Talks Taking Place but Strikes Could Effect Exams

Bangor University Students’ Union March Issue 2018 English Language Issue No. 268 Newspaper FREE @SerenBangor seren.bangor.ac.uk

BEDS INTERVIEW 90’S NIGHT SHENANIGANS HUNGRY SQUIRRELS TALKS TAKING PLACE BUT STRIKES COULD EFFECT EXAMS

by EMMA JEWKES it would now gather information on plans to end the de ned bene t element is would involve sta refusing to una ordable. when the 14 days of action would be of the Universities Superannuation carry out their marking duties as part In some parts of the country, , angor students in the nal year most e ective at di erent universities. Scheme (USS) pension scheme. UCU of the strike, and thus could a ect Universities are threatening to punish of their degree face an anxious e additional 14 days of strikes are says this would leave a typical lecturer student examinations and results. sta who fail to make up for lectures wait to see if further strikes will part of the original mandate, allowing almost £10,000 a year worse o in Negotiations over the pensions issue and seminars cancelled during strikes, Be ect the timing of their nal results the UCU to take industrial action up retirement than under the current set- have been under way at Acas since a move that union leaders say could following an anouncement that further until 19 June. So far, UCU members up. last Monday. However, they have been prolong the industrial action. strikes are being planned. have been on strike for four weeks e universities’ representatives complicated by divisions among the In one case the University of Kent has Universities across the UK will be with the current week of strikes due to – Universities UK – had sought to employers. told sta that any failure to reschedule hit with another 14 days of strikes end on the 16th March. impose the changes and refused to Vice-chancellors at some institutions, lectures or classes lost because of around exam time if the pensions UCU general secretary Sally Hunt negotiate. In response UCU members including Newcastle University, have the strike would see them lose 50% dispute is not resolved. Sixty- ve said: “I want to stress that I consider all started the rst wave of 14 days of expressed sympathy with the lecturers’ to 100% of their pay “for every day institutions face another wave of this a necessary precaution against the escalating strikes on ursday 22 complaints. But the universities of where an individual continues to strikes as members of the University failure of talks to deliver an acceptable February. Cambridge and Oxford have been seen refuse to perform their full contract of and College Union (UCU) keep up the settlement. In addition to the con rmed 14 as most determined to push through a employment”. pressure on universities to sort the row “ e union would prefer dialogue days of strike some time between change in the pension scheme because e pension dispute concerns UUK’s over changes to their pensions. and I have given my personal April and June, there have been they feared they might have to ful l proposed changes to the union’s e union’s higher education commitment to Acas that UCU is discussions within the Universities the obligations of other employers if De ned Bene t pension scheme. Talks committee (HEC) met on the 8th serious about reaching an agreement. and College Union (UCU) suggesting pensions pushed them into nancial are currently taking place between March and sanctioned another 14 days However, if talks fail, we are prepared that the union could pledge for a ballot di culty. the UCU and Universities UK (UUK) of strikes, if necessary, designed to to carry out the action in defence of allowing a marking boycott next term, UUK insists it would cost so much through Acas, the government’s hit the exam and assessment periods our pensions.” should an adequate resolution to the to maintain the de ned bene t Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration between April and June. UCU said UCU members are on strike over pension discussions not be found. element of the scheme that it would be Service.

March Issue 2018 | Seren 3 CONTENTS

News 4-7 Politics 8 Societies 9 EMMA JEWKES Comment 10-11 EDITOR Science 13 15 [email protected] Environment 14-15 And now we’re down to the penultimate edition of Seren. Yes Arts & Culture 16-17 people, there is just one issue left Union 18-19 before summer! This year has gone so fast that I’m still in September 90’s Night 21 mode at times and that is not a good place to be with that dreaded Film 22-23 dissertation deadline looming. By the time the next issue has rolled Music 24 around at the beginning of May, it’ll be all handed in so I should at least Television 25 be a little bit stress free. Games 26-27 Following the recent bad weather, I’m hoping that Spring is on its way. Books 28 I love Spring and it’s especially nice in North Wales at that time of year. Food & Drink 29 17 Once the snow starts disappearing from the summit of Snowdon and Lifestyle 30-31 the owers start blooming, my mood perks right up as it means Mental Wellbeing 32 that the nice spring weather is BEDS Interview 33 surely on its way. With the start of Spring, comes Fashion 34-35 a whole slew of events to Bangor University. We had the Sabbatical Breaktime 36 O cer elections the other week and let me take this opportunity Join Us 37 to congratulate all of the winners. I’m not going to be around Bangor Sport 38-40 next year but with the great team in place, I’m slightly envious of those who will be. On the 21st April we also have the annual Varsity competition against Aber University with Bangor going for an unprecedented 4th win! It’s 21 sure to be a great day and all of us at Seren can’t wait! Finally, just next week we have the 30 all important Seren Elections which are due to be held on Wednesday 21st March in MALT at 6pm. If you would like to join the core team here at Seren then please let me know using the email at the top of this editorial. Even if you just want to know more about the roles, get in touch and I’ll ll you in. Being a part of Seren has been a major highlight of my time here at Bangor. I started by just writing 28 an article about a Speak Out event held by FemSoc and then, before I knew it I was Lifestyle Editor and CONTRIBUTORS here I am now, Editor. It’s not just Abi Robinson the fact that I’ve had my writing TEAM read by actual people but the Emily Brown skills I’ve learnt in Seren are true Anna Boswell transferable skills, even if you’re not 2017-18 Arron Williams going into journalism. I’m going Vicky Wilkes to be a Primary School Teacher Charlie Whiteside and I used so many examples of Editor - Emma Jewkes TV - Jordan King things I’ve done with Seren in my Deputy Games - Megan Richards Anna Boswell interview and got a place on the - Finnian Shardlow Rory Fromstone-Roberts News - Isabella Timpany Film - Jack Hollinshead TeachFirst program. So come along Books - Beth Smith Ambre Radou and join us and in doing so, pimp Sport - Katie Tew up that C.V. Politics Lifestyle - Catrin Jones Adam Parry - Kayleigh Lavornia Hannah Whittaker ----- Comment -Simran Prasad Food & Drink - Paige Brook The views presented hereinafter Environment Fashion - Sash Deacon Jenna Bowman do not represent the views of Seren - Hannah Limberger Bronwen Scho eld Science - Laura Aspin Mental Wellbeing - Olivia Jones Bangor, Bangor Students’ Union or Arts & Culture Creative Corner - Leia Tewnion Steve Thornton Bangor University. - Chloe Heath Alec-Tudor Bosneac ----- Music - Lizzy Dillon Seren is printed by NWN Media. 4 Seren | March Issue 2018 NEWS IN BRIEF Over 600 ‘To Bangor University shortlisted Let’ signs to be removed for Student for WhatUni Student from Bangor Choice Awards 2018 properties angor University has been published on Whatuni.com. enjoyable and rewarding. It’s money, provides a good student ver 600 ‘To let’ boards are shortlisted for 8 of 12 Awards Professor John G Hughes, the wonderful to see the hard work experience and has a highly set to be removed from in this year’s Whatuni University’s Vice-Chancellor, done across the University and the satis ed and supported student BStudent Choice Awards 2018, with welcomed the news saying: SU acknowledged in this way once community. properties due to the Ocreation of a “gentleman’s agree- the nominations based on the “I’m delighted that our students again.” Jonah Du n, Chief Marketing ment”. Bangor City Council an- excellent reviews and opinions of the have again this year shown their As well as bringing home an O cer of Whatuni.com parent nounced that, with the agreement University’s own students. support and appreciation for Award last year, the University was company Hotcourses Group, of Dafydd Hardy, Varsity, Williams e University currently holds the education and experience placed third in the UK for Courses "Nothing sells the value of and Goodwin letting agencies, the the 2017 Award for Best University o ered at Bangor. is re ects our and Lectures, third in the UK in an institution to prospective boards are currently in the process Clubs and Societies and has been focus on providing world-class the Giving Back category and third students more than hearing from of being taken down. e removal nominated in this Year’s awards teaching and research and an all- in the overall University of the current students how fantastic of the boards hopes to improve the for: Accommodation, Clubs & round student-centred university Year category. their university experience is. visual amenity and general appear- Societies, Courses & Lecturers, experience.” Eleni Cashell, Editor of Whatuni, is nomination is an invaluable ance of the area. In the past they Giving Back, International, Job Professor Carol Tully, Pro Vice- “Being nominated for an award is marketing tool." have listened to complaints of resi- Prospects, Student Support, Chancellor (Students), said: a huge achievement, because the e o cial 2018 Whatuni dents who have raised concerns re- Overall University of the Year “We’re extremely proud of our only judges at the WUSCAs are the Student Rankings will be garding the number of signs being e Whatuni Student Rankings relationship with our students students themselves. It showcases announced on 19th of April at displayed in the area. Signs o en are based on averages taken from and work in partnership with to both prospective students and a ceremony in London. You can stayed up despite people living in tens of thousands of reviews them to ensure that their time the higher education sector that follow all the action on the night them. e decision of removal has submitted by students and at Bangor University is both your institution o ers value for with the hashtag #WUSCA. been achieved through the work of the Bangor Image Group, which is chaired by the City’s deputy mayor, Cllr. John Wyn Jones. " is is a great result and will Students recieve Engineering vastly improve the appearance of the City." he said. " anks should go to Gwynedd Council O cers for their Horizons Bursaries from the help in this matter and the Agencies for their goodwill and cooperation." is is a ne example of us all working together to Instition of Technology achieve something tangible on the ground." Gwynedd Council O cers will hree students from Bangor travel around to see as many and bene cial information when for engineering and are keen to now approach all other letting University have received direct applications of her degree it comes to applying for summer promote engineering to others.” agencies with boards up to per- Engineering Horizons subject, with particular interest internships, graduate schemes or e investment is being made TBursaries from the Institution in the control systems in CERN, work placements. Another way in collaboration with Exilarch’s suade them to follow suit and join in with the agreement. of Engineering and Technology Switzerland. the bursary will help is by enabling Foundation, e Engineers (IET). e bursaries are awarded Truly said: “I really enjoy studying me a ord all relevant course Trust (Worshipful Company of Trains to students who are passionate at Bangor University because the textbooks, which are required for Engineers), e Manly Trust , about engineering and have taken lecturers are very supportive and self-study and exam revision." Nigel and Ruth Fine, Mr & Mrs cancelled a er up a place on an engineering or accommodating, along with being She added: "I thoroughly enjoy Tubbs, National Grid and Siemens technology degree course which enthusiastic about what they teach, every aspect of studying Electronic e IET Engineering Horizons protesters has been accredited by the IET. which helps you stay motivated Engineering at Bangor University, Bursary programme is open to all In this second year of the scheme, and get the most out of your study.” from attending intriguing UK students who are applying to invade tracks 75 bursaries have been awarded Megan, from Llanfechell, lectures to conducting laboratory join an IET accredited engineering rains between Holyhead and to students and apprentices. e Anglesey, is studying Electronic work, such as building circuitry, or technology degree course, or Manchester were cancelled scheme helps students entering an Engineering.Megan, from conducting microelectronic are already studying on a course a er protesters stormed the apprenticeship or an engineering Llanfechell, Anglesey, is studying experiments and testing circuits. (except nal year students). ose Ttracks. Campaigners sat on the train degree programme, who have Electronic Engineering. It is a very challenging course who are selected will receive at tracks at Manchester Piccadilly quali cations such as a BTEC, She said: "I believe the bursary yet very rewarding in regards to least £1,000 per year during their forcing police and railway sta HND, Access to Higher Education will be bene cial for additional gaining invaluable knowledge that studies. to close the station. e protest Diploma or other vocational textbooks required throughout my will help shape me into a future was organised by Manchester’s quali cation, as well as those in next 3 years at Bangor University Electronic Engineer."Abigail is Kurdish community in response challenging circumstances. e as I study towards the MEng enjoying every aspect of studying to the Turkish goverment’s action sponsorship will be £1,000 for Quali cation. Studying at Bangor Electronic Engineering at Bangor in Northern Syria. Flags and ban- up to four years and winners also has been a positive experience University. ners read “Stop Turkey from help- bene t from mentoring and work for myself, due to the helpful Nick Winser, IET President ing ISIS terrorists”. e protest experience placements through and attentive attitude that the commented: “We’re thrilled to cause Arriva trains to Holyhead to the IET’s extensive networks. Truly lecturers have adopted allowing have been able to support talented be cancelled and delayed up to 90 Capell, Megan Owen and Abigail me to progress towards the MEng apprentices and undergraduate minutes. Campaigners were try- Hughes are all studying at Bangor status". Abigail Hughes, from Rhyl students who have overcome ing to draw attention to Turkish University’s School of Electronic is studying Electronic Engineering obstacles and personal challenges attacks on the Kurdish-held city Engineering. (BEng). to pursue an engineering education of Afrin. A spokesman for Friends Truly Capell is currently in her She said: " is bursary will be a and career for the second year in of Kurdistan Manchester told the second year, studying Control and great help nancially when it comes a row. “We hope that the scheme M.E.N that the protest at Piccadilly Instrumentation Engineering, and to commuting to all areas of the UK will continue to grow and we will is part of an international day of comes from Folkestone, Kent. to Engineering networking events, build the number of our bursary protest. She intends to use her bursary which are vital to access important winners, who have a passion March Issue 2018 | Seren 5 NEWS IN BRIEF Chronoic migraine su erer insists Record breaking turn-out at the North Wales sea can help Anglesey’s half marathon

