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Month: October 2020

Gold pendant necklaces with zodiac sign prints

Your winter wardrobe staple based on your zodiac sign

Written by Daisy Bradbury on . Posted in Fashion & Beauty.

Our horoscopes have a lot to say about us, from personality traits to our compatibility in a relationship, but have you ever thought about letting your star sign dictate your wardrobe?

As winter is well and truly creeping upon us and the impending second lockdown has left many of us in a style rut, why not leave your outfits to the decision of the stars? We have compiled a list of our favourite winter pieces for each star sign, and you can also support your favourite Manchester boutiques whilst achieving these zodiac-approved styles.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

You’re bold and audacious, so it’s important to stand out this winter with your fashion sense. Although you always tend to be optimistic and eager to pursue challenging situations, you’re also somewhat direct and take a no-frills approach when doing so.

The perfect way to depict this in your wardrobe is with an item that is bold yet uncomplicated; something unlikely that just seems to work. To fill this gap, we’re obsessed with Neon Rose’s Marble Knitted Sweater Vest, which is the perfect combination of a classic and somewhat simple trend that is in-charge with its eye-catching and creative print.

Woman wearing marble print sweater vest
Photo: Neon Rose

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

As a Taurus, you enjoy relaxing and placing yourself in soothing environments. You love to feel comfortable, whether that’s through a pamper evening or a relaxed and more oversized outfit.

The perfect piece for you is some luxurious loungewear, and to fill this void we’re loving the matching Love Lucy Boutique Taupe Hoodie and Joggers, which acts as the perfect attire for Zoom lectures or chilled weekend in the house.

Woman wearing nude hoodie and joggers set
Photo: Love Lucy Boutique

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

You’re a social butterfly who often has many different pursuits and ventures going on in life, meaning you’re not only permanently busy but you also have a wide circle of friends to match. You’re also excellent at managing change, so the perfect outfit for you is something that’ll take you from day to night.

Neon Rose’s Pattie Paisley Maxi Cami Slip Dress does just that – it looks equally gorgeous layered with a jumper and boots for a casual daytime look or worn solo for that evening glam. An outfit like this is perfect for taking you from brunch with the family to cocktails with the girls, making it a Gemini’s essential.

Woman wearing black jumper and paisley print maxi dress
Photo: Neon Rose

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Your sign is highly sensitive to your surroundings and environment. You tend to be self-protective and also love to create nurturing and cosy spaces to indulge in, meaning winter is your season to thrive in.

Your wardrobe staple for this time of year is something that’ll keep you warm and covered, and Native Youth’s Kara Knit is our current fave. The zipped funnel neck and oversized fit make it a cosy and comfortable option for this winter – it’s basically a hug in a jumper.

Woman wearing high neck oversized grey jumper
Photo: Native Youth

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Your animal is the lion, making you the king or queen of your sphere. You’re a natural leader and love to be in the spotlight, which is paired with your theatrical and somewhat vivacious spirit.

When choosing your winter wardrobe, Leo’s need to go all-out with lavish and decadent pieces. Dirty Disco’s Abstract Print Blouse is just that – you’ll be drawing eyes all day with the pop of red and stylish fit of this blouse, leaving you feeling on top of the world.

Woman wearing red and white patch print blouse
Photo: Dirty Disco

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

You have a logical mind and adopt a more practical approach to life. Although you may be a perfectionist at times, this meticulous nature allows you to focus on every detail, and you always have high standards when it comes to being impressed.

This elaborate mind and attention to detail needs to be replicated in your wardrobe, and the perfect way to do so is with Dirty Disco’s Brown Leather Trench Coat. This classic piece is practical for winter and feels very expensive with its shoulder button details, cuff straps and the belt which ties it all together.

Woman wearing vintage brown leather trench coat with jeans and boots
Photo: Dirty Disco

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Balance is key in your life, and you’re focused on creating harmony and equilibrium in your surroundings. You’re also intently focused on physical appearance and have a love of expensive items.

The perfect way to encompass this in your fashion is with a refined and stylish co-ord, and Neon Rose’s Sage Green Oversized Shacket and Wide Leg Trousers is our personal favourite for doing so. It feels lavish and expensive to wear, and you’ll also never have to worry about mismatched, non-cohesive outfits again.

Woman wearing mint green leather jacket and trousers co-ord set
Photo: Neon Rose

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

This passionate and powerful sign is said to be somewhat psychic and intuitive. You also have a plotting and calculated approach to life, meaning all of your decisions are carefully thought out.

This clairvoyance can be carried through into your winter wardrobe by choosing something versatile for the different seasons, meaning you can predict your next outfit with ease. Neon Rose’s Oversized Asymmetrical Hem Shirt is a gorgeous summer staple that’d look equally pretty with a jumper layered over it and paired with some tights and boots.

Woman wearing white shirt dress and black boots
Photo: Neon Rose

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

You’re constantly on the hunt for knowledge and eager to explore the world. Not only do you have a magnetic personality that attracts people, but your desire to go on journeys and travel means you always have interesting tales to tell.

Replicate this love of travel in your wardrobe with Dirty Disco’s Midi Dress in Green Hawaiian Print. This is an ode to your fondness of exploration that is the perfect addition to your winter wardrobe, keeping you warm yet still stylish as the winter months approach.

Woman wearing green Hawaiian print midi dress
Photo: Dirty Disco

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

You are perhaps the most focused of the signs, and you’re easily able to overcome obstacles and reach your goals without any distractions. However, some people may wrongly think of you as the boring sign, when in reality you’re youthful and a troublemaker at heart.

For your winter wardrobe, something basic with a hint of playfulness perfectly encompasses your personality, and for this we’re obsessed with Love Lucy Boutique’s Shirt Peplum Jumper. What looks like an ordinary navy jumper from the front actually has a fun pinstripe shirt detail on the side panels and cuffs, giving a classic piece a bit of extra spice.

Woman wearing navy jumper with hem and cuff pinstripe shirt details
Photo: Love Lucy Boutique

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

You are frequently referred to as the humanitarian sign, as you are often fighting for change and using your rebellious spirit to project revolutionary ideas. You can sometimes be eccentric and hate conventionality or current trends, which can be seen through your somewhat rogue fashion sense.

This winter, there’s no better item for you than Dirty Disco’s Padded Purple Coat. From the floral sleeve detailing to the electric colour palette, this jacket is truly one of a kind and will make you stand out on the streets of Manchester, making it perhaps our most unusual and offbeat fashion find this season.

Woman wearing purple metallic winter coat with hoodie and jeans
Photo: Dirty Disco

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Although you can be focused on reality at times, you’re a dreamer at heart. As the most compassionate of the signs, you can easily be consumed by dreams, illusions and thoughts of helping others.

For your winter wardrobe, a reworking of a classic piece is the perfect balance of your ties to reality and fantasy, and Native Youth’s Clancy Coat is a must-have for this. Puffer jackets are a winter staple, but the long-line fit of this mint green garment, as well as the waist tie, is a unique and imaginative take on this iconic look.

Model wearing long mint green puffer coat
Photo: Native Youth
Photo: Sacha Lord

Sacha Lord is taking the government to court

Written by jessicaculnane on . Posted in News.

Sacha Lord, Manchester’s night-time economy advisor, has confirmed he is preparing a legal challenge into the closure of bars, restaurants and music venues around Greater Manchester.

The Warehouse Project and Parklife co-founder will lead the challenge himself, supported by several hospitality organisations.

The implementation of the Health Protection Regulations in July this year gave Westminster the authority to close businesses that are deemed to be a ‘serious and imminent threat to public health’.

But Sacha and his team argue the government need to provide clear and accurate evidence for closure of businesses.

In relation to hospitality and entertainment, this means providing proof that keeping these settings open with Covid minimising measures in place still puts the public at a substantial risk of the virus, and that the only option is to close these venues.

