www.thegryphon.co.uk @_TheGryphon Issue 2 07/10/16
Theofficial newspaper of LeedsUniversity
Nipple-Bocker-Glory We chat to Josie Partridge about nipple inspired jewellery Page 7
Claims Uni IT cuts ledto Technical Failure Jessica Murray Editor-in-Chief
The university has beenexperiencing serious technical failures all week, with the Portal, VLE, lecture capture and other IT services all crashing on Monday, and going down sporadically over following days. The Leeds branch of University and College Union (UCU) claim the increase in technicalfaults is down to the university’s management Image: Daniel Mortimer cuts and under-investment in IT infrastructure. The organisation, which represents academic and academic-related staff Historic RugbyWin including many IT staff, believes recent IT staff cuts and aplanned reorganisation will increase the number of IT failures and impact on the university’s core provision. ForLeeds Uni Auniversity spokesperson said: “This was apurely technical issue and was due to problemswithITinfrastructure Univeristy of Leedsstorm aheadtotakethe Rugbytitle that manages network traffic flow. We worked quicklytoresolve the issue PollyHatcher culminatingwiththe Men’sRugby Union titlefor the12thyearrunning.However, on the affected systems, including News Editor GrandFinaleatthe Headingley Stadium. thegap betweenthe overall scores is lecture capture, the portal, VLE and Arecordcrowdof15,535peopleattended decreasing, as thisyearBeckett wonby our websites. Some key services Forthe first time in many years, theevent,comparedto14,250lastyear. amarginofonepoint compared with have nowbeen moved to alternative LeedsUniversityhavewon therugby 18 studentswereremoved from the threelastyearand sixthe year before. infrastructure.” However, they failed to union matchatVarsity,althoughthey stadiumand will face disciplinary Beckett teams took both the comment on the dispute with UCU over missed outonthe overall Varsitycrown. meetings.Despite afew (clothed) male andfemaleathleticstitles the IT reorganisation. TheGryphonsbeatBeckett with a pitchinvaders,thiswas down on andwon all seventennisfixtures. Tim Goodall, president of the UCU scoreof20-9, despite theopposing last year’s eightstreakers,probably UniversityofLeedsdominated local association said: “The university team being in ahigherleague. duetothreatofan£1000 fine. in thehockey, winningseven out hascut IT staff numbers, losing many Varsityisthe biggestsportingevent Thefinalscore across all sporting of eightpossible titles, with only experienced staff, without replacing of theuniversityyear, with 60 fixtures events was32-31,withLeeds Beckett thewoman’s first team losing.Uni them. across 25 different sports in aday, coming outontop to take theVarsity also took allthe swimmingtitles. Read more on page 2 2 | News thegryphon.co.uk Editor’s Letter:
Feminism hascomealongway can people saythatfeminismisirrelevant?Whenwestill live in a in thespace of ahundred years. societywhere fightingsexismresults in womenbeingaccusedof In thetwentieth century, to be lackingasense of humour or being toosensitive,how can people afeministwas to be radically saythatfeminismisirrelevant? different,breakingawayfromthe It wasannounced thisweekthattakingthe contraceptivepill Contents constricting andstifling prescribed is strongly linked to depression. It createdasenseofvindication normsofthe time. amongstmanywomen whohavestruggled with thesideeffects 3-5 News Sadly, even nowtosay that you’re of taking thepillfor years, butoften sufferinsilence,not being afeministisoften to be metwith taken seriouslybydoctors or friends. Womenbecomestigmatised 7-10 Features rolling eyes,asigh, an “Ofcourseyou by theirhormones; oftenaccusedofbeing‘angry’ or ‘irrational’if are”.Feminismhas in some ways becomea they’reontheir period,and nowforcedtodealwiththe effects of 12-15 Views trend, with everyonejumping on thebandwagon,but with an equal hormonal imbalancesand resultingmentalhealthissuesresulting amount of people arguingthat, in thisday andage,feminismis from taking controlofour sexuality andtakingthe pill. 16-17 Science unnecessary, just an excuse forpeople to have arantonFacebook This is of course nottodisregard thedebilitating effectgender anduse apopularhashtag. expectationshaveonmen as well.Suicide is thebiggest killer of 18 Society However,asNipple-Bocker-Gloryfounder JosiePartridge argued menunder 45 in theUK, and76% of allsuicidesin2014were (page7), feminism in thisday andage is more necessarythan men. Menare constrainedbysociety’s ideals of masculinity 19-24 Sport ever.Josie createsstrikingjewellery outofcasts of nipples, from –men aren’t expectedtotalk abouttheir emotionsortoshow bodiesofall shapes andsizes.She’s an artist fightingagainsta weaknessinour proscribed versionofmasculinity. What we need societywhich plasters picturesofhalfnaked women on billboards to understand,however,isthatfeminismisthekey to breaking andinmagazines,yet criticises womenfor breastfeedinginpublic down both of theseproblems.Weneed asociety in whichwomen Quoteofthe Week andnot covering uponnightsout.Her Instagram accountwas aren’t dismissedfor being emotional andirrational,justasmuch
disabledfor ‘inappropriate content’ -thatis, women’snipplesthat as we need asociety that allows mentoexpresstheir emotions don’tconform to society’sbeautyideals. withoutbeingcategorisedas‘unmasculine’.
Mark my Similarly, Emma Watson hasbeenshutdownbyvarious It’s clearthat, despite theimprovements in gender equality words, we commentators fordaring to speakout aboutgenderinequality throughout thecourseofthe twentiethcentury,feminismisstill “ “ “ “ –Imean, she’sonlyan‘actress’ afterall,whatdoesshe know? hugely needed in oursociety. will make (page15) Shewas mocked andbelittled by journalist RodLiddle “breakfast- forher ‘whining,leftie, PC crap’. When we stillliveinasociety JessicaMurray, Editor-in-Chief wherewoman having an opinionisdismissed as ‘whining’, how [email protected] Brexit, a success.
Andrew RT Davies, Writefor Us: Welsh Tory leader Want to become aGryphon journalist? Whether you’re passionate about politics or pugs, news or Netflix, we want Credits you to join our team! Search us on Facebook and come alongtoone of writer’s meetings to get started! Editor-In-Chief ~ JessicaMurray SectionMeeting Times: AssociateEditor ~ DominicJohnson AllinThe Gryphon office upstairs in LUU
DigitalAssociate - FloraTiley News:Mondaysat1pm News ~Polly Hatcher, Sarah Berry,Euan Views:Thursdays at 5pm Hammond
Society -Elsa Amri,Bea Features:Wednesdays at 5.30pm Warleta Science:Thursdays at 1pm Continuedfromthe front page Features ~Jessie “They have lost valuable expertise and are only now starting to Florence Jones, Hannah Business:Wednesday 1pm Macaulay, Ella Healing plan how they want to deliver high quality IT with fewer staff and Society:Mondays at 2pm fewer experts.” Views -RoryClaydon, Tim told The Gryphon,“We want to engage meaningfullywith LiamKerrigan, Jess Readett Sport:Fridays at 2pm the university to make this reorganisation work, and we want an assurance there will be no more job cuts, no downgrading of people Science ~Sam Music and Clubs:Tuesdays at 3pm or roles, and staff across the university want to be assured that McMaster,Dougie Phillips we will continue to have the IT expertise we need in schools and Fashion:Mondaysat4pm faculties todeliver the specialist work we do.” Sport ~LukeEtheridge, At this stage UCU is not balloting for industrial action, and are JamesFelton, Zoe Arts:Mondays at 5pm hopeful an agreement will be reached to prevent redundanciesand Thresher,JohnGibby Lifestyle and Culture:4.30pm invest in universityIT. Design -Becky Nolan, UCUhave started apetition to ‘Support Our IT Services’ which you Frazer Sparham Blogs:Tuesdays at 5pm can read and sign online at leedsucu.org.uk. thegryphon.co.uk News | 3 Newuniversity ranking system to driveupfees
Ian White The government insists that the new framework scrapped, this further increase signals another rise will allow students to make more informed decisions, in the cost of attending university, with fees possibly Thegovernment has signalled that it is preparing to but auniform rise in fees may disproportionately reaching £10,000 by the end of the decade. abolish the £9000 cap on tuition fees, allowing them affect students from less privileged backgrounds. 2015 was the first year there was adecrease in to rise with inflation. An increase of £250 is expected The new rankings will be assessed by an independent the numberofnew students from working class for students applying for 2017 entry. panel and will be based on statistics like dropout rates, backgrounds applying for university. Further increases This increase has been linked to anew university graduate employment rates and student satisfaction. in fees could see this worrying trend continue as the ranking system set to be trialed over the next two Universities minister Jo Johnson defended the plans financial burden discourages poorer students. years. Under the new framework universities are to be stating that “The framework will drive up quality in The details and effects of the new ranking framework ranked bronze, silver or golddepending on the quality the sector…[and] give students clear, understandable won’t become apparent foryears to come. of the teaching they provide. information about where the best teaching is on To the government it represents acompetition based The projected 3.2% rate of inflation for the next offer”. method of driving up standards, for its detractors it’s two years suggests that fees will rise to £9500. All Lib Dem leader Tim Farron, who voted against arise acontroversial marketisation of the higher education universities will be able to increase their fees to in tuition fees in 2010, has voiced his opposition to system aligned with an unwelcome rise in tuition match inflation until 2018, but after that different the further increase, condemning “fees that creep up fees. Either way, the true shape of the changes won’t universities may be allowed to charge different yearonyear”.“Where does it end? It’s unacceptable”. beknownuntil 2018 at the earliest. amounts depending on theirclassification. Less than ayear afterthe student grant was StudentHalls shuts after Fire Safety Inspection
Jessica Murray Speaking of their experience of briefly moving in to Editor-in-Chief the accommodation on the 23rd they said: “I would have preferredittobefully done before Imoved, but Trinity Hall student accommodation, a94-bedroom you can see that it is going to be lovely. luxury student development in Woodhouse, has “Howeveroutside my apartment it’s basically still a been shut down followinganinspection by aWest building siteand there is still scaffolding up. Yorkshire Fire Service Marshal. There are no secure gates built yet and no gym, shop The brand new residence was due to open to tenants or court yard. Ifeel like they would havebeen better on 19th September, however due to unforeseen building off not letting it out this year and doing it next year. delays, the building was unready and students were “They say it will be complete on the 17th [October] rehoused in temporary accommodation. -Ihighlydoubt it will all be done but it is still fine Later that week, on September23rd, adecision was to live in. Ijustwant some rent knocked off since it made to move in 21 students to the new site, and is not what it’s meant to be when Ifirst signed up.” despite afire plan being put in place, an inspection “In fairness they said that if we find somewhere Artist interpretation of the completed halls of residence by alocal fire marshal found the building unsafe for elsetheywill allow us out the contract, however it’s occupation, and residents were forced to move back in impossible to find anywhere similar this late on as to temporary housing. they [other accommodation] are all sold out now, so sleeping in their allocated rooms. The issue seems to have been alack of usable fire I’m just waiting it out.” As soon as we had this information we had to move escapesfor the amount of flats being inhabited. Niche Homes, the third party company who do all tenants back into alternative accommodation and Anew move in date for the 17th October has now not own the property but are responsible for letting we made the decision that no intake was to take place been set. and managing it, responded: “We were informed in until latest 17th October, so that the landlord and Speaking to The Gryphon,one student tenant, who August that the build had adelay andwould have to developers can hand us over aphase that meets the wishes to remain anonymous, said, “The management cover intakes over aphasing period. This was not criteria of that of West Yorkshire Fire Department. of the whole process just hasn’t been up to scratch ideal but this is what we were told. We have housed all tenants in alternative which has made everything more stressful. Once we found there was to be adelay all tenants accommodation until up to 17th October and we “If I’d known it would end up like this Iwould have where informed and Unipol were made aware of the offered tenants that did not want to continue the just gone forone of theother places Iviewed” issue. optiontocancelthe tenancies and be let out of their The tenant was rehousedinRoomz accommodation “We have/are following the Code of Practice and the contracts, with any money owing to be refunded. before the 23rd, and then amodern apartment tenants best interest is of paramount importantce to The whole building after this phase will be finished complex after the fire safety inspection, and said Niche Homes Ltd. in stages including any external works which is on of their experience:“Ican’t complain about the “We moved the first intake into Trinity Hall on the track for completion mid-November. accommodation they have provided me with but 23rd September; at this point we were assured by both LUU have said: “We are working with anumber Iknow that others maynot have had asgoodan the Landlord and Developer that all was signed off of students affectedbythe closure of Trinity Halls experience as me with temporary accommodation. and goodtogo. to rehomethemintoaccommodation that they feel “Personally I’m hoping we can get some rent “On Monday 26th September it became apparent comfortable in. If the closure affects you and you’d knocked off due to hassle and the fact that not that the Fire Marshall had been sent to site and like some help too, please pop up to LUU Advice on everything will be built [when we move in] (the gym haddeemedthe fire access for the apartments not thefirst floor of the Union or drop us an email on etc).” sufficient and needed resolving prior to any tenant [email protected]” 4 | News thegryphon.co.uk
UniversityofSalford www.pokemon- Campus 1 StudentsplayPokemonGoaspartofdegree In an attempttomakethe business information technology course more “accessible”,studentsatSalford Universityare being askedtoplayPokemon Go as part of theirdegree. PokemonGoisanaugmented reality game that allows itsplayers to capturevirtual characters in real-lifelocations whereplayers usetheir smartphonestotrack and Watch capturethe Pokemon. Despite criticisms of attemptsto“dumb down”the degree, SalfordUniversitylecturerDrDavid Krepshas defended thecause,claimingPokemon Go allows studentstoeasilygrasp thesubject. “Wewantnew studentstofeelthatour subjectisaccessible andeasytograsp”heargued. “Ituses various informationsystemsthatare accessedoverthe internet,adigital camera andaGPS location sensor” ChrisMcGovern, of theCampaignfor Real educationcalls theidea“farcical”, claiming that it is aclear example of howcoursecurriculumsare being“dumbed down”and encouragesstudentstoenrol on classes that lead to limitedjob opportunities. Surprisingly,thisisnot thefirsttimePokemon Go is being usedinanacademic setting. TheUniversity of Idahooffers “Pop CultureGames”aspartofacourseand playingthe augmentedreality game is a requirementtopass. University of Exeter Investigation into racist JangiraLewis andanti-SemiticT-shirts 2 Duke University Exeter Universityhas launched an investigation into racist andanti-SemiticT-shirts Course aims to ‘deconstruct toxic studentsatarecentsocialinExeterare allegedtohavewornduringafreshers week 3 masculinity’ event. Picturestaken by afellowstudent reveal hatefulphrases including: “Don’t speaktome Whilemostuniversitiesare preparing foraperfect welcomefor if you’renot white,”and,“TheHolocaust wasagoodtime.” freshers,the Women’sCentreatThe Duke UniversityofDurham, Thephotographercommented:“Making lightofgenocideand whiteprivilege is not North Carolina hascomeupwitharatherinteresting campaign. banter”. TheMen’s Projectisanineweekseminarwhich mainly focuses Theincidenthas sparkedwidespreadoutrage on social media. Many studentshavesaid at ‘UnlearningViolence.’ that theaforementioned examplesare in no wayunique, suggesting that ‘white T-shirt Theprogram strivestoachieve twomainobjectives: achieving nights’, held on campuses acrossthe country, encourage thedefacingofclothing with male allyshipand questioningand deconstructing toxic offensive language. masculinity. Aspokespersonfor theUniversityofExetersaidthatit“is an inclusiveand friendly Thecampaignaims to provideasafespace formen to break environmentwhere all studentsare welcomed.Antisemitic,racistorbigoted behaviour outofstereotypical expectationsofaggression andviolence in anyformisnot tolerated” andthatthe Universityhas immediatelylaunchedan andinstilahealthier notion of masculinity. TheDuke’sWomen investigation. Centre opened theproject in thespringand sincethenhas had sociologists over to talk about‘sex, powerand violence.’ AlexanderJones Sexual harassment on campus hasbecomeamajorconcern in American universities. Therelease of Stanford rapist,Brock Turner,3monthsearlier than hisoriginalsentenceof6monthsled to amajor outcry and TheDukeUniversityhas triedtostart combatingthisproblemby identifyingexactly whereitstemsfrom.
NishtaMital
NorthCarolina 4 Twosudents shot dead afterparty turnsintoanightmare 3,4 Twostudentsatthe Agriculturaland TechnicalState UniversityinNorth Carolina have beenfatally woundedatanoff-campus party, causingstudent safety to come underscrutiny. Thevictims were 19 year oldAlisiaDieudonne,who wasasophomore computer 1 sciencemajor,and 21 year old AhmadCampbell, ajunioragricultureand environmentalsystems major. Thepairhavebeendescribed as “activelyinvolved students in campus life”. Theirbodieswerefound at thescene andweretaken to hospital wherethey were laterpronounceddead, with an unknowngunmanhavingopenedfire. This frighteningand disturbing actofviolenceisbeingusedasawarning to universities worldwidetoensurethatcurrentsafetyrules areassessedand implemented efficiently. 2 In apress releaseA&T StateUniversitycommented that they will be “educating students on ways to remain safe at alltimes”and announcedanemergency safety forum.
WilliamMarriott thegryphon.co.uk News | 5 5 ‘Tentcity’campaigners reachagreement with Council
Christopher Tobin
Homelessness protesters are given semi-permanent space after being moved from Park Square. Campaigners from the Leeds Homelessness Partnership have reached an agreement in court with Leeds CityCouncil for astay of six weeks for their camp. Over the last month the camp has seen tent numbers stretch into double figures, many of which were collected after being abandoned at Leeds Festival. The camp, dubbed ‘Tent city’, provides shelter, food and protection forhomelesspeopleinthe City. The Gryphon spoke to activists from the Partnership at their camp, in acar park within walking distance of Park Square, after they voluntarily moved just afew hoursbefore. Haydn Jessop explained to the paper the Image: bbc.co.uk reasoning fortheir presence: “We’re here to help the less fortunate people, the homeless people of Leeds. We’ve beentotwo sites guys into the supported housing that they need.” There’s other people in England that can get up and before this. We’ve beenatPark Square; we’ve been at Mr Jessop went on to say: “You’ve got students do what we’re doing.” the Art Gallery. We got evicted from the Art Gallery and from all across the UK here in Leeds, we’re always The council has maintained that “helping the today in court [4 Oct. 2016] we came to an agreement taking food donations. You guys can start spreading homeless remains an absolute priority”. Debra Coupar, to move to some sort of land that we can have. awareness, start spreading the word and opening the the council member for communities, had previously “I believe that we’re the first group ever in the UK to eyesofthe UK to this problem. said the protesters had not “chosen to engage with the be granted aspace for the homeless and less fortunate “We’ve done it here in Leeds. There’s many council” but after the court agreement was reached people. We’ve got amaximum of 6weeks here but othercities doing it like Bristol, Manchester, and on 4October it appears that this has changed. obviouslyweneed the Council and the CGL’s (Change, Nottingham. Grow, Live) to carryonworking with us and get these If anyone needs advice -get in touch with us. Communal BritishUniversitiesconsider printers:avictory forHalls theirpost-Brexit options
Hana Ahmed Yasmin Watkins study here in 2014-15. EU campuses may aid in the recruitment of international staff and students. The University of Leeds has recently introduced British universitiesare considering extending their Our Vice Chancellor, Sir Alan Langlands, has communal printers into Halls of Residence. campuses into the European Union due to heightened previously told The Gryphon that although he was Oxley, Lupton, Ellerslie and St Marks were the first uncertainties surrounding Brexit over what sort of originally worried with the outcome of Brexit, he now to receive printers last year. Sentinel Towers, Lyddon, relationship they will have with the EU in the future. feels more hopeful as “[Leeds] is averyinternational Central Village, Charles Morris and Devonshire On Monday [3 Oct. 2016], PrimeMinister Theresa university. We’ve got alumni in over 190 countries, so followed closely behind, installing printers over the May announced her intention to trigger Article 50 in away we were international evenbefore we joined summer. by the end of March 2017, which will propel Britain the EU.” Student Roisin O’Byrne proposed the implementation into negotiations over its place in the single market, The Vice Chancellor has also praised the broad of communal printers in 2014bysubmitting her idea along with the question of what will become of EU international base of student intake that the on the Leeds University Union ‘Your ideas’ page. University funding. University gains each year that they will aim to retain In her proposal she described how students would The EU currently provides about 15 per cent of all as “we benefit enormously from having EU students benefit: university research funding in British universities, here”. The University of Leeds currently has no plans ‘Many students cannot afford individual printers which equates to just over £20 million for the to establish campuses within the EU. in their rooms….Theyare also bulky and take up a University of Leeds. lotofspace,particularly given the limited space The question of EU funding and how it will be met in halls. These [communal printers] would make by the currentgovernment post-Brexit has caused studying easier and with more resources available concern for British universities and their ability to at our convenience it would allow us to work more maintain their standing as the home to some of the efficiently’. world’stop institutions. Our position in university Since their introduction last year, the printers have global league tables is heavily reliant on research been apopular addition to Halls of Residence. First supported by EU funding, which is competitively year student Mugande Muyokabelievesthey will sought after. enhance her experience in halls, saying “It’sagood Apotential reduction in the number of international idea that there is aprinting facility nearby rather than students looking to study in Britain is another concern having to trek all the way from Oxley (the furthest of universities considering EU expansion. Overseas accommodation) to the University to print things.” students currently make up 5% of all undergraduates Residenciesare considering the logistics behind in Britain, which is currently oneofthe most sought- installing communal printers in the remaining after destinations for international students to University operatedhalls. study. 436,585 students from outside the UK came to Switch on your potential
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2015 @TPPCareersTPP Careers thegryphon.co.uk Features | 7 Nipple-Bocker-Glory:“Iwanted to capturenipples whether they’rebig, small,inverted, hairy or bumpy”
Image: Michael Savage
Inspired by theFree The Nipple campaign, Josie Partridgehas created Nipple-Bocker-Glory, ajewlellery range createdusing casts of nipples in allshapes and size. Hereshe talks to editor-in-chiefJessica Murray about inclusive feminism,body shaming and her grandma’s 84-year-old nipples...