record breaking 2,300 runners gathered to take part in the Jones Crisps AngleseyA Half Marathon & 10k events on Sunday. e races were organised by Always Aim High and featured a stunning coastal course which kicked o on the Menai Suspension Bridge. Following weather warnings during the week, conditions improved drastically across the weekend as the race start approached and a record number of runners were present. Rossendale Harriers' Callum Davidson won the men's half marathon event with a time of 01:10:50. Lucy Williamson of Ilkley Harriers won the women's race with a time of 01:23.56. eth Francis, a former and sound. She would also su er record their adventure. It wouldn’t of the way through the project, e Anglesey 10k saw over Bangor Marine Biology stu- from tinnitus, blind spots, nausea, matter how long they stayed in, as with fewer that 40 wim days still 500 compete. In rst place in the dent from Beaumaris was stomach aches and sometimes go long as they were fully submerged. to go, but they have no plans on men’s race was Deestriders’ Mike Bdiagnosed with chronic migraines entirely numb on one side. eir rst swim commenced on stopping. ey have fallen in love Roberts in a time of 00:34:37. which le her mostly bed-bound, e World Health Organization 9 October 2017, o their local with their daily dip in the ocean Catherine Connell took rst place o en su ering from around 28 describes Chronic Migraine as Llanddona Beach, forming the and could not imagine life without in the women’s race at 00:38:52. migraines a month. en one one of the most disabling illnesses, eastern end of Red Wharf Bay. It it. October day Beth decided to take comparable to dementia and was cold at 12 degrees but they Simon Evans, chief executive a holistic approach to tackle her active psychosis. is illness had knew it would get colder over the of Migraine Action gives his e ‘Beast pain and embarked on a challenge no cure and treatments are only so next 100 days. ey stayed in the expert view. Migraine is the 5th to swim o the freezing cold North e ective. water for over an hour, swimming most disabling lifetime condition Wales coast for 100 days over win- Ocean loving Beth began looking and playing in the waves. Five in the UK. Chronic migraine is from ter. Snow, rain or shine there is lit- to the sea, a place she found very months on Beth and Andy still de ned as a minimum of een tle that can stop Beth from braving familiar. She read that physical take a dip in the seam despite headache days a month of which the East’ the icy Welsh waters everyday. Her activity in nature was known to the considerable drop in sea eight are migraine. It can come favourite places to swim from are aid people with a variety of health temperature. ey have the short, with visual disturbances, nausea, Returns Newborough and Lligwy beach. conditions. In 2009, Prof Michael sharp shock of immersion but can light and sound sensitivity and in Beth swims without a wetsuit, she Depledge and Dr William Bird, warm up and get dressed much some cases stroke-like symptoms. he Beast from the East - a takes only a swimsuit and a imsy from the European Centre of quicker a erwards. Sometimes While there is no direct evidence mass of very cold air from towel with her. A er a few minutes Enviromental Health, based out of she has brave friends join them that swimming in cold water can Siberia - is making its return Tto Britain this weekend. is time of entering the water, he whole the University of Exeter Medical but usually it’s just the two of them help relieve a migraine attack, the body tingles, numbs and goes red, School, proposed a notion called bobbing around in the sea, buzzing reported use of ice mixtures in it is expected to bring a shorter, but she is also bursting with adren- the “Blue Gym” - the idea being on adrenaline. pain relief in migraine goes back to sharper spell of cold weather. BBC aline. She describes it as the best used that the sea can be used as People thinks it is an odd way Victorian times. Various methods Wales forecaster Derek Brockway feeling on earth. Beth insists she is motivation to exercise outdoors to to combat migraines but Beth of cold and ice application have says it is possible that we will have doing this for health and healing, in uence health and well-being. has seen a dramatic change in been reported on in the medical more snow before the month is out though some tell her she has lost Studies show that regular contact the severity of her migraines. Her literature in recent decades with however, it is uncertain when and the plot. with natural environments help overall health has improved and a number of theories as to why where. Only last August was Beth reduce stress, increase physical she now has around 16 migraines they may work. An article in e diagnosed with chronic migraines activity and create stronger a month, nearly half the amount Journal of Headache and Pain in that were causing her to miss communities. People who live compared to when they were at 2015 reported good results using work. She was studying for 1km from the coast had much their peak, and the e ects weren’t intranasal cooling device to reduce a PHD in Marine Biology at better self-reported health than as debilitating. ey may last four pain. Many of the preventative Bangor University in May when those who lived inland. or ve hours as opposing to the treatments for migraine were she began having two or three Beth set herself the challenge entire day. Beth admits she can’t designed for other diseases and migraines a week lasting around to swim 100 days in the sea wholly attribute this improvement are o en not well tolerated, so we 6 hours at a time. Her migraines throughout the winter with to the ‘vitamin sea’, as she likes to are delighted that Beth had sound worsened through the Summer, her partner, Andrew Clark, 28. call it. But she doesn’t think she relief for her migraine, but we swelling to 28 attacks per month. ey committed to go whatever would have seen this improvement suspect it won’t be for everyone. ey would cause tremendous the weather, so long as it wasnt without taking on this challenge. pain and sensitivity towards light dangerous or dark, and would Andy and Beth are now two thirds 6 Seren | March Issue 2018 NEWS IN BRIEF Potentially lethal ares washed up on Anglesey beaches