They say the evidence relied on by the government appears in many cases to be contradictory.

Though the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has cited a US-based study as ‘robust’ evidence that there are higher transmission rates of Covid-19 in hospitality settings, some in the hospitality sector say this is insufficient.

The US study was held in June this year with 314 participants and covered 11 states across the United States. It has attracted controversy due to the disparity between conditions in England and the diverse range of US states – in terms of population density and demography.

While the study did find a correlation between people with coronavirus and people who had attended a hospitality setting in the past two weeks, critics say that correlation does not always mean causation.

The date of the study also raises questions, they say, about contradictory government messaging. Two months after the study was published, the ‘Eat Out To Help Out’ scheme was rolled out across the UK, encouraging millions to pile into bars, restaurants and cafés.

 

Are ‘whitewashed’ medical textbooks putting black lives at risk?

Written by Amelia Cummins on . Posted in Science & Tech.

In light of the recent Black Lives Matter protests, many institutions are working towards tackling issues of racial inequality. The healthcare industry is one sector in particular where inequality needs to be seriously dealt with. If not, it could present dangers to the black population who seek treatment and medical care.

It starts with the teaching of future medics. From the first day of medical school, universities assign textbooks which feature predominantly white faces. Not only is this blatant discrimination, but it fails to prepare students to treat diverse populations. More still needs to be done to fully decolonise curriculums and diversify the work force. 

The first study into medical textbook diversity

In 2018, University of Washington assistant sociology professor Patricia Louie, and her co-author Rima Wilkes, published the first study into racial diversity in medical textbooks. In this study, Louie and Wilkes analysed over 4000 images of skin from four widely-used textbooks. They found that in Atlas of Human Anatomy, less than 1% of images featured dark skin. The highest proportion, still a measly 8%, was found in Bates’ Guide to Physical Examination & History Taking. 

Not only is the lack of representation a discriminatory problem, but it also presents serious potential threats to the health of non-white communities. Consider this issue and take a look at figures regarding skin cancer-stage diagnosis. 52% of black people receive a diagnosis when the cancer is already at an advanced stage, compared with 16% of white people. This prevalence of late-stage diagnoses could partially be a result of the lack of black imagery in textbooks, resulting in medical professionals that are under-prepared to diagnose cancer on dark skin. Ultimately, this may contribute to why black people are more likely to die from skin cancer, even though skin cancer is more prevalent in white populations.

The white-centred language of the NHS

Racial inequality is also evident in the language medical professionals use. All it takes is a quick look on the NHS website to see how conditions are described from a white-centred viewpoint. A rash caused by eczema is referred to as ‘red’ or ‘pink’. ‘Blue lips’ are considered a common symptom of pneumonia, while ‘orange tinged skin’ is representative of jaundice. All of which are accurate descriptions but only when discussing symptoms present on light skin.

This issue has only increased in significance, and risk, with the development of COVID-19. Medical professionals ask potential COVID-19 patients whether their skin has gone ‘pale’ or their lips have turned ‘blue’. Both are key symptoms in light-skinned patients, but are less prevalent on darker skin and therefore less relevant for diagnosis. The NHS gives seemingly no consideration to these differences.

How can non-white people be expected to recognise their symptoms, when their only point of reference is images and descriptions for white people? How are medical professionals expected to effectively diagnose a diverse population based on symptoms they’ve only seen on white people? This under-representation could cause severe misdiagnoses which could lead to untreated conditions worsening and other serious health consequences. 

Working towards diversifying medical education

Fortunately, the movement to diversify medical education is gaining traction. An ongoing Change.org petition calling for better BAME representation in clinical teaching has already attracted upwards of 205,000 signatures. There have also been concerted efforts to change medical education resources, in particular the work of Malone Mukwende. 

Malone Mukwende, a black medical student at St George’s, has made headlines for his creation of a handbook that shows symptoms on a range of skin tones. According to a press release by St George’s, after recognising a lack of racial diversity in his textbooks, Mukwende formed a student-staff partnership. This partnership aims to examine and improve clinical teaching on black and brown skin tones. The handbook, named Mind the Gap, is now available online. Eight UK medical schools have since added it to their recommended reading lists. 

However, Mukwende struggled to source images of darker skin. He contacted the British Association of Dermatologists who provided little help, as they also lacked images featuring non-white skin. Consequently, Mukwende is currently developing a live database, where the public can submit their own photos of different conditions. This database should represent the diversity present in Britain, and therefore improve patient care for all BAME people. 

This issue is just one of many regarding the discrimination of non-white groups. Any form of injustice or prejudice puts lives at risk, but especially when it comes to medical care.

PHOTO: MAKSIM ILEEV @ FLICKR

Review: Hubie Halloween

Written by W.G. Jones on . Posted in Film.

I’m confident in saying that the terms “Critically Acclaimed” and “Adam Sandler Feature Film” seldom if ever appear in the same sentence, and Netflix’s new halloween-themed seasonal comedy Hubie Halloween is no exception.

Off the heels of ‘The Sandman’’s starring role in the Safdie brothers’ 2019 hit Uncut Gems. His new film is a definitive return to form for the comedy stalwart. 

The movie features many alumni of the SCU (Sandler Cinematic Universe), including Julie Bowen (Happy Gilmore) and Steve Buscemi (The Cobbler, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry), as well as a number of less mainstream or established actors such as Lavell Crawford (of Breaking Bad fame) or basketball star Shaquille O’Neal. Kevin James also features, fresh off his role as a Neo-Nazi (this would explain his rather striking choice of facial hair) in the 2020 film Becky, as a hard-nosed cop.

Sandler himself stars as the title character, ‘Hubie Dubie Dubois’. An oafish anorak, he’s obsessed with the Halloween season. In a typical role for Sandler, he is treated as a punchline in his own story.

Perhaps reflective of the rest of the movie, this character is not particularly worthy of real critique; this is Adam Sandler straightforwardly doing a garbled voice and overreacting to mild jumpscares.

Plot and story seem to run secondarily to the film’s many running gags and jokes, with scene after scene playing out more like a series of sketches rather than a pre-planned story. Attempts at a cohesive narrative are quickly lost in a swell of intentional overacting and the large cast of characters.

Plot is a distraction from the absurd for Hubie Halloween. In one of the more amusing running gags in the movie, seemingly random objects are thrown at Hubie whenever he’s in a rush to get somewhere. Even the most pure of purist film fans have to admit that the scene where Hubie is running through a forest and a trombone magically flies over his head is at least amusing, no?

It’s easy to see why this style of movie wouldn’t necessarily ‘work’ with a modern audience. Hubie Halloween is, after all, a film from a different time – a relic of a past age of comedy movies, more relative to the disconnected nature of comedy from the early 2000s.

However, a unique and seldom understood part of any ‘Sandler-esque’ movie is that it defies serious critique. Hubie Halloween and others like it are by no means meant to be taken seriously as movies.

In simpler terms, Hubie Halloween is a stupid movie, but it is stupid-fun at the same time.

2.5/5.

Hubie Halloween was released on Netflix on the 7th of October.

Photo of books by BAME authors on a bookshelf

GCSE syllabuses overlook BAME authors

Written by Aileen Loftus on . Posted in Books.

Pupils at English secondary schools could leave Year 11 without reading a novel by a non-white author at GCSE. This is according to a report by the education charity Teach First.

AQA, the largest exam board in the country, does not feature a single book by a black author among the set texts for its GCSE English Literature syllabus. AQA include two novels by non-white authors: Meera Syal’s Anita and Me and Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go.

80% of English GCSE students sit an AQA exam. Therefore, over half a million students will not study a novel by a black author in Year 10 or 11.

When the report was first published, AQA were quick to refute articles that claimed children would not study any BAME authors. In response to the criticism, AQA stated that they have included BAME authors in the poetry anthologies and short story anthology. The exam board highlighted a short story by Claudette Williams in Telling Tales (the AQA Anthology of Modern Short Stories).