It’s been two years since the Free The Nipple says she deliberately triestoprovoke thought. idea that women’s breasts are pornographic, and campaign first took off, with events and exhibitions “For me as afashiondesigner, going into the most that women should cover up their bodies to avoid up and down in the country. Here on campus we had objectifying industry, it’s really important to make objectification and to gain respect. Instead it should
a‘BoobieBooth’, with students encouraged to bare all work that sends amessage and promotes positive be men changing their views on women, ratherthan for the camera in an attempt to normalise the nipple social change. With it, Iwanted to challenge people’s us covering up and being ashamed of our bodies.” and combat body shaming. perception of the sociallyaccepted ideal of beauty, The name of the venture itself, Nipple-Bocker- The movement became something of atrend, with and Iwant to provoke thought. Iwanted them to Glory,apart from being abrilliantpun,isalsoaplay “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ #freethenipple appearing over 3million times on think about why men’s nipples are acceptablewhen“ on the idea that women’s bodies are offered up to men Instagram. But while the campaign may have faded women’s aren’t.” as asweet treat for consumption. from the limelight to some extent, Josie Partridge The most enjoyable thing about the project, she She’s well aware that people may criticise her work argues that it’s just as important as ever. says, is the overwhelming positive response she’s for being superficial and unnecessary in aworld where “There’s still alongway to go, we still live in a there are more important aspects of gender inequality society where globally there is so much gender “Onntthe internet andinfilms which need to be tackled. inequality. Women are vulnerable. They’re vulnerable “People arescaredofchange –campaigns, new to sexual assault, evenifit’s just cat calling on the vioolennceisglorifiedbuutt theenn laws that areenforced, at first people might find them street, domestic abuse or rape. We live in aworld wwmomen breastfeediinng is unnecessary and silly and it’s onlywhen you look back where in the media women’s bodies are objectified at all the things that havehappened in the last century and used to make profit. On the internet and in films consideredinapproprriaate.” that you think that it was really necessary.I’m really violence is glorified but then women breastfeeding is aware that it can seem like asuperficial thing when considered inappropriate.” thereare so many more issues with gender inequality. It was this contradiction between the reality of the received from her customers, friends, and family. But in asocietythatisincreasingly morematerialistic female body and its sexualised form that inspired “Older people are quite horrified; they raise their and more and more focused on image,thisseems like Josie, afinalyearFashion Design student at Leeds“eyebrows or nervously laugh. Apart from my grandma agood place to start.” College of Art, to create Nipple-Bocker-Glory. Using who bought apair of her own 84-year-old nipples! While Josie is about to knuckle down for her final casts of women’s nipples Josie makes jewellery: My mum finds the whole idea reallyempowering year of uni, shehopes to run with the venture once mainly earrings in all shapes, colours, and sizes. because she’s abreast cancer survivor, and she says she’s graduated, and work with breast cancer patients Inspired by the Free The Nipple campaign,Josie she would have loved to have had her nipple cast and breastfeeding mothers. Her work is both socially “wanted to capture the diversity of women, because before she had amastectomy. Breast feeding women empowering and fashionably striking, and she hopes the movement has been criticised for onlyincluding think it’s alovely opportunity to have areminder of that everyone who wears it follows the Nipple- the sociallyprescribed ideals of beauty.” their enlarged lactating nipples.” Bocker-Glory philosophy. “I wanted to capture nipples whether they’re big, The only negative reaction she’s receivedhas come “Women shouldn’t feel that they have to cover up small, inverted, hairy, bumpy, pierced, lactating, from Instagram itself, who disabled her account due their bodies, and that modest dress is the answer to masectomised, or anything else in between to promote to what she can only assume were hernipple photos. desexualising the female body.” body positivity.” “Instagram is famous for having astrict censorship Her work is deliberately bold and striking and she around women’s nipples which perpetuates the 8 | Features thegryphon.co.uk Bandaid forabullet wound:tent city and thehomelessofLeeds With funding forhouses in such contentionthese days, theissue of homelessnessisbecoming ever-more public. Rabeeah Moeen discusses homelessness in Leedsand its ‘Tent City’
Rabaeeah Moeen
Being astudent at Leeds means inevitable familiarity with Yorkshire’s largest city. It is a growing metropolis; but like everywhere, there is a section of society often not discussed for the taboo that comes with the presence of poverty in awealthy country: homelessness. With funding for houses in such contention these days, the issue of homelessness is becoming ever-
more public. According to areportpublishedinlate 2015, homelessness is rising. Reports state that the rise in Leeds is consistent with the rest of England, as efforts
have long been made to collate figures. Conversely, statistics may often be incorrect. Accordingtoalocal council report, as of last yearthere were only 13 rough sleepers in Leeds. Just walking past Park Square, the home of Tent “ City, the numberoftents is alittlebeyond 13. They seem to stretch back as far as you can see, clustered together in groups or standing alone under atree.
They canspend almost a million on a“welcomeback the Olympians’ parade, why can’t they do that in housing?
Propped up next to the path or far from watchful eyes, the people dwelling in Tent City are not invisible. You might think they are protestors, volunteers or general “park-goers, but Marie, avolunteer, told me less than five people were volunteers. There were easily more than twenty people present. According to Leeds City Council’s page, homelessness ‘can take many forms.’ Sleeping rough, sofa-surfing, staying with family. In this case, homelessness in Leeds could be even more severe than you think. Being homeless isn’t just the absence of aroof over your head, it is the absence of ahome, and this is what is missing. If we think again about the housing crisis that’s so focused on young people these days, and the refugee crisis with people fleeing to the UK: there is an urgent need for homes now more than ever. Avolunteer toldmepeople “are always willing to help out” with donations, but it’s unfortunate that so much help is required. “Sometimes we don’t have tents for them.”
Undoubtedly because Tent City has 24-hour security, meaning safety from aggression, there is ashortage of resources. Foodand clothingisalso provided, meaning asmall safe space for rough sleepers. This is vital due to the recent surge in ‘defensive architecture,’ seeing things like hard metal seating and spikes being placed in open areas. thegryphon.co.uk Features | 9
It’s easy to place all the blame onto those who should help, but Leeds City Council are trying. There are always strategies in place and Steve, amember of Leeds Homeless Support Group, told me there were discussions about private land for apermanent Tent City. This would help set minds at ease after the removal of the shelter from outside Leeds Art Gallery, in which acourt order was obtained. The area was in the Olympics procession on 28th September. The parade was wonderful: it brought the festival air and gold-winners of Britain to Leeds to celebrate well- deserved achievements. But Steve wasalittle frustrated all that time and effort can’t be repeated when it comes to housing.
“They can spend almost amillion on a‘welcome back the Olympians’ parade, why can’t they do that in housing?” he said. AmongstTent City residents, it was clear they knew the problems couldn’tbesolved at once. But perhaps processions through the streets of Leeds are acold blowtothe people who spend every night on them. “Surely it’s better to house?” Steve said. “I’d rather put the money where it does somegood.” Asecondlegal bid has now been launched to have Tent City removed fromits newest home, again throwing future accommodation of so many people into turmoil. With almost 70-80 people moving into the safe area, it’s clear this is aplace where money would do some good. Yes, they have tents and yes, volunteers and the public are helping out with clothing and food; but atent is not apermanent home, despite the fact that Tent City seems to be growing every day.
How large will it have to grow until the council decide to act? 10 | Features thegryphon.co.uk Veganvictory or diet dilemma?
Withthe rapidly increasing number of vegan converts, Emma Purvis debates the
benefits andpitfalls of thisphenomena.With veganism straying away fromits moral and economicallysound roots, is the hype surrounding it agood thing? Or is it astep
towards turning avalueableway of lifeintoafadand an oppressivediet plan?
vegan seems increasingly unimportant. Eventually, Emma Purvis body for the right reasons. First of all, if avegan diet “ is not correctly followed, it can create health issues regardless of whether veganism is for the ‘ideal such as anaemia and hypocalcaemia, especiallyinthe body’ or animals, the movement is contributing So far, 2016 has beenoverwhelmed with talk of case of early adolescents. Secondly,due to society’s Pokémon Go, Stranger Things and Brexit, but out of engrained idea of societal beauty it is easy to see how all the popular trends, no one anticipated veganism people interpret veganism as atwo for one offer of a We couldverywell to be among them. Most people on Instagram would healthy lifestyle and perfect figure. Even though the agree that it has become nearly impossible to scroll diet may not turn out to be nutritionallyrestricting, witnessabacklash in the down news feeds without coming across asmoothie veganismcan risk becoming arestricting mind-set near future that could
bowl that looks more like an elaborate work of art than for young girls that want to lose weight for the wrong it does breakfast. The rising popularity of veganism reasons. Celebrities endorsing veganism as away to lead to theultimate‘’fall on social media is undoubtedly supporting aworthy improve overall health is also adouble-edged sword. cause, yetithas also led to nutritionists addressing Ellie Goulding championed going vegan because of thevegans’’
concerns about potentially restricting diets. In of the positive changes she experienced including feeling leaner and healthier. Nonetheless the word ‘healthier’ seemed to take abackseat to the ‘leaner’“to the reduction of factory farming, sparking the when she spoke about her diet. Strictly following a 2016 phenomenonthat one day may very well be In thepastdecadethere p“ lant-based diet in order to lose weight has led to the referred to as “the rise of the vegans’’. It is, however, hasbeen a350%rise in trend of ‘part-time vegans’ who adopt the diet but important to ensure that veganism is being followed only sustain it until health problems vanish or the and promoted correctly, so that insufficiencies and vegans livinginthe UK, goal weight is reached. Giving veganism publicity in restrictions do not become apart of the movement’s showingthatthe once the way that Goulding has may have influenced many reputation. Otherwise, we could very well witness impressionable young people to go vegan simply for abacklash in the near future that could lead to the restricted foodchoices looks. ultimate “fall of the vegans”. have now growninvariety, Eventhough people’s motives nowadaysmay “makingthe specialist diet be different to the traditional vegan philosophy of moreaccessible. ‘’ending all animal suffering’’,itisstill contributing to the animal-welfare movement. Still, converting to the vegan lifestyle is not always as glamorous as the colourful fruit and veg may imply. It involves adults, as long as certain vitamins are substituted abstaining from all forms of meat and animal products accordingly, aplant-based diet can prove healthy and meaning what may seem acolourful fad on the surface rewarding. However, it seems to be amessagethat is actually adecision that should be considered, as it is being misunderstood by the worshippers of social is one that involves acertain degree of discipline. media veganism. So why are so many people choosing to make The shift of perception regarding veganism has made the switch? The answer to that is acombination the movement go from being animal rights based to a of increased health awareness, awider focus on crash-course for weight loss. The diet itself can have ‘accidentally vegan foods’and perhaps the cuteness astonishing nutritional benefits; but it can be debated of micropigs. In the past decade there has been a whether or not veganInstagram accounts, with 350% rise in vegans living in the UK, showing that emphasis on diet, are promoting the perfect bikini the once restricted food choices have now grown in variety, making the specialist diet more accessible. ‘Accidentally vegan’ friendly foods are those which coincidentally contain no animalproducts, with many of them luckily being student favourites. You can now choose to become veganand still indulge in Oreos, chilli Doritos, original Pringles, dark chocolate and Pot Noodles. But the inability to cover meals with cheese (a student staple) may still continue to deter the average person. Still, themessage is being spread and with the vegan food stall outside the union and nakd bars on offer in Essentials, it seems that the message has also reached Leeds.
By looking strictly at the wider animalwelfare movement, the reasoning behind someone going PRINT©BUREAU Student Printing Services at the University of Leeds
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SHOP OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm pcb.leeds.ac.uk 12 | Views thegryphon.co.uk Views Nowthatstudentshavereturned to lectures, TheGryphon asks: is thenew Bluetoothcheck-in system fair on students? Yes Sophie Wheeler
Just over twoweeks agothe new starters,the University alreadyholdsa againststudentswho don’town suggest apositivecorrelation between Bluetoothsystemwentlive, causing a lotofpersonal data on whereyou live, smartphones as thesystemrequires attendance andgradesreceived. The massive shakeuponcampus. Leedsis yourcontact detailsand perhapseven users to download an apponlyavailable newsystemisdesignedtomotivate followingthe general trendtowards yourfinancialcircumstances.This onsmartphones. Neverthelessitmust studentstoattendtheir lectures-and taking attendance more seriously, with data is stored safely away from prying be acknowledged that,according whetheryou agreewithitornot -it policies such as mandatoryattendance eyes in accordance with the1998 Data to an EDUCAUSE report,86% of does appear to be working. AudgeZidi, to pass classesbeingintroduced Protection Act. undergraduates ownedasmartphone in an engineeringstudent,said: “Knowing in otherareasofthe UK.The new Instead, theUniversitycan usethe 2014.Thispercentageislikelytohave my attendance is being monitored Bluetoothsystem is an innovativeway data,asitdoeswithother stored increasedyearonyear, demonstrating encouragesmetogotolecturesthatI of monitoring attendance througha information to maximise student howthe appwillbeaccessible forthe mighthavenot gone to hadthe system quickand easytouse tool whichhelps welfare. Chroniclackofattendance vast majority of students. Even forthose notbeeninplace.” At theend of theday, theUniversitymonitor attendance maysuggest that astudent is falling whodonotown asmartphonethere university is expensive.Weare paying effectively andinturn forces studentsto behind or maybedealing with more areover40computerclustersavailable £9000ayearjustfor theprivilege.So starttakingtheir attendance seriously. seriousissuessuchasmentalillness. allovercampuswhere studentscan it’s importanttoget themostvalue Therehavebeensuggestionsthatthe TheUniversitycould usethisdatato go to record theirattendance. Sure,it outofitaspossible,and that means system whichallowsthe Universityto checkthatstudentsare attending, but maynot be as convenient as theapp, attendingyourlectures, engaging monitoryourlocationmay be used to also to checkwhether they mayneed to butthe pointisthatthe onus is placed with thematerial, andtalkingtoyour spyonstudents, as if theUniversity offer ahelping hand to those that may firmlyonthe studentstoregistertheir lecturer. of Leedsisbecomingsomeform be struggling. attendance. oftechnologicallyadvancedStasi. It hasalso been suggestedthatthe Finally, it goes withoutsayingthat However, thisideaisabsurd. For Bluetoothsystemisdiscriminatory attendance is important. Many studies No Bronte Farenden
So,thisyearwehavereallystepped our Gryphon).However,ithas created computer,meaning that aftertheir check-in. technologicaladvancementsupagear severalproblems that,for students,has session hasfinished,studentsthen Ultimately,whether youown the here at theUniversityofLeeds–that’s undoubtedlymade thesign-in process have to locate an available computer ‘correct’phone or nottopartake in right, we nowhaveabrand-spanking farmorecomplicated than it needsto (sometimes achallenge in itself)to thissupposedlymoreefficient system, newBluetooth attendance monitoring be. register theirattendance. Subsequently, you will undoubtedly findyourself system.Soundsfancy doesn’tit? Well, Perhapsthe greatest andmost not only does thiswaste thestudent’s feelingdownrightfrustratedbyit letmetellyou,thatisinfactall it is. fundamentalissue presentedbythe free time butitalsomeans that those at some pointthisyearasitis, quite Fancy. It is certainlynot fair. newsystemisexclusion:ifastudent whoare unable to participateinthe simply,unfaironstudents. Standing At first glance,the newsystemmay does notown amobilephone,they newsystem must always schedule around cross-armed andpursed-lipped appear to signal aleapintothe modern areunabletoparticipate in Bluetooth checking-inintotheir dailyroutines. somewhereoncampus, waitingfor an ageoftechnology-basedsurveillance; attendance monitoring,placing them at Forstudentswho do possessthe available PC so you cancheck-intoa usingthe UniLeeds app, studentscan adisadvantageincomparisontoother ‘appropriate tools’ forcheck-in, classyou’vealready attended, wasnot nowcheck-intolecturesand seminars classmates.Furthermore,not only is it everything seemshunky dory,right? what you were planning on doing. withoutexperiencingthe ‘hassle’ of necessary forstudentstoown aphone, However, thisweekhas proved that Youshould, in fact,havebeenhome waitingtosigntheir nameonaphysical buttheymustalso ownaspecific even then,studentsmay still experience twenty minutesago getting stuckinto register.Due to its‘convenience’,this type of phone that supports boththe problems.Due to theirtemperamental thefourth episode of Stranger Things.I newmethodofregistrationisclaimed UniLeedsapp andBluetooth activity. nature,the Bluetoothbeacons placed mean studying,obviously. to be farmoreefficient in terms Forthose withoutanAndroid or iPhone, throughout theuniversitydonot always of attendance monitoring forboth theprocess of checking-inmustbe work meaningstudentshavetoregister students andstaff(seelastweek’s completedbysigning in to auniversity elsewhereinorder to successfully In TheMiddle
Issue2 07.10.16
Music•Clubs •Fashion •Arts•Lifestyle andCulture •Blogs 2
Credits
Editor-in-Chief In The Middle Music Clubs Jessica Murray Associate Editor Jemima Skala Reece Parker [email protected] Mark McDougall Sam Corcoran Julia Connor inthemiddle@ Robert Cairns [email protected] thegryphon.co.uk Juliette Rowsell [email protected]
Fashion Arts Lifestyle and Blogs Victoria Copeland William Rees-Arnold Culture LaurenDavies Meg Painter Xa Rodger William Hoole Charlie Collett Ashleigh Stern James Candler Charlie Green [email protected] Beatrice Rae Heather Nash Megan Fryer Hannah Brown [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Design Front Cover Frazer Sparham Photograph by Jonathan Chard Becky Nolan 3
Contents
4 13
Bey, Kanye, fashion -everyones at We’vecollaboratedwithThe Scribe. it.How hasfashion andhip-hop Find outhow youcan join inwith combinedand appealed to thefans? cereative submisisons.
6 14
LeoKindred andFredSavagedebate BlackTrans LivesMatter: Alookat whetherlisteners should have to therecentevent whichtookplace in seperatethe artist from theart thestudent union.
8 21 Lookingfor anew club night? Reece Parker chatstothe founders of Glug Time to crackthose steinsout:its Glug and Soul Control. time forOctoberfest.
12 23
Take alookatthe worksofArthur Lauren Davies givesthe low down Elgort from 1978-2011. on beatingthe stresses of university. [Image: NME] Is it time to start taking Hip Hop designers seriously?
Following London FashionWeek last month, LynseyRose Kayexplores howhip hop stars have been influencing the fashionworld
In the midst of fashion weeks across the world and following London Fashion In the 21st century, we’re not simply consumers of products but consumers Week in September, global megastar Beyoncé released her highly anticipatedsecond of media.This is indicative at fashion shows too,withthe most tweeted shows Ivy Park collection that she cofounded with Topshop owner, Sir Phillip Green. arguably being the most successful. In this case, Kanye West, the King of Without warning, Bey’ unveiled her promotionalvideo for the Autumn/Winter Controversy and ultimate like-getterisnostranger to the world of fashion. Most 2016line -anextension of Lemonade. It’s apersonalfilm, more about selling a recently at New York fashion week, Kanye debuted Yeezy Season four and the lifestyle rather than simply alook, the singer delivers apoetic voiceover revealing showwas ripe with things to tweet about. The show sent out acasting call for “When I’m about to give up, Ipicture that one person Ilovemore than anyone... “multiracial models only”. It started two hours late and was adreary four hours They’re so proud of me, they’re shouting my name and Imake it to the end”. Parts long. Amodel fainted, the shoes broke and onlookers were less than impressed. of home film footage flash across the screen in betweenshots of Beyoncé working Is that enough drama for you? out but indubitably, and most importantly is that key piecesofthis collection will sell out in days. In aworld where the internet may have shown us everything, how are hip hop musiciansinfluencing and keeping us interested in fashion? “In the 21st century,we’re not simply consumers of products but consumers of media.” “Everybody wantstobeliketheir favourite artist. The quickest waytodothis? Dress likethem.” Finally we return to the queen herself, Beyoncé. With an Instagramfollowing of over 85 million, making Beyoncé Knowles the third most popular user, her mass appeal is unquestioned. Beyoncé’s popularity is notjust physicalin Hip hop musicians have successfully beendipping their toes into fashion for quite the number of online followers, but evident in her ‘realness’. Ivy Park was some time. Wu TangClan have Wu Wear, Jay-Z has Rocawear, Pharrell Williams’ notsimply aimedatgym bunnies but her publicist proclaimed that Beyoncé has Billionaire Boys Club, and this summer Tyler the Creator had his first fashion envisioned her collection being worn every day and that she wanted to create a show for his line Golfwang and Beyoncé, in the days before Ivy Park, had House clothing brand that made women feel strong. This story about the real woman, of Dereon,withher mother Tina Knowles. Often characterised as street and active and the story Beyoncé tells in her promo for Ivy Park makes the clothing wear, the success can likely be attributedtofirstly, the famous face behind them. relatable and astory you want to perpetuate as you wear items from the brand. Everybody wants to be like their favourite artist, and the quickest way to do this? Sure, it helps to have an already established brand behind you, such as Topshop Dress like them. forBeyoncé, Puma for Rihanna, and Adidas for Kanye. It also helps to be creating clothes that are not just wearable but also ‘athleisure’, anew trend that has been This is no truer than with Rihanna, who is always at the centre of what is ‘cool’. building in popularity at fashion weeks of late, in an era where we’ve seen it all This fashion season the MTV Vanguard award winner launched her second and worn it all. The hiphop stars are showing us fashion is still current, it’s still collection for Fenty xPumaatParis Fashion Week. Rihanna describedthe lookof something that can shock and it can also be away to show and to be ourselves, the collection as “Marie Antoinette at the gym” and so the venue was lavish with whichwhenyou’ve committed half an hour to editing the perfect profile picture, chandeliers. Her first collection, showcased at New York fashion weekback in iskindofarelief. February received largely positive reviews and Puma suggest she is responsible for helping them to achieve $2 billion in sales in the first half of this year. Yet, before LynseyRose Kay designing for the sportswear supergiant, back in 2014 Vogue talked about her having ‘The RihannaEffect’ and designers such as Tom Ford and Alexander Wang were creating piecesdirectly inspired by the way the Barbadiansinger dressed. 5
22,amillion by BonIver
In thefive yearsJustinVernonhas spenton22,a expression andhis audience whichhad previously million,his popularity hassoaredexponentially. notbeenpresent,orindeed necessary. Vernon’s associationwithKanye West, with whom he contributedonMy BeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy and Thealbum slowly growsintoitself, as Vernon is Yeezus,brought hismusic directly into thespotlight. beginningtocometoterms with hisnew life.Bythe No secret hasbeenmade of thediscomfortwhich this closingtracksthe production is cleaner, allowing newfound popularity hasbrought;Vernonrecently amorefamiliar BonIversound to develop, centred described feeling“very exposed, with scarredskin around vocals rather than specialeffects. In fact,‘8 from thewhole experience” in arareinterview with (Circle)’and closingtrack ‘00000 Million’would not TheNew York Times. be misplacedonthe self titledalbum of 2011.