s a result of the Holyhead Marina storm damage po- Hundreds gather as Bangor tentially lethal ares have washedA up on beaches. A are pack washed up on Trearddur Bay celebrates e Year of the Dog a er the marina was devastated by Storm Emma, more than 80 boats n a beautiful, sunny Confucius Institutes at Bangor a performance of Chinese song traditions of other cultures.” e were destroyed or badly damaged. Saturday a ernoon hun- University were joined by the pu- and dance. e Dean of Bangor festival was attended by many spe- HM Coastguards are now warning dreds gathered to watch pils of Our Lady’s school and per- Cathedral, Kathy Jones said: “ We cial guests such as the city mayor, anyone who comes across ares to OBangor’s annual dragon parade formers from London South Bank are delighted to be able to host Councillor Derek Hainge, Vice call 999 immediately. A spokes- through the city centre. e fes- University. e vibrant and colour- this fantastic community event in Chancellor of Bangor University man said: “It’s not unusual that tivities, which were organised by ful parade accompanied by danc- Bangor Cathedral this year. It’s a Professor John Hughes and local a er a period of bad weather you Bangor University’s Confucius ers and drummers wound its way great way to bring people together actress Angharad Rhodes, best may nd things washing up on Institute celebrated the 2018 down Bangor high street and end- in the cold winter months to learn known for her leading role in the beaches and this is certainly the Chinese Year of the Dog. e ed at the cathedral where there was more about the world and the Cbeebies television series Melody. case with the Holyhead Marina incident. “Remember that ordnance comes in many di erent shapes and sizes. “If you see something suspi- cious, including pyrotechnic or Sian Sykes makes epic voyage marine ares, don’t touch them, pick them up or take them home. Leave it where it is, take photos or make notes about its size, what it around Welsh coast looks like and where it is so the experts can decide if it’s safe or not. en call 999 and ask for the C o a s t g u ard .” Many boats sank during the storm earlier this month, with be- longings within the vessels being strewn out to sea. Services have also been grappling with pollution from polystyrene a er the incident. Former nightclub spots to be turned into start-up retail space ightclub Mirage, formerly known as ‘Joop’, closed in 2016 under the plans the buildingN would make room for small start-up retail space. Plans have now been submitted to cre- ian Sykes from Llangollen journey in two months. nally gone and is ready to begin promote Wales and alot of good ate eight retail units on the ground set o from Connah’s Quay “I’m raising money for Surfers the journey she has trained so hard causes. My daughter Elizabeth oor and ats on the rst and sec- on an epic 1000km voy- Against Sewage, North Wales for. used to swim for Wales and I will ond. e new shops are expected Sage to circumnavigate Wales on a Wildlife Trust and the RNLI. It is Her Starboard paddle board encourage her to take up paddle to improve the overall appearance stand-up paddle board. Sian aims also my goal to raise awareness of weighs 15kg without the 10 day ra- boarding.” and character of the area and bring to use inland rivers and canals to single use plastic marine litter and tions and spare clothing strapped You can follow Sian’s pro- an increase to the range of eco- board along the welsh border to the plastic pollution crisis.” to it. A local fan of Sian’s, Glyn gress on her Facebook page nomic activity in Bangor which the River Severn and open the sea Depending on the conditions, Hughes said “I’ve been a fan for a @SupAgainstSup and do- is desperately needed in this eco- at the Bristol Channel. On her 12- Sian hopes to cover around 35km while now and followed Sian on nate to her causes on www. nomic downturn. e local com- foot paddle board she is carrying per day. Although she is apprehen- Country le and when she pad- justgiving.com/fundraising/ munity should bene t from some enough supplies to last 10 days sive about the challenge, she is re- dled around Anglesey, It’s great to sian-sup-around-wales. new competition. but she hopes she can nish her lieved the Beast from the East has see her doing this trip and it will March Issue 2018 | Seren 7 NEWS IN BRIEF Electronic engineering student ree men arrested on suspicion launches new app ‘Hummit’ of ‘high-value’ shopli ing

hree men have been arrested a er a ‘high-value” shopli ing o ence at Bangor’s TMorrisons. e young men aged from 18-22 stole goods such as bottles of Moët & Chandon, Lanson champagne and expensive whiskey. e men were arrested a short while a er leaving the store when their car was stopped on the e’ve all had that tune came to Bangor University to with AWS (Amazon Web Services) app here. A55. All three men were arrested in our heads that we study a Masters in Electronic and Xamarin (a so ware platform Joey’s dissertation supervisor, on suspicion of shopli ing and re- can’t name. Well, Joey Engineering. He has now taught owned by Microso ).” Dr Maziar Nezhad at the School main in custody. WElliott, aged 22 from Oswestry, has himself the skills and techniques Hummit, which was released in of Electronic Engineering developed a mobile app to resolve required to develop mobile apps April last year, works by recording commented: “ e de ning feature that problem! His app lets users in his spare time. Joey would like a short audio sample, the recorded of this app is that it identi es Pilot escapes nd the names for those annoying to encourage anyone else with a sample can then be heard by all music through a crowd-sourcing tunes in their head such as the passion for making mobile apps to other users of the app, who can then approach. is can enable a unharmed title of a catchy song heard on the go forth with it. respond with answers. A erwards wider range of recognition radio and then later, you cannot He says: “Hummit only took the correct answer can be chosen, abilities compared to similar AI- a er light remember. Joey created the idea six months to build from scratch and points are rewarded, which based apps (such as Shazam and a er he found himself having this before it was ready to be released. determine your high score ranking. SoundHound), assuming that aircra recurring problem and is hoping Developing this project has also Hummit is available for download a su ciently large user base is to help others in similar situations. provided an abundance of valuable by everyone on Android, iOS and generated.” crashes on Joey, who is now in his nal year, skills for my CV, such as experience Windows. You can download the Anglesey