This inclusion does not change the fact that there are no novels or plays with black authors on the syllabus.

Students must study one Shakespeare play, one poetry anthology, one 19th-century novel and one modern text from an AQA list. Lists that still include Lord of the Flies and Great Expectations, which, alongside Of Mice and Men, are texts that are still remembered by many adults from their own GCSEs or O’ Levels.

It remains beneficial to read literature that is rooted in the English canon. However, the emphasis on classic literature and Shakespeare fails to represent the experiences of students in the world today.

What about A-Levels?

At AS-Level, with the current AQA syllabus, all of the prose texts have white authors. There are some BAME authors featured at A-Level, if teachers choose one strand of the syllabus. In the section named ‘Modern Times’ students may study The Color Purple by Alice Walker, or The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. The scant selection of BAME authors by AQA does not seem to be truly reflective of modern times.

In four years of English Literature there is a chance that students might study one novel by a black author. This is assuming that schools’ Year 7-9 syllabus cover a diverse range of texts. If not, children can complete 7 years of English Literature education without reading a novel with a black author. 

As Lola Olufemi wrote in her open letter about decolonising their literature syllabus to the Cambridge University English Faculty in 2017: ‘The act of studying literature is not apolitical […] Postcolonial writing is not an afterthought; it is British literature’.

Restaurants and Indian Mythology: How it all started

Written by Dhruti Balakrishna Doddaballapur on . Posted in Food & Drink.

Have you ever wondered where the concept of a restaurant came from? Well, the answer may lie in none other than Indian mythology.

According to legend, Nala, the lord of Nishaadas, was a famed hero in Mahabharata (which is a Sanskrit epic). Despite his many talents, Nala was not competent at dice. He lost his kingdom in a wager with his brother Pushkara, and was forced into exile. It was in these circumstances that he became a chef in the Royal Kitchen of Rtuparna, King of the city of Ayodhya. To preserve his real identity, Nala took the name Bahuka and later wrote a book called the Paaka Darpana, which included a combination of recipes, cooking advice, and his concept for restaurants.

Written in Sanskrit, The Paaka Darpana, contains 761 slokas (traditional Sanskrit poems) and is divided into 11 chapters.

The book consisted of a few major sections, including the essentials that every kitchen should know (from preservation to curd preparation), drinks, snacks, appetisers, the main meal and of course, desserts. The first 2 to 3 chapters of this book describe the art of cooking.

An image of the inside of the book. Picture by Dr Madhulika @ Exotic India

The division of labour

Nala describes the various qualities of a sous chef (sooda) and head chef (soodaraat). Alongside this, he also describes the qualities of a proper waiter.

The waiter was said to be a fulfiller of culinary desires. He also insisted on the cleanliness of the hands and feet of the waiter at meals (parivesaka). The waiter was asked to be familiar with the timing of the meals of the guests.

Nala then outlines the work discussing various aspects of food taxonomy, dividing his work into 16 aspects: boiled rice (odana), pulses/broths (soopa), curries (vyanjana), meat (maamsa) and vegetables (shaaka), sweets, beverages (paaneeya) and yogurt (dahi).

Food containing the sixty-three types of rasa (tastes) is factually personified as the creator of the universe. The best food is that which is devoid of eight types of impurities.  Nala then goes on to describe how the guests should be treated.

Original page in Sanskrit from Paaka Darpana. Photo @ OPenn Library

The rules for hospitality

According to the book, waiters should serve the meals and food preparation in a set order.

Guests should be welcomed with a sweet beverage, either alcoholic or non-alcoholic. They then must be served with three varieties of appetisers. Next, each guest must be provided with a balance of dishes with proteins, rice and a variety of breads. According to the Paaka Darpana, a meal must end with a bowl of yogurt (as fermented foods were known to help with digestion) and a collection of sweets.

The menu for each meal was decided based on the local produce and season. For example, jaggery and sesame seeds were included in the meals during winters as it helped increase body temperature, while mangos and jackfruits were used in meals during summer.

Kings would travel from various parts of India just to experience the system that Nala had introduced and to eat his highly praised food.

This whole story could be just that; a story. However, there is a charm in believing that the system that we are so reliant on and accustomed to now could have originated from Indian mythology.

Photo of Comma Press titles

In conversation with Comma Press

Written by Maisie Scott on . Posted in Books.

Comma Press is a Manchester based indie publisher who specialise in publishing short stories, translated fiction and northern writers. The press have set up a range of initiatives including the Northern Fiction alliance, which works to unite northern independent presses and to celebrate regional literature. Comma Press is a not-for-profit publisher and Arts Council funded.

I spoke to Zoe who works as an in-house publicist at Comma Press in order to find out a bit more about the publishing house and the National Creative Writing Industry Conference.

The National Creative Industry Conference runs from the 26th to the 30th of October 2020, and is worth checking out if you are interested in pursuing a career in writing.

Q&A with Zoe from Comma Press

How does Comma Press promote Northern Soul through its publishing?

Comma Press have set up a city series called ‘Reading the City’. The series focuses on publishing anthologies of short stories focused on one city. The latest release was Shanghai but there is also a Northern strand which includes Sheffield and Leeds. There are plans to re-do the Manchester edition soon. We want to focus on post-industrial towns in the future including Middlesborough.

Why is it important to decentralise publishing from London?

It’s important to decentralise publishing houses from London to ensure that the people on the boards of staff are representative of the population. Representation is political and impacts all aspects of life including regionality, class, race and gender. Commissioning editors continue to be disproportionately white and middle-class. The lack of representation of regional areas in the industry affects the stories that we read and perpetuates middle class norms.

Lockdown

Lockdown was a big time for reading and consuming culture. What was your favourite lockdown read, or the one that has stayed with you the most?

I think it would have to be Boy Parts by Eliza Clark. Clark uses a strong Northern voice in her novel, and champions her Newcastle roots. The main character is a photographer and a troubled woman. But her art becomes a way for her to reclaim control over her life and sexuality. She photographs young boys and there’s a big twist, but I don’t want to tell you anymore spoilers. Boy Parts is dirty, dark, funny and I would definitely recommend it.

How has coronavirus impacted Comma Press?

We had to cancel some book tours which we were really excited about. Events and tours are a big source of our income so it was a shame (and slightly stressful) that we had to cancel them. During the first lockdown in March we set up a translated fiction online book club in collaboration with Peirene Press and several other indie publishers. You can still get involved with the book club, so please check it out on our socials. The book club offers discounts on the books discussed to make it pocket friendly. Our book club has just been shortlisted for the FutureBook awards.

What effects do you think the pandemic will have on the arts and creative industries?

The arts are in danger. Everyday I see people who are falling through the cracks and there are redundancies everywhere. Indie publishers and indie bookshops are struggling, so please support them. There’s an online service I would recommend called Hive where you can buy books, and a percentage of the sale goes to an indie bookshop of your choice.

The National Creative Writing Industry Conference

How long has the National Creative Writing Industry Conference been running for?

Six years, but 2020 will be the first online conference.

Who is the target audience for the conference?

Just any aspiring writer to be honest. In the past we’ve tended to focus on writers from the north, but now it’s open to everyone because it’s online. We hope to spark the interest of writers who have just come out of a creative writing course or who have a body of work they’re looking to progress to the next chapter. The aim of the conference is to break down the industry for people. We run events including ‘How the publisher works with you’ which follows a panel structure. ‘Meet the Literary Agents’ is another panel I would recommend checking out.

What events are you most excited for at the National Creative Writing Industry Conference?

I’d have to say the talk Irenosen Okojie is going to give at 7pm on the 26th of October. Okojie is our keynote speaker this year, and she will be covering so much ground. Okojie’s talk will cover different ways to get yourself out there as an aspiring writer, how to harness different areas of the creative industry, and building relationships with potential mentors or peers. Okojie will also cover the specificity of being a black author in a white-dominated industry.

Student involvement

How can students get involved with Comma Press?

Students can attend any of the free events at our industry conference next week. Students can also submit short stories they are working on to the Dinesh prize which is in collaboration with Northern Soul (a Manchester magazine). The competition ends on the 23rd of October, and the submissions have to relate to the theme of Home. If any students are book bloggers they can contact me at Comma Press and be added to our mailing list.

Please make sure to check out Comma Press’ social media feeds if you’re interested in joining the National Creative Writing Industry Conference.

Foals ‘Collected Reworks Volume III’ – A Review Hopefully More Creative Than Their Album Title

Written by Maxwell Earnshaw on . Posted in Music.

As a perennial feature of the “indie-but-it-also-has-a-dancey-beat” scene for well over a decade, Foals have reached the stage in their career where they can step back, relax, and let someone else do the work. They’ve done this by releasing a series of 3 “reworked” albums over lockdown where their past tunes are remixed by top DJs, available to stream or purchase on vinyl. I’ve been listening to the third instalment; an album creatively named Collected Reworks Volume III.

Facetiousness aside, it must be said that these rework albums come with some serious kudos. This volume alone features dance music royalty in the form of triple Norwegian-Grammy winning DJ Lindstrøm. It also includes two tracks by the co-composer of the end-credits music used in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace, and former member of top-ten charting industrial rockers Pop Will Eat Itself, Clint Mansell. Mansell is also the man behind the score for the 1990 cult-hit film Requiem for a Dream – including that song that you would definitely know if you heard it, but couldn’t really hum if someone put you on the spot.

Alongside these big kahunas, Collected Reworks Volume III features the input from some of the live-DJ scene’s biggest hitters, including BBC Radio 1 showcase-graduate Koreless, and Paul Woolford, whose collaboration with Diplo on ‘Looking for Me’ earnt him a number 4 UK single in June of this year. It really seemed there was a bottomless pit of promise and talent ready to mix, master and manipulate Yannis and the band’s selected highlights from a back catalogue of six studio albums.

So does it all come together? Frustratingly for a review, it really is difficult to tell. Before my editor politely asks me to never write for her again, let me justify myself. As you may have noticed, the live music and DJ scene has taken somewhat of a cricket bat to the face thanks to a certain virus. The result of this is that, despite giving this album a fair chance, by listening multiple times and in multiple contexts, these contexts have unfortunately only stretched as far as; in my room self-isolating; in the kitchen making beans on toast; and during a particularly groovy shower before a 9am zoom seminar.

I can’t help but think that some of these world-leading dance DJs had something else in mind when layering their electronic beats, building to a cathartic release that really was aimed at a crowd of devoted dance fans; rather than someone whose most exciting moment in the last week was deciding whether to have Cornflakes or Shreddies.

Paul Woolford’s remix of ‘My Number’ for example – a song I love – didn’t elicit a buoyant party-driven enthusiasm in me as it should’ve. But this was most certainly not his fault. He’s treated Yannis’ vocals with care; adding a beat that cleverly compliments a unique and clean vocal performance devoid of the more plaintive features that can be heard elsewhere in the album. It feels as though he may have been advised to focus on dance-pop – such as the sort played by commercial stations – but there are definite allusions to a ‘drop’ which is, I guess, to be expected from a man who should be filling dancefloors across Europe if it weren’t for Covid-19. Much like 2020, this track and others sound a little confused, unsure of purpose and unwilling to commit either way.

It is instead the more wistful and less pulsating tracks that I found myself gaining affection for on my third or fourth listen. In ‘Spanish Sahara’ Mount Kimbie has driven atmosphere deep into the heart of this well-crafted, yet slightly regimented track, taken from their second studio album, Total Fear Forever. The remixed opening retains the delicate beauty of the haunting vocals but, through building rhythmic thuds into a crackling, irregular soundscape, he captures better the “quiet fury” alluded to lyrically than even the original does.

Another complication for a reviewer is the fact that this album, quite naturally for a compilation, doesn’t quite feel like an album should. There are highs and lows to it, but this is seemingly created by someone arbitrarily ordering the songs so that there’s a “dancey” one followed by a mellow one in a kind of ABAB sequence. Sometimes they get away with this. But the sequence where Joe Corti’s ‘Dreaming of’ is sandwiched between two meandering 8 minute experimental tracks (‘Miami’ and ‘Balloons’), felt like somewhat of a slog to get through, despite each of these songs having interesting and merit-worthy qualities of their own.

Unfortunately, this is indicative of the whole album. Some of the ideas work well, but some feel misplaced, lacking clarity, uncertain of even themselves. Much like, presumably, the ideas of the scientists trying to solve the pandemic. Maybe if those boffins nail it, this album will come into focus and I’ll be able to properly understand it. But who knows when that’ll be possible?

Opinion: Is David Attenborough’s documentary spreading a dangerous message?

Written by Martha Houston on . Posted in Science & Tech.

David Attenborough’s recent release ‘A Life On Our Planet’ reflects on his experience of the devastating impacts humans have had on the planets natural biodiversity. Although this documentary has been immensely popular, with nearly 17 million views since its release, some concerns have been raised over the dangers of the message that Attenborough is conveying.

Attenborough’s claim that ‘humans have overrun the world’ has been criticised for unwittingly enabling eco-fascist arguments to gain traction. He has received similar criticism previously for his comments on overpopulation being a driver of climate change, and for his patronage to the controversial charity ‘Population Matters’.

Eco-fascism is an approach to tackling environmental problems using fascist policies. It largely focuses on using population control as a means to reduce human impact on the planet. It has been used to justify political agendas that discriminate against certain races and cultures, whilst ignoring the damage done by major polluting industries.

Countries in the global south, such as India and China, are often focused on when discussing these such environmental solutions, due to their fast-growing populations. This narrative has led to policies such as forced or coerced sterilisation in some countries, for example in Peru. Between 1996 and 2000 the Fujimori government forcibly sterilised thousands of indigenous women in an effort to reduce population growth.

However these fast-growing populations have a much lower rate of carbon emissions than the richer, slower growing populations in the global north. Also in these areas the richest 1% were found to have contributed twice as much carbon to the atmosphere than the poorest 50% between 1990 and 2015. Thus focusing on population growth rate whilst ignoring the impact of consumption takes the blame away from western society and places it on more marginalised communities in the global south.

Sam Knights, an Extinction Rebellion organiser and writer, tweeted about this ‘dangerous’ message, saying “talking about population growth, without also talking about capitalism and inequality, invariably leads to the people least responsible for the crisis being blamed”.

However, following the release of the documentary, Attenborough has spoken out about capitalism on BBC Radio 5 Live. He specifically targeted Western cultures as being unsustainable and a major driving force of climate change. This directly contradicts eco-fascist ideas and suggests that his focus on overpopulation is not intentionally condoning eco-fascist ideology.

Whilst it is unfair to paint Attenborough as an eco-fascist, the focus he frequently places on overpopulation could unwittingly enable a problematic narrative to spread. As a highly respected and extremely influential public figure, many believe that he has a responsibility to promote a holistic message with climate justice at the heart of it above anything else.

COVID-19: A new era of flying

Written by piperacero on . Posted in Lifestyle.

The airline industry has been decimated by the impact of Covid-19 this year. From planes flying fully loaded with tourists at all hours of the day, to now less than half full flights of people for only essential travel. 

I was one of these people: an international student who, at the end of my International Year One programme, had to go home due to the expiration of my visa. 

Flying alone for the first time was a daunting experience in and of itself. Flying during a pandemic took that to a whole other level. 

One of the most apparent changes was the requirement to wear masks on board the airplane and in the airport. It was certainly a strange sight but, at the same time it was reassuring, since masks (when used right) can mitigate the spread of droplets. Inside Manchester airport there were numerous social distancing markers on the floor, as well as directional arrows to control the movement of passengers. 

Prior to my Turkish airways flight I was given a complimentary hygiene kit which contained hand sanitizer, 2 masks, and disinfectant wipes. On board, passengers were reassured that the high grade HEPA filters equipped on the aircraft were more than capable of filtering out virus particles. This helped ensure clean fresh air was pumped in regularly throughout the cabin. 

Another big change I noticed was the presentation of food. All food was pre-packaged in order to reduce contact. Moreover, on my long haul flight they did not serve any hot meals.

Photo: Piper Acero @The Mancunion

My advice would still be to not fly unless you absolutely have to, though. By staying home we can control the spread. For those who need to fly these are some tips I would suggest in order to make your experience run smoothly: 

Prepare, prepare, prepare

Some airlines have specific baggage requirements or rules on board. Moreover, some countries have certain entry quarantine protocols or documents you should prepare prior to arrival. Remember to wear PPE that you know you’re comfortable in and bring sanitizing gel (limit of 100ml). Making these preparations in advance can help you avoid unnecessary stress during your journey. 

Don’t overthink 

With the occasional sneeze or cough, it’s easy to think that everyone around you is sick. Being paranoid of people that pass you by could make you more anxious. Remember, the best way to mitigate the spread is to reduce close contact as much as possible and frequent hand washing. 

Take a deep breath

Everything can get really overwhelming. Take a deep breath (as ironic as this may sound in light of an air-born virus pandemic) if you feel panicked and remember it will be over soon.

Photo: Carly Jan Smith

New legal advice tells prosecutors sexting is not consent

Written by Hannah Connery on . Posted in News.

Updated legal guidance has been published to assist prosecutors in challenging new myths about rape and sexual assault, which have come about due to more sexual encounters online.

The advice, published by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), seeks to highlight how sexual interactions may be different in a digital age and ultimately aims to help prosecutors build cases that are ‘evidentially strong and therefore more likely to succeed at trial’.

New myths addressed by the guidance include those linked to the rise of messages containing explicit images, the use of dating apps, and casual sex.

Siobhan Blake, CPS rape lead, said that the rise in technology has lead to a transformation in the way “people interact, date and communicate with sexual partners”.

She continued: “For example, many teenagers believe that sending explicit photos or videos is a part of everyday life. Our prosecutors must understand this and challenge any implication that sexual images or messages equate to consent in cases of rape or serious sexual violence.”

The guidance also makes prosecutors aware of the impact trauma can have on a victim’s memory and how they can better pursue inquiries whilst protecting victims’ privacy. Advice on how to approach cases of same sex violence has likewise been updated.

The advice will be used by prosecutors from 1st November 2020. It comes in light of a fall in the number of suspects convicted of rape or other sexual assault – 1439 people were convicted in 2019-2020, which is almost half the figure from 2016-2017, of 2991 convictions – despite a huge increase in the number of cases brought to the police.

Chair of UoM’s Feminist Collective, Amber Barrow, welcomed the new guidance, but feared it would be inadequate in tackling many other factors that contribute towards the sexual abuse of women in particular.

She told The Mancunion: “Working to dispel myths about rape and rape culture is laudable, but it only challenges one facet of a patriarchal justice system that still has a long way to go.

“CPS’ decision to change their advice to prosecutors is one that should be celebrated but it should not placate us. We need to continue to push for a system that does not punish women for being raped.”

Various victim support groups have helped to construct the new guidance with the CPS, one being Survivors Manchester, who help male victims of sexual abuse.

Their Chief Executive Officer, Duncan Craig OBE, warned these myths can create “a breeding ground for silence and the continuation of harm” and hoped that the updated advice would “improve the way the Criminal Justice System deals with myths in rape cases.”

The guidance is part of the CPS’ five-year plan, Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) 2025, launched earlier this year to improve justice and support for victims of sexual abuse throughout the prosecution process.

A public consultation on the guidance will be held for three months, closing on 18th January 2021, to assess whether it is both adequate and accurate. Anyone can fill in a form online to comment on the updated guidance.

If you or anyone you know is struggling from any of the contents in this article, please do not hesitate to ask for help. Details of how to protect your safety, receive support or report a case of sexual abuse as a University student can be found here. 

After Abe: Where next?

Written by Archie Earle on . Posted in Opinion.

It has been almost 2 months since Shinzo Abe, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party and Prime Minister of Japan, announced that he would be unable to carry out his full term in office. Abe’s resignation, motivated by his concern that a long-term and worsening illness would impact his decision-making ability, alongside the election of a new Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, raises the question – where next for Japan?

Governments across the globe share this sense of uncertainty. Covid-19 has forced countries to ask themselves about whether they can go back to a pre-Covid world if the structures that were in place before were to blame for the severity of the pandemic.

For Japan though the question is arguably more pertinent. Unlike the UK, the Japanese government developed a ‘world beating’ track and trace system, which has pin-point accuracy in tracking the spread of the virus. Japan’s successful response to the pandemic made it surprising that Abe’s ratings in the polls actually fell from roughly 45% approval to 40% within a matter of months, flirting around the high 30s as some point. Obviously, the inadequate institutions and structures which prevented an effective response in Europe did not apply to Japan, which makes their future direction hard to predict.

Japan is something of a political enigma, especially in comparison to the West. On the one hand, the government is conservative in their harsh and stringent drug laws which guarantee lengthy prison sentences for those charged with possession and tight immigration laws that would make EU countries shudder. On the other hand, the country’s constitution forbids the formation of an active army except when under direct military threat – an aspect of political life that Mr. Abe frequently tried to amend – which is a far more liberal move compared to some Western countries.

This places Japan at an interesting point on the political spectrum where it is unclear if it is a liberal or a conservative country.

So where next for Japan?

With an election in September 2021, Yoshihide Suga has less than a year to prove his worth. Some argue that Suga will continue with his predecessor’s highly adaptive ‘Abenomics’, an economic plan that pumps government money into the economy which has proven both financially and publicly successful. However, others are less sure. The pandemic has impacted the viability of ‘Abenomics’ as Japan has seen its worst economic downturn on record and, with the prospect of the 2021 Olympics being pushed back even further, harsh economic times could be reflected upon the government.

Suga must also deal with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and the Democratic Party for the People, which seeks to form a strong front against the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. They are led by Yukio Edano, who has pledged to increase the gender diversity of the political class which is a strongly male-dominated sector, in addition to improving the corona-hit economy.

However, it is worth keeping in mind is the fact that the current, now Suga-led government holds a strong, 200-plus seat lead over the opposition and polls have suggested that the resignation of Abe has provided the LDP with a nudge in the polls that could well see off even a united opposition.

The country’s massive international standing, influence in the region, outsourced popular culture, and third-largest economy in the world does seem to indicate stability. However, Japanese politics have always been volatile. The three year gap between government elections means power is always changing hands. And Japan, like most countries in the world, will have to claw its economy back into motion in the coming years, as a result of the pandemic.

The country will also have to find a solution to its ageing population, which in the coming years could see a need for immigration to fill up job vacancies and help support state-funded pensions.

Japan is at a flashpoint in its history and the government response remains to be seen.

Sharp dialogue and a killer cast – The Trial of the Chicago 7 reviewed

Written by jamesmccafferty on . Posted in Film.

Aaron Sorkin’s sophomore directorial effort is a return to familiar territory in some sense. The Trial of the Chicago 7, which Sorkin not only directed but write the screenplay of, is a courtroom drama infused with political themes and filled with his characteristic fast-paced quippy dialogue. Although this seems characteristic of Sorkin’s style, by no means does this render the film uninteresting or derivative.

Originally penned over a decade ago and intended to be directed by Steven Spielberg and star Heath Ledger in the lead role, the film centres around the trial of eight men charged by the Nixon administration, in relation to protests in Chicago during the 1968 Democratic convention.

At this point in his career Sorkin has become synonymous with the sharp and smart dialogue that has been a key part of his work on film and stage. The script manages to land a fair number of laughs despite the increasingly weighty issues that it takes on.

In structural terms, The Trial of the Chicago 7 bears a clear resemblance to Sorkin’s breakthrough work A Few Good Men. Both are based primarily in the courtroom with only sporadic journeys outside, in order to provide context and character for the rest of the film, or to flashback to the events being litigated.

At its heart is a string of great performances, however the strength of the cast is potentially greater than the sum of its individual parts. Eddie Redmayne is perfectly cast as Tom Hayden, leader of the New Left group, Students for a Democratic Society. Redmayne captures the young activist’s passion and commitment while also hinting at the deep uncertainty he feels about whether he is following the right path, and whether he has the courage to do the right thing, or even to know what that is.

Elsewhere Mark Rylance gives a memorable and lively performance as eccentric defence counsel William Kunstler and Frank Langella is infuriatingly good as Judge Julius Hoffman. The role reserved for Sacha Baron Cohen as “Yippie” leader Abbie Hoffman is less convincing and it is difficult to overcome the existing connection audiences already have with Baron Cohen from his long history of comedic roles.

Like any Sorkin project, it is the exchanges between characters that are the most memorable and plenty of these are provided in the courtroom. The most compelling though, might be the moments of conflict between the defendants outside of court. All from differing strands of the anti-war movement, they disagree profoundly about both the case and the manner in which they should seek their objectives.

For those unfamiliar with the story of the trial, there is no doubt that the film will provide a typically wrenching look at a period of American history that has been repeatedly revisited over the past half century. Despite some familiar elements though, it does feel fresh and engaging. Needless to say the themes of protest, social justice and faith in the judicial system remain incredibly pertinent.

4/5.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 was released on Netflix on the 16th of October.

Gordon Brown at the world economic forum

Gordon Brown proposes £100-a-week subsidy to combat youth unemployment

Written by Anja Samy on . Posted in News.

With the furlough scheme due to end this month, former prime minister Gordon Brown has urged the government to give employers a wage subsidy of £100-a-week to help workers under 25 find employment.

Young adults are being dubbed the “Lost Generation” or the “Covid Generation”, as research conducted by Bath University professor and leading labour-market specialist, Paul Gregg, has revealed that around 700,000 young people in the UK were struggling to find work this summer.

This figure includes 500,000 recent school leavers and university graduates, as well as a huge number of under-25s who lost their jobs as the result of the furlough scheme ending and widespread small business closures.

According to the former Labour leader, there are predictions that, in the coming months, unemployment could exceed 20 per cent in certain regions of the UK, such as the Midlands, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Irelands.

Brown cited the alarming results of Professor Gregg’s research, which showed that job losses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic were concentrated particularly among under-25s, as the grounds for his £100-a-week wage subsidy proposal:

“This report charts the arithmetic of deprivation and desolation as youth unemployment gets out of control and this will alarm every parent in every region and nation of Britain. Today we are dealing with a far bigger challenge than in the 1980s and it needs a UK-wide jobs summit bringing together the regions and nations with the prime minister.

“Some will say this is too difficult to organise given the current breakdown in relationships between No 10 and the regions and nations but if we do not listen to what is happening on the ground and mobilise all the resources of the whole of the UK – local and national – and work together to coordinate our response we will fail a generation of young people as surely as we did for too long in the 1980s.”

The former prime minister said the elements of a plan to tackle youth unemployment should include the following:

  • A wage subsidy for employers of £100 a week for six months to take a young person on full-time.
  • Provision of good quality work experience.
  • Training geared to new jobs, in sectors such as care, IT and logistics, jobs linked to the recovery from lab technicians and contact tracers, to care workers and teaching assistants, not training for continued unemployment.
  • Help with job searches – which Brown said were a vital element of getting into work, as demonstrated by Labour’s 2009 future jobs fund.

Gregg’s report indicates that up to 1.5 million young people could need help to find employment over the coming year, as youth unemployment levels approach highs not seen since the 1980s.

The former PM also claimed that the government’s £2bn ”kickstart” scheme would not be enough to overcome the all barriers for young people in the face of rapid job-losses during the pandemic.

The “kickstart” programme, was announced in September by Rishi Sunak and aims to create thousands of new jobs for 16- to 24-year-olds who are currently claiming universal credit. As part of the scheme, employers will be able to offer a six-month, government funded work placement for young people.

Mike Cherry, national chairman of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) said urgent action was needed to support employers to prevent a “lost generation of young people”:

“More must be done to ensure small firms have all the support they need to survive and then thrive after this pandemic.

“If more small businesses are unable to afford an apprentice, without the means to offer an industry placement for T-level pupils or provide a traineeship or kickstart role, we will be letting down the next generation.”

T Levels are an alternative to A-Levels which consist of 80% classroom work and 20% practical, including a 45-day industry placement.

When announcing this “kickstart” programme in summer, which would see £2bn of funding given to businesses to create 350,000 work placements for young people, Rishi Sunak said: “Young people bear the brunt of most economic crises, but they are at particular risk this time because they work in the sectors disproportionately hit by the pandemic.

“We also know that youth unemployment has a long-term impact on jobs and wages and we don’t want to see that happen to this generation.”

Brown claimed that the government’s current scheme would not provide high-quality work experience and would only help those who had been out of work for six months and were on universal credit, missing out a large proportion of recent graduates or the recently unemployed.

Photo: kropekk_pl @ pixabay

University learning systems “excluding” transgender students, campaigners warn

Written by Laura Martin on . Posted in Features.

The University of Manchester Trans Campaign has spoken out about the problems facing transgender students and urged the University not to exclude anybody with its online learning systems.

Online systems, particularly seminars hosted on Blackboard, do not allow students to change their registered name while participating.

This may cause the university to ‘dead name’ students, the term which describes the use of the birth or former name of a transgender person. It can be a cause of significant distress, as the name no longer refers to the individual.

Inability to change a name may also ‘out’ students who wish to keep their gender identity private from classmates or teachers, who they have not been able to meet and build relationships with.

The University said it was “proud to be a fully inclusive institution” and was “completely committed to all equality groups.”

A tweet by Ish Tominey-Nevado, trans officer at Warwick Labour, raised the issue of online systems such as Blackboard Collaborate not allowing students to change their registered name: “The shift to online learning is vital for staff and student safety, but I hope that those who run online events consider how some platforms adversely affect those with names that differ to that registered and who use different pronouns to what others might assume.”

In a quoted tweet, UoM trans campaign responded: “This has already caused problems for trans students at UoM, and in light of today’s announcement [teaching moving online], it’s even more important that the online systems used don’t exclude trans students or force them to out themselves to participate in their teaching.”

Speaking to The Mancunion, a spokesperson for UoM Trans Campaign added they believe the University’s chosen systems had “put students off wanting to attend sessions and especially with reduced contact time this year, this is a massive problem”.

Blackboard, the online learning environment favoured by the university for course announcements, lectures and seminars, and other meetings, does have a feature on their platform which allows a user to change their name through settings.

However, on inspection, The Mancunion found that this feature is not available on the University Blackboard systems, causing potential barriers to participation.

UoM Trans Campaign also mentioned in the Twitter thread that in order to get their name changed on university systems, students must first acquire a legal name change by deed poll. However, they stated, this isn’t the case at some other universities.

Zoom, used widely by the university and able to be used for larger lectures and breakout rooms, maybe the right solution, as this enables students to change their screen name with ease.

In the same Twitter thread, 18-year-old student Luke said: “Currently experiencing this right now, where my name is listed as my deadname on blackboard.

“Trans students are far less likely to actually participate in lessons if they have to be referred to as their deadname.”

A spokesperson from The University of Manchester said: “Here at The University of Manchester we are extremely proud to be a fully inclusive institution and completely committed to all equality groups. We already work closely with the UoM Trans Campaign group on a range of issues and have regular dialogue with them about how we can make our institution even more inclusive.

“We are now aware of this issue and have begun the relevant processes to address it with the group.”

UoM students protesting

“It’s time to organise and get involved”: Meet the students making campus SAFER

Written by Alice Wood on . Posted in Features.

A student-led group called ‘SAFER’ (Student Action for a Fair and Educated Response) are campaigning for increased support for UoM’s 40,000 students and 12,000 staff.

They are asking for increased safety measures and a reduction of tuition and accommodation fees.

This comes just weeks after it was revealed that Fallowfield had the highest rates of coronavirus in the country. So far, over 1,000 Manchester students have contracted the virus.

The Mancunion spoke with SAFER to find out more about their aims.

UoM students protesting
Photo by Eliza Lewis (Instagram:Lizalewiss)

‘Stability: That a partial reimbursement of tuition fees is provided to current students at UoM’

SAFER’s first aim reflects the calls of many students to reassess current annual tuition fees of £9,250.

The group cites the Open University, which exclusively offers online tuition, offering £6,192 as a more appropriate figure. Most students are now studying exclusively online.

Many are disillusioned by unsatisfactory online learning. According to an article in The Guardian, experts suspect that institutions are unfairly clinging to student populations.

Universities have been accused of “keeping students at all costs” until after the term cut-off date. After this date, students are required to pay half their annual tuition fees even if they leave the university.

The elephant-in-the-socially-distanced-room, however, is the issue of accommodation fees. Thousands of students are paying up to £160 per week to study from their halls.

A spokesperson for The Marxist Society told The Mancunion they advocate building a network of hall representatives to co-ordinate rent strikes.

“The NUS have already stated they would support rent strikes where they could.”

Citing the large proportion of income generated from accommodation fees, the Marxist spokesperson added: “It’s time to organise and it’s time to get involved. The government had to persuade students to travel to university and the university had to accept them or the flimsy business models they are based on would simply collapse.”

The Marxist Society suggest that the pandemic has exposed the failure of monetising education: “The problem of marketisation is rooted in capitalism.”

‘Safety: That a crisis plan is created should another situation similar to that of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic arise again’

SAFER has also highlighted that student and staff health and academic progress may be compromised in the “mishandling” of the pandemic.

SAFER doubt the suitability of the current assistance to students isolating in halls of residence. Not to mention the provisions made for disabled students learning from home.

'Fighting for academic, financial and physical safety'.
Photo by Eliza Lewis (Instagram: Lizalewiss)

It was reported in the Manchester Evening News that the University of Manchester were unable to provide enough ‘buddies’ to aid self-isolating students. These students were then reportedly advised to send out an asymptomatic flatmate to collect groceries.

‘SUPPORT: That a new staff plan is created’

Concerns have also been expressed over the wellbeing of cleaning staff in university accommodation, with the representative body UNISON alleging that campus support staff were clocking up astronomical deep-cleaning and catering hours with little extra support.

Advocating an end to fixed-term staff contracts and backing risk assessments for all staff, SAFER also believe the pandemic has exposed the failure of universities to support their staff.

Last year, pay, pensions and working conditions were the focal point of picket-lines in Manchester and across the UK.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Vice-Chancellor Dame Professor Nancy Rothwell announced voluntary pay cuts and redundancies in response to the financial challenge posed by the crisis.

SAFER is encouraging both students and staff, however, to assess UoM’s ongoing approach to the pandemic.

Their appeal regarding tuition and accommodation fees is available to read and students are invited to sign it to indicate their support.

You can follow SAFER on Instagram and Facebook.

Information about rent strikes can be found on Instagram at @uomrentstrike and at The Manchester Marxist Society’s Facebook page.

Tony’s Chocolonely: It’s time to change the chocolate industry

Written by Sorcha Cullen on . Posted in Food & Drink.

The murder of George Floyd in May 2020 has sparked a worldwide resurgence in the Black Lives Matter movement. It has forced millions of people to see the institutionalised racism that is still so apparent, not only in the US but also here in the UK. Racism and inequality still permeate all aspects of society.

Unfortunately, the UK’s favourite food brands are not exempt from this – even something as seemingly inoffensive as a humble chocolate bar is complicit in wage inequality, child labour, and modern-day slavery. However, as you will now find out, not all chocolate brands are created equal.

Enter Tony’s Chocolonely, the Dutch chocolate brand known for its bright (partially-recycled) packaging, enticing flavours, and passion for creating a chocolate industry free of slave labour. 

I spoke to Ben Greensmith, the UK and Ireland Country Manager, about Tony’s mission and how they are changing the chocolate industry for the better.

What is Tony’s mission?

“Tony’s Chocolonely exists to change the massively unequal cocoa industry for the better. Not many people know that 60% of the world’s cocoa comes from Ghana and the Ivory Coast in West Africa. In fact, there are 2.5 million farms in those 2 countries producing most of the world’s cocoa. These are family-run farms.

This is one side of the value chain. On the other side of the value chain, you have billions of consumers who love eating chocolate but don’t really know where their cocoa is coming from – people like us.

In the middle, there are 7 big producers who make billions in profit but, unfortunately, pay as little as possible for the cocoa so they can maximise their profits and this leads to massive inequality and big structural problems. As a result of these inhumanely low prices, farmers are forced to live in poverty. And that leads to illegal child labour and modern slavery.”

What does this mean for children involved in the cocoa industry in West Africa?

“Shockingly there are 2.1 million children working illegally in West Africa on cocoa farms today. This is a result of poverty as the parents/grandparents can’t afford to hire labour due to the low wages, so they are taken out of school.

They’re exposed to pesticides, work with machetes, carry too heavy loads, and are doing dangerous work to help out and are denied an education. There are also a minimum of 30,000 people working in the cocoa industry in West Africa who have been sold and trafficked as slaves. These kids are taken from their families, promised money and education, but then held against their will; and if they try to escape they are beaten or killed.”

In order to continue to help cocoa producers in West Africa, Tony has created 5 sourcing principles. These principles aim to change how the chocolate industry runs. Ben stated, “We want other companies to copy our sourcing principles rather than ignoring the problem. Only by doing this, can we really change things together. Scale = impact = awareness.”

What are the statistics?

“We work with 7 Co-Operatives at the moment. This is about 7,000 farmers (tiny versus the 2.5m farms out there). About 10% of the cost of our bar goes to the farmers as a result of our premiums.

We have given over 12million Euros in premiums and this means that about 6-7% of our turnover is given back to support them and their communities to earn a fair wage.

We also give 1% of our annual net revenue to the Tony’s Foundation which is a separate charity focused on West African communities on separate projects, for example empowering women, educational work, etc.”

Do you think the current climate surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement will lead to more people researching where their chocolate is from?

“Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware of where their cocoa is actually coming from. Fewer than 1 in 3 people in the UK are aware of the issue of slavery and child-labour in the cocoa industry so most don’t know that their cocoa is coming from West Africa.

We want to change this by making people aware and then they can make an informed choice. It is crazy to think that this form of historical exploitation of African communities is happening today; and companies are not being forced to do anything about it.

It’s 2020 and it’s chocolate – none of us need it. It’s why we have started a petition to force a law that stops companies from having child or slave labour in their value chains.”

Have you had any personal experience with the impact that Tony’s is having in West Africa?

“In February 2019 I spent just over a week in Ivory Coast visiting our partner Co-Operatives and it was really humbling. The farmers don’t have much, but what they do have they just want to share with their communities. There was such a sense of welcoming but also pride in what they do.

One farmer I met was so happy to be working with Tony’s that he gave us a goat! This legend had also given over 1/3 of his farm to his wife to empower her which was amazing to see too. Meeting this couple was my highlight of a really moving week that made me want to work twice as hard to change the cocoa industry for the better – it really put what we do into context for me.”

If you want to get involved in revolutionising the chocolate industry, why not buy yourself a bar of Tony’s? They also make great gifts. So treat yourself or a mate!

On campus, they are available at the Utility store on Oxford Road, The Source Cafe on Fallowfield Campus, and FoodInResidence in catered halls. Tony’s is also available to buy at Sainsbury’s.

 

                                                                                WANT TO WIN  A YEARS SUPPLY OF TONY’S? (OF COURSE YOU DO)

Head over to the Mancunion’s Puzzle Page from October 12th to enter the prize draw!

 

Parks and Rec Photo: Flickr @ BagoGames

Horoscopes week commencing October 19th

Written by Tara Bharadia on . Posted in Horoscopes.

Whether you are a fan of ‘Mouse Rat’ or the ‘Andy Dwyer Experience’, we know you are going to love these Parks and Recreation inspired horoscopes…

 

Libra Sept 22 – Oct 22Libra Icon

You are easily the Leslie Knope of the bunch! Not only are you dedicated and hard-working, but you get on with everyone. This week, remember to bring some of your positivity to the people around you.

 

Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 22Scorpio Icon

It is no surprise that you are just like April Ludgate. You are mysterious and hard to read, but deep down, we know you love us. Try to show your softer side this week.

 

Sagittarius Nov 23 – Dec 21Sagittarius Icon

You are the fun-loving, star of the show. As the Lil Sebastian of the star signs, you are not only adored but iconic! This week make sure you let someone else shine.

 

Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 20Capricorn Icon

Sometimes, it seems that you are the most sane one of the group. As Anne Perkins, not only do you have a decent moral compass, but you are the most relatable character. Lend an ear to close friend this week, it will mean a lot.

 

Aquarius Jan 21 – Feb 19Aquarius Icon

As the rebellious yet ever-friendly Jean-Ralphio Saperstein, you always find a way to make things fun. Your head may often be in the clouds, but make sure your feet are on the ground this week!

 

Pisces Feb 20 – Mar 20Pisces Icon

Like Ron Swanson, you can be vague and often hold grudges (especially toward anyone named Tammy). But your love for adventure and ability to adapt will keep you afloat this week, and there are some surprises ahead!

 

Aries Mar 21 – Apr 20Aries Icon

You are the energetic Andy Dwyer of the signs. You burn brightly, but can cool down fast. Channel your energy into leadership this week, as your friends are going to need it!

 

Taurus Apr 21 – May 20Taurus Icon

You’re generous, you’re loving, you’re Chris Traeger! Your get-up-and-go attitude is infectious (in a good way), so try to spread the positivity this week and share the love.

 

Gemini May 21 – June 21Gemini Icon

No one knows anything about you, but you know all about them. As Donna Meagle, you always have some sage advice to hand, and people love your wit. This week, keep an eye out for a friend in need.

 

Cancer June 22 – July 22Cancer Icon

You are so kind, caring, and friendly, but what was your name again? Larry, Terry, Jerry Gergich? Whatever it is, keep cautious this week!

 

Leo July 23 – Aug 22Leo Icon

Hey, hey, hey, it’s Tom Haverford! Ever the entertainer, you are the life of a party. Don’t forget to treat yo’ self this week!

 

Virgo Aug 23 – Sept 21Virgo Icon

Ever studious and rigid, you are the Ben Wyatt of the group! While flexibility may not be your thing, hard work certainly is. This week, make sure you take time to relax.

Photo: LJNovaScotia @ Pixabay

Fascinating or frightening? CRISPR wins the Nobel Prize for Chemistry

Written by Lauren Holland on . Posted in Science & Tech.

The Nobel Prize for Chemistry this year has made history in several ways.

Not only is this the first time two women have shared the prize, but this also marks the first win for CRISPR/Cas9 genetic scissors, something which has been highly anticipated by many scientists over the past few years.

Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna were awarded the prize on the 7th October this year for this piece of groundbreaking and transformative gene technology, awarding them 10 million krona. This has huge implications for the fields of medicine and agriculture, among others.

CRISPR is an acronym for ‘Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats’: a gene-editing tool that can alter the structure of DNA.

Whilst gene editing has been available for many years, the discovery of CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionised the process. It is cheaper and easier to use than previous methods, and highly effective.

CRISPR is a natural immune system complex found in bacteria, which helps them to defend against viruses. It is comprised of a Cas9 enzyme and a piece of RNA.

This short sequence acts as a guide; it is complementary to a desired section of DNA, allowing for the CRISPR/Cas9 complex to target it for editing. This protein can then cut the DNA and essentially destroy the gene’s function.

Depending on the desired outcome, the gene can then be repaired at the cut sites, or a new segment of DNA could be inserted.

Some of the remarkable achievements of CRISPR include: the detection and treatment of cancer, including testing CRISPR edited immune cells in lung cancer patients; and the successful removal of HIV from human immune cells.

There have also been many applications in agriculture such as: making crops resistant to mould, pests, and droughts; and the creation of seedless fruit, which could lead to more sustainable food production.

There will no doubt be much more research into CRISPR and its uses. But the endless possibilities it creates poses an important question: where do we draw the line?

Gene-editing technology has been used in controversial ways in the past, for example by He Jiankui.

When he presented his work in November 2018, he was later found guilty of conducting ‘illegal medical practices’ and sentenced to 3 years in prison. This came after using gene editing with CRISPR on embryos and implanting them into two women, in an attempt to introduce a resistance gene to HIV. This was met with fierce criticism, as it put the babies at risk with little evidence of being beneficial.

The potential use of CRISPR in embryos raises a lot of ethical questions and social concerns. In the wrong hands, this tool could be used to create ‘designer babies’. As of September, a panel of leading US and UK scientific societies concluded that this technology is not ready for use in human embryos that are destined for implantation.

Whilst there are negative applications that comes with CRISPR gene editing, this win for Charpentier and Doudna really illustrates the revolutionary nature of their finding.

This has the chance to be one of the greatest benefits to our society: a potential cure for life-threatening inherited diseases.

Photo: Fuse FM

Fuse FM: Manchester’s student station returns after last orders

Written by Jess Walmsley on . Posted in News.

Fuse FM is making its return and will be live on air from the 19th October. Station manager Maisie Woodford and her team are extremely excited to be back in the studio – even though there will be a few changes.

To mark the occasion, The Mancunion spoke with the ‘Ale Hour’ presenters and winners of Fuse FM’s best newcomer award, Jonno and Harry, who are bringing back their show for another semester.

Their show covers a multitude of topics reviewing different beers and making light-hearted quips about a variety of topics.

They hinted at the topics listeners can expect when tuning in on a Monday 19:00 – 20:30…

Did you carry on tasting and trialling beer together in lockdown over zoom?

We recorded our last episode before lockdown in our rooms at halls, making sure to continue our beer tasting over lockdown. We each had a stash of the same set of beers, so if we needed to, we could host an emergency Ale Hour or beer tasting.

What can listeners expect next semester?

We’re coming back bigger, bolder and better than ever. Our show will share many similarities to last year, in particular our regular segments about The Beer News and a review. Our music will also be as awesome as ever, but we’re also bringing in some new ideas we’ve been trialling, with the aim to become the best beer review radio show… *pause*…In the world.

Have you seen any shows on the schedule that you are excited to tune into?

As usual the Fuse FM schedule looks as packed with good content as ever, despite the pandemic. Breakfast with Adam Macdonald was always worth tuning in to last year and we look forward to doing so again. Tits for Tat also looks like an interesting new show, but there’s one show we’re very interested to see how it turns out, and it’s every Monday at 7 pm.

Fuse FM 2020/21 Schedule

Make sure to keep up to date with Fuse FM by following them @fusefm on Instagram and Twitter.