This feelingofbeing uncomfortablyexposedis 22,amillion is afar cryfrom2007’s ForEmma, prevalentwithinthe album. 22,amillion isnosier, Forever Ago.IfVernon’sdebut wasanintroverted messierand more convolutedly produced than theBon young artist’s exploration of heartbreak in arural Iver soundwhich we have previously beenaccustomed Wisconsinhunting cabin, 22,amillion is that same to.Particularly theopening tracks,‘22 (OVERS∞∞N)’ introverted artist trying to findawaytomakesense and‘10 dEAThbREasT’inwhich aheavily post- of thebrightlightsand attention whichaccompany produced Vernon battleswiththe jarringsoundscape critical acclamationand sellingmillionsofrecords. to croon“it mightbeoversoon” and“Icannotseem to findI’m able”. Theheavy production andspecial Rory Shell effects placeaboundarybetween Vernon’s visceral FollowingMyIntuition by CraigDavid
Re-rewind. Thecomebackkingisback. more originalsoundsof‘Warm It Up’and ‘HereWith Me’. Davidisabletotakehis musictoanew, more CraigDavid sure knowshow to tease us allbefore currentlevel withoutlosingthe magicthatmade us an albumrelease.Fromthe 2014 release of ‘Cold’ originallyfallinlovewiththe bouncy 35 year-old - onSoundCloud, to hisviral covers on Radio1’s Live plus there’sthe odd“BOINK!”hereand theretoo. Lounge and1Xtra with MistaJam,CraigyDhassent theinternetintonostalgia-overload. Addtothese Fans arebeing blamed forlivinginthe 90s(sorry!), hisperformancesatAllyPally with MajorLazer and butevenCraig couldn’t resisttakingthingsback. His asurprisetakeoveratFabric–not forgetting his popularised‘Fill Me In /Where AreÜNow?’ remix, Glastonburyslotthissummer–David’s beenavery entitled’16’, showsoffhis downplayed DJ talent, busy man. sendingany dancefloorintochaos as soon as the chorus drops. Recent singles‘Ain’tGivingUp’ and‘Nothing Like This’haveshown us thealbum’s more popand RnB Although nostalgiamay be thedriving forcebehind feel,incontrasttohis homegrowngaragesound. Following My Intuition,the future is lookingupfor Mr We’veseenhints of collab betweenold andnew; D. Let’shopehis arenatouroverthe coming year showcasingDavid’s originalstuttering, breathless lastsalot longerthan7days. raps combined with thecontemporaryinfluences of Sigalaand BigNarstie.But don’tfear, hisclassic KittyPandya rising andfalling melodies make manyappearances, whetheronthe slow-paced ‘BetterWithYou’oronthe
American English by TorMiller
If you’rerevelling in thewakeofabreak up, Thereisnodoubt that Miller demonstratesgreat ruminating abouthow lost you arewithout someone range,depth andscale in hisvocals,alongside a by your side,orevenjustreminiscingabout past lust, varied instrumentinfusedbackground. However, then thismay be thealbum foryou.Ifnoneofthose thecontent growsgrating and, by theend,itcan be aboveconditionsapply,Iwould advise you to give this categorisedasnothing more than drab anddreary. The oneamiss. American English by TorMillerwallows in occasional pieceofprofanityisthrowninalongside self-pity, lamentingonthe loneliness andheartache hislove-spentlyricstogivehim aslightlyedgier that naturallyincursinapost break-up situation. exterior, when in allreality thealbum is vanillaat best.‘CrustPunkQueen’, as itstitle heavilyindicates, Thelasttrack whichfeatures on therecord, ‘Stampede’, fallsunder theaforementionedcharges;itresembles somewhat ironically begins with thelyrics‘‘I know amorecheesyversionofEdSheeran’s ‘The ATeam’, howthisstory goes’’,which couldbemoreindicative with thelyrics‘‘trust fund drug fiend’’ reverberating of thealbum as awhole.Anyonewho haslistenedto throughmyspeakers forthe first andlasttime. albums like Adele’s, those totallydedicated to fraught love,will know exactlyhow thisalbum will unfold. In short,the albumissomething that hasbeen Ultimately it becomes unbelievablytedious, as each churnedout thousandsoftimes before,and no doubt trackrunsonfromthe last with very little distinction will be churnedout again. Post break-up builtup in contentbetween them. angstatits disappointing best.
NiallBallinger 6
Image: pigeonsandplanes.com Debate: Should an artist’s personal lifeimpact our enjoyment of their work?
Leo Kindred YES NO Fred Savage
Let me be clearfrom the outset: there are timeswhen an Generally, I’mfirmly of the belief that most people are artist’s behaviour is not an issue. perfectly able to separate artist fromart. Moreover, what they don’tknowwon’thurt them. Most are happytolisten One recalls Marilyn Manson’s MechanicalAnimals album, to an artist’s music in blissful ignorance of individual whose Bowie-esque concept featured apure alienwho is wrongdoings or any unfavourable opinions. corruptedbyHollywood’sglamour,drugs and hedonism. Manson was no doubt engaging in that lifestyle at the To refer to afew examples; most people are perfectly fine time; that his feelings on the matter were putontorecord to listen to and enjoy MichaelJackson’s music, despite the onlyenhancedmyenjoyment. Elsewhere, Motley Crue, a ambiguous end result of his legal trials. It is also perfectly band Ipersonally can’t stand, were synonymous with their fine to praise the likes of Mozart –quite rightly forsuch an sound due to theirsleaze and vanity. incredible composer –but it’s little known that he used to send letters of asexualnature to his cousin Maria Mozart. But there are definitely times when this barrier is Such correspondence in the 21st century would be all over breached. In the early 90s, Norway’s black metal scene the tabloids, permanently tarnishing his reputation. But became renowned as acocktail of racism, arson and with the greats, it seems most people have their minds murder. Varg Vikernesofthe band Burzum, who burned set too muchonthe actual sound to care about ambiguous down achurch and murdered one of his bandmates in the wrongdoings. 90s, nowperiodically delivers paranoid, white supremacist rants fromhis YouTube channel. Icould never bring myself It is easier still to separateartist from art in the case to buy arecord by this man. of purely instrumental music, which furtherremoves theinfluence of the artist’s beliefs. Furthermore, it’s Whether it be through supporting church-burning, or a worth considering that many singer-songwriters portray collective shrug when the band Taake became embroiled in themselves as acharacter different from themselves. arow over using aswastika on stage, some suspend their Idoubt all of the ‘sad’ lyrics in songs by bands such ethics for aband or an artist. as Slipknot, Metallica and NineInch Nails aredirectly reflective of the lyricists’ lives.This is certainly the case If that seems too fringe, then consider former Pantera in hip-hop. Tyler the Creator, Eminem and N.W.A are vocalist Philip Anselmo, filmed by afan throwing aNazi all rappers who operate under guises, or at the very least white power salute at ashow, or Ian Watkins of Lost exaggerate their own character. Prophets. Is it still possible to enjoy the music of artists like this? Idefy any fan to listen to LostProphets music The circumstances forpersonal disagreementwithan now. There are times as alistener you can just enjoy the artist’s beliefs and behaviour vary an awful lot; individual music andput aside the personalityofthose involved. But attitudesand listenerpersonality are central, as is the there is alimit to the tolerance we should extend to artists genre and status of the artist themselves. who say and do obnoxious things. 7
Gig Roundup
Sundara Karma @ Sundara Karma have beengradually garnering album, Youth Is Only Ever Fun In Retrospect.Ifyou missed themselves aconsiderable fan-base over the the gig, then I’mafraid you missed out on hearing past couple of years whilst still remaining fairly them so will have to wait until next year–but Ican Brudenell inconspicuous compared to other current indie bands tell you they’re definitely something to get excited on their level. Yet at Brudenell Social Club here in about. About halfway through, the indie four-piece Social Club 26/09/16 Leeds last Monday night, they completely dominated then threw in the coolest cover of Luther Vandross’ both the place and the people. classic ‘Never Too Much’, and if you didn’t dance to that then you probably don’t dance to anything. They smoothly strolled onstage, after support acts The Night Café and Freak absolutely nailed warming up the Like all good gigs, it drew to aclose far too soon, place –not often do you see moshes of that size before but not before aleather-clad Oscar Pollock tooka the headline act has evenappeared –and gotstraight mandatory crowd-surf and electrified the place with into the oozy, melodic paradise that is their debut the irresistibly vibrant ‘Loveblood’. Considering single‘Indigo Puff’. hese lads are only 20, they sure know how to play an absolutely incredible gig, and witnessing this has Released in 2014, that tune established the beautiful made me even more excited for their future as aband sun-kissed edge that characterises all the music than Ialready was. they’ve come out with since then, and as soonaswe hearditI’m pretty sure all of us in the roomfell in Hollie Griss love with this Berkshire band all over again.
For the next hour or so, they permeated the room with Rating: the dazzling vibrations of their staple songs,with particular stand-outs being ‘A Young Understanding’, [Caroline Vandekerckhove] ‘Flame’and ‘She Said’, as well as treating us to a couple of newonestofeatureontheir upcoming debut
Holy Holy Jodie Abacus @Oporto @Belgrave 28/09/16 Music Hall 28/09/16
[BBC]
Going to see aband you’re on their album. Each song built up Providing alittle bit of the summer on a quarter of 2017. These new songs address unfamiliar with is arisky affair, and broke into aroaring crescendo cold September night, Jodie Abacus gave themes of heartbreak, and after briefly listening to Holy –which admittedly made some of astunning set at Belgrave Music Hall on saving the world, and caring for orphan Holy’s latest album Iwas not the songs appearquite samey,but the third date of four in his first headline refugees. ‘She’s In Love With The exactly hypedtospend an hour or was nonetheless impressive each tour. Weekend’ was adefinite highlight, the so with them. Istood at the lovely, time. disco coated funk oozed happy vibes even intimate Oporto venue sipping a Emerging out of the darkness, Abacus though the lyricsdiscuss agirl whois beer to avoid any pressure to dance started with amellow love song lostwithin an endless spiral of partying. or cheer enthusiastically. The vocalist and lead guitarist accompanied only by the hovering keys stole the show with their talent, before bursting into avibrantsoulful set, Concluding on ‘I’ll Be That Friend’ Fortunately, Isoon discovered that but each member of the quintet filled with alevel of joy which forced Abacus described how much this song my prejudices were unfounded, shone individually throughout the everyone in the roomtobop and sway to means to him. It wasinspired by his just aside-effectofmy musical gig. Professional and cohesive, the R&B beats of Abacus and his talented friendwho stuck by himinhis hour of snobbery -and Iwas entertained by the band’s intricate rhythms four-piece band. need following aboutofpneumonia, arhythmic, tight band, who’dcome encouraged me to see off my lager which stemmed from him workingtwo all theway from Australia to play to quickly and move my once bigoted Althoughthe crowd was into the music jobs to try and support his music carreer. aroomoftwentypeople. feet. Certainly an entertaining gig there was ahugedistancebetween the This heartfelt connection to his music that wasn’t tainted by afrontman stage and the audience in such abig truly spoke to the audience. Dipping The mix at the gig was especially with shit banter and an even worse room, leading to Abacus coercing the inand outofsomeacapella audience good, the vocals were quieter haircut, HolyHoly are absolutely crowd to come together at the stage edge participation, the songcompletely sums than they were on record and it worth seeing if they decide to come on the premise that everyone needed to up whatheisabout -music bringing allowed each instrument to rise and back to the UK. “connect” and “get happy”together. people together in awhirlwind of contribute to acollective wall of sunshine. sound, which at times was almost James Wemyss Abacus has only released five songs so shoegazey. The synth in particular his set, which bordered on an hour, Jenny Pudney helped to build agreat, enveloping comprised of soulful new songs from atmosphere which seemed absent his debut album coming outinthe first
Rating: Rating: 8
Glug Glug
Here at The Gryphon we’re alwaysonthe lookout forfresh, exciting newsounds. Glug Glug have embodied these qualities, bringing worldwide music to the humble confines of Hyde Park Book Club. We sent Clubs Editor,Reece Parker to meet up with their founder, Conor Aldis to find out what theydo.
When Iasked Conorwhatsort of music he was in to, he said: ‘‘I like music, as does everyone,Iguess Ijustget more enjoyment from looking for music and using it as ameans to learnabout different places and times.’’ Conorstarted Glug Glug in February, around the same time that Hyde Park Book Club first opened its doors.‘‘I didn’t really know anyone else to do it with in Leeds and Iwas getting pretty frustrated about not playing out. Hyde Park Book Club had just opened and was looking for people to startnights so Igavethem amessage even before Ihad the idea of Glug Glug.’’ He continued: ‘‘Itall fell into place and it’s beenfun,it gives me an excuse to spend more time to dig alittle deeper.’’With the extensive ways of discovering new music, Conor finds Youtube as one of the best waysto discover music that compliments his taste. The Glug Glug originator added that: ‘‘Goingthrough YouTube is one of the best ways to find new music and when I findsomething Ilike, Ilook at what label it came out on, who else is on that label, what year it came out in and so on’’.
Unlike other club nights so often associated with Leeds, Glug Glug takes athematic approachwith its nights. From countries, to time, or genre and label, Glug Glug aims to inform attendees of the endless possibilities in discovering new music. Conoradded: ‘‘I think it’s good to understand that there’s more to art and pop culture than that from the west. When Istarted out Ihad to ask around if anyone hadWest African records and would like to come and play. Ithink itconfused some people. NowifIwant to putonanight I’ve got my list of go to guys who are up fordigging through the sounds of aplace which is great.’’
The first three Glug Glugs were at Hyde Park Book Club and then the Brazilian Olympics opening party was at Outlaws Yacht Club. Conorremembers the night well: ‘‘The Brazilian night was the biggest one I’ve been apart ofbut alot of that is owed to Raf and George. Ilike to think what makes GG different is that we pay closer attention to the music than many events and also the fact that unlike other ‘worldmusic’ events we don’t always fix our music to one place,Sounds of Heaveniscoming up which will be agospel night but with spiritual jazz and other transcendental bits’’.
Glug Glug is Conor’s first opportunity to try out something new: ‘‘Ialways have just had this strange desire to look for music and play music that fits. I’m not exactly sure what the aim is for the future, Iwillkeep doing the little monthly ‘sounds of’seriesand keep meetingpeopleand something will sort itself out.’’ When Iasked what Conor’s favourite night has been so far, he said: ‘‘The best night was Sounds of Japan. The artwork was wicked courtesy of my friend Calum. The music was wicked, courtesy of Joe, Robbie from Nord and Ben from Soul Control.’’. Those who have already beentoHydePark Book Club willbeaware of it’s intimate setting. While that may affect the sound quality of Conor’s nights, it still adds to its charm. ‘‘All the Glug Glugs havebeenfree and Iwant to keep it that way. They run from 7pm until 11pm, and being conveniently placed in Hyde Park Ithink people like the ease of spending an evening there and listening to something that they might perhaps have notheard before.’’
You can catch the next Glug Glug, Sounds of Heaven, Hyde Park Book Clubatthe end of October. 9
We also caught up with Glug Glug’s friends and collaborators Soul Control.The ninepiece have formed acult fol- lowing at arapid pace, consilidating their position as some of Hyde Park’s favourite sons. ReeceParker caught up with Theo Victor to discuss the group’s commitment to variety, improvisation and originality.
Tell us alittle about yourself. What haveyou done in thepast and whatare youraims for thefuture?
We are abunch of mates from first year at Leeds Uni. We’ve been friends for a We all have various levels of experience but we are all keen on finding music couple of years and all enjoyed going out together and had similar tastes in music and throwing parties. There is avarying level of musical skill;Iamcertainly not and quite enthusiastic interests in the cultures surrounding it. There are nine of the most gifted DJ in the group but some members are really skilled in terms of us in total which is great becausewecan all chip in and offer something differ- knowledge and technique. We all chip in and Ihope that in the future we can hold ent, Ithink that whilst having such alarge group can be slightlychaotic it is also on to our cooperative spirit because it really is the best way to organise anything. much more fun. It also means that our goal of eclectic selection can be reached I’vebeen lucky to find such an amazing group of people with asimilar vision to when we play out. me.
We had talked at various points about putting events on before Soul Control and What is the best night you think you’ve done? afew of us had been involvedinother events/bands etc. We basically started Soul Control by going to the Hyde Park Book Club and asking to use the space. We Obviously Ican’t speak for everyone but my personal favourite was our first resi- booked the venue and spent aweekorsopreparing. That was in February and we dential night at Hifi on the 23rd September. It was ahugeoccasion that took a were really lucky with how many people showed up. lotofwork. It was great to see so many people come We did afew events there and continue amonthly “Big up to everyone in Leeds and enjoy themselves and Ipersonally loved the at- residency (October 13th), which we really enjoy as it mosphere. Special mention must go to Fionnuala and allowsustoplay stuff we mightn’t be able to in a doing stuff independently at Anna fortheir amazing artwork which really helped club. We got our Hifi residency through Hamish Cole the whole vibe. and Dan Burridge and also via George Hartshorn who the moment. Its agreat place let us play there for his Global Rhythms event. Hifi is to be and there is so much co- If someone is thinking about coming to your event, aclub that has been big in Leeds for awhile andthe what would yousay to them? sound system is great, playing there is arealpleasure operativespirit.” for all of us. Iwouldn’t want to give any preconceptions because really it isn’t up to us how someone rates our events What is it you’re tryingtodowithyour event? but Iwould say that we try to have as much fun as possible and create an atmosphere that we want to be part of from both sides of In terms of what Soul Control aims to do, there isn’t agrand ideological element to thedecks. We take inspiration from CosmicSlop, Love Muscle, Brudenell Grooveetc it. We do raise money for charity and we are non-profit but rather than any po- and whilst our music varies in style, Ihope we consistently provide anice, wel- litical statement, its more just abunch of friends playing music to varying levels coming environment for people to dance in. of skill. Ihope it’s awelcoming andfriendly atmosphere at our events with an emphasis on people having areallyfun time but not straying too far fromcare- Big up to everyone in Leeds doing stuff independently at the moment. It’s agreat ful selection. It’s notalways easy to get that balance but Ihope we’ve managedit placetobeand there is so much co-operative spirit. Personally, Iwant to thank thus far. Misbah Anjum-James who isn’t directly involved with Soul Controlbut whohas been ahuge mentor to me and has encouraged me to get involved in music.
Join Soul Control at Hifi on the last Friday of each month for aresidency promising everythingfromafrobeat to ambient. 10
ANew Diverse Direction; amodel example
Unfortunately it’s become fact that the fashion The Fashion Spot’s Diversity Report 2016 has analysed 312 Fashion Week shows industry lacks diversity when it comes to models in Paris, Milan, New York and London. It comments upon models of colour and but is this an issue of the past or something that is highlightsmodels from mixed or non-white origins. Fromthis they found that beginning to change? Hannah Snutch investigates. despite attempts to balance the diversity of models used on the runway such as in Kanye’s Yeezy show that featured only models of colour, it still remains that 75%ofthe models were white at the shows this season. Whilst stillnot being Let’s lookatthe statistics from the Autumn/Winter 2016 Fashion weeks. adesirable statistic, it does highlight the progress within the industry, as last Accordingtoadiversity report conducted at the time, less than onequarter of season 79.4%ofthe models were white. the models were models of colour. What’s more, only eight transgender models and six plus sized models walked the runways in London, Milan, New York and Overall it’s clear that the fashion industry doesneedgreater diversity but this Paris. seems to be agradual change. Yet hopefully with this increase in campaigning, in the near future diversity will become the norm of the runway and the fashion Models of Diversity is acampaign that has been set up to introduce more variety world. in the models we see every day.The campaign believesthatanyone of modelling talent and success, who is professional,confident and has theability to take direction, should notbeexcluded from the industry. Former model Angel Sinclair founded the campaign following her appearance on Gok Wan’s Miss Naked Beauty in 2008. She noticed the diversity and variety of the women on the show, and howthiswasn’t being reflected in mainstream fashion. Fromthisshe started promoting different body sizes, races, age and abilities.
This campaign is notalone in the fight fordiversity, other brands and institutions have also attempted to make progress in this area. For example, photographer Bruce Weber represented transgender models and their families in acampaignfor Barneys New York called Brothers, Sisters, Sons and Daughters. The store partnered with the National Center forTransgender Equality and the LGBT community on the project which projected the stories of all 17 models. Representation of transgender people in fashion is rare, making the Barneys campaign all the more significant. The key point to note here is the sense of unity, as it shows families standing with their loved ones out of support and love. Lucy Brown exploresthe newwaveofsupermodel, and if theycan really be titled that
During the80’s, before the explosion Jenner, who achievedcelebrity status by of social media, the term ‘supermodel’ belonging to clan Kardashian. This year was born. It was all about aflawless she has been seen walking for Michael amazonian style body and aface Kors Autumn 16’, Chanel Couture to match.Women like Elle ‘the Spring 16’ and landed campaigns with body’ McPherson set the standard Calvin Klein, Estee Lauder and Mango. meteorically high in the quest for With ahuge66.3million Instagram physical perfection. However, since followers she is bound to whip up some the dawn of Instagram the game has publicity for these brands. changed and the world has seen afresh new generation of models appearing The considerable split in the fashion on the catwalk and gracing covers of industry causedbythese new faces iconic magazines. Rumour has it that saw icons such as Stephanie Seymour many of these insta-famous facesare lash outatKendall and model friend skipping castings and being approached Gigi Hadid, slapping the term ‘bitches by brands with an eye on social media, of themoment’ on them in her public which is altering the way that brands outburstthat the pair had ‘no right’ to construct their campaigns. Celebs such be considered super models and that as the Jenner’s and Hadid possess huge they have copied the ‘original six’. social media followings and brands such as Balmain and Calvin Klein use Are Naomi and Stephanie suffering them simply for their star status and from sour grapes? Are they threatened? ability to connect to awide range of They shouldn’t be, the world has moved audiences. Such industry decisions have on. They would do well to remember caused major controversy among the that Instagram is also responsible for old school supermodels. thebroadening of public perception of beauty and it is no longer the exclusive Whilst the legacies of Naomi Campbell, privilege of the very young. It’stime Kate Moss and Claudia Schifferare to shuffle along the bench for the new still very much alive and iconic, we girls and embrace the knowledge that are starting to see an exciting new in 2016 there is no age limit on beauty, set of faces walking forthe biglabels, there is room foreveryone. often including women who owe their celebrity status to avarietyofdifferent Lucy Brown industries.
Leading the pack of new girls is Kendall 11
As the lastday of Septemberarrived, as did the end ofanother fashion month. This year saw asomewhat revolutionary movement for women within the house of Dior. Italianborn Maria Grazia Chiuri became the Female Creatives first ever women to take charge as creative director, ironically, afashionhouse which has alwaysstood Maria Grazia Chirui for femininity.Offthe back of this major advance for Fashion House: Dior women in theindustry, here’s the lowdownonthe femalecreatives that youneed to knowabout. This season, as Chiuri succeeds Raf Simons as the creative director at Dior, we come to question how Dior could everhaveclaimedtostand for femininity without adirect female influence. The ss17 show, cited by Vogue as “a jolt to anyone who expected Chiuri to start on aromantic note”, has reconstructed traditional views of femininity within fashion and modernised it. Largely opposinglast year’s floral dome in the centre of Paris, the show was hosted in a clean cut, modern and ever so slightly futuristic venue in an act that revitalised fashion week by giving Dior anew foundand unexpected edge.
ReiKawakubo Fashion House: CommeDes Garcons
Japanese director Kawakubohas beenatCommeDes Garcons since 1973, sculpting thefashionhouse into the brand we knowand love today. Arguably the antithesis of atypical high fashion director, Kawakubo’s Avant Garde style incorporates bold colours and tongue in cheek patch work to generatealook to match its iconic advertising and sense of individualism. Such daring moves, particularly from alesser known female creative director, stand out as an act of defiance against the industry’s double standards regarding women as commodities rather than artists.
Pheobe Philo Image: redonline.com Image: Dazeddigital.com Fashion House: Celine Sarah Jane Burton OBE Fashion House: AlexanderMcQueen British director Phoebe Philo studied at Central St Martins and in 2014 was amongst the Time’s top 100most influential people having taken over the role Atrue British talent, Burton is best known for her contribution to British of creative director at Celinein2008. With previous experience at ChloeasStella iconography as the designer of Kate Middleton’s Royal wedding dress in 2011. McCartney’s design assistant in 1997, and succeeding her as creative director in Succeeding one of Britains greatest designers of all time, Alexander McQueen, 2001, Philo is amongst the most accomplished of British creative directors. With upon hisdeath in 2010ascreative director of the house, Burton was also listed Celine’s recent peak in popularity, particularly regarding their bags, as sported in TheTimes’ 100 most influential people in 2011. Also aCentral St Martins by celebrities such as Kendall and Kylie Jenner, its arguable that the Philo effect graduate, upon leaving the college in 1997, Burton became McQueen’s full is onewhich is consistently synonymous with class and timelessness. time assistant, promoted to head of womenswear in 2000. Along with Kate Middleton, Burton is known forher design work with Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama and Gwyneth Paltrow, favoured by the celebrities and the public alike, Burton deserves her OBE like no other. Meg Painter Treat yo’self! Blowyour budget on...
The leavesare changing, lectures arenolonger just introductory and fresher’s week photos arenow being captioned with a #tbt. We definitely recommend apick me up in the form of some retail therapy:
(From left). Selected Homme Royce Suede Boots- ASOS £50.00. Distressed Crewneck Sweater- Urban outfitters, £55.00.Navy Parka- Pull and Bear, £25.99. Grey Backpack- ASOS, £30.00.
(From left). Blossom embroidered boots - Topshop £42.00. Blue Knit Sweatshirt -Zara £29.99. Boucle Coat -Zara £59.99. Button down corduroy pinafore -Urban Outfitters £46.oo.
Victoria Copeland 12 Arthur Elgort Timeline:
Last week theColette in Pariswas filled with 100ofArthurElgort’sphotographs from his first exhibition in France. Elgort’s work can only be described as iconic and despite a35year career at Vogue, the photographer’s unique snapshot style remains unchanged. Titled Fashion, Jazz, Ballet,the show spans40years of work so we decided to reflect upon some of his most celebrated pieces from 1978-
1978. Self Portrait. 2000, MadMax.
The black and white palate with a 1991. Bring on the Bagpipes Taken by the side of asalt lake in black border became one of Elgort’s California, the picture features Elgort’s reliable formats. Some of these dated Acollaboration with Vogue’s creative two young sonsWarrenand Ansel monotone shots are priced at 2,500 director at the time, Grace Coddington. alongside StellaTennant. euros in this French exhibition.
1989 1993, Kate Moss and the elephant 2011, In love withthe city. Nepal. Christy Turlington and Linda Karlie Kloss is capturedinbright Evangelista, NYC. Elgort was probably the most colour appearing for Vogue Japan. prominent photographer capturing Kate as her careertook off in the mid ninties. This particular shot will be the centrepiece of the Collete exhibit.
images: Vogue.com, Pinterest, Monovision, fashionistas.com, balharbourshops.com Victoria Copeland X
The Scribe is an arts society, ahostofevents,aplace for creativity to thrive,and above all, auniversitypublicationinthe form of azine. We aim to produce at least four issues ayear-five if we’re lucky -with pages packed full of submissions from the university’s students, from poetry to painting, creative writing to photography. If you, like us, have afeelfor all thingsimaginative, handmade and creativethen The Scribe is the place foryou. If you sign up to our mailing list, like our Facebook page and most importantly, buy membership you will have access to information about deadlines, launch nights and other events and as amemberwillpay reduced admission forall things Scribe and will be able to submit your art and writing to the Scribe. Like us on Facebookatfacebook.com/thescribeleeds, email us at [email protected],and to buy our membership, search ‘The Scribe’ on the LUU website.
VICTOR
You forged me, Victor, from your old lovers; Words being your scalpel, you forced your way You, creator, are my monster; Iyours. stolen parts, so you would neverforget. beneath my skin. Now with each cursed sight Inever forgot. My little Victor, Ihaveofyou,with each flick of your tongue, You gave me the old thoughts of another; you forced my awkward being together my wounds open and weakness flows again. alien limbs to love, to touch. For lust. and gave me wants, wishes that were not mine; I’m marked by memories Ishould forget. But why do you want to rip them away? foreign thoughts and those lingering burdens Dear Victor, your taste for aesthetic was Why are you now so coldand so afraid? Ihad no need to know, nor wished to bear. enough to makemypatchwork form shiver. How do Ihaveagrown man cowering? Idid notfitthe frame of your picture. My darling, my Victor, you selfish worm, You are no great mind, no tortured poet, Idetest you with every fibre of you are my abomination, ready and my heart is not yours forautopsy. my awkward being, you cold puppeteer, to clasp others’ throats then cry out for air but please forgive me. Victor, Ibeg you. when you begin to chokeinyourown stench. Iamyour abomination. Victor, Victor, I’ll worship your name till Your self-pity feeds my cyclical hate. these crocodile tears run dry and my cold, Iloathe you for what you have done. Victor, all Iwanted was your kisses, grey skin turns to asuffocated blue. Iloathe the restless mind that left me scarred. instead you gave me scars and stolen breaths; Ilove you, Victor. Will you love me too? scalded my mouth with your acidic tongue. Iamabhorrent. You are not worth theslime that coats my skin, K.J. Launder yet you are everything and all Isee. My Victor, you are all Iknowand need.
AWalk Down the Aisle Open Mic Night, 8th October Twice in my life Ihavelistened to aphone call that was not mine. Join us at LS6 Café foranevening of Leeds’ finest poetry, prose and music at the Scribe’s first In the first Isuppressed open mic night of theyear. An indignant address Anyone is welcome to perform, just let us know As they spoke jestingly of my childhooddesire to either in advance or on the night and we’ll put you walk down the aisle. down for aslot. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, just Iwanted to walk behind, to carry flowers and for come along and watch! Fairylights and Page Stage™ her to wear white. guaranteed, as well as LS6’s selection of drinks (alcoholic and otherwise). In the second Irealised Iwould walk down the aisle, Iwould walk behind the bride We look forward to seeing you there! But she would notbedressed in white. Iwould not carryflowers.
Instead, she would be carried upon shoulders
Caitlin van Buren
Courtesy of The Scribe Committee [Image: Warner Bros] Woody Allen: seperating fiction from reality
With therecent release of Woody Allen‘s CaféSociety, In the Middle discusseshiscontroversial private life
Woody Allen’’smost recenteffort, Café Society, musician, despite the fact he was deplorably anti- enjoyedthe priivilege of premiering as the opening Semitic. Assuming, though, that art cantriumph over film of the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.Attention, biography, was much easier for Fry, asthe person he however, was diverted from the director’s work was reconciling with is dead and has beendeadfor a when French coomedian Laurent Lafitte, in his role as very longtime. Woody Allen, on the other hand, is very the opening nigght‘s master of ceremonies, jokingly much alive. When you buy aticket to one of his films alluded to Allen’s infamous past relationship with you are financing his ability to make his next film, actress Mia Farrrow. In 1992 Allen was subject to sex perpetuating his career. Asimilar qualmisthe reason abuse allegationnsconcerning the couple’s adopted so many,eventhosewho love the artist’s works, child Dylan Farrow, although find viewing a current Roman the case was dropped some ‘Attempting to Polanski film amoral conundrum. sevenmonthss later. Allen’s relationship witthhis nowadult compartmentalise In contrasting Allen with adopted child Sooon-Yi Previn did the artist/politician/ Polanski, perhapsunfairly, we little to quell the judgement of do find what couldbethe crucial many regardingg his private life. philosopher from differentiator betweenthe two. their work is not anew While Polanski was actually The actresses who have worked endeavour.‚ charged with crimeshehas since under him, Farrow excluded, fully admitted tocommitting, seem to love hiim, despite what Allen was simply investigated – accusations maayhave stained the director. Blake never charged –and has certainlyalways fervently Lively respondedtoLafitte’scomments by defending denied any wrongdoing. Whilst it may be appealing to the director: “MMy experience with Woody is he‘s bow to our most base instincts, to grab our pitchforks empowering to women”. In her many acceptance at the idea of the injustice of achild molester going speeches pickingg up gongs for her role in Blue Jasmine, unpunished for almost thirty years,for the time Cate Blanchett often mentioned Allen’s unrelenting being it remains only that: an idea, an accusation, but output, and thee work he had created for actresses. far from any assurance of guilt. Allen’s association Unfortunately for Allen,mere endorsements of his to Polanski as afilmmaker in asimilarsituation character have done little to exonerate him in the eyes will have done little to help. In addition to this, of many of his detractors. In recent years, awellspring Hollywood’s persistence in defendingPolanski has ofthose readyy to call for ablanket boycotting left many,perhapsrightly, sour on the subject, but of all of Allenn’s work has emerged; should we, this does not need to extend to someonewho has perhaps,ask ouurselves if such areaction is justified? donenowrong in the eyes of the law.For justice to work in its current fashion in our society, Allen has Attempting too compartmentalise the artist/ the same right to live an unperturbed and unharassed politician/philossopher from their work is not life, and he has aright to remain afilmmaker. anew endeavour. In 2010 Stephen Fry starred in adocumenntary entitled Wagner and Me,in Jonathon Atkinson which he attemmpted to reconcile his love for the HHuntunt FFoorrTThhee WWiillderpeoplederpeople
Image: Piki Films
Having past most audiences by, In the Middle takes acloserlook at Hunt ForThe Wilderpeople,anunder-appreciated gem.
Ask your average person what they know about New Zealand and they will in- MoonriseKingdom and Edgar Wright’s Hot Fuzz;the gently whimsical tone of the for- variably mention the use of its landscapes for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy; mer is met with comically overblown action and chase sequences which can at times the opening shot of Hunt for the Wilderpeople makes it clear that Peter Jackson feel out of place. Dennison is natural as the wannabe gangster, and he shares good and co. barelyscratched the surface of the country’s naturalbeauty. Set deep chemistry with Neil, although the beats of their awkward ‘father-son’ relationship within the untamed bushlands, Taika Waititi writes and directs the story of teen will feel very familiar to anyone who has seen Pixar’s Up.The starring turn of the film delinquent Ricky Baker(Julian Dennison) as he is taken in by new foster pa- belongstoRachel House, as the fantastically villainous Child Welfare officerPaula, rents. Unimpressed by the isolation of his new home and the coldness of ‘uncle’ who shares afunny partnership with slow-witted policeman Andy (Oscar Kightly). Hector (Sam Neil), Ricky is slowly won over by the warmth of his foster mother, Hunt for the Wilderpeople haslotsofgenuinely funny moments, and afew stand- Bella (Rima Te Wiata). However, when circumstances force Hector and Ricky to- -out performances. Averyenjoyable film which needs to be seen on the big screen gether, they are driven to flee from police, hunters and Child Welfare Services. to fully appreciate the breath-taking setting.
Apart from abrief cameo, Waititi remains behind the camera for Hunt for the JoeScott Wilderpeople unlike in his cult vampire-comedy What We Do in the Shadows. The film he produces feels like an unlikely marriage between Wes Anderson’s Rating : In the Middle unwraps The Girl With
All The Gifts Zombies! Viruses! Glen Close!
The Girl with All the Gifts,adaptedfromM.R.Carey’s The success of the film is arguably carriedby novel, presents aharrowing narrative set in afuture excellent performances from awellassembled and irrevocably altered by aglobal and fatal virus. The refreshingly female-led cast. Thetitular gifted girl narrative follows acallousscientist, aremarkable is portrayed by Sennia Nanua, who makes her big- young ‘hungry’ Melanie, asympathetic teacher come screen debut, whilst Glenn Close gets to exercise her psychologist, and two soldiers. Theprimary source already storied acting chops. of narrative conflict is the polarised opinions of the protagonists. Dr Caroline Caldwell (Glenn Close) Gemma Arterton presents astandout performance sees ‘hungries’ (zombies), especially the children, as which marks areturn to big screen cinema after a specimens to be harnessed for medical progression number of box office and critical bombs. The raw whilst Helen Justineau (Gemma Arterton) identifies and compelling performance evidences ashift in their essential humanity. However, all are united by Arterton’s career, as her turn in The Girl with All the an overruling need to survive. Gifts suggests an actress taking controlofher future.
The film enters agenre dense with clichés and more The film is ultimately daring and engaging,leaving misses than hits, yet remains original and engaging. me hungry, not forflesh, butfor more original Director McCarthy presents asingular, ambitious reimagining’s of well-worn genres. vision -hewas not to be constrained by arelatively minor budget of £4.4m. tackling conventional JacobPrentice ‘zombie’ motifs subversively, and seeking to elicit a more meaningful emotional response rather than fear. Rating: Black Trans LivesMatters
Image: Ben Hutchinson
Leeds Black History Month got off to a phenomenalstart on Tuesday,asthe general effect that the pieces had on ‘the audience’. By acknowledging their Union played host to the uncompromising artistic presence that is Travis Ala- own individuality, Travis forced oneself to acknowledge that each and every one banza. Travis, ablack transfemme performance artist, delivered an astounding of us is different –thatwewould all experience the piece differently. SoIwill piece that combined elements of poetry, soundscape, and theatrics in order to not talk in generalities. Iwill simply say how Iwas effected. And forme, Travis create something entirely unique. achievedthe impossible. They made me see that apoemabout ablowjob could be as funny as it was heart-breaking. They made me see that there are challenges The performance began with amantra being repeatedover and over via the which some have to face, of which Ihave never before conceived. But above all, sound system, as Travis stood on stage, visually enacting apsychological ex- despite all my white privilege, despite my appalling ignorance of their world, ploration of their own body. The oppressive mantra seemedtotaunt Travis, Travis made me feel like Icould understand. For abrief, fleeting moment Iwas questioning why they ‘wear make-up’ and refuse to ‘play by the rules’. It wasa miraculously transported into another person’s shoes. Now, Iamnot suggesting mantra that became disturbingly lyrical, taking on theform ofanursery rhyme, in any way that Inow suddenly ‘get it’, that Icould possibly now know what it as Travis too began to join in on someparts. As well as implying acomplex re- is liketobeblack and trans in this country. Iammerely attesting to the talent of lationship betweensociety and the self, this opening also did away with tradi- Travis Alabanza. tional artistic forms. Was this poetry, theatrical performance art, soundscape, or something else entirely? This redefining of boundaries, this bold challenge to The performance ended in asuitably challengingway. The audience became the tradition, set thetone forthe rest of the night. backingtrack for Travis’ last poem, as we were encouraged to chant the probing questions: ‘What about their bodies? What about their protection?’ The signifi- What is perhaps most striking about the evening that followed, was how inti- cance of this was heightened upon the delivery of yet another powerful linefrom mately personal the performance was. Throughout, Travis disclosed much about Travis, which described how they could be accepted on stage, but often notinthe their own life that was as real as it was harrowing. One particular anecdote about outside world. The challengelaidtouswas clear. This performance was not so- day-to-day prejudice, which was used as the backstory to apoem about ‘black mething to be consumed and forgotten; it was to be taken with us to theoutside love’, was particularly visceral. world. Hopefully, for me at least, it will be.
Due to this intense intimacy, it is hard formeasawritertotalkabout any James Candler
What If ITold You: Blurring the line between
audience and participaton Image: Mayers Ensemble
I’veseenpiecesoftheatre that have involved audience participation. I’ve heard Mayers’ ability to intertwine her own experiences with those of aracist makes of piecesofdance that have involved the dancers moving amongst the audience. for an hour in which empathy is not so much encouraged as squeezedout of its I’veevenheard of aplay that involved the audience being blindfolded and then audience. Caught in this whollyunique space, the audience finds itself hugging cuddled for an hour by the actors. But I’venever before walked into an auditorium each other, joining in with Mayers’ choreographyand forming freeze-frames to find the seats cordoned off, abig barrier leaving the audience nowhere to stand from Sims’ operating theatre. This participation was pairedwithsoloscenes from but on the stage itself. As the lights went down and awoman emerged from the Mayers, where moments from her life jumpedout into the audience, provoking wings, taking her positionamongst the crowd onstage, amurmured voice could sympathy, respect and anger. “I don’t know what to do with you,” Mayers dance be heard from the audience: “why can’t we just sit down like anormalplay?” teacher once said to her, “I’ve never taught ablack body before.”
What If ITold You is the first solo show from Pauline Mayers of the Leeds-based In asense,Mayers’intention does not appeartobethe creation of pleasing art. Mayers Ensemble, and is performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse as part of There afew moments which pander to the conventions of what might be termed their Furnace Festival, aimed at showcasing new local writing. Loosely based on traditional fringe theatre. For here, Mayers is not dealing with thefringe, the Mayers’ own experiences as aprofessional dancer, manoeuvring her way through outsiders, the other; sheisdealing with the universal. And it shines. the implicit racism of the British arts, the piece also charts the career of J. Marion Sims, frequently citedas‘the father of modern gynaecology’ and aman who bought African-American female slaves to experiment upon. One woman was Rating: subjected to an excruciating series of thirty experiments. William Rees-Arnold 17 The Turner Prize2016
Gaudy,vital and more controversial than ever,The Turner Prizeisback. Writer Connie Lawfull takes us through this year‘s Turner Prize nominees.
The Turner prize shook up the art world once again in 2015, awarding the prize to Assemble, agroup considered by many to be a‘non-artist’ collective. With the opening of this year’s exhibition, the spotlight is back on the diverse, bizarre and ever changing world of contemporary art. Can this year impress, inspire and divide the country? Or are we getting too used to obscure contemporary art to be affected by it?
Helen Marten’s collection of handmade and found objects seem unrelated, and resemble acurious workstation, abandoned, mid-activity, by someone in ahurry.The eye jumps from piece to piece, attempting to find somemeaningfulassociation and making infinite conclusions.
This is exactly what Marten wants. Recognising that media development has led to aworld saturated by imagery, she encourages us to really consider what is in front of us, amuchslower and more intense process of looking. Experiencing her work is almost meditative,providing arefreshing break from the visual bombardment of everyday life.
Sharp, analytical and witty is Anthea Hamilton, who attempts to provoke a reaction fromher audience. Forsure, her use of unexpected material and scale trigger areaction -who couldn’trespond to atowering 16ft sculpture of a butt? For me this is where the impact ends. Each piece stems from meticulous research, and once you understand her obsession with the likes of Pesce or Artaud, the work is enhanced. However, while Iamenvious ofher informed and distinctive gaze on the world, Ifear that those of us who do not share it may be shut out from ever appreciating the work’s full impact. Are we gettingtoo used to How much, or how little can we really be expected to live off? MichaelDeanstrikes right into the heart of this increasingly obscure contemporary art to controversial question, displaying £20,435.99s in pennies amongst be affected by it? his sculptures. Why £20,435.99? Because this is exactly one penny under what the UK government considers to be enough for two adults and two children to live off for ayear.Left to contemplate our society and social responsibility, this piece is extremely evocative,serving as aperfectexample of how contemporary sculpture can be used to make powerful social comment.
To many, Josephine Pryde remains an enigma. Her photographical series borrows the visual language of advertising to sensitively portray hands in contact with a series of objects. Despite the seeming insignificance of the objects, you feel you are witnessing adeeply private moment of connection, finding anew intimacy in our physical connections with the world around us. Despite probing by many, it is said Pryde “never answers questions, she just poses more”. So whether this sensation of connection is what Pryde hoped to achieve remains amystery.The public will have to decide for themselves whether this is “one of the joys of Josephine Pryde”.
While critics have beenimpressed all round, there is, Ifeel, aclear and obvious winning choice. With her work’s keen awareness of both itself as an art piece and its role in the wider world,the winner hastobeMarten. 18
DramaDrama risesrises asas BBCBBC can’tcan’t proproveve thetheyhyhavavetethehe doughdough toto winwin GBBOGBBO......
Image: BBC
Headlines this week have provided asomewhat soggy bottom as the nation found out that The Great British BakeOff will move to Channel 4for the next series, after Love Productions and the BBC were “unable to reach agreement on terms to renewthe commission [of the show]”...
Following the news, hearts were broken as Mary Berry, Mel Giedroyc and Sue But inevitably it has facedahugeamount of scrutiny, moreso than ever in the Perkins released announcements stating they would not return out of loyalty to last decade. In 2012, allegations of sexual assault came out against Jimmy Savile, the BBC. Paul Hollywood was happy to stick around though, and unsurprisingly which lead to serious inquiries into the BBC. More recently, there has beenanger so, as he is reportedly being offered four times his previous pay package for the following the government’s release of BBC salaries over £150,000. The gov- Channel 4series. ernment have said that they want to make the BBC more ‘transparent’ for the public. This isn’t the firsttime the BBC has lost out on bigmoney deals. Top Gear was the BBC’s most profitable showbeforethe ‘The icingon However, considering we have aTory government, and the BBC ‘fracas’ with Clarkson. Although they tried to renew the show is asocialist concept, would it be so foolish to think that the with hosts Matt Le Blanc and Chris Evans, it instead went on to thecakefor Tories just want to destroy it? Maybe the idea of transparency experience the show’s lowest viewing figures for over adecade. is there to give power to the people, and give us abetterinsight Alot of sports coverage, including The Open 2016,Formula One, Channel 4?’ into what the BBC is actually about. Or, maybe,they will con- and The Grand National,has movedtoChannel 4and Sky, and in tinue to tear it apart and expose all its downfalls until it col- November it was discovered that The Voice hadbeensold toITV lapses and we are left with nothing but bias, advert-ridden TV. for 2017. TV with no ethos to inform or educate, butinsteadtoentertain by any means necessary, andmake as much money as they can (PaulHollywood,I’m looking We must ask the question- is the departure of GBBO the final straw forthe BBC? at you). Some have already predicted that in five years’ time the BBC won’t even exist. It seems that they are more and more often being outmanoeuvred by commercial Anastasia Barnes channels such as ITV,Sky andChannel 4.
The BBC states that it wants “to inform, educate, and entertain”, and since its creation in 1922, the BBC has delivered arguably the most impartial news service, being paid for by the people’s license fee, and giving the people what they want. Temperature’s Rising: The Remaining Contestants 19
SPOILERS!
Narcos Season Two: AddictiveAsEver?
The hit historical crime drama Narcos has come to yetanother chilling season finale. The original Netflix series followsthe notoriousColombian drug lord, Pablo Escobar himself, throughout the height of his career during the eighties and early nineties...
Though difficult to top the first, the second drug-busting season looks at DEA If there is one criticism Ihave with this season, it is that Escobar’s death seemed agent Steven Murphy continuing his quest to bring down drug lords while also rather anticlimactic in comparison to the two-season chase. Imean, Irealize you giving us an intimate look into Escobar’s private life as the tale unfolds. While can only drag out being shot by abullet for so many minutes but as they hunched the previous season focused on the chase and cocaine,the new season aims to over his lifeless body Icould not stop myself from going “Is that it?”. Iwill almost humanize the drug kingpin as we begin to see behind his mask. Instead however admit that inserting the real life photo of Peña and Murphy crouching of recording this in adocumentary style, Netflix opted to by Escobar was both satisfying and eerie. Good job, Netflix. romanticize Escobar, giving us insight in to his thoughts “... the newseason aims to and feelings. Despite most of us having apretty good idea on where this almost humanizethe drug story leads, we can all still enjoy the ride whether it be Towards the end of the season muchofhis timeisspent kingpinaswebegin to see because we enjoy agood biographical film that appears to alone, awayfrom his beloved wife and children. Perhaps be athriller, or perhaps because we want to brush up on it’s the overgrown beard or the constant scenes depicting behind his mask.” ourSpanish (I won’t lie, the only word that has remained him hunched over his mobile radio phone -that is indeed with me after finishing this season has been Límon’s name what they are called, Idid the research, trust me on this - -doesthat count as Spanish?). Fear not if you’ve come to with asolemn look on his face, but you almost begin to feel sorry for the poor fella. theend of the season and feellikethere’s no hope left for Narcos, asNetflixhas That is until you remember him blowing up that bus in Bogota, killing dozens of alreadyreleased ateaser trailer for the third season. Step over Medellín Cartel, the people. Not to mention that ‘The King of Cocaine’, as he was nicknamed, was Cali Cartel are just getting started. estimated to have anet worth of $30 billion by the nineties... yeah how’s that student loan pal? Rating:
We also see the return of Carrillo, abrutal character, who does his best, by which Irina Roman Imeanhis worst, to intimidate thedrug lord, though his tactics prove to be futile. HUNTED HowLongCould YouLast?
The advert and idea of the Channel 4showisnaturally very inviting. Ten“fugitives”, some in pairs, some alone, are released from alocation in Birmingham with the task of evading capture from ateam of ex-MI5 agents for28days. This team will try to track their every move and subsequently catch them using methods used in the UK to catch criminals...
It inevitably stimulates thoughts of Big Brother and how we are always being Unsurprisingly, the show is watched by the extensive network of CCTV cameras all over Britain. The channelling adramatic tension, but show has chosen alongenough time frame, 28 days, to force the fugitives to seems to rely solely on music for this. employ some skill and ingenuity in evading capture. The range of fugitives also When househusband Nick almost gets promises excitement as they include amputee ex-soldiers, ahousehusband and a caught in the first ten minutes, we stockbroker’s assistant. onlyfelt abit sorry for him. While the show obviously centresontechnology Social media playedascarily large part in the first episode with the hunters and the catching of the fugitives, it scrutinising the Facebook and Twitter accounts of the fugitives. Further doesn’tallow us to become emotionally reminding the audiencehow easy it is now to find out ample amounts of invested in the characters. When two information about someone just from hunters eventually track down two “...the secret agent the internet. Similarly, with all of of the fugitives in arestaurant and their families having to give up almost catch them, as aviewer,I vibe that the showwas their electronic items, much needed almost didn’t care if they were caught channelling fell short.” intelligence was gained from hacking or not. This isn’t helped by the fact into their computers and laptops. that none of these mostlymiddle class fugitives seemed enthralled with winning Even though the ethical hacker of the £100,000. the team did just try the fugitive’s birthday and pets names to easily gain access to ex-solider Jez’s MacBook. This wasn’t the only part of the episode Overall,the idea and advert of Hunted are really the only exciting things about it. where the secret agent vibe that the show was channelling fell short. But it is probably worth awatch if you’re planning to go on the run for afew weeks.
They clearly wish to portray the team of hunters as agroup of talented geniuses. Sophie Roberts However, the conversation between the spotty twenty-something computer geek and investigative psychologist Donna, over whether one of the fugitives is Rating: goingtoring his son on his first birthday, leaves the audience needing alot more convincing of their ingenuity. 20
“Don’t be surprised when Americans are jealous of where youlive”
An insider’s viewoftravelinthe UK compared to the USA.
The United States is well-known forits odd food The US is sobig. In the fifteen years that Ilived combinations and ridiculous politics. It is also there, Ionly visited afraction of the fifty states. known, to alesser extent, for its beautiful natural Ionce had aconversation with one of my friends featuresand awe-inspiring monuments. While living abroad in Belgium about how shockingitwas there is alot to visit in the US that Icould take the Eurostar (it is amassive place after all), “Toonly travel from London to Brussels and it it is rarely mentioned in travel would only take two hours. brochures just howharditisto forafew hours actually travel around. andend up in To onlytravel for afew hours anothercountry and end up in another country You would be shocked by the is miraculous forpeople who amount of people Ihave met who is miraculous for have spent over two hours in have never travelled outside of people who have traffic just driving up to Los their home state, let alone out spent over two Angeles. It’s nice to live in of the country. It’sespecially England, where you can cross shocking considering Ilived in hours in traffic...” the country by carortrain in a San Diego, acity that is only a day. To be so physically close fifteen minute drive from Mexico. to mainland Europe is also such It is truly adifferent way of living compared to the an advantage. Whenittakes over fivehours to fly UK. When it comes to traveling, England is miles across the country from San Diego to New York, ahead of the US. you cannot help but appreciate flights that can get you to quite afew countries in Europe in less than For starters, when it comes to cheapand efficient three hours. Every American exchange student public transportation, America is amess.Most cities I’vemet has spent every second of their free time in the US are built for cars, and many don’t have traveling around Europe, knowing that the moment good public transport put in place.Some cities do they go back stateside, there won’t be many more have good public transportation, but traveling across opportunities to travel so easily forsocheap. the state is another matter entirely. Ionce traveled on public transport from San Diego to San Francisco, Idon’tmean to discourage anyone from visiting an eight hour journey by carthat took twelve the US, because it is an amazing place, but don’t be hours. This journey included taking atrain to Los surprised when Americans are jealous of where you Angeles, then abus to Bakersfield, then atrain to live. We don’t get out as often. San Francisco, and it was not cheap. And that is just traveling within the state of California. Traveling Jade Verbick across the country is downright impossible without eitherowningacarorspending afortune on plane tickets. 21
Oktoberfeast at HeadrowHouse
Oktoberfest is an iconic German festival, running since the 1800’s, and As the event name ‘Oktoberfeast’ suggests, this weekend celebration of has been spreading contagiously fromits origins in Munich to cities all things German certainly provided arealfeast. The entrance courtyard across the globe ever since. It’s unsurprising that Leeds welcomes this was home to Smak sausages for the weekend, aYorkshire based sausage festival (and all its beer) with open arms, with themed events popping street food company offering up plates of grilled sausages, in keeping up all over the city. with the German theme.Likewise, at the far end of the Beerhall was food by Headrow House’s very own Ox Club restaurant, providing the This year, running hand in hand with the Munich festivities, Headrow likes of smoked pork shoulders, German sausagesand crispypig’s ears. House set up their own Oktoberfest weekend; Oktoberfeast. The four- floor alternative venue,situated right in the heart of Leedscitycentre, Delicious food wasn’t the only thing on the cards, as Headrow House was decked out head to toe in Oktoberfest themed also equipped itself with over 20 different German beers in decoration, transportingall their guests, including honour of the event. Ranging from specialised Oktoberfest myself, from the traffic-ridden Headrow into a “It’s safetosay that draught beers to multiple German bottled options,there hidden corner of Munich itself. Headrow House really was something on offer for all tastes. In keeping with festival tradition, one litre steins were also available; the The front courtyard was adorned with gingham pulled out all the stops...”popularity of which was apparent when simply looking garlands, beneath which the odd Lederhosen around the room. wearer made an appearance. The bunting continued into the Beerhall, where it was teamed Thanks to the array of beers, delicious selection of food and with Oktoberfest signs and suitably hung German hearty music, it goes without saying that Headrow House flags. In seek of warmth and escape from the managedtobringaglimmerofthe renowned festival to chilly Northern wind, Isat myself along the wooden benches, stein in Leeds with their successful Oktoberfeast this weekend. It has certainly hand. The dim lighting and candles, as well as the wall made of logs, sparked my excitement for the continuation of the German themed createdacosycabin atmosphere, making me feel like Iwas in an actual celebrations over the next week, and if you haven’t experiencedany German setting. Oktoberfest festivities as of yet, make sure to pay them avisit soon!
It’s safe to say that Headrow House really pulled out all the stops for Oktoberfest, as on Sunday evening aBavarian Oom-pahband graced Alice Holton our eyes and ears in the Beerhall, playing sets of wonderfully German inspired music and authentically kitted out in Lederhosen.
Your Oktoberfest Preview:
Yes, October is here, but don’t fear,soisOktoberfest! Celebrating days of Bavarian Food, Bier and music...
DRINK: VENUE: Erdinger, one of Germany’s most In aperfectly fitting fashion, popular brands is being bought to Oktoberfest Leeds will be held in Leeds, alongside their haus beir. If the grounds of afamousformer bier’s not your thing, don’tworry! local brewery at The Tetley, Arange of German wine as well as which is situated just astone’s SESSION TIMES: soft drinks will also be on offer. throw away from Leeds city Prost! centre. THURSDAY 16.00 –23.00
FOOD: MUSIC: FRIDAY 16.00 –23.00 You may need to line your Time to work off all that food stomach in between pints, so -NoOktoberfest is complete SATURDAY 12.00 –16.00/17.00 – Authentic Germancuisine will be without an Oompah band. 23.00 served up all weekend long. This Throughout the weekend a includes firm Bavarian favourites rousing in-house band willget SUNDAY 13.00 –19.00 such as Bratwurst, Brezel, you on your feet. Schnitzel and Hendl, as well as some tasty vegetarian options.
So, wipe away those winter blues and start your October with abang this weekend! 22
Why NewGirl is the Best ShowonTV
1) The main character, Jess, isn’t just agood-looking Nick, Schmidt and Winston discussing their love life. role. All my favourite TV shows tend to showcase the love of male characters; for example Ross and Chandler’s She actually has, well, character. If she’s not carrying cosy chats in Friends,and the deep interviews in around folders from her long day at work, she is Channel 4’s FirstDates.Ok, maybe they do need a shutting down fleeting or offensive comments -Nick ‘manly beer’ afterwards, but even so, male characters Idoloveyou, but you are very guilty of this, or joining pouring their hearts out in with beer drinking games with her flatmates. Cece- Jess’s best friend- also has depth to her character, 4) Equality. showing her sensitive side in her love for Schmidt, but also her daring, protective and intelligent nature My favourite part of Season fivesofar is when Jess is as she auditions for presenting careers and supports introduced to Sam’s parents. We see that his parents Jess through her many ups and downs. are both men, and there is absolutely no reference to this in the episode. Ithink it’s great that LGBT 2) Jess is unapologetically nerdy, compassionate and characters are featuring more and more on TV without wacky. it being amajor plot line or alove interest, and it’s finally becoming anormal thing in media as well as She is an American Bridget Jones; using Dirty Dancing as in reality. abreak-up tool, getting soaked in her ex-boyfriend’s open truck in acar wash, and dancing with the new Hopefully nowyou’ll see why New Girl is awork of twenty-something neighbours across the hall. She art in its own right: collaborating funny scenes with accepts her clumsy ways, and does not change her heartbreak and unemployment, yetalways ending Iamastrong believerinthe beauty of television. character for anyone: what you see is what you get. with the comforting message that it’s ok to mess up. Lazing around on aSunday afternoon is never If these points weren’t enough, Winston auditions his complete without multiple cups of tea, bourbons and 3) The romantic plotsare not just focused on lazy cat for an action film role. Imean, that should’ve my favourite programmes. However, New Girl isn’t women. hadaparagraph of it’s own. just acomedy to pass the time betweenrevising. It is awitty depiction of the random and crazy turns of There is the masculine stereotype that men should Charlie Collett adulthood, work and love. Here’s why Ithink this L.A not discuss feelings, and that women are onlyto whirlwind of fun shouldbeupthere with Friends… lust after, ratherthan to love or be in along-term relationship with. In New Girl however, we often see
Emma Watson vs. The Sun
Since rising to fame as achild actress in one of the but he moves on to ask readers why the public takes campaign. So congrats to Emma on another inspiring world’s biggest movie franchises, Emma Watson actresses opinions on political matters seriously. speech and for not responding to such anegative has used her status to fight for gender equality. She article. Keep on keeping on, Emma. first moved us with her speech at the UN HeForShe A Sun spokesperson stated that Rod was only “echoing conference back in 2014, in which she explained agreat many people in sharing his exasperation at HannahSnutch feminism, her personal experience with sexism and celebritiesthat feel they can lecture us mere mortals”. what feminists can hope to achieve once given more Many celebrities used social media to defend Emma, support. for example, Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner Recently, she gave another speech at the UN about tweeted“Emma has more class, intelligence and equality at university and campussexualassault eloquence in her littlefinger than you have in ya policies; atopic that has risen to the top of the whole body.” The paper has always been knownfor public’s consciousness recently -especially since itscontroversy but this definitely seemedtosurprise the Brock Turner case. She referenced sexual assault the public. then progressed to advise universities on ensuring women’s safety on campus. Watson also highlighted Gender equality has been afight for many years and the inequalities of women in higher education and one that will take many more years to overcome. It is attempted to empower women to evoke change. something that should be supported and promoted, not dismissed publically by institutions or journalists. Watson said: ‘‘As we leave home for the first time to This is not to say that people can’t critique it or dislike study at the places that we have worked so hard to speechesabout the subject matter for differences in get, we must not see or experience double standards. opinion merely help to improve the approaches and We need to see equal respect, leadership, and pay.’’ can be very productive to the campaign as awhole. But it is the fact that ajournalist has categorised Despite Watson’s inspiring speech, The Sun published Watson as unworthy of publically speaking about arudecolumn attacking her speechand completely such important issues just because she is an actress. disregarding what she said, which onlyexemplified the sexism that she is attempting to irradiate. Rod Watson has remained diplomatic by not referencing Liddle,the journalist behind the controversial article, the article. Instead she recently posted avideo on called Emma’s speech ‘whining crap’. Not onlythis Twitter that promotes her latest gender equality 23
ASparse Summer in Film?
On top of this, the exportation of blockbusters Within onefortnight two tragedies of equal to Chinese markets has resulted in less English gravity tookplace. On the 21st of July, Donald dialogue and the crowbarring of Asian landmarks Trump was elected presidential nominee and, into film sets. For example, Jason Bourne’s on the 3rd of August, Suicide Squad was released. action-packedreturnfeatured only 42 lines from Matt Damon. So with all this in mind, let us Whilst the acting skills and chemistry of Will Smith examine asampleofthis summer’s blockbusters. and Margot Robbie did provide some respite from this plot-less action porn, David Ayers directing The season got off to ashaky start when, somehow, wasabout as sturdy as apolicyplanformulated by the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle franchise George Osborne, with little previous experience. generated another movie. Surprisingly, Megan Fox returned forthe sequel. Isuggest you do not. The movie appearedtohavebeen hacked into piecesand graftedback together like some sick, Yet much more disappointing was the latest X-Men Frankenstein monster. Amusing, snappy scenes instalment, Apocalypse.The success of the original from the sneak previews had about as muchcontext trilogy and of its prequels created ahype that was in the film as they did in the trailer. It was as if deflated quickly by aconvoluted plotline. While David Ayer had observed Simon Pegg’sslick, choppy the acting of James Macavoy was of his usual directing in Hot Fuzz and then paid achild to copy high standard,and Sophie Turner’s replacement it using Windows Movie Maker. This, followed by So that’s it.The summer is over, and with it the of Famke Janssen as the younger Jean Grey was an awkward effort by the creators of Bad Moms blockbuster film season. But, if like me, you’re excellent casting, the film’s wholedynamic was to reproduce The Hangover,had left me so bitter wondering what blocks were actually busted by this unconvincing. X-Men Apocalypse failed to capture and upset that Ialmostdidn’t except my friend’s holiday’s rather dismal offering, then Iamhere to the essence of the original trilogy, which had made invitation to see Sausage Party.But thank the lord Idid. validateyourdisappointment. If,however, you chose astory about mutants so grounded and human. not to see any of the hotter months’ movies, then this Seth Rogan’s hilariously inappropriate animation is article shall serve as acomprehensive list of what The month of June brought hope that X-Men had full to the brim of original, line toeing humour. It’s gooddecisions you made, as well as what hidden simplybeen the bust before the boom via Finding Dory. not forthe faint hearted, but if you’re as disappointed gems should feature in your next Putlocker and chill. By walking into Finding Dory,I,and many other 90’s with the summerseason as Iwas, Sausage Party will kids, were putting entire childhoods on the line. But definitely lift your spirits. With big budget movies increasingly diffused whilst Finding Nemo wasatough act to follow, Dory was throughout the year, this summer always had a not far off the mark. Ellen Degeneres voice acting was Bradley Young greater risk of not delivering the goods. Marvel delightful, the plotline was gripping, and the cameo and Disney were but two of the production characters hilarious. Idris Elba as an overprotective companies that made big releases in chillier seasons. sea-lion had me laughing out loud in the cinema. HowtoBeat the Stress of University
my mind; it’s by no means easy,but it undoubtedly waytodestress. Iremember during the January exam helps to make everyday life much more manageable. period of my second year, it was two days before my first exam and the stress Iwas feeling was so I’ve always beenavery organised person (well that’s immense Icouldn’tbring myself to revise any more. what Itell myself anyway). I’m always early to meet That was until it started snowing that evening, and people and the thought of buying anew organiser me and my housematesdropped all our revision fills me with joy. But no matter how much Iseem and headed out for awalk. It didn’ttake awaythe to plan ahead, Ialways find there’s something I problem that was causing me stress, Istill had to forget to do, or Iend up leaving some work to the sit my exam of course, but it gave me the chance to very last minute. My problem was that Iwas making reset and recharge, and return to my work feeling ‘to-do’ lists that were far too long;Iwas expecting just alittle bit more positive than Idid beforehand. that Icould work non-stop morning until night, which is just so unrealistic. Instead, I’ve found that Finally, don’t be afraid to admit when you’re not setting myself manageable day to day workloads able to do something. Sometimes Ithink the thought makes me more productive than Iwould usually be. of telling someone I’m too stressed is asign of weakness, but isn’t it quite the opposite? It takes a Working for just two hours aday and getting afew lot to admit that you’ve got too much on your plate things done well, is alot betterthan working for and there’s absolutely no shame in doing so. Also, 10 hours and getting those same few things done, talking with people about the stress you’re feeling but at onlyafraction of the quality. Of course, will show you that you’re by no means alone. It’s time management plays amajor factor in all of easy to look around and wonder how your fellow this; I’m by no means suggesting you can start students seem to be coping so well when you’re not, Even though the new yearatuniversity has only an essay the day before adeadline and expect it to but in almost every instance, this isn’t the case. just begun, Ican already feel my stress levels on still be amanageable goal. But by beginning to the rise. Going in to my final yearatLeeds, Ican’t have realistic expectations of yourself, it becomes There’s nothing abnormal about feeling overwhelmed help but feel overwhelmed by the fact in less than alot easier to know what you’re capable of doing. with university life, but it’s important to know that it ayear, there’s agood chance I’ll be thrown out in by no means has to be that way for your entire degree. the real world.But thinking about all of the things Perhaps one of the most important things to do, but Learning to manage your time and have realistic I’vegot to do between now and then is what’s got something that often gets forgotten amongst the expectations of yourself might not relieveyou ofall me worried the most. Although Ican admit I’m stress of university, is taking time to do things you stress instantly, but wouldn’t it be great if it helped generally ahugeworrier, if there’s one thing I’ve love. It can be so difficult to just switch off from even just alittle bit? learnt over the last few years, it’s that worrying revising or prepping for your next seminar, but just shouldn’tbefront and centre in my life. Instead, I’ve taking some time, however little, to relax will do you Lauren Davies made ahugeeffort to put worrying to the back of the world of good. For me, walking is the ultimate thegryphon.co.uk Views | 13 TV vs.Netflix: AModernControversy
EleanorNoyce endangered each day. during whichitisbroadcast,Netflixis recommendtouswhatwe“should”be BA English Having startedout almost fifteen omnipresent, loomingincessantly over watching. yearsago as amediumpredominantly thepopularity of theprogrammeswe Keepingupwiththe fastpaceof
Acup of tea, thesofa, andthe intendedtoserve as aDVD subscription consider to be quintessentiallyBritish. modern life is difficult, andNetflixis television might, formanypeople,be service, thesuccessofNetflixis Foraslittleas£7.99 permonth,itis aprime example of amediumwhich considered theperfect trio.Regarded evidentinthe tenbillion hoursof possible to indulgeinamarathon of a is adaptedtosuitthe needsof, quite as respiteafter alecture,amethod streaming worldwideitreceiveseach vast arrayofprogrammeswithout the frankly, aneedy demographic.Withthe of guilt-dominatedescapismfrom month. Itsaccessibility is undeniable; st“ ressofaTVlicence. immediatechoiceofhundredsofexotic revision,orperhaps afittingcurefor it doesn’ttakemuchobservation to With thecontroversyofTheGreat andexcitingprogrammes, Netflix is thehangoverfromhell, thecomfort of spot asleepy-eyed individual usingthe BritishBakeOff’s move to Channel 4 undoubtedlyequipped to deal with theTVscreenhas beenaninherentpart continuing to dominate thedailynews, theurgency of modern life.Instead of Britishsociety forthe best part of Whilsty live television theculture surroundingtelevision of flickingaimlesslythrough theTV fifty years. In the1970s,televisionwas is arguably becomingregressive,as guide, thechoiceislargely giventothe associated with allure andmodernity, is restrictedtothe hours opposedtoprogressive.Interms viewer.Ofcourse, mediumssuchas despite manybeingreduced to viewing duringwhich it is broadcast, of theculture surroundingNetflix BBCiPlayer areinplace to ensure that exclusively in blackand white. For Netflix is omnipresent, withinthe younger generations,ithas viewers areabletowatch what they theyounger generation, TV hasthe loomingincessantly over almost becomeamode of bonding. want,whentheywant. Theinfluenceof powertoevoke nostalgicmemories thepopularity of the Theimmediate successofseries American programmes upon Netflix’s of rushinghomefromprimary school programmes such as Stranger Things and Orange listings is strong,sowhere is the to secure thedailyfixofArtAttack is theNew Black mightbeentirely appeal in watching something that is and Newsround.But with thedigital attributed towardsthe excitement of innately familiar?Willthe TV survive, phenomenon of streamingmediums website to stream on thetrain on their thecommunity surroundingNetflix. or in tenyears will we allbewandering such as Netflixonapowerfulrise,our “waytoworkinthe morning. Whilst Socialmedia facilitatesthis, as the around aimlesslywithour headsinour beloved TV screensare becomingmore live television is restricted to thehours omnipresence of advertisements tablets,streaming instead of actively Every ChildHas Merit
JamieAli entrench thedivisionsbetween thetop LUUCommunity Officer andbottomofour society, all whilst giving theproponentsofgrammar I’mafirm believerthatthe postcode schoolsthe oddexample to pointtoof of thebed you’rebornin, what asuccessful grammarschoolkid done your parentsdid foraliving, your good (i.e.Theresa Mayherself). background,youridentityor, more If theirplantobringbackselection pertinently, theresults of an exam you to oureducation system goes through, didinyearsix should not determine RussellGroup universitieslikeours whereyou endupinlife. will becomethe preserve of therich TheresaMay’s plan to bringback andmiddle-classes whocan afford GrammarSchoolsisyet another expensive tutoring to gettheir kids into example of howthis“new” government thelocal Grammar. Ouruniversitysets (made up of thesamefaces,but with abenchmark that by 2019,25% of its adistinctlymoreright-wingtinge) studentsshouldbefrombackgrounds doesn’tjustnot care abouthelping kids like mine.ThisToryplan wouldleave from workingclass backgroundslike that targetintatters.Asuniversity mine gettingoninlife, butisactively students, we shouldbeworried about workingagainst that idea.When what theToriesare doingtoschools David Cameronwas Toryleader, even because whatever happenstothe he labelledthe idea of bringing back education system inevitably hasa Grammars as “delusional”.There’s knock-on effectonuniversities. no evidence that Grammar Schools In thispost-Brexit world, what we enhance social mobility.Inregions don’tneedisyet anotherrelic from the wherethere is no selection, everychild 1950s. We don’tneed kids beingtold Image: Reuters does better,eventhe brightest. at 11 that they’reafailure. Whycan’t No parent wouldacceptanything less thegovernmentinvestinmakingstate than thebestfor theirkids. Grammars schoolsbetter? Schoolsare facing aclass experienceofeducation”whenhe ofmaintenance grantsfor themost supposedlyrepresent ameritocracy,but size crisis,withhalfamillion children wasEducation Secretary, TheresaMay vulnerable students,theygoone step surely everychild hasmerit,not just in classes whichare fartoo big. The bursts in with thispoorlyconceived even further andvow to bringback theoneswithparents whocan afford teaching profession is facing acrisisin plan to dragusbacktothe badold days social division to ourschools. Looking an 11+tutor.Grammarsdon’t bring recruitment andretention. Just when of selection. at that,you can’thelpbut think that aboutameritocracy.Grammars don’t you thoughtitcouldn’t getmuchworse At atimewhenthe government is thegovernmentisdeterminedtostop enhance social mobility.Grammars than MichaelGove, whoteachers said alreadyhitting young people with kids from workingclass backgrounds don’tlet workingclass kids climb the had“chosen to base policy on dogma, thedoublewhammyofanother like mine from gettingasfar in life as ladder. They entrench inequality.They politicalrhetoricand hisown limited tuition feeincreaseand theabolition they wouldlike. 14 | Views thegryphon.co.uk
WhyBlack LivesMatterStill Matters
Kane Emerson Although theintention of Joey clearly Thesedivisionsbetween race existed have existedlongbefore, anditisthe BA Economicsand Politics is to portrayAfrican-Americansas longbeforeBlack LivesMatter. BLMmovementthatisworking forthe thuggish,aggressive andhateful,for Iwas oneofthose whitepeople in solution.The slogan “A ll LivesMatter” Whilst scientists have solved the anyonewithcriticalthinkingfaculties awhite neighbourhood. Iattended is alaudable idealbut it is just that - puzzleofwhatcamefirst, thechicken thevideo hasahugefoundation of ap“ rivate school in Virginiainavery an ideal. It is notreality. or theegg,manysanepeople arestill nice leafysuburbwithtwo country Thealt-right ignore facts. Blacklives puzzled by thequestionofwhatcame clubs, plentyofboutiques andtwo areevidently not valued equallyina first: thetroll or thealt-right? At every meal at privateschools (one coincidentallyset countrywhere in somestatesschools Thealt-right arecertainly aconfusing school Ifeltangry that up followingdesegregation so white with over 90%black studentsreceive bunch, with theirextreme right-wing students couldavoid integration). $4,380 perstudent less than schools viewsand ridiculousstatements,with Iwas servedbyand As an international student,it with over 90%white students. Themost theirmostfamousproduct beingDonald all-black staff in a struck me that therewereveryfew extrememanifestation of America’s Trump. Thedifficultyintryingto blackfamilies in theneighbourhood racial equality is theunjustifiedpolice decide whethersomething is originally predominantly white -until youreached “the ghetto”. The brutalityagainst African-Americans alt-right or trolling is exemplified by city. Did theplantation differences in neighbourhoods is a in thestreetfor minorinfractions. Joey Salad’sBlack LivesMattervsAll hierarchyeverdie? manifestation of theopportunity and Joey Salad’salt-right attempttoshow LivesMattersocialexperimentvideo attainmentgap that exists between blackpeople as aggressive,and white that recently went viral. Forthose of “ whiteand theblack people (and other people as unifying,further points out youwho haven’twatched thevideo, irony.Heattemptstoshowhow divisive minorities)inthe USA. At everymealat that whilemanywhite Americansare Joey goes to awhite neighbourhood BLM(BlackLives Matter)isbyshowing school Ifeltangry that Iwas servedby ignoring reality theirfellowAfrican- with a“BlackLives Matter”signand whitepeople becomingirritated and an all-blackstaffinapredominantly American citizens arenot meekly to ablack neighbourhoodwithan“All them remindinghim how“AllLives whitecity. Didthe plantation acceptingAmerica’s racist status quo. LivesMatter” sign to gaugereactions Matter”, butthe irony lies in that in hierarchy ever die? These divisions or more appropriately, to incite some ordertospeak to thedifferentraces he that whiteAmericans trytoignore click-bait violence. hastogotodifferentneighbourhoods. because they raisedifficult questions GoodbyeBan Ki-Moon
Hugo Jones Bosnia during histimeasSecretary- Ban’s primaryfocushas been Assembly pave theway towardsa‘long BA InternationalHistory andPolitics General, andconsequentlyhewas challengingclimate change,and the overdue’ Palestinianstatehood. kicked outofthe position before his ParisAgreement made last December, Thequestion oftenasked of a Whilethe presidential electionstake customarysecondterm. Ban hasn’t to limitglobalclimate change to 2°c, Secretary-Generaliswhich half of thelimelight,the race forthe next putpressureonthe Security Council wasthe triumphantculmination ofhis theirtitle do they conformto–are United NationsSecretary-General to actinSyria,but ultimately he’s not campaign. they aSecretaryoraGeneral?Ban trundles alonginthe background,as workinginacohesive system. Ban’scritics will also pointout that waswholeheartedlythe former,not Ban Ki-moonmade hisfinaladdress Although oftenovershadowedby despitemuchrhetoriconthe Israel/ possessing thetraitsofageneral that to theGeneral Assembly last month. theseperceived failings, Banhas Palestineconflict,his UN hasallowed manybelieve therole demands.Perhaps ASecretary-Generalrarelyreceivesa proved himselftobecommitted and thesituation to escalate,failing to BanKi-moon’s quietdiplomacyduring resounding applause upon completing influential.Whenhewas appointed, work towardsaresolution of the thepastdecade of turmoilwill not be theirterms of office,but thegeneral Banconcentratedhis efforts in Darfur, disputethathas plaguedthe UN since memorialised, butheperformed well consensusisthatBan has been andpersuadedSudaneseleaderOmar it’s inception.But Ban’s condemnation andbrought newdimensionstowhat especially disappointing. al-Bashirtoallow peacekeepers into of theactionsofthe Israelileadership DagHammarskjold described as ‘the Banhasn’thad thesamecharismatic thecountry.Hehas worked tirelessly hasbroken theinternational silence most impossiblejob on earth’. confidenceseeninhis predecessor, Kofi to mediatebetween Iran andthe that Annan wasapartof, andhis Annan. Tendingtobealoof during his internationalcommunity.Moreover, challenges to Israel withinthe General tenure,his most memorable moment perhapswas afestive rendition of ‘Ban Ki-mooniscomingtotown’ (YouTube it). In fact,manywould judgeBan to be weak andreticent. He hasn’t stoodup to theglobalpowers,hehasn’ttaken responsibility forUNfiascossuchas theHaiti cholera epidemic,and he can’t speakFrench. Worstofall,the public perceivesinactionfromthe UN in conflicts such as Ukraineand Syria, andincombating therefugee crisis. Butit’simportant to recognise the limitationsofthe role of theSecretary- General; supportfromthe permanent members of theSecurityCouncil is essential to achieveanything, thus Ban’s deferencetowards them should not be viewed as timidity.Boutros Boutros-Ghali challengedthe US over thegryphon.co.uk Views | 15 Stop BeliddleingWomen
Martha Wood as DavidBeckham’s,work; Idowantto youdoquestionwhether they are indulged,the more difficultitwill be to
BA Historyand Economics question whythe mediaimmediately trulyinvestedinthem, butthere is no breakthem. Onekey issuehereiswhile supports himand sees hisworkas denyingtheyattract ahugeamount manypeople areappalledbythe article, Afterreading RodLiddle’s valuable,whilefemales such as Emma of publicity andgainmomentumfor at thesametimeeveryoneisthinking misogynistic pieceonEmma Watson, Watson arecriticisedand seen as having theircauseswhich wouldotherwise be that it’s just typicalofThe Sun. Sexism
allyou candoisgasp. Theirony is some ulterior motive,manipulating ignoredbythe public.Therefore,itis is expectedifnot predicted, so why perfect. Aspeechatthe UN on fighting theirway into theseorganisations, or understandable that they areallowed to isn’titbeing stopped? forthe equality of women,dismissed it’s seen as ajoke. It hastaken many reachassemblies such as theseand can To borrow Liddle’s ownwords,he‘can as ‘whiny,leftie, PC crap’. There’sa yearsfor Angelina Jolie’sworktobe potentiallymakeadifference.But why have opinions’, butIdonot understand differencebetween goingcrazy,political takenseriouslyand even nowpeople are “ is it that when awoman reaches this whytheyare being validatedbybeing correctness, andfighting inequality. platformshe is outofplace or merely published in anewspaper with oneof It’s ridiculous! Emma Watson,a whining? This immediatedisregard of thelargest readerships in thecountry? graduate from BrownUniversity, has But whyisit that when what they aresayingisinbuilt into our I’dratherhearHermioneGranger’s chosen to usethe fame shegained awoman reaches this society, andthe longer theseideas are opinions anyday. throughactingtohelppromote acause whichisevidently stillamassive issue platform sheisout of place in theworld.Thisshouldbeadmired, or merelywhining?This ratherthancriticisedsolelybecause of immediatedisregardof Watson’s gender.Iwonder, forexample, what Mr Liddle wouldhavewritten what they aresayingis if thiswas amalecelebrity:David inbuiltintoour society... Beckhamperhaps,orGeorgeClooney.I bethedidn’tmakeafusswhentheyset“ up theircampaigns,moreratherthey stillsceptical.CarolineSiede suggests were heralded as legends. thisisdue to ourculture,aswehave Liddle questionswhy we listen to all hadsomanymaleprotagonistsand so these‘actresses’.Asif, just because they fewfemale, meaningwecan categorise areactresses, andmoretothe point menbetterbut struggle to understand female,theyshouldhavenoopinion,no women. ideasand be completely ignorant. Ido Thereare manycelebrities whohave Image: Getty not want to disregardcelebrities’, such supportedcampaigns,and sometimes HowLongWillThe Past Survive?
Natasha Zack ‘where canIstandsothatthe least Youcould arguethatThe Fire of London because it’s so farawayfromthe lives BA Philosophy amount of headsare in frontofme’. isn’tcomparabletothe Holocaust, but of today. However,if350 yearsisall it
Ifeltasif, amidst allthe phones,the let’s take medieval battlesfor instance. takesfor thepasttobecomeastory, During thesummerIwentdownto pointofwhy thewoodenreplica was People were killed in battle in thesame then it worriesmethatwecould have theSouthbank with afriendtosee a setonfire seemed somewhat forgotten waythatpeople arekilledinwarsnow, thesameattitude to theHolocaust in replicaofLondonbeing burntdown about. Thefire of London didhappen yet, we remember those battlesasif yearstocome.
to commemorate350 yearssince the 350years ago, butatthe time it was they’restories.Wecan’t emotionally Maybe it’s inevitable that thepast greatfire of London.Itwasanexciting amassive catastrophe! More positively connecttoitanymore.Whathappened becomes astory?Astory being lost and eventtogoand see; thepubliccrowded it ledtoLondonbeing re-built wassolongago that we lost thereality twistedlikerumours passedbetween around theThamestoget agoodview. much stronger than previouslybut, of it. children in theplayground. We each As much as Iwas enjoyingbeing no“ netheless, London wasburnt to the We canveryeasilysay that medieval create ourown storyasweliveout our there, what stoodout to me wasthat, ground andwewereall standing there battlesweresolongago that we don’t livesand we allbecomeapartofthe 350years laterwaiting forthe fireto need to remembertheminthe same story that is humanity. getbigger. wayaswe do with more recent history, What about the It made me wonder howlongpast Holocaust? Will events can reallysurvive to have thesameeffect it once didand is it future generations purely ouremotional connectionsthat be desensitised to the keep thepastalive.Whatabout the Holocaust? Will future generationsbe Holocaust 350years desensitisedtothe Holocaust350 years fromnow? from now? Obviouslythe greatfire of London andthe Holocaustare twocompletely “forthe most part,Iwasseeingthe fire different things, we can’thaveany on variousphonesabove individual’s emotional connection with thefire of headsratherthan thefire itself.I London whereas with the Holocausta personallyfound it difficulttosee the lotofpeople can.Although, does that wooden structureall togetherbecause mean that once it’s been long enough, it wasdarklongbeforethe firestarted. people won’tremember theHolocaust It alljustbecameaguessing game of, thesameway as they do todayaswell? Image: Natasha Zack 16 | Science thegryphon.co.uk CO2concentrations just passed 400 PPMand there’snoturning back
Image: Louis Vest
TimVan Gardingen responsiblefor theScripps Institute flatcoastalregions will be wiped off leaveamark on thehighcarbonlevels forOceanography’scarbondioxide themap by rising sealevels. andthe minimaleffortsofthe majority. As of thisSeptember,wewill never monitoring program, wrote: Perhapsmostworryingly, attempts Anyattempt at change isn’thelped by seeCO2 levels drop below 400 partsper “IsitpossiblethatOctober 2016 to addressthe problemsimplyaren’t those whoclaim thenon-existence of million.Inaworld wheremanywon’t will yieldalowermonthlyvalue than enough.Evenifevery single vehicle climate change.TakeMrDonaldTrump, believe,orsimplychoosetoignore, the Septemberand dipbelow 400 ppm? andfactoryweretostop; if themeat for example, whostatedontwitter existenceofclimate change;wehave Almost impossible.Brief excursions industry (contributingbetween 20- that “the conceptofglobalwarming reachedapoint considered by some towardslower values arestill possible 50%toemissions) were to disappear wascreatedbyand forthe Chinese scientists to be aparticularlydarkand butitalready seemssafetoconclude -the best we couldsee is no rise in in ordertomakeU.S.manufacturing damningmilestone. that we won’tbeseeingamonthly emissions. We wouldnot seethe level non-competitive.”Asithappens,his Thenumber-400 ppm-islargely valuebelow 400 ppmthisyear–orever fall foradecade. comments aremade allthe worseby symbolic, reflecting amoreoptimistic againfor theindefinite future.” Ouremissions arenot goingto thefactheknows fullwellthe dangers goal anddesiretocurbemissions than a Whywillwenever seelevelslower stop.Theycan howeverbereduced of climatechange,after he builtflood particular pointwhich signalsdramatic than thiseveragain?Carbondioxide in theory,asenvironmentalistsand defences around oneofhis golf courses change to oureverydaylives.This, in levels have beenrisingeversince the otherscientistshavebeensayingnow dueto“erosion andrisingsea levels”. itself,isaproblem. Thereisand will industrial revolution andonceitisin fordecadeswithout much luck.The Thecurrentapathyand apparent be no decisive moment wheresuddenly theatmosphere, it takesoveradecade individual should forexample strive hopelessnessaside,there is no excuse climatechangeappears in oneswift to dissipate. Even if we were to do to usetheir carlessand eatlessmeat. fornot trying to improvethe situation. dramaticmovement. Thechangesare theimpossibleand stopall carbon Governmentsshouldpursuestrong Thefactisour currentlifestylesare not showing themselves graduallyand they emissionsovernight,the currentlevel environmentalpolicies. Companies sustainableand everyone of us hasa areall themoredangerousbecause of wouldremainthe samefor years. should play aroleinconductingwork part to play in turningthe damages it. In lightofthis, thenewly reached environmentally. around as best as possible.Governments Thelowestannuallevelsusually milestonewas always destined to arrive In practice,however,autopian hope andcompanies must make greater occur in late September,thisreading oneday butitaddsnew pressure to try that such activities wouldhappenisjust efforts -not soon,not later, butnow. above400ppm forthe first time.This andtackleour carbon emissions. that –losthope. Most companieswill We live nowina400ppmCO2 world lowpoint is theresultoftrees and In termsofthe rising temperature, always putprofitsbeforeenvironmental andthatlevel is rising yearly.Itis clear plants taking in largeamounts of whichisinpartaggravatedbythe welfare. Governmentsare pressuredby that,evenasweimprove oureffortsto carbon dioxideduringthe summer rising CO2emissions,weare practically thefearofunderperformance on targets address rising carbon emissions, there months.Asthe northernhemisphere, at the1.50C temperaturethreshold.A andvotingtendencies. Theindividual canbenochangeother than change forwhich thereadingsare concerned, 20Criseisgenerallyrecognisedtobe is largely powerlessinthe grandscale forthe worse-unless drastic action is reachesautumn, levels rise againdue to thehighest possible change theplanet of theworld’s population,where the taken. vegetation decomposingand releasing canbearbeforewesee completely care of an ultra-conscientiousbike- itsstoredcarbondioxide. unmanageable change.Evenatthat commuting, vegan, water-saving, RalphKeeling,the scientist temperature, smallislands andvery electricityavoidingeco guru will barely thegryphon.co.uk Science | 17
CAP subsidy:Aconstant What’snew cause of agro inScience?
•Agroup of 5universities from the UK have tentatively announced that they may have discovered acurefor HIV. The new treatment involves anti-retroviral drugs, which booststhe immune system, allowingittofind and destroy any infected T-cells. Finally, adrug known as vorinostat is used to reactivate the remaining dormant T-cells to express HIV-associated proteins, in order to find and destroy infected cells.
•Researchers at Princeton University have compiled 30 years of data to construct the first ice core-based record of atmospheric oxygen Image: Neil Howard concentrations spanning 800,000 years. This has shownadecline in atmospheric oxygen by Dougie Phillips land that is used for‘permanent sport’ can still 0.7% relative to the current level. In the past 100 Science Editor receivepaymentsifittotalsmorethan 36 hectares. years this has increased in speed, declining by a In fact,the more landthatyou ownthenthe greater further 0.1%. These losses are due to the burning Canadian poet andnovelist, BrianBrett, oncewrote yoursubsidy payment. of fossil fuels, consuming oxygen and producing that “farming is aprofession of hope.” What was Anotherkey scheme in theUK, particularly wherethe CO2. once aperfectly pertinent–ifnot overly idealistic environmentisconcerned, is theRural Development –overviewoffarming hasnow becomeverymuch Programme–originallynamed theCountryside •Scientists from the UniversityofChicago have outdated.Today,itisthe profession of therichand StewardshipScheme. This is seenasanintrinsic part examinedthe continental collision between of royalty,especiallywhenconsidering thecurrent of CAP, offeringfinancialincentivestolandowners Eurasia and India that began 60 million years agriculturalsubsidies that arehandedout. whoare environmentallyconsciousintheir land ago, which produced the Himalayas. In their Arecentinvestigation into theUK’sdirectrecipient management. This includesactivitieswhich conserve analysis they found that half of the mass was farmsofCAP (CommonAgriculturalPolicy) subsidies andrestore wildlife habitats,create woodlands, reduce missing, concluding that it sank back into the revealed that more than afifthofthe top100 thepollution of watersources andare in keepingwith mantle -afeat thought impossible on such a beneficiaries were ownedbyaristocraticfamilies. thecountryside’s ‘character’. Thesuccessfulreceipt large scale before. In addition,16ofthese top100 hadowners who of thissubsidy is dependentuponlocal priority featured in the2016SundayTimes rich list;owners targets,those that aredeemedtomaximisethe •Cyber security is agrowing concern, with wholastyearreceived, in total, more than £10m of environmentalbenefit. Aprime example of thisisthe more valuableinformation stored online than land subsidy.CAP subsidies representasignificant Hedgerowsand Boundaries Grant. Yearsofintensive ever before. To combat security concerns, a proportion of theEU’sbudget, howeverwhatexactly farming–coupledwiththe innate desire to maximise University of Texas researcher is working on the arethe intendedoutcomesofthe currentagricultural agriculturallandfor crop production –has seena useofbrainwave patterns instead of apassword. subsidy system? severe loss in theUK’scountryside hedgerows. These Despite the increasedsecurity, these brainwave CAPhas changedsince it wasfirstimplemented areecologicallyimportant,representingdiverse scans –performed by EEG –could reveal medical, in theearly 60s, moving away from itsoriginal habitats that actascorridors fornumerousspecies. behavioural or emotional aspects that could be production-orientatedguise towardsamore TheHedgerowsand Boundaries Granttherefore offers damaging. The technologyisstill evolving but environmentallydrivenone.However,thishas not financial recompense to farmersand landowners will hopefully soon stop Skynet… beenaneasytransition,provingtobeadifficultarea whoactivelypromote theirconservationand creation. of EU policy to reform.Today,agriculturalissuesrelate Thecurrentdisparity in theUK’sagricultural •Inaneffort to make computation more efficient, to theloweringofprices, theguarantee of astable subsidy system –and howthe financial incentives researchers from the University of Michigan income forfarmers,and thesafeguardingofquality of CAPare distributed–has caused concernwith have engineered anew material to usher in the andsafetyofproducedfood. Thesemustbeachieved itsother recipients.Thisincludesthe RSPB who next generation of computing devices. Known whilestill ensuring thehealthofthe environment recently told Greenpeace:“As amajor landownerand as amagnetoelectric multiferroic material, andpromoting animal welfarestandards.Inessence, farmer,weuse theCAP fundingwereceive to deliver it combines standard electrical and magnetic thesubsidies areinplace to ensure that theUK’s publicbenefits,suchasmanagingvital habitats and propertieswith anew property called planar available land is utilisedappropriately; attemptingto providingahomefor nature.The majority of theCAP rumpling. This uses sandwiched layers of atoms achievethe correctbalance betweenfoodproduction though is stilldominated by untargetedsubsidies that that can be flipped frompositive to negative, andenvironmental sustainability.Thisisnot always providelittleinreturn.” replacing the binary 0’s and 1’s of our regular thecase. Agriculturalsubsidies andthe attemptedpolicy computers. Thereare severaltypes of subsidy andgrants reformshaveproved to be asourceofgreat available to farmers,acomplexsystem made allthe controversy; however,their importance –especially more difficultwithconstantnamechanges.Currently to smallerfarmholders –shouldnot be doubted. thebiggest of theseisthe BPS(Basic PaymentScheme), Thesesubsidies can oftenbethe differencebetween formerly theSinglePaymentScheme,which has afarmthat’sfinanciallyviableand onethatis been–ofcourse–thegreatest causeofcontroversy. economically doomed.Therefore,toensurethat Although specificallyaimed at land whichisusedfor farmingisonceagain aprofession of hope–one theproduction of agriculturalgoods,suchasthose that is environmentally, economicallyand socially from growingcrops or keepingcattle, owners can sustainable–thelongand arduoustaskofreform Image: Simon Steinberger still receivesubsidy payments even whenpartaking must continue,particularlywithBrexitonthe horizon. in non-agriculturalactivities. Forexample,eligible 18 | Society thegryphon.co.uk BlackHistory Month: SocietyEdition It’s October and the Student Union is celebrating, along withthe restofthe UK, Black History Month (BHM) –amazing events and performances are happening throughout this month in our union, including events by societieslike the Black Feminist Society, the Nigerian Society and the African Caribbean Society. Apart from the obvious reasons why everyone should get involved (acknowledge and celebrate theamazing contributions toour societymadebyblack menand women), here are some more reasons on why you should participate
Learn something new Join in on the celebration of black Appreciate black art and creativity beauty and culture
Youmay have missed theNigerian We live in asociety that oftenupholds If you’re looking to learn about Afri- Student Society celebratingNigerian Western beauty standards as ideal, and can and Caribbean art, then the ‘Leg- Independence DayonMonday, butyou disregards the beauty of people of col- acy’ showcase by the African Caribbean canalwayskeeplearningonyourown. our. Although black beauty should be Society, there is an event on the 28th EveryAfrican country is differentwith celebrated throughout the year, BHM worth attending. As the final celebra- itsown historyand traditions, andthe is also agreat opportunity to showcase tion of BHM at the university, there’s exciting aspect of BHMisthatitreminds the underrated beauty of black people. almost no reason not to attend, espe- you of that fact andencouragesyou to The Black Feminist Society intends on cially when you’ll be able to marvel at explore theroots of Africanhistory. doing just that, with their ‘Black Hair the great African and Caribbean art on BesidesNigeria,did youknowthat5 &Beauty Workshop’ that will be taking display, as well as enjoy great perfor- otherAfrican countriesare celebrating place this Friday. During the workshop, mances and food. If you’d rather be theirindependencethismonth?Other besides discussing and sharing the ide- soothed by words than visuals, go and exciting educationalopportunities als of black feminism, there will also listen to some amazing poetry by criti- includelearningabout theOromo be an opportunity to style each other’s cally acclaimed writer, poet and per- people (Ethiopia’s largestethnicgroup) hair and faces. Evenifyou’renot look- formerSiana Bangura on the 7th, where andtheir plight at thehands of the ing to get amakeover, learning to cel- she will touch on issues faced by black EthiopianGovernmentatthe ‘Oromo ebrate the beauty and diversity of being British women every day. Exhibition’ on the17th. If you want black is alesson worth grasping. somethingalittlemorelighthearted, gain insight into theorigins,heritage Image: Whitney N. Yarber andimpactofgrime musicat‘The Politics of Grime’,also on the17th. Gryphon GaveItAGo: Quidditch&Harry Potter Society
Harry Potter is the best-selling book seriesofall time, having sold over 450 million copies as well as being translated into over 70 languages. It’s only fitting that such an accomplished and popular novel series be granted its own society at the University of Leeds. As afan ofHarry Potter myself, once Idiscovered the Quidditch &Harry PotterSociety, Ihad to go along.
Andgoalong Idid, attending the Sorting Ceremony last Wednesday. Iwas very excitedand hopedtorecord every moment during the process. Before the event started, the society posted aquiz on their Facebook group to help sort people into houses. On the night, when we entered the room, aman confirmed our names. So many people came, we had to wait quite Ilike Gryffindor. Not onlybecause it’s Harry Potter’s Icould do was wait forthe results. At the end of the abit. But it was agood opportunity to make new house, but also because it represents bravery. I quiz, Slytherin won the game and they got abox of friends, especiallysince we had acommon interest: thought that Gryffindor would be the biggest house, sweets. Nevertheless, they were kind and liked to Harry Potter! Everyone was excited and wondering but to my surprise, many people chose Ravenclaw! I share, so everyone got to taste the candy. what would happen next. asked afriend who was sorted into Ravenclaw why he chose that house, and he said that it was because Two hours later, the event came to an end. Although After awhile,the Sorting Ceremony started. Aman Ravenclaw represents wisdom. At the end of the the organizer hoped people would chill and dance for held the Sorting Hat, and would read aname, after Sorting Ceremony, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw had the next two hours, most people left. But it was fine, which someone would go to the front and sit on a more people than Hufflepuff and Slytherin. after all, the main activity was the Sorting Ceremony chair. The man used the hat to cover half the person’s which everybody enjoyed. The organizer also told me head. After afew seconds, he would shout out the After sorting, people moved to their own house, and that they would hold a Quidditch match soon.I’m house name and people around would clap and cheer. it was time for aquiz to earn house points.The man really curious about it, so Idefinitely will attend, and Just like the books, except the hat couldn’t actually asked some questions about Harry Potter. Each house you should as well if you’re interested in playing a talk. Iwas glad to have achance to experience that. answered together to get the correct answer, and at unique -but fun -sport inspired by the novel series! When the man put the Sorting Hat on my head, Ifelt the end, the organizer would award the house with alittle nervous. Although Iknewwhichhouse Iwould the highest score. Everyone got involved except me. be sorted, Istill couldn’t help but wonder. Then I Since Ihad never read the Englishedition before, I Chelsea Cao heard the man shout: “Gryffindor!” couldn’t match the names to my knowledge. So all thegryphon.co.uk Sports | 19 Coltsrun outofLuckatWembley
Ryan Wan year veteranAdamVinatieri’sboot, converting both go deep fora64yardtouchdowntobring it back to American Football of hislongrange field goals, theColts wouldnot have make thescore 30-27. With threeminutes left the hadany points on theboard. Coltsforcedthe Jags to punt theball, butfailed to put On Sunday therewas asoldout crowdatWembley Jacksonville continuedtheir dominancewith16 Vinatieriinrange forthe field goal to take thegame eagertowatch afiercefootball rivalry, however the unanswered points in thesecondand third quarters into overtime,muchtothe dismay of theLondon likesofRooney, Kane andVardy were nowhereto courtesy of aBortles touchdownand threefieldgoals crowd. be found. This wasnot your usualfootball matchat from Myers. Theonlyhighlight forthe Coltsduring Whilst theColts will feel like they have taken a Wembleyand instead names such as Andrew Luck, thisperiodwas that Gore moveduptotenth on the step back with this loss,the Jags will hopethisisthe FrankGoreand AllenRobinsonheadlined theshow. NFLall-timerushing yardsleaderboard,withhis 56 startofgreaterthingstocome. With aquarter of the This weekendmarkedthe startofthe NFL2016 yardsinthe first half. regularseasongone, Sunday’s resultsstill leavethe International Series in London. Both teams savedthe best forthe last, with athrilling AFCSouth open with threeteams having a1-3 record Thetwo teams on show in thefourth week were final quarter. Just when Jacksonville’s first victoryof andthe Texans (3-1)beingthe team to beat forany theAFC South’sIndianapolisColts andJacksonville theseasonseemedcertain,Luckorchestratedahurry realchance to go throughtothe playoffs. Jaguars. This wasunfamiliar territoryfor theColts, up driveinthe fourth quarterthatstunned theJags with it being theirLondondebut,whilstthe Jaguars defenceand ledtoGore have beenannualvisitorstoWembleysince 2013.The powering hisway over. Jags cameintothe game looking fortheir first victory They followed up with ofthe season, being designated as thehometeam, anothertouchdown, this andalthoughthe Coltsboastedaslightlybetterrecord time throughthe air; over theirdivision rivals (1-2), they were stillsitting Luck connecting with T.Y at thebottomhalfofthe AFCSouth table. Hilton to make it athree TheJagschose to kick off andthe action started pointgame. early, as atipped pass from Fowler whichwas caught However, poordefence by Ngakouegavethemgreat field position onthe by theColts ledtoHurns Colts’ 25 yard line.The Jags then capped off thedrive completing a42yard with fake runplaythatled to Bortleseasilyfinding passing touchdown, Robinsoninthe endzonefor thefirstpointsofthe nullifyingtheir previous day. effort. Butminutes later, Despite theColts having more possession in the it wasthe Jags turn to first half,theybarelybroke into theopposingteam’s concedewithrookieJalen Image: Tim Ireland half.Had it not beenfor thepower andaccuracy of 21 Ramsey lettingDorsett Salfordsurviveinextra time
Luke Etheridge realchanceofthe game,beforeNiall Evalds equalised, Thematch will provetobeahigh pointinwhat Rugby League with Mantellato’s penaltybeforehalf-time giving hasbeenatopsy-turvyseason forSalford,with Hull atwo pointleadbeforethe break. Aconvertedtry ownerMarwanKoukash threatening to sell theclub SalfordRed Devils completedaremarkable from Thomas MinnsleftHullfansfeeling confident as afteradispute with thesport’s governingbody, the comeback from 18-10downtowin theMillion Pound theclock ticked down,but what happened next will RugbyFootball League.The club were givenasix- Game in extra-time againstHullKingston Rovers, to live longinthe memoryofbothsetsofsupporters. pointdeduction forthe RFLfor breachingsalarycap secure theirsurvivalinthe SuperLeague. Thedefeat Evalds’secondtry of thegamewithonlytwo restrictions,apunishmentwhich wasdescribed as meansHullKRwillbeabsentfromthe topflight for minutestogowas thespark forabreathlessfinish, ‘veryharsh’byKoukash.The penaltydropped Salford thefirsttimesince 2006. with Salfordscoring anothertry to give themselves outsideofthe topeight in theleaguetable,meaning Hull hadthe brighter startofthe twoteams,perhaps aconversiontowin thematch,but GarethO’Brien’s that they hadtoplayinthe Qualifiers to secure their motivatedbytheir controversiallosstoHuddersfield a effortwas off target,leaving thegametobedecided SuperLeaguestatus, rather than in theSuper 8’s week before,leading 10-0 after20minutes thanks to by agolden point. Hull kicked off to beginextra- whichwould have giventhemashotatthe title. triesfromAdamWalker andJoshMantellato. Salford time andnever touchedthe ball again, with O’Brien Salford’secstasy is Hull’s misery, with head coach were clinicalwhenevertheywentforward,withBen sendinga50-yard drop goal betweenthe postswithin JamiePeacock offeringhis resignationafter the Murdoch-Masilascoring atry with histeam’sfirst thefirstminutetoend thematch. game.Bothsides were critical of theformatinthe run-uptomatch,asfailure to winwould lead to thecontracts of all players becomingautomatically void.Althoughthere is much more moneyatstake in football’s Championshipplay-off final,withSky Sports suggesting that thewinners standtomake £170mmorethanthe losers,thankstothe additional TV moneyavailable in thePremier League,players will stillbecontractedand on comfortable salaries afterdefeat. In comparison, Hull KR saythatitis possiblefiftymembers of staff will lose theirjobs, and some players maynot be offered full-time contracts forthe next season. Thereisno doubtthatthe match provides plentyofdrama forviewers pitch-side andat home, it is easy to forget that sportsmenand women have families andbills to pay, andfor them,itisfar Image: Ed Sykes more than just anothergame. 20 | Sports thegryphon.co.uk Foul play: more evidence of football corruption surfaces
Sophie Wheeler during transfer negotiations–thiswas not the that thesescandals areasymptomofamoresystemic Football purposeofthe meetingsofar as ourclientunderstood problemwithinBritish football andthatgreater it”. Thespokesman suggestedMrBlack’s referenceto reformisneeded.Itmaybethe case that theFootball An undercover investigationbyTheTelegraph has paying “a couple of grand” relatedtoafreelancescout Association decidestotakedirectactionagainst these revealed evidence of corruption andbribery at the he suggestedthe FarEastcompany shouldapproach. individualsinordertodeter others from dealswhich highestlevel in football.Their evidence revealsthat This revelation is just thelatestinastringof areagainst therules andthe spiritofthe FA.However, as many as eightmanagers andassistantmanagers corruption scandals.Sam AllardycebecameEngland’s onething seemsclear,corruption in football does not aresuspectedoftakingbackhanddeals or “bungs”as shortestreigningmanagerfor only 67 days before pay, as Mr Allardyceknows alltoo well. is referred to in thesecretly filmedfootage.Football beingsackedafter Telegraph’s disclosuresrevealed agents areseenboasting abouthow “everything is he hadalso beenimplicitincorruption. Othernotable under thetable”suggestingthatcorruptioninthe figures to be implicated in thescandal included QPR football league is more widespreadthan just ahandful managerJimmy FloydHasselbaink,Leedschairman of agents implicated in thereport. Massimo Cellino andformerTottenham boss Harry Onenotable figurecaught up in TheTelegraph’s report Redknapp,who claimedsomeofhis players hadbet is Southampton’sassistant managerEricBlack,who on theresultofamatch in whichtheywereinvolved. allegedlygaveadvicetothe undercover reporters on TheFootball Associationexplicitlyprohibits such howtobribe officialsatother football clubs. However, underhandpayments in itssection on rulesand priortothe reportbeing published Southhampton governance.However,the papers,which claimas FC’s Chairman,Ralph Krueger, hadmade clearhis many as eight premiermanagershad also been disdainatpreviousrevelationsofcorruption within involved,are nowbeing reviewed by thepolicetosee thefootballleague. He also expressed hisdesireto if anycriminaloffencehad taken place. lead theway in cleaning upthe game. Theallegationsofcorruption come at atimewhere Aspokesman forMrBlack respondedtothe thereisdebateastohow largesportingorganisations allegationssayingthat: “[Mr Black] does notrecall.... such as theFAshouldbegoverned. Many supporters suggestionsthatfootballofficials should be paid of stricter regulationswithinthe FA wouldsuggest O’Brienhas found the winning formula at Chantilly
JohnGibby and impressive training feat beenaccomplished, year-old now wants further. Unlike Postponed, who Horse Racing especially considering that Found was only O’Brien’s will race on at six, the Aga Khan-owned colt is likely second Arc winner, after Dylan Thomas kept the race to be retired to stud at the end of the season, and this “It’s not arace, it’s alandmark” –the slogan of the following atense stewards’ enquiry in 2007. It was a race may be the last time we’re going to see him. Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Apun that works in English big day too for preeminent stallion Galileo, the sire of For O’Brien, his staff at Ballydoyle and owners at as well as the original French, and it really does say it all three of O’Brien’s trio, who was also experiencing Coolmore, it was aday to remember. Certainly the all about Europe’smost prestigious horserace. Also, his first winner in the race having produced the most important of his illustrious training career so the world’s richest race on turf, the ‘Arc’ is run over winner of just about every other major flat race in far, probably one that will never be repeatedand amile and ahalf, usually at Longchamp Racecourse. Europe over the past 15 years. possibly the onewhich sees him become acandidate This year, however, it is being held at Chantilly, one Andwhatofthosedefeated? Postponed, the 2/1 forthe best trainer of all time. of the most hotly anticipated events in the racing favourite at the off, had no real excuses back in fifth calendar. This year in particular did not disappoint, place. Asked for his effort with the high-class filly Found and Ryan Moore by his devoted jockey leading home asensational 1-2-3 for Irish Champion Andrea Atzeni,hefound Trainer Aidan O’Brien, with Highland Reel and Seamie very littleinthe final two Heffernan and Order of St George and Frankie Dettori furlongsand perhapswas completing the trio. Aluckless ninth in last year’s simply paying the price edition, five lengthsbehind John Gosden’s superstar for along season,which Golden Horn, Found put her previous five races (all started in Dubai back in of which she finished second in) behind her to defeat March and has taken in ahigh-classfield including four-time Group One Epsom and York along winner Postponed, this year’s Derby victor Harzand the way. Harzand was and Japanese raider Makahiki, who clearly failed to equally unimpressive, run his race, finishing 14th of the 16. and perhaps is abelow- It’s difficult to exaggerate O’Brien’s achievement in average winner of a saddling the first three home in such ahotly contested below-average Derby. race. Probably not since Michael Dickinson’s 1-2-3-4- Maybe as he has grown 5inthe 1983 Cheltenham Gold Cup has such aunique and developed as athree- Image: Action Images thegryphon.co.uk Sports | 21 Southgate’s squad looks forstability
Joey Wright Football
England fans are used to disbelief and shock when it comes to their national team. The low expectations Englandfootball fans have come to expect this year, from embarrassing Iceland defeattothe shock of the allegations against Sam Allardyce, are becoming BUCSfixtures commonplace.For this reason,the England team 12thOctober selection was keenly watched this week with anew coach at the helm, as Gareth Southgate was appointed caretakermanager for the next four games. Allardyce’s Varsity mayhavefinished but there is plenty of job came to an abrupttermination after inappropriate sports action in Leeds over the next 8months. Many of the university’s sports teams start comments to undercover reporters only onegame their British Universities &Colleges Sports into their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. (BUCS) campaigns on Wednesday, with The Safety and stability seems to be the key focus for Gryphon Sport reporting on key fixtures each the England Under-21 manager Gareth Southgate. week. Here are some of the home matches to watch out for next week. He chose his team to reflect his emphasisonsolidity retaining experienced Wayne Rooneyfor thecaptaincy Badminton Womens 1st vs Birmingham 1st in ayoung squad averaging around 25 years old. (2pm, The Edge) However, personal solidity for Southgate may have also have come with his inclusion of many young Basketball Mens 2nd vs Sheffield 2nd (7.30pm, The Edge) players that he worked with as Under-21 manager. Basketball Womens 1st vs Newcastle 2nd Jesse Lingard, 23, has been brought into the squad (5.30pm, The Edge) with MarcusRashford. The teenager scored ahat-trick on his debut for England Under-21s for Southgate and Fencing Mens 1st vs Bangor1st (2pm, The has been on form forManchesterUnited as well with Edge) Fencing Womens 1st vs StAndrews1st (2pm, three goals since the most recent international break. The Edge) Linked to this concentration of youth, is the attacking focus on speed. With the inclusion of Vardy,Walcott Football Mens 1st vs Leeds Trinity 1st (2pm, Image: GettyImages and Michail Antonio,itseems that Southgate values Sports ParkWeetwood) speed over height and power in his attack against Football Womens 1st vs York 1st (2.3opm, Sports ParkWeetwood) Malta and Slovenia. With the game on Saturday,itfeels like England The largest surprise in the team selection was for will want to put the speculation behind them and HockeyMens 2nd vs York St John 1st(2.3opm, Glen Johnson of Stoke City to cover for Nathaniel produce two good wins in frontofahome crowd. Sports ParkWeetwood) Clyne’s injury. However, Johnson had to pull out with While the pressure is off for Southgate as he has HockeyWomens 1st vs Nottingham Trent 1st injury, allowing Burnley’s Michael Keane to be called the title ‘caretaker’ manager,these matches could (5.30pm, Sports Park Weetwood) up for the first time.In other team news, Andros prove pivotal in his managerial career. Already rising Lacrosse Womens 1st vs York 1st (2pm, Sports Townsend has been drafted in as late as the 3rd of through the FA coaching badges, Southgate is one Park Weetwood) October due to injury to Raheem Sterling, and Alex of very few young English managers at the highest Oxlade-Chamberlain has also been brought into the level and so this could represent the next step of his Netball Womens 1st vs Durham 1st (4.3opm, squad to replace an injuredAdam Lallana. managerialcareer. Gryphon Sports Centre)
Rugby Union Mens 2nd vs Sheffield Hallam 1st (2.3opm, Sports Park Weetwood)
Squash Mens 1st vs Liverpool 1st (3pm, Gryphon Sports Centre) England squad Squash Womens 1st vs York 1st (1.30pm, Gryphon Sports Centre)
Table Tennis Mens 1st vs Lancaster 2nd (2pm, CromerTerrace) forqualifiers Tennis Mens 1st vs Manchester 2nd (12pm, David Lloyd Leeds)
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Southampton), JoeHart Midfielders:Eric Dier (Tottenham), Jordan Hender- Volleyball Mens 1stvsLiverpool 1st(6pm, (Torino-on loan from Manchester City), Tom Heaton son (Liverpool), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Gryphon Sports Centre) (Burnley) Michail Antonio (West Ham), Jesse Lingard (Man- Water Polo Mens 1stvsLeeds Beckett 1st chester United), Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Dele Alli (2.15pm, TheEdge) Defenders: Ryan Bertrand(Southampton), Gary (Tottenham), Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace) Cahill (Chelsea), PhilJagielka (Everton), Michael Keane (Burnley), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Chris Strikers: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Full fixtures at bucs.org.uk Smalling(Manchester United), John Stones Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham) Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 22 | Sports thegryphon.co.uk Beckett celebratetwelfth success
Luke Etheridge women’s footballsquad, who lost all their matches ZaydSheikh wasn’t too disheartened about the Varsity2016 in the 2015 Varsity competition, with the three teams defeat, saying ‘I think we did well overall, especially letting in acombined 32 goals.After winning both as we were playing against avery experiencedside’. Although they might have lost the rugby finale, league and cup last season, the 1st team continued It wouldn’t be asporting contest without some Leeds Beckett kept hold of their unbeatenVarsity their success by beating Beckett 4-3 in ascintallating controversy, and the men’s squash 2nd team match record, winning the competiton for the twelth year match. The 2nd team also securedapoint for Leeds was cancelled with no Beckett team available to play, in succession. They didn’t have it all their own way, University by winning 5-1, but Beckett made sure it leading the University of Leeds squad to believe that as the University of Leeds’ teams ensured it was the wasn’t aclean sweep of wins in the forthe women’s the match should go down as aforfeit,which would closest Leeds Varsity ever, falling just short, with footballsquad by winning the 3rd match9-2, which have left the scores tied at 32-32. Next year, Uni will Beckett winning 32-31 overall. was still ahugeimprovementfor Uni comparedtothe be hoping they can make it an unlucky thirteenth The day started brightly for Leeds University, with 16-1 hammering they suffered last year. Varsity for Beckett, and seal afirst victory. victory in the men’s and women’s biathlon putting One of the biggest Varsity sports in terms of points the team into an early lead, combined with previous is hockey, with eight matches taking place, equally results in indoor cricket and netball. One sport where split between male and female teams. This has Beckett were hoping they would catchupwas tennis, been one of the main points scoring sports for the where they have adominant record in Varsity. This Gryphons in previous years, and they continued this proved to be the case again this year, with all seven trend this time around, winning sevenofthe eight of their teams beating their cross-city counterparts. matches, with the men’s squad victorious in all four Table tennis was another dominant victory for the of their ties, and Beckett winning 4-2 in the women’s team in purple, with Beckett running out 16-1 winners 1st match. Golf was one of the sports postponed last in the men’s 1st competiton. year, and the University of Leeds squad probably In football, the men’s 2nd team turned the tables wished that the weather had playedapartthis year, on Beckett, winning on penalties to secure the point, as Beckett won the contest 8-0. after being defeated in ashootoutin2015. The Leeds Badminton proved to be aclose match up this year, teams were also victorious in the men’s 3rd match, with Beckett winning two of the three points that were taking aresounding 4-0 victory, with the 1st team on offer. Both men’s matches ended in 7-1 victories, falling short, in a2-4 defeat. Arguably one of the with the Leeds squad winning the 2nd team match, Image: Luke Etheridge most improved teams over the last 12 months is the before Beckett gained revenge in the 1st. Captain Volleyball victory forBeckett
John Gibby in allhonesty,aforegoneconclusion.Another five of thematch.Asitwasthough, Beckettassertedin Volleyball-Leeds University 0-3Beckett consecutive points forthe leaders made thescore 25- imperiousfashion,and afterapoorrun of serves from 18 sawthemdoubletheir advantageonthe scoreboard LeedsUni,the set, andwithitthe match, wasclosed Playinginthe toptierofthe NorthernBUCSMen’s andleave theGryphonswithitall to do. outbythe visitors by 25 points to 16. Volleyball league,LeedsUniversitywould surely have Both sideslookedtired at momentsthroughoutthe Though LeedsUni will no doubtbelooking to put gone into thegameasslightfavouritesoverLeeds third set, andthoughthere were glimmers of the thisperformance behind them going into theregular Beckett. With thisbeingaVarsity matchhowever, LeedsUni ability that hasseenthemmaintaintheir seasonthere were some positivesintheir teamwork theformbookcounted forverylittle, andthere was placeinthe toptierofthe NorthernBUCSleague, andsomeimpressive leapstheymade tocontrol the an intriguing subplot to thegamewithUniversity Beckett simply hadmoreagility,determination and volleyball,but overallBeckett deservedtheir win, of LeedsstalwartNigel Sibandaactingasthe coach belief. Youwereleftwiththe feelingthathad this showing theimportanceofstrengthand power, and of theBeckett team.Sibanda’s influence clearlyhad beenthe beginningofthe game then theGryphons usingittofulleffect. an effectonCarnegieaswell, as they employed mayhavehad afairchance at gettingsomething out powerful strikesagainstalacklustreLeedsUni side to seeout afirstset that they only trailed in once, losing thefirstpoint of thematch.Aided by acouple of unfortunatemistakesfromthe Gryphons in their servingand returning that sawthe visitors reel off five consecutivepointsatone point, Beckett took the first setatthe second attempt 25 points to 22,despite agoodfightbackfromthe home team. TheBeckett contingentwerepresentand correcton thebalcony at theEdgeSportsHalland were in fine voicethroughoutproceedings,perhaps onefactorthat gave theirsidethe mental edge over LeedsUni going into thesecondset.Thiswas atense affairfromthe off with play being kept close to thenet as acouple of lacklustre points from themen in greeninadditionto acouple of unnecessaryfouls gave Beckettthe edge as they headedtowards thebusinessend of theset. As thevolleyballricochetedoffaLeedsUni player and outofplaytogiveCarnegieyet anotherpoint,chants of ‘Beckett’s on fire’ startedringing around theHall, andfromthenonthe result of thesecondset seemed, Image: The Gryphon thegryphon.co.uk Sports | 23 Leeds’ team spirit outshines results at thetrack
ZoeThresher skillstothe test in the hammer net. Nick threw a Leeds University’s Zoe Thresher finished in 2nd place Athletics-LeedsUniversity113-174 Beckett massive 36.35m, missing out on first positionbya between two Beckett runners as Natasha Carlisleand mere three centimetres and Brown claimed third Phoebe Bramley chased them down frombehind, The day began with some ratherthrilling field place with athrow of 20.01m. Both girls continued gaining atotal of 4points for the team. Our new events as Tom Medd and Zoe Thresher tookone for to impress in the shot put as Brown finished in third, additions to the men’s sprint team certainly didn’t fail theteam and competed in the high jump, of which once again, with athrow of 9.24 metres. Nick, Leeds’ to impress as Miles McGrady, Matthew Williamson, neither of them have attempted in the last 4years, star female thrower, went on to win the shot put with Seb Mahony and Jerome Nwaodor took on arapid butany points against the well-prepared Beckett side afantastic throw of 12.07m, raking in point after Beckett team who won the race in an impressive 11.7 would be abonus. After afew embarrassing attempts point forthe team. seconds. from the pair, LeedsUni’s ownFelix McCorquodale The weather was far from ideal for track and field, With no time to rest, the girls were up again at the stole the spotlight as he jumped to victory, showing as it would be out of the athletics season, as astrong start line of the 200m.Thresher took the first 80m Beckett what we’re reallymade of. Meanwhile, head wind posed achallenge for the 100m runners. atasomewhat relaxed pace but managed to kick her Gemma Brown and Christina Nick put their throwing Despite being blown sideways out of the blocks, way to the line, crossing amongst aBeckett crowd and narrowly missing out on 3rd place by 0.1 seconds. Carlisle also impressed the team as she ran her first 200mfor Leeds University, she’ll be one to watch for thefuture.Leeds’ newly acclaimed high-jumper Tom Meddsnatched 3rd place in the men’s 200m, ran in aremarkable time of 24.4 seconds considering the strong head-wind. Grieogaur Hogg, Sam Burgess and Jerome Nwaodor followed quickly behind, taking a few more points on board forthe Leeds team. Leeds’ women’s captain Kirsty Fraser came back from injury with avengeance in the 400 metres. With some tough Beckett competition at the start line, she managed to stick in 2nd place with atime of 62.1 seconds whilst fellowLeeds’ competitor Rachel Emmott took third place, following just seconds behind. Both girls also impressed in the 1500m, bringing in those much needed points to the Leeds team. HarveyStainthorpe, ReubenColeand Tom Medd smashed the Beckett 400m side, finishing in 1st, 3rd and 5th place, leading with Stainthorpe’s winningtime of 53.0 seconds. The relays ended as we expected. With onlytwo teams at the line, this meantthe male and female relayswould run together in the 4x100m and 4x400m. This is never good news for the girls, or Leeds University in general. Of course, Beckett men took first and women second, leaving Leeds behind in third and fourth in both the relays. However, despite Leeds’ loss to an incredible Beckett side, the inspiring team spirit and support for all the dedicated athletes Image: Zoe Thresher on the day completely outshone the results. Sports news in brief
Golf: Hazeltine hysteriafor US team Women’s football: Manchester City do the double Team USA lead the 2016 RyderCup from start to Manchester City added the Continental Cup to their finish, starting in dominant fashion by winning WSL triumph by defeating Birmingham City 1-0 in all Friday morning’s foursomes to take a4-0 lead. extra time. 4214 people watched the final, which was Although Team Europe did manage to close the gap to held at Manchester’s academy stadium, which was go into the singlesmatchesonlythree points behind, designated as the ‘neutral’ venue forthe final be- the Americans managedtohold their nerve to win fore the teams were known. Winning manager Nick their first Ryder Cup since 2008 by 17-11. The victory Cushing had more important matters to attend to af- was particularly sweet for captain Davis Love III, who ter the match as he was celebrating amore personal was in charge of the US team in 2012, when Europe triumph, with his wife going into labour during the made an amazing comeback from 10-4 down to win cup final. After the match, he told the media he was the tournament 14.5-13.5. Image: Golf WRX unaware that his third child had been born. 24 | Sport thegryphon.co.uk LeedsUniversity20-9Leeds Beckett
Image: The Gryphon Unitriumphinrecord- breaking match
Ryan Wan themselves with anotherkickable penalty. However, on from Beckett,althoughthe refereegaveafinal RugbyUnion nerves gottothe kicker andhemissedthe chance for warninginstead of acard. With momentum firmly Leedstolevel thescoreboard. on theirside, theGryphonswentfor thecorner, but On Wednesdayevening,HeadingleyStadium saw Forthe next 10 minutesBeckett hadmorepossession failed to convert. Minuteslater ascuffle brokeout on theclimaxofVarsity 2016,aRugbyUnion match andterritory,however Leeds’ defencelet nothing theBeckett touchlinewhich resulted in each team betweenthe UniversityofLeedsand LeedsBeckett, through. Beckett againchose to kick fortouch being reducedto14men forthe next tenminutes, in frontofarecordcrowd.Who wouldhavebragging insteadofkicking forgoal, feelingthatmomentum although thishad little impact on thegame. rights at theend of thenight? wasnow on theirside. Once againLeedsshutthe Only throughpenalties didBeckett manage to go Beckett kicked off thegame, butashaky startfrom door,winning apenalty forBeckett notreleasing the in front, making thescore 7-9withtwo successful Leedsled to Beckett receivingapenaltyinLeeds ball.Beckett continuedtothreaten, butLeedswere kicks, alongwithafailed 40mattempt.Thismattered territoryearly on. However,the overconfident Beckett solidindefence.Alongsidemissing fewtackles,atry little as minuteslater Byronwentoverexpertlyin side decidedtokickfor touchinstead of taking the saving interception by number 13,WillByron,and a thecornertoput Leedsahead,withLukeWhite’s easy threepoints. TheLeeds defencewas resolute trysavingtackleminutes laterdeniedBeckett any successful conversion from theside-line equally however,denying Beckett anychanceofcrossing points. impressive. theline. Unfortunately, anotherpenalty resulted in Thedefensive efforts of theteamwerefinally Beckettwerecrumbling underpressureknowing Beckett’searly mistakeofnot taking thethree being rewardedwhenamistake by Beckett ledtowinger that they needed aconverted try, something which nullified. This time Beckettchose thesmarter option HarryJukes scooping up theballand runningthree hadeludedthemfor theentiregame-and thestout fortheir first points of thegame, perhapssensing the quarters of thefieldtotouchdownfor thefirsttry Leedsdefence refusedtolet that change.Fromhere resilience of theGryphon’s defence. of thegame, puttingLeedsinthe lead.Asuccessful on,Beckett nevertruly threatenedLeeds andtwo Leedsput plentyofpressure on Beckett with their conversion followed,putting Leeds7-3 in frontand more penaltykicks from Whiteput thegametobed first kick-offofthe game.Beckett were luckynot to turningthe tide of thegamecompletely,withLeeds at 20-9.Evenafewpitch invaders before thegame receiveayellowcardfor adeliberateknock with the looking much more dangerousinattackgoing into finishedcould not ruin thecelebrationsofthe Leeds referee,instead he just awardedapenalty.Now it was thesecondhalf. fans,which wasinstark contrast to thedejected Leeds’ turn to showtheir intent,choosingtokickfor Leedsstartedthe second half like they endedthe Beckett supporters whoemptied thestadium as soon touchinstead of kickingatgoal. MirroringBeckett’s first,showing farmoreattacking determination. as thefinalwhistle hadbeenblown. earlierfortunes, Leedsfailed to findline, butfound This pressure resulted in aseconddeliberateknock