e aeroplane crash landed on Anglesey near a wind farm in University courses to be ranked Rhosybol near Amwlch Parys Mountain. Smoke could be seen coming from the plane which had landed in some trees at around gold, silver and bronze 3:45pm. Luckily the pilot escaped unharmed. It is not yet known egree courses will be e plans that will be piloted from student pupils, through e ective and not overly burden- what cause the pilot to make the rated for quality, deter- with 50 universities initially, builds student nance to tax records. some.” It added the independent emergency landing. mining value for money. on the new ranking system of uni- Experimental statistics compar- review of fees, to be held in the IndividualD subjects at Universities versities overall. Data from the ing universities have already been next year, would be important in will be graded gold silver and Teaching Excellence Framework published but to be credible they judging the success of the idea.7 bronze by a new tool in o cial (TEF) supports this new feature, will have to take a lot into account. e National Union of Students data on teaching quality. However, which combines a range of data One University might admit lot questions the depth of the in- students will not be able to choose on course teaching to arrive at the of students with high grades and formation covered by the grad- their courses until 2020, when the ranking. ere will also be infor- well of families who can sup- ing system.NUS vice-president tool goes live. Universities say the mation on which jobs students go port them through doing unpaid (higher education) Amatey Doku assessments of the subjects must on to, how much they earn and work experience when they leave. said: "Unfortunately the Teaching be e ective. e new system is part how many will drop out. A con- Another university may recruit Excellence Framework does little of the government's attempt to sultation on the way of the new more students from low income to measure teaching excellence and toughen up on universities which framework will operate is being families. Mayn universities recruit extending it to subject-level won't charge students nearly £30,000 launched and will last ten weeks. largely in their regions, and earn- solve the problem." e metrics Fancy writing for a three year degree and pay BBC Education Editor gives an ings are higher in the South East used tell us little about the quality their senior managers very high analysis: Most students choose a of England than the North West. of teaching but instead [it] opens salaries. University minister Sam uni course by attending open days So simple comparisons won't be the door for institutions to attempt for Seren News? Gyimah said “prospective students and sur ng the internet. By 2020 easy, but the information could to game their metrics rather than deserve to know which courses de- the government days information help some make a more informed drive continuous improvement of Contact Us: liver great teaching and great out- like dropout rates and graduate decision. their teaching practices. "With the comes and which ones are lagging earnings could allow comparisons A spokesperson for Universities promised independent review into behind. In the age of the student, between broadly similar courses UK said: “TEF will stand or fall TEF still under way, it is an irre- [email protected] universities will no longer be able at di erent universities. It will be by whether it can provide accu- sponsible move to make without to hide if their teaching quality is based on research by the Institute rate and meaningful information the recommendations from the not up to the world-class standard of Fiscal Studies and the University inform student choice. e as- review or the input of students' we expect.” of Cambridge linking information sessment of subjects needs to be voices." 8 Seren | March Issue 2018 POLITICS ITALIAN ELECTION CANDIDATES by KAYLEIGH LAVORNIA of the political parties in the election of the Five Star Movement, a contro- use of strong methods in doing so. election are pivotal in rede ning likely to have enough seats to govern versial and populist political party Many Italians who are supportive of Italian politics. Italy is Europe’s 3rd n the 5th of March 2018, citi- alone. Regardless, the platforms upon that began its movement only eight Salvini regard him as a fascist. largest economy, and their public debt zens from across Italy gath- which each prime minister candidate years ago, under popular comedian Silvio Berlusconi, also a former is roughly 130 percent of GDP, second ered at polling stations to elect ran on are concerning, creating a grave and blogger Beppe Grillo. Five Star prime minister of Italy, is most fa- only to Greece. More than 600,000 im- overO 900 members to its two houses concern for the Europe. sparked outrage against things such mously known for his ludicrous sexual migrants have migrated to Italy in the of parliament. Voting was also con- Matteo Renzi, former prime minister as high taxes, corrupt politicians and behavior. It is well documented that last four years, and is su ering from a ducted to determine the new prime of Italy, previously had to resign a er greedy businessmen. Maio has taken a Berlusconi hosted a number of sex surge in politically deceitful fake news. minister, with the candidates being a bold attempt to reform the country’s hardline stance against immigration, parties, and outwardly regarded wom- is election will be Italy’s 65th in just Matteo Renzi, Silvio Berlusconi, Luigi political structure. is has negatively and proposed lowering the number of en in a deeply inappropriate manner. over 70 years, and still has seen a rise di Maio, and Matteo Salvini. ese a ected his campaign trail due to a mandatory vaccinations for children. He le o ce a er being convicted of in protests turning violent, in addition candidates are representative of the surge of anti-establishment ideology Matteo Salvini, the far right candi- tax fraud in 2013, and technically was to a high number of politically moti- Democratic Party, Forza Italia, Five throughout the country, which can date in the election, outwardly links legally mandated not to engage in pub- vated violent crimes. is election is Star Movement, and Lega, respectively. be attributed to the government’s well immigration to drug dealing, rape, lic service until 2019. pivotal in determining Italy’s future, Preliminary results show the country documented corruption and gridlock. the and violence. Salvini has called Italy has seen political turmoil in and the Europe anxiously awaits a de- as being relatively divided, with none Luigi di Maio is running on behalf for a ‘mass cleaning’ of Italy, and the recent years, and the results of this nitive outcome. VENEZUELA ECONOMIC CRISIS by KAYLEIGH LAVORNIA hunger and crime becoming increas- ingly common. e Venezuelan Living enezuela, a country that rarely Conditions Survey found that nearly makes headline news, has been 75 percent of the population reported facing political and economic losing an average of 24 lbs in 2017. Vturmoil to an unprecedented extent According to the head of waste col- in recent years. e turmoil began lection in Maracaibo, 6 out of 10 gar- under the leadership of Hugo Chavez, bage cans had been looted by hungry the President of Venezuela from 1999 people. IN 2015, crime statistics report to 2013. Chavez was the leader of the 90 out of every 100,000 people were United Socialist Party of Venezuela murdered, and had the highest violent until 2012, a party that focused on en- crime rates out of any country, how- acting social reforms to ght poverty ever less than 2% of reported crimes and social disparity. Despite these po- were prosecuted. litical promises, Venezuela is now the ese statistics are appalling, and poorest economy in the world, with an pose an alarming question; how did unemployment rate of approximately Chavez and Maduro damage the wel- 18 percent. fare of their citizens to such an extent? To highlight the dire situation that e answer is political corruption, Venezuela is in, here are some shock- which is worldly regarded as being ex- ing statistics provided by a range tremely high and prevalent throughout of organizations. e Venezuelan Venezuelan society. According to the Construction Chamber estimated at Human Rights Watch World Report of the end of Chavez’ that approximately 2018, the government has “stacked the 3 million Venezuelans did not have courts with judges who make no pre- access to adequate housing, and the tense of independence”, repressed dis- situation has only worsened under the sent with “o en-violent crackdowns current leadership of Nicolas Maduro. on street protests, jailing opponents, In November 2017, the Economist es- and prosecuting civilians in military timated Venezuela’s debt at US $105 courts”, and “stripped power from the billion, the majority of that being pub- opposition-led legislature”. lic debt. As the situation in Venezuela contin- However, worst of all is the constant ues to worsen, it is important now more in ation, which climbed from 69% than ever to aid those most a ected; in 2014 to over 4000% in 2017. ese the innocent citizens of this country. conditions have created a dangerous To learn how to help, visit www.sunri- environment for native Venezuelans, sas.org for more information. with unprecedented spikes in Seren | March Issue 2018 9 SOCIETIES BANGOR MARROW Spotlights on, Are YOU the hero WE need? Cameras The year so far… rolling: a new Snowdon Walk

Last November during hero week we climbed a mountain Society in for Marrow! Teaming up with the Mountain Walking Society, we walked up Snowdon and raised a Action fantastic £505 for Anthony Nolan! We were then crowned the winner of Hero week by National Marrow!! (a HUGE achievement) Bangor Marrow at Snowdon’s summit last November

Donor Recruitment in Bar What we do Uno Bangor Marrow is a lifesaving society perfect for people who want to make a difference and do something significant whilst We also ran a donor at University! We work closely with the charity Anthony recruitment event in Bar Uno Nolan to raise awareness of the stem cell register, focusing on in November, recruiting an amazing 48 new potential life fundraising and signing up as many people as possible to the savers! #cheekyswab register. by ALECTUDOR content in the Welsh language as well, BOSNEAC and is looking for contributors. If you’re interested to find out more please like us on e show is expected to be 30 Valentine’s bake Facebook @Bangor Marrow or go to https:// angor University’s rst student minutes long. It will be performed sale Talk Show society is starting its with a live audience and recorded for www.anthonynolan.org rst production this month. the Internet. B e new society is producing a talk e Society has a Facebook group, On the 14th of February we show about student life around Bangor and welcomes anybody who wants to ran a bake sale in the Deiniol and is focused on promoting the be a member or collaborate. Library. Volunteers baked What’s next? creative capabilities of students. Committee members are having a start-up meeting with Undeb Bangor biscuits and cupcakes and Our next donor recruitment e show features original content in a comedic fashion, and also seeks to on the 7th of March, in order to nalise managed to fundraise a £112 event is on the 16th of March 12 pm- 6pm outside of the attract guests and societies in order for discussions and o cially establish the for Anthony Nolan! We were society. student union. If you’re interested in signing up to the stem them to promote themselves and raise also able to spread vital awareness of their projects. e rst session is expected to be held cell register and becoming a potential lifesaver I urge you to awareness of what Bangor Any society, club, and student is on the 14th of March. e location is come and say hello! welcome to participate on the show. to be announced. Marrow does. Collaborations can range from e idea behind the society was created by two undergraduates called The process takes 10 minutes tops, and just requires a cheek sketches, stand-ups, live performances, musical improvisations, short lms, to Alec-Tudor Bosneac and Kayleigh swab and a form containing your personal details. Medieval Re-enactments and verbal Lavornia, who felt that students could storytelling. use a form of televised media in order e Society also seeks to produce to showcase their projects or seek a new form of practicing media. BioSoc Tackle Bangors Plastic Problem tudents from the Bangor Elin Walker Jones from Bangor will #StrawFree Chester Campaign which University Biological Society be asking for the Council’s support to gained national TV coverage and com- have teamed-up with a leading call on the Welsh Government to take ment from Michael Gove, Secretary of environmentalS group Surfers Against action urgently to act on single use State for Environment. Sewage to make the city ‘plastic free’ plastics in Wales and consider rais- Dr Dunn says “By working with as part of the national Plastic Free ing a tax on all plastics to help ensure Surfers Against Sewage on this, Harry Coastlines project. we live in a healthy and prosperous and his team could be really making a e campaign, led by Harry Riley environment. di erence and I’m delighted to be sup- a third-year student at Bangor “As a Plaid Cymru Councillor, I take porting them. I’m currently trying to University, aims to pride in the fact that we are acting in- make Chester a plastic free city, along convince businesses and members of novatively in Wales and led the way the same lines, so it’s good to have the public to stop using certain types in charging for single use carrier bags some friendly rivalry to see who can of single-use plastics. before any other country in the United achieve it rst!” Explaining the importance of the Kingdom. is led to a 71% reduction Plastic Free Bangor will be present project, Mr Riley said: “Plastic pollu- in the use of plastic bags within the at the Bangor Science Festival Hidden tion is a huge environmental problem rst three years of the plan.” Worlds Exhibition on Saturday 10th that threatens marine life and other is campaign was inspired by March 10am-4pm. You can also nd animals around the globe. Bangor University lecturer Dr them on Twitter @plasticbangor and At Gwynedd Council, Councillor Christian Dunn’s very successful on Facebook @plasticfreebangor 10 Seren | March Issue 2018 COMMENT Why Women Deserve to have their voices heard ! So, it is with International Women’s day that we celebrate by ABI ROBINSON women’s empowerment as well as recognising the injustice the female gender still faces today. e theme for this year is ‘Press for Progress’, a strong call to er a long and chilly winter, we’ve nally reached the unite friends, colleagues and whole communities to think, act and month of March. e long-awaited month where we be gender inclusive. For me, International Women’s Day is about welcome Easter, Spring and Mother’s Day to name a few. celebrating the women we hold with profound respect; I’d like to A e icicles have melted, and we can feel the warmer weather on dedicate this day to my mother, grandma and sister who continue the horizon. As well as the named well known occasions, there is to inspire and motivate me daily. also another very important occasion we celebrate on March the Wherever you are in the world, I hope your International 8th, International Women’s Day. is is a day I don’t want to sail Women’s Day is lled with progress, opportunity and a by without giving it the recognition it deserves. It is very clear that more positive movement towards equality for both genders. in the year of 2018, we have taken a giant leap towards equality for all genders and orientations. However, this isn’t to say that we have reached the well anticipated destination. Sexism still exists in the world today, and there are many prejudices women across the globe still face on a day to day basis. In particular, the UK has one of the worst records on gender equality at work. On average, the full time working female earns ten thousand pounds less than the full time working male, with the gap widening further when part time work is taken in to account. So, this springs the debate: is it fair? In my opinion, it isn’t. Why should it be fair that two people with identical job roles have di erent paychecks due to the nature of their gender alone. I thought this was something that would have been le in the middle ages but apparently not; this is an existing battle women are still facing today. Let’s break those stereotypes! that I recently came across was about to wear a short dress then she can, if to break the judgementa; sterotypes by EMILY BROWN the actor Ariel Winter, who apparently a women wants to wear a low cut top people have placed! It’s time for woman had a ‘wardrobe malfunction’ due that is also completely ne! Women to empower and to be empowered! have recently started to get really to her low cut dress. In this day in have a choice to act and behave in angry at the articles on the popular age, all articles seem to be about any way that they want! Newspaper social networking app, Snapchat. how women dress inappropriately. articles should not be making money AI er I have scrolled through all my I thought this generation was about from criticising what women look Snapchat stories and replied to all my love and empowering women not like! As women, we should all love streaks, I then go onto look at the daily putting women down. I currently am each other and praise how we all look articles. I have started to notice that writing this article on international and reward each other’s di erences. It most of the stories are about the way Women’s Day and so I am feeling extra is important for us women to stand in women dress or how they act. A story empowered today! If a woman wants unity together, and to push each other Happy Holi from the Bangor Indian Society by SIMRAN PRASAD and the arrival of spring. e day is aims to convey. On the 6th of March, event: “To celebrate this festival outside hosted an actual colour event this used to meet up with friends, repair the Bangor Indian Society hosted an of India has a signi cant impact week. Students got to enjoy the festival relationships and to laugh and enjoy event in honour of Holi. e event towards everyone. What Bangor by participating in the event, and got a he Bangor Indian Society the thrilling parts of life together. is was held in Powis Hall located in Main Indian Society’s aims to do, is bring chance to douse each other in a variety recently celebrated the festival is celebrated by a ectionately playing Arts, and guests in attendance saw a back the culture and remembrance of colour powders. Keep an eye out on of colours and as expected, with coloured powder, dousing each variety of events! From indian classical of every big festival that is celebrated the Bangor Indian Society Facebook Tit was an event that incited a lot other in water or throwing coloured dances, acoustic covers of popular across India and that even though page for exciting updates regarding the of excitement! Holi, the festival of powder on each other. e aim of this bollywood songs, and a few Bollywood we’re far away from home, India will event, and others similar to this in the colours, is a traditional hindu festival spring festival is to set a positive tone dances, the event was celebrated in all always be close to our heart and we do future. Happy Holi to all the Indians of that marks the celebration of many for the rest of the year, and to bring its grandeur. Bangor Indian Society’s that by gathering everyone together Bangor! Hope the festivities away from things. It signi es the triumph of in the spring season, which ties into Chairman Sahil Bathija had a few for nights like these!” e festivities home are just as memorable. good over evil, the end of winter the colours and positive vibes Holi words to say regarding the exciting are only getting started. e Society

Photography by Anna Henshcel and Syed Aslam March Issue 2018 | Seren 11 COMMENT Funny truths about being a Student at Bangor University one of the rst things that you hear able to t inside because the amounts or Academi but then you realise that You and your friends decide to go for by EMILY BROWN about is the dreaded ‘Bitch Hill’. You of people. you must walk back…there is no a walk on a sunny day, you make your think It can’t be that bad until you other option but to conquer Bitch Hill. way to the pier. You soon learn that the experience it for the rst time. It 4) Mikes Bites is the best way to Pontio is closed at 4 am! pier has its own climate and the wind 1) Having to explain to people never gets better, and I’ve walked up it cure a hangover nearly blows you o ! where Bangor University is:: Okay so everyday for seven months. A er a heavy night on the sesh or 6) College road is the basis to all Bangor may not be the world’s most even a er an ‘all-nighter’ there is no directions 8) Knowing how to pronounce popular university but having to 3) Pontio li is a god send better cure than a greasy fry up at So people want to get directions from where you live. explain to every person who doesn’t (Except when everyone jumps on the Mikes Bite’s. ey even do a veggie you to get around Bangor. e only Okay so people who live in live in Wales where it is can start to get bandwagon) option! street you know is College Road. It's Ffriddoedd halls know the di culty of annoying. So you soon learn about the li like the yellow brick road of Wales! trying to pronounce this tricky word. in Pontio which takes you from the 5) e walk back from the When people ask which halls I live 2) Learning why Bitch Hill is called bottom of bitch hill to college road. nightclub makes you regret going in 7) Going for a nice walk to the Pier in… it’s easier to just say Fridd. Bitch hill However, getting the li seems tricky the rst place. but nearly being thrown o because of When I rst started university here, when it takes a good half an hour to be You’ve had a brilliant night in Cube the wind.

Can Chicken Nuggets Give You Cancer? by ABI ROBINSON learn what the true ingredients are of and acidity. It reduces levels of when they visit their local fast food a salad over a box of 20. a McDonald’s chicken nugget. ree carcinogen acrylamide in French restaurant. ere are numerous other As for me, I believe if a healthy important ingredients are: fries which prevents discolouration establishments that stand to lose out balanced diet is maintained, an his week scientists revealed that TBHQ is typically something that is in potatoes and sugar syrups. So, with due to this recent discovery. Popular occasional treat of a fast food chicken nuggets are linked to added to foods to keep them preserved these three main ingredients that all fast-food restaurants such as Chick- meal would do no severe harm. causing cancer. Which poses and fresh. e associated health provide an increase in health risk, it l-A, KFC, etc. stand to lose out too, Chicken Nuggets tend to be guilty Tthe question: with this knowledge, risks discovered when TBHQ was does point more evidence towards the due to speculation that many chicken pleasure when it comes to a lot of us would we change our diet based on tested on rats were liver enlargement, already existing facts that McDonald’s fast-food options jave a variety of students, especially a er a night out! this newly-found scienti c research? convulsions and medullary paralysis. chicken nuggets do have a relation to hormones injected into them, most not All said and done, it would be a It comes as no surprise that processed Hydrogenated Soybean Oil increases the development of some cancers. necessarily classed as safe to consume. tremendous sacri ce on my part when food has a direct link to ill health, bad cholesterol, in ammation and Whether or not the newly released at’s not to say that scientists are it comes to saying goodbye to Chicken however, for those of us who are hardening of arterial walls, being research will decrease the sales in 100% sure that the evidence they have Nuggets, so I think it maybe best to chicken nugget lovers like myself, strongly linked to cardiovascular McDonald’s chicken nuggets is a accumulated is true, there are still hold onto them for a little longer, would we be willing to cut out a disease and on top of all that increases question that cannot be answered doubts that there is a direct correlation maybe not have them as o en as I’d like! favourite treat to ensure that we are the risk of a heart attack and overall without future statistics, however I between chicken nuggets and cancer. in tune with good health? With this death. Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate do believe this will initiate people to is information alone could also be new information, it is intriguing to are added to soda for their colouring review their diets and meal choices enough for people to dismiss ordering 12 March Issue 2018 | Seren

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www.StudentHousingSurvey.co.uk Seren | March Issue 2018 13 SCIENCE Colony of 1.5 Million Adelie ousands of Penguins Discovered in Star sh Wash Up Antarctica on British Beaches

huge mega-colony of 1.5 is a good sign for the species. As in Area (MPA). The MPA will be ve n the 3rd March, thousands of rare to see it happen on such an epic million Adelie penguins has contrast colonies of Adelie penguins times the size of Germany, and star sh, sh and sea urchins scale. Abeen discovered near the on the western side of the Antarctic will ban all shing in a vast area Owashed up on a beach in The most likely cause of why this Antarctic Peninsula, with researchers Peninsula have recently been in of the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Ramsgate, and were said to have mass stranding has happened is the counting up to 751,527 mating pairs. decline. Peninsula, safeguarding killer whales blanketed many other beaches upon bitterly cold weather that the UK It is located on the Danger Islands Fortunately, further protection and leopard seals. It already has the the South Coast of England. Also, The recently experienced, due to the so in the Weddell Sea, on the eastern may be given to colonies of Adelie support of many countries, and the Marine Conservation Society have called ‘Beast from the East’, which side of the Antarctic Peninsula. penguins on either side of the proposal will go before a conference reported that hundreds of lobsters, brought snow and ice from the East Satellite images going back to 1959 Peninsula, because of a proposed of Antarctic nations in October. clams, bryozoans, anemones and last week. This, combined with heavy have shown that the colony has Antarctic reserve known as the star sh have been washed up seas stirred up by Storm Emma, has been stable since that point, which Weddell Sea Marine Protected on a beach in East Yorkshire. It is led to many star sh washing up considered one of the biggest mass on UK beaches. However, it should strandings of any marine life in the be noted that, whilst thousands of UK since records began. Although, star sh have perished, their numbers star sh and other marine life will soon rebound due to their habit Baby Bird Fossil Shows How washing up on beaches throughout of breeding on an epic scale. Ancient Birds Developed the UK is a common occurrence, it is Signals of the First Stars Detected

project called EDGES may University – the co-author of the have detected the signals of presenting the results in the journal ne hundred and twenty- enantiornithes do exist. and allowing them to examine it Athe rst stars to ever form, only Nature – and his team have been seven million years ago, a One such fossil of a baby in minute detail. The researchers one and eight million years after the analysing the signal to rule out any sub-class of birds known enantiornithes was discovered published their ndings in Nature Big Bang. These signals, which were other possibilities of what it could O created when the rst absorbed be. If the signal stands up to scrutiny as enantiornithes soared through several years ago in Las Hoyas – a Communications, noting that by the skies. This sub-class of birds has paleontological site in Spain – and studying the bone development it background radiation and caused and is veri ed, then it could open up no living descendants, as modern has recently been the subject of could give insight into bird evolution their hydrogen atoms to emit radio new lines of enquiry in cosmology, birds evolved from a group of small analysis by an international team and that this young specimen was wave signals, were picked up by a whilst at the same time disproving carnivorous dinosaurs known as of researchers. The team used a unable to y. small antenna located in Western and approving many theories about maniraptoran theropods. However, synchotron to examine the fossil, Australia in 2015. For the last two how the universe began. parallels between modern birds and by shining a bright light on it, years Judd Bowman of Arizona State 14 Seren | March Issue 2018 ENVIRONMENT

WORLD WILDLIFE DAY Please read on to nd out how to serious about wildlife crime”. perils of humankind. Human activities ere are many ways people can get By ANNA BOSWELL honour this important day. World Wildlife Day is the most are depleting big cat habitats and prey involved and help. World wildlife day, Each year world wildlife day has a important annual event dedicated stocks and along with poaching and gives big cats a chance, and will help he United Nations General di erent theme. e 2017 theme was to wildlife. World Wildlife Day will illegal trade are causing population gain attention for people to get more Assembly declared World “Listen to the young voices”. be celebrated in 2018 with a special declines at devastating rates. involved and all come together to Wildlife Day a day to celebrate e 2016 theme was “ e future of dedication to “Big cats: predators We have been losing big cats over ensure big cats are around for future Tand raise awareness of the world’s wild wildlife is in our hands”, with a sub- under threat”. the last 100 years, at devastating rates. generations. animals and plants. And this special theme “ e future of elephants is in Big Cats, are loved all over the world World Wildlife Day gives people a day has been declared, 3rd March. our hands”. by many people, who admire them, but chance to raise this awareness and e 2015 theme was “It’s time to get today they are facing many threats at educate people all over the world. JAGUARS KILLED FOR FANGS TO SUPPLY GROWING CHINESE MEDICINE TRADE key stimulants of illicit trade in the organs. Unfortunately, wildlife trade By HANNAH skins, bones and horns of endangered is growing, and is threatening the LIMBERGER animals. extinction of many species worldwide. Once roaming across the southern US, central America and South aguar numbers are dwindling America, their populations are now and now conservationists have vastly contracted due to deforestation uncovered a growing illegal and persecution from farmers, but it is Want to marketJ in jaguar fangs for the Chinese the growing global threat posed by the medicine trade. Particular concern is illegal wildlife trade which is worrying in South America, where 100 jaguars conservationists more. Bones, horns write for have been killed for body parts to and skin are all valued by traditional supply Chinese medicine in less than medicine, traders will kill the animal Seren? a year. and take the parts that they require to e Chinese medicine trade has just dispose the rest of the body. Contact me on facebook: been linked to Chinese construction e trade for jaguar fangs is thought @serenenvironment projects which are adding a great to have increased as Tigers – who are global threat to wildlife. Experts say prized by practitioners of Chinese Submissions email: major Chinese power plant, road and medicine – are becoming scarcer, [email protected]. rail works in developing nations are opening up markets for other big cat ac.uk HOW THE RETURN OF PINE MARTENS COULD SAVE BRITAIN’S RED SQUIRRELS essentially extinct still in England. squirrels have no natural predators By HANNAH e late 1900’s nally brought legal like the pine martens, making them LIMBERGER protection to prevent them being killed naïve to their presence and easy prey for fur and as predators of poultry and compared to the cautious reds. e ts popular knowledge how the game birds, and now their numbers research showed that areas with pine invasion of grey squirrels from the are slowly starting to grow. Majority marten populations caused de nite US has decimated the UKs native of the remaining pine martens are in declines of grey squirrel numbers. redI squirrels, once thriving with 3.5 Scotland however there are recent Whilst it will still take time to red squirrels across the UK, the greys detections of them along the English reintroduce and build pine marten have le just around 250,000 mostly border and Wales reintroduction numbers, this is great news for our located in Scotland. Larger greys not programs are in motion. native squirrels. Pine martens may be only outcompete their smaller cousins Recent research has looked at the the best long-term solution to control they also carry a pox virus which is relationship between red and grey grey squirrels, and help save the reds as deadly to reds. squirrels and pine martens, nding well as helping the whole ecosystem by Pine marten numbers have also been that unlike the native reds, grey bringing back these native predators. drastically reduced in the past and are

March Issue 2018 | Seren 15 ENVIRONMENT

CRAFTING CLEANER

about two hours at eachCOASTS beach with subsequently leads it to the ocean. cleaning volunteers are helping other who takes photos of marine plastic By HANNAH help from the North Wales Wildlife Subsequently, it provides a big threat cleaning activists ght against waste debris to help raise awareness about LIMBERGER Trust and Keep Wales Tidy. to marine life and coastal birds. Ocean pollution. Get in touch with Bangor’s plastic pollution, whilst highlighting e cra ing cleaner coasts beach currents spit out vast amounts of litter beach cleaning society to get involved the harmful e ect on marine life and ast month two Bangor University clean not only cleaned two beaches and plastic pollution to nearby beaches for a worthy cause! ultimately ourselves. Her photography students Frederick Walters and of litter, it also raised awareness of the and coasts, 90% of the litter found e majority of the litter collected is outstanding and has received global Jack Whittle organised a beach problem of marine litter and marine on beaches is plastic, contributed by by cra ing cleaner coasts volunteers recognition. Lclean with volunteers from Bangor’s plastic. tourists who leave litter behind. was le for the council to collect and Jack and Frederick did a great Marine Mammal society, BioSoc, About 80% of rubbish in our Worryingly, the rubbish washing up recycle, but some was taken back to job organising such a worthwhile Cra society, Endeavour, Wetlands oceans comes from land, poor waste on the UK’s beaches is rising, with Bangor to be washed and made into event and I am proud to be part of a society and Bangor University Guides management and recycling practices a 10% increase of beach litter being artwork by the Bangor Cra Society. University which does great work to and Scouts. ey cleaned two beaches which allow rubbish to be carried to found in 2017. us, showing the need An idea which Jack and Frederick help save our oceans! See the Photos Criccieth and Dinas dinlle, spending nearby waterways and rivers which for beach cleaning. Bangor’s beach got Mandy Barker involved; an artist below to see how their day went. 16 MARCH ISSUE 2018 | SEREN ARTS & CULTURE REVIEW: HAMILTON THE MUSICAL “Who tells your story?”

by MEG RICHARDS due to Hamilton writing himself out Meanwhile, vice- president Burr is with me to see the musical agreed King to show the audience how Hamilton’s of, and into situations with the same consistently shown in black, to signify George stole most of the scenes he was sex scandal a ected both Hamilton ast month, I got a chance to be ease. his guilt, and present him as the man in. and the United States. However, the in the room where it happens e set design was minimalist; only who eventually killed Hamilton. While ere were many interesting chaos does feel a little out of place, and see Hamilton: An American a platform with a wooden railing set the lighting and sound e ects are used directing choices made in the play, considering it is surrounded by two of LMusical live in London. is is around the back and sides of the stage, e ectively during the revolution based most notable the bullet that shoots the most emotional and heartbreaking something I have waited patiently to which was used by the characters to rst act, they are used to a greater at Hamilton being visualised by a songs in the musical, giving the see for two years. Am I satis ed a er look in on Hamilton’s life and was e ect in the second act. person’s nger as they walk across the audience emotional whiplash. having to wait for it for two years? Yes! reminiscent of a dock, reminding the While all of the actors performed stage. Also, characters who are not in Overall, I really, really enjoyed Before continuing, I should mention audience of Hamilton’s immigrant spectacularly, I was particularly particular scenes will watch the action Hamilton because the story is so Hamilton tells the story of the First status. e rest of the props were impressed with Rachelle Ann Go, Cleve on stage from the aforementioned inspiring and captivating. For the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander brought on and o as scenes required, September and Jason Pennycooke, platforms, reminding the audience most part the cast were brilliant, and Hamilton from shortly before his with the temporary furniture props who played Eliza Hamilton, John of the motive that history has its eyes the directing, lyrics and set design rise up to being one of Washington’s reminding audiences subconsciously Laurens/ Philip Hamilton and Marquis on the characters, and that these were interesting and full of double aide de camps during the American that Hamilton appeared to be at the de Lafayette/ omas Je erson. e historical people will have no say in meanings. It is also unusual in matter Revolution to his fall from popularity centre of a hurricane. e costume chemistry between the cast was also how their stories are told a er they and song choices and appealed to my and power, to his subsequent death designs were also good, with the more very well developed, especially in are dead. One of the best scenes in the fascination for US history. I would a er the infamous duel with Aaron ery or sexualised characters in red, consideration to the actors who played musical is e Reynold’s Pamphlet, 100% recommend the soundtrack or Burr. e musical’s primary genre and the most innocent characters, Hamilton and Burr. Initially I wasn’t which my aforementioned friend book to anyone who wants to listen to of music is rap and hip hop, as the such as Eliza, in blue. When he is keen on Giles Terera’s performance as called ‘Hamilton’s fever dream’ and has it. If you haven’t please go, you won’t show’s creator Lin-Manuel Miranda not in military uniform, Hamilton is Burr, it de nitely grew on me during a particularly amazing moment where want to say no to this musical. identi ed Hamilton’s story as one that mostly shown in green, the colour of the second act. Overall the entire cast King George comes on stage and makes can only be told via hip hop. is was money, to connect with his job as the was very engaging to watch, however, it rain pamphlets on Hamilton. is rst person in charge of the US bank. both myself and the friend who came feverous chaos is a brilliant visual way SEREN | MARCH ISSUE 2018 17 ARTS & CULTURE SARAH MILLICAN: CONTROL ENTHUSIAST

n 23rd February, North Wales genuine comedic genius. some point in our lives will have to admitted to her own struggles with health manifests itself. Lastly, it welcomed Sarah Millican; A simple set design was all that was face. Marriage, periods, travel and low self esteem and anxiety. Presence displayed how di erently the coping award-winning comedian present on stage; a little table and a experiences with low self esteem and of a common, stigmatised issue, is a mechanisms that we use present intoO Venue Cymru. microphone stand. is was all that anxiety. Sitting there, I couldn’t relate notable motif within comedy and in themselves. As a fan of her work for many years, was needed for Millican to proudly to all the content. I’m a 21 year old the arts and culture sphere generally. e presence of a serious message I knew what to expect based on her announce that she had the lurgy and student unable to nd a matching It also showed the audience a few in the arts demonstrates a level of many appearances on TV shows such an awkwardly placed sanitary towel. pair of socks every day, need I say things. Firstly, it helped break down normality between the performer as Never Mind e Buzzcocks, 8 Out e general tone to the evening as anymore? the stigma surrounding mental health and the audience. And the genuine Of 10 Cats and Have I Got New For I expected from the title (and a er Whilst the general tone of the by spotlighting it. Secondly, the use honesty behind the comedy shows You... the list goes on and on. I knew a sneak peek at the book that came evening was lighthearted, undertones of humour to describe experiences just how talented Millican is. for a fact that I was throwing myself along with the tour) was to discuss of a more serious topic radiated of living with mental health issues into an evening of raw honesty and some of the things that we all, at through. Millican has openly displayed just how di erently mental SEREN’S STAR OF THE MONTH SARAH LANCASHIRE he beauty of being a sub-editor students with her abilities as a drama personal favourites ‘Happy Valley,’ conviction and passion, which is for Seren means that if I fancy teacher at the University of Salford. ‘Last Tango in Halifax’ and most undeniable for us all to see. Some of it, I have the privilege of writing Her presence on the big screen started recently ‘Kiri.’ When comparing the her TV breakdowns are very powerful Tan article about whatever I wish. So, in Corrie as Raquel and since then roles that Lancashire plays, it displays and very convincing. But, that is time to bend the rules here. In light her career has gone from strength the versatility she has as an actress. partly due to her being able to relate of International Women’s day that to strength, where at one point she But what I really love to see is how some of her own experiences with her took place earlier on in the month, I was the UK’s highest paid television she completely dominates the screen acting. It is also important for me to decided it was only right to dedicate actress. In her career, it has been safe or stage; from the Northern Sergeant point out that Lancashire has taken part of my section to my favourite to say that her versatility in roles taking the law into her own hands steps in breaking down the stigma ever female star to see on screen and has enabled her to pick up a fair few in ‘Happy Valley,’ to conservative surrounding mental health, by openly stage, Sarah Lancashire. You could say awards along the way, such as winning Lesbian in ‘Last Tango in Halifax.’ speaking how a breakdown really that this belongs in a TV section. But, two British Academy Television Most strikingly, her role and story interfered with her career. (It seems talking about my favourite actress in Awards (out of ve nominations) and line in ‘Last Tango in Halifax’ is that mental health and Sarah’s are a an arts and culture section is surely just a casual OBE in 2017. more of a subplot to that of Anne common theme in this month’s Arts tting too? For those of us who were too young Reid and Derek Jakobi, yet it was so and Culture Section). is is why she e lovable Northern lass comes to remember (or be a living and powerful that for me and many other is my favourite star of all time (I know from Oldham, and started out at breathing human being with eyes) in Lancashire fans out there, were more I have said that about others, I have one of the most well-established the Corrie days, our rst experiences drawn to that than the main plot. lots of favourites, but she is de nitely and well- regarded drama schools, of Sarah Lancashire are probably It is safe to say, that Sarah my favourite out of the favourites). the Guildhall school of Music and from some nitty gritty TV Dramas Lancashire throws herself into any Drama. Lancashire also blessed many such as ‘Lark Rise to Candleford’ and role, and does so with nothing put 18 March Issue 2018 | Seren UNION THE STUDENTLED TEACHING AND COURSE REP AWARDS

he Student-Led Teaching Awards are back! A er the success of last year’s awards the Students’ Union, together with the University will be holding the Student-Led Teaching Awards 2017–18 on Friday 20th April. Also, the Course Rep awrds will be held on the same night with the nominations for both sets of awards below: T Li Tang Law Philosophy and Religion Teacher of the Year Marcel Clusa International Education Center Law Dei Huws Ocean Sciences Music Dylan Jones Medical Sciences Student Engagement Award SENRGy Edward Shiu Business Anne Marie Smith Education Cymraeg e Student-Led Fay Short Psychology Jenny Byast Medical Sciences John Owen Law Mandy Jones Hann Head of Student Engagement Student Choice Award Martin Austin Ocean Sciences Rob Samuel Democracy and Representation Coordinator Wiktoria Moskwa Creative Studies and Media Lucy Huskinson Philosophy and Religion Martin Jones History and Archaeology Lisa Blower Creative Writing Teaching Awards Award for Outstanding Pastoral Olivia Young Music Sian Beidas Modern Languages Abdullah aldahasi Business Support Mandy Davidson SENRGy New Teacher of the Year Caroline Bowman Psychology Hannah Parry Philosophy and Religion Andrew Walker Mental Health Nursing Fliss Ky n Education Emma Wilson SENRGy Alyson Moyes Medical Sciences Nia Gri ths Psychology Olivia Fletcher Education Josh Andrews Philosophy and Religion Sarah Cooper Linguistics Stephen Prydderch Healthcare Sciences Simon Willcock Environmental Geography Special Recognition Award Staff Choice Award Ian Harris Research Farm Manager James Dixon Healthcare Sciences Postgraduate Teacher of the Year Karen Pollock History and Archaeology So a Tartaglia Education Rebecca Jones Environment Teresa Crew Social Sciences Errol Grant Business Cameron Gray Computer Science Sarah Pogoda Modern Languages Eleanor Baker Modern Languages and Cultures David Beck Social Sciences andi Gilder Center for Mindfulness Gretta Bunn Psychology Leanne Rowlands Psychology Olivia Young Music Zoe Lucock Psychology Welsh-Medium Education Award Aled Davies Medical Sciences Owen Davies Education Awel Vaughan-Evans Psychology Gareth Evans Jones Philosophy and Religion VP Award Support Staff / Team of the Year Award Nia Williams Education Natalie Evans Healthcare Sciences Eleri Jones Sport Errol Grant Business Clare Brass Employability So a Tartaglia Education Gwenda Blackmore Student Services Katie Tew English Literature Alison Evans School of Environment Secretary Dissertation / Thesis Supervisor of the Mandy Davidson SENRGy Adrienne Hebenstreit School of Social Sciences Administrator Year Simon Gates Business Unsung Hero Award Lucy Huskinson Philosophy and Religion Katie Medlin Biological Sciences Oliver Turnbull Psychology Gareth Williams Ocean Sciences Paul Mullins Psychology Ede & Ravenscroft Innovation Award Rebecca Jones Environment Yueng-Djern Lenn Ocean Sciences Richard Dallison Geography David Markland Sport (£1000) Ei ona Lane Environmental Management Paige Dixon History and Archaeology International Award Martin Jones History and Archaeology Alan Edwards International Education Center School of the Year Errol Grant Business March Issue 2018 | Seren 19 UNION NUS Wales Liberation Conference Elections 2018

ach year Undeb Bangor NUS Liberation Conferences; NUS Wales Welsh Language undebbangor.com/elections between sends an elected delegation NUS Wales Womens Students Students Conference - Monday 21/03/18 at09:00 and 23/03/18 at of students to NUS Wales NUS Wales LGBT+ Students Conference - Tuesday 24 April- 23 April- Llandrindod Wells midday. If you want to nominate LiberationE Conferences. is gives you Conference - Wednesday 25 Llandrindod Wells yourself for any of the conferences you the opportunity to attend a national April- Llandrindod Wells NUS Trans Conference – can put yourself forward online now conference and represent Bangor (TBC) NUS Wales Black Students 30th April – 1 May 2018 in at www.undebbangor.com/elections Students on a national level. Conference - 11 May 2018 at Manchester until 16/03/18. Nominations are coming up for NUS Wales Disabled Students e Bradford Hotel, Bradford Any questions please email students who want to be part of Undeb Conference - 1 May 2018 at (TBC) Elections for these delegate positions [email protected] Bangor’s delegation for the following Holiday Inn Manchester (TBC) will take place online at www. e WhatUni.com UNDEB AGM Student Choice Awards angor University have been ∙ Clubs & Societies ank you very much for all Bangor shortlisted for 8 out of the 12 ∙ Courses & Lecturers Students for the continued support Awards in this year’s WhatUni. ∙ Giving Back and for giving us such great reviews. Bcom Student Choice Awards 2018. ∙ International We are really proud of all our clubs ∙ Job Prospects and societies, and we’re proud to be a e categories that we’ve been ∙ Student Support union for a university that can provide shortlisted for include; ∙ Overall University of the Year such great education and student life ∙ Accommodation for our students. Societies & Volunteering

Dinner he Undeb Bangor Annual want the Union to do in the future and General Meeting will be taking to have your say on any fundamental oin us for a night to get dressed up the 3rd of May, online on UndebBan- nations to be on the panel to select place on ursday 22nd March structural changes to your Students’ and celebrate all of your successes gor.com. Tickets will include a three- the awards winners and to nominate Tat 18:30 in Pontio PL2. is is your Union. and catch up with your fellow so- course meal and a welcome drink. As awards winners will open so, so keep chance to hear what Undeb Bangor cietyJ members and volunteers. Tick- per tradition, awards will be presented an eye out on the Undeb Bangor Face- and your Student O cers have been For more information on the AGM ets are now available for the Societies for achievements within the volun- book page! doing, hold the elected o cers to please visit www.undebbangor.com/ and Volunteering Dinner at PJ Hall on teering projects and societies. Nomi- account, pass policy, tell us what you gm 20 Seren | March Issue 2018 UNION 2018-19 SABB TEAM ELECTED “I know there are clear problems and support students in any way I can. I this years elections which will see the students’ union and are supported by By EMMA JEWKES issues that will need to be resolved and will be very visible around the Univer- new UNDEB team take up their new the members of sta . e Sabbatical sorted out, and I know that I will not sity, and will speak with students on a roles in June. Once elected a sabbatical O cers are the face and voice of the ollowing a competitive have all the answers - which is why I regular basis - my door will always be o cer will stand for 1 year and are Students’ Union and once they start campaigning period, the look forward to getting in touch with open! I’m particularly keen to organise eligible to run again for 1 year. e in their role, students should feel Sabbatical election results were those who are most familiar with these a sexual harassment campaign - it’s a Education Act 1994 does not permit comfortable to seek advice or ask for announcedF on 2nd March. Due to bad challenges to advise me on the matter.” serious issue that I want to raise more anyone to stand for longer than two help from the Sabbatical O cers. weather and the subsequent closure Despite running against the popular awareness about.” years. e Sabbatical O cers are of the university buildings, including Tatenda, Louise Fell managed to beat All together, 1,464 students voted in responsible for the direction of the Pontio, the results were announced him by 130 votes in the rst round of online. voting. She said: “During my four years e ve positions up for grabs at Bangor, Sport has played a massive were the UNDEB President, VP part in my life, so I am delighted that by for Education, VP for Societies and being elected as the VP Sport 2018/19, Volunteering, VP for Sport and I’ll have the opportunity to give back UMCB President. Out of the ve into a community that has formed previous Sabbatical o cers, two were most of my student experience. re-running for their positions of “In the next year I hope to increase UNDEB President and VP for Sport Bangor University’s BUCS League respectively. ranking through improving the A er a tense voting period the coaching provisions throughout the winners were announced via the AU. I also look to introduce a new UNDEB social media platforms with campaign regarding Men’s Mental Ruth Plant winning a second term Health, something I personally think as UNDEB President, Mark Barrow needs to be spoken about more taking VP for Education, Muhammed throughout the student population.” Firdaus winning VP for Societies Following Helen Marchants and Education, Louise Fell beating completion of the maximum two years incumbent Tatenda Shonhiwa to VP in the VP for Education role, Mark for Sport and Gethin Morgan taking Barrow ran a successful campaign the UMCB President post. against Stephanie Booth, beating her Speaking a er his victory, by 453 votes. He said: “I’m delighted to Muhammed Firdaus said: “I’m truly have been elected to serve as your next grateful to all those who voted for me, VP for Education. From left to right: Muhammed Firdaus (VP for Societies and Volunteering), supported me and helped me both in “I’d like to thank all the people who Ruth Plant (UNDEB President), Louise Fell (VP for Sport), Mark Barrow (VP for my campaign and in my time here in voted for me, and I look forward to Bangor. repaying your trust. Next year, I aim to Education), Gethin Morgan (UMCB President)

Colorama Bendith Plu Nos Sadwrn 14 Ebrill, 8pm Clwb Comedi Comedy Club Saturday Nos Iau Thursday 14 April, 8pm Nos Wener 23 Mawrth, 7.30pm 22 Mawrth, 8pm 22 March, 8pm Friday 23 March, 7.30pm Theatr Bryn Terfel Stiwdio Studio Theatr Bryn Terfel £14/£12 myfyrwyr a dan 18, Gig Eistedd £8.50 myfyrwyr £8.50 students £10/£7 gostyngiadau | concessions £14/£12 students and under 18, Sit-down gig

Shappi Khorsandi: Sinema Cinema Terra Firma 7 diwrnod yr wythnos 7 days a week Nos Fawrth 24 Ebril, 7.30pm Mistress and Misfit 70 dangosiad y mis 70 showings a month Tuesday 24 April, 7.30pm Nos Sadwrn Theatr Bryn Terfel 28 Ebrill, 8pm £14/£12 gostyngiadau | concessions Saturday 28 April, 8pm Myfyrwyr £5.50 Theatr Bryn Terfel Students £15/£13 gostyngiadau | concessions

Pontio Seren 259x170mm Mawrth 18.indd 1 12/03/18 09:26 March Issue 2018 | Seren 21 THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CAME TO 90’S NIGHT - IF YOU DIDN’T, HERE’S WHAT YOU MISSED...

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR 22 March Issue 2018 | Seren FILM Neill Blomkamp: The Unsung Sci-Fi Great

Images LEFT TO RIGHT OF NEILL Blomkamp’s (left) work; District 9 (2009), Elysium (2013) & Chappie (2015) all look beyond their Sci-Fi nature, holding real world values. By ARRON WILLIAMS cle. I did some research and actively other lms in the genre? I believe it as I previously mentioned. and well delivered, the props are re- eill Blomkamp is one of those went and asked various people rst to be that they put ‘story over specta- However, Neill Blomkