only dream of and looked more at home in front of the crowd than some artists who have been gigging for a decade. In such a small, intimate venue like The Castle Hotel, being able to make the crowd feel so at ease and engaged is really impressive.

Despite being a very dramatic mix of different genres, IN-SENSÉ were intriguing to listen to. Every song played was a different genre from the next, and many times genre changes occurred within songs too. Sometimes a song would start with a very slow, almost contemporary R&B sound, with borderline pop roots. As the song progressed the bass and drums would get heavier, and the song would slowly become more punk, with rockier roots to it. Lead singer Sahala’s voice was so incredibly versatile and has to be one of the best voices I’ve ever heard from such a young musician.

For an unsigned band who have played very few live shows, the musical talent was undeniable, and after just one hour on stage it was evident that every single band member provided an essential component of a very well-orchestrated and rehearsed quintet who are breaking down musical boundaries and creating their own genre in which they will thrive.

The only minor disappointing part of the gig was the adlibbing from the band in between songs. This included comments about how climate change is real, but it is still a secret, and then something about not liking “honey girls”. Whatever this may mean, it was out of place and confusing. After playing such great songs, this uncanny adlibbing did feel a little random. But then again, this was the first headline gig IN-SENSÉ have ever played and seeing as how flawless everything else was, they are forgiven for not having the best chat for the crowd.

IN-SENSÉ have to be by far one of the most talented new bands around at the moment. To be able to entertain a crowd and have them so compelled by your music despite not having anything released or available to the general public is truly a gift. It is an honour to have them represent Manchester in the music world.

8/10.

Photo: Terror Jr - A-OK (Everything's Perfect) via Youtube

Album Review: Unfortunately, Terror Jr – Terror Jr

Written by Jake Oliver on . Posted in Music.

Terror Jr have always projected themselves to the world as somewhat of an enigma. Emerging seemingly out of nowhere in early 2016, the group was instantly shrouded in mystery, with many believing that none other than Kylie Jenner was the lead vocalist after their debut single ‘3 Strikes’ was used in her lip gloss commercial. Since this almost mythical inception, Terror Jr steadily released the Bop City trilogy – three EPs that expertly explored the realm of alternative pop through twisted synths and wonderfully dark production. After a brief absence, and a shift in the lineup, Terror Jr are back – now as a duo rather than a trio – with their debut full length LP Unfortunately, Terror Jr.

Throughout the album, Terror Jr manage to masquerade vulnerabilities and raw emotions behind a glittering veil of synth-pop and infectiously catchy melodies. It’s a thematic talent that has been delivered consistently across all of their releases from ‘Sugar’ (Bop City) to ‘Useless’ (Bop City 3: The Girl Who Cried Purple) but here on Unfortunately, Terror Jr, this sentiment is amplified tenfold.

The record delivers an introspective take on the anti-pop genre combined with some reflective commentary on the current state of affairs – not just in America, but globally. Single ‘A-OK (Everything’s Perfect)’ tackles the issue of superficiality in society – “Everything’s A-OK, if you don’t look too hard” – and builds to an emotive climax, emphasised greatly by singer Lisa Vitale’s vocals brimmed with a raw desperation that descend in to a flurry of hi-hats and deep bass. On tracks like ‘Heaven Wasn’t Made For Me’ and ‘Maker’, Vitale challenges the righteousness of religion and the corrupt nature of those who earn immortality through empty gestures. ‘Pretty’ handles the pressures women face from society to maintain, or obtain, unrealistic standards of beauty, layered nicely above a trap-like beat.

Despite the gloomy outlook on modern life and the bouts of existentialism, Terror Jr also provide listeners with some trademark attitude and confidence boosts. The surprisingly poppy and energetic ‘Have You’ flip-flops between those all too common moments of negative thinking in the verses and more defiant, self-affirming notions within the chorus. ‘Favourite Bitch’ furthers the concept of acceptance, finding positivity and comfort in embracing yourself and your own capabilities. Sometimes the gravity of the lyrics is lost behind the superb soundscapes and atmospherics, but these juxtapositions make the LP eerily intoxicating to experience.

Whilst the production is consistently elegant and enrapturing, with a healthy mixture of instruments, it has the tendency to become a little repetitive, especially on a 15-track album. There are some ‘saving grace’ moments, namely in songs like ‘Yamaguchi’ and ‘Maker’ with Vitale injecting some vocal quirks inline delivery, or elsewhere on ‘hungoverheadcrack’ wherein the instrumentals are a little more diverse and experimental.

Ultimately, Unfortunately, Terror Jr feels like a distinct project, a separate entity to the Bop City trilogy that manages to retain the idiosyncratic brilliance of Terror Jr’s musical style but still finds ways to add depth and progression. There’s a healthy balance between astute political and social discourse and straight up pop anthems that make the record an interesting listen, worthy of repeated play throughs.  Somewhat of a hidden musical gem, Terror Jr have delivered a commendable debut, and if you’re looking for something a little off-beat to listen to that still has topical weight to it, then this is the band for you.

7/10.

Photo: Bob Williams @ photolib

The cold, hard, plastic truth

Written by caraconte on . Posted in Opinion.

The topic of plastic waste is unavoidable, and shedding light on the current situation is a good thing, right? Well, the truth is, we humans appear to have a ravenous appetite for destruction, and despite what any company or government might drill into us, avid recycling and skipping on plastic straws every so often isn’t going to rectify the damage we have done.

Alongside mass plastic waste, our situation at present is one of over-fishing; we are depleting the stock of fish in the oceans by fishing at a rate quicker than the natural population can replace. It’s a profitable practice, and has increased considerably to keep up with the rate at which we as a society eat fish. Today we consume roughly twice as much fish as we did 50 years ago, but not without severe consequences.

Scientists warn that by 2048, a serious decline in all types of fish (a prospect for which the term ‘fishless oceans’ has been coined) may happen if no changes are made.

In this era of mass consumption and constant drive for profit, corporations and avaricious politicians appease us with the do-good feeling of buying a reusable water bottle or ditching plastic for paper. Why wouldn’t they? It’s certainly easier than addressing the wider, imminent problem.

What they won’t tell you is that approximately 46% of the plastic waste posing a threat to our oceans and marine life, around 640,000 tonnes, comes from fishing nets, and miscellaneous items of discarded fishing equipment make up much of the rest.

Bycatch is another serious threat to marine life. This is a product of over-fishing whereby, as reported by WWF, 38.5 million tonnes of animals, including turtles, sharks and dolphins are caught unintentionally each year. They’re tossed back into the sea, usually dead or dying.

Clearly, the problem is not just caused by our straws, plastic bags, and make-up, but by the fishing industry as a whole. The alarming rate of loss of marine life is the result of an industry built upon the exploitation of delicate natural ecosystems, which are now in peril.

Biodiversity is a finite phenomenon, and we’ve already tapped too far into the ocean’s vital resources. Fisheries have been pushed beyond their biological limits at the hands of the demand for fish, and are predicted to collapse by 2050 unless dramatic changes are made.

Human greed is almost insatiable, but not unstoppable. In my opinion, it is the only thing standing in the way of us as a society and a move to a more sustainable planet. In our modern, Westernised culture there is no need to rely on meat and fish for protein or taste. We have available, more than ever before, a broad range of more nutritional, maintainable food alternatives that require we look no further than the local supermarket. Everyone, even students can live an affordable and rewarding meat and fish-free life.

Helping to decrease the global demand for fish and meat products is the most proactive change you as an individual could make to help reverse the damage we have done. Don’t wait around for the big money-making corporations to wake up, it may be too late.

ART IN MANCUNIA

Written by Bella Jewell on . Posted in Arts.

Art in Mancunia is an art project led by students at The Mancunion, which seeks to put student art at the centre. Whether you’re an art student, or simply an art lover, we’d love to see your work. We can offer exposure to several thousand students a week, and many more online.

All you need to do is contact us, either via email ([email protected]) or over Facebook. Send us a selection of your work, and a short description of what it is and what it means to you. We’ll feature your work online and in print, plus there’s a chance you could feature in our-end-of-semester exhibition.

It’s an exhibition by students, for students!

Check us out on Facebook

Photo: Theo Bennett @ The Mancunion
Photo: Theo Bennett @ The Mancunion

Rainbow of Culture comes to Manchester Academy

Written by Malay Language & Culture Society on . Posted in Societies.

Get ready to join in a fun-filled and exciting fiesta, Rainbow of Culture, at Manchester Academy on Wednesday, 20th February 2019.

Rainbow of Culture (RoC): Embrace the Diversity is an idea introduced by Malay Language and Culture Society (MALECS), aiming to promote Malaysia as an example of a harmonious multicultural country to an international audience. The three majority races in Malaysia create an exciting combination of Chinese, Malay, and Indian cultures.

One of Malaysia’s unique features is its cultural diversity, a major attraction factor for tourism. In the current global state, tension and conflicts can often exist between different groups, either in racial, religious, or political aspects. In light of this, the Rainbow of Culture event aims to unite people and encourage them to learn more about other races through a holistic appreciation.

If you are somebody who loves a fusion of cultures, this event will definitely be a hit with you! This event, held in Manchester Academy, will showcase Malaysian cultures through live performances, arts and crafts exhibitions, food, and traditional games, all representing different aspects of the Malaysian community. Our famous traditional outfits will also be showcased on a runaway, accompanied by music and dance, as one of the event highlights!

If you’re not yet sold, we’ll also have astonishing batik-canting (an art activity), a traditional fashion show, and dances. What’s not to love?

The spectacle will start at 4:30 pm, with a surprise element, and end at 8:00 pm.

Remember, you still have two weeks left to plan your evening and make sure you head down to the Academy! Mark your calendar and pop in because we have so much amazing art, and entertainment ranging from fashion to fun games and everything in between. This will definitely leave you with the most amazing memories and – just what every student loves – freebies. Check our Facebook page out to find out more on RoC.

In case you haven’t heard about us before, MALECS is an organisation registered under Education Malaysia UK (EM), United Kingdom & Eire Council of Malaysian Students (UKEC), and University of Manchester. MALECS is the first society in the United Kingdom, founded on 23rd April 2013, to uphold and elevate Malay language and culture. Rainbow of Culture is one of MALECS’ flagship events. It has also become our most awaited event as it was successfully held last year, and was incredibly popular. It’s obtained a lot of support and positive feedback from both the volunteers and the visitors, which is why MALECS has chosen to run RoC both this year and in the future.

Alongside this opportunity we would like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors GPS Lands, Azie Kitchen, and UKEC, who are helping make this event possible.

Don’t come alone, bring your friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances to this exciting and inspiring event. Entrance is free for all.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon!

If you want to know more about event, please feel free to visit our Facebook and Instagram event pages.

Photo: Coin Makeup @Flickr

5 Beauty products under £20 to self-gift this Valentine’s Day!

Written by Ella Searle on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

With an estimated £1.6 billion being spent in the UK alone this Valentine’s Day, why not spend a little on treating your number one – yourself! Who isn’t bored of the typical clichés of a bunch of roses or an over-priced meal out, OR the sadness we are supposedly supposed to feel if we may be single on this holiday! Rather than waiting around for the right gift to come, why not write a love letter to yourself with these amazing beauty products that will have your skin glistening. We round up our top 5 beauty products under £20, to go and impulsively gift yourself with this Thursday 14th!

  1. Lime Crime – Diamond Lip Crusher Topper (£16)

Vegan and cruelty-free, tell yourself that this is a guilt-free purchase. Although an iridescent glitter lip product may seem slightly ‘extra’, this gloss is basically the student equivalent of a diamond ring this Valentine’s Day. Although the ultra-sparkly product may appear excessive for many, the non-sticky formula means it is a perfect product to add on top of your tried and tested lipstick looks to create a glimmering, foil-like effect on your pout. Pair with a soft and dewy bronzed skin and bushy brows to create a bold and mesmerising finish. Furthermore, this lip topper can be easily doubled up as a liquid highlighter, a lip gloss on its own, or even shimmering eyeshadow. One thing is for sure, your own sparkle will be catching people’s eyes.

2. Burt’s Bees –  Intense Hydration Treatment Mask (£12.99)

Cruelty-free brand Burt’s Bees has become a cult favourite for both young and old for both their saviour formula and their iconic yellow chapsticks, known to solve the worst cases of chapped lips. Although many wouldn’t associate the brand with skincare, their all-natural mantra extends into their products and produces quality, yet affordable remedies. This face mask is scent free and infused with sage, and leaves the skin feeling fresh and toned, with results associated with a much larger tag than £12. This product should become for sure a staple in your routine throughout these harsh winter months to restore winter’s harsh grip. If we were to choose a bargain buy, this certainly would bee ours!

3. Pixi Beauty – Glow Tonic (£18)

Another cruelty-free brand takes our gifting lineup in the form of Pixi Beauty. Reaching worldwide attention, the brand accelerated after the release of their renowned Glow Tonic; a light and nourishing toner to create a glowing and bright base. The secret behind the sparkle is Ginseng, an ingredient which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The Glow Tonic is an award-winning product, and the supposed magic is down to Pixi’s founder that has been in the cosmetic industry for over 20 years. Boasting an ethos of natural beauty, the Glow Tonic is certainly a product to help you fall in love with your skin this Valentine’s Day.

4. Doll Beauty – Pretty Little Glow Highlighter (£15)

Claiming the bold motto of ‘Make Them Stare’, next up on our gifting roundup is a product for those not seeking a subtle make-up look. Doll Beauty, the Manchester-based makeup giant has made over £3.2 million in 2 years the best friend duo behind the brand certainly know their target market. In collaboration with fellow Manchester powerhouse PrettyLittleThing, Doll Beauty have created a gorgeous rose gold tone highlighter with exceptional pigmentation, to ensure that after application, all eyes are certainly going to be on you.

5. Mario Badescu – Rosewater Facial Spray (£7)

Last but certainly no means least, Mario Badescu is a name well known but equally well deserving of its cult status, with over 1,000 5 star reviews on Beauty Bay. For those who aren’t as familiar with the booming brand, Mario Badescu’s facial sprays are a staple item in every makeup artist’s (MUA) and enthusiasts kit alike, mainly due to both their versatility and affordability. The rosewater spray provides a long overdue hydration boost to revive a tired complexion, to prep skin or for a daily moisturiser. Furthermore, many have used Badescu’s sprays to replace their artificial makeup setting products to instead seek a fresh, natural and dewy finish rather than using more expensive products which clog pores and de-hydrate the face. Badescu’s rose water spray is easily transportable and can become your skin’s equivalent to a quick coffee boost. To both lift your spirits and keep your skin refreshed, we feel this rosewater facial spray beats a boring old bunch of flowers any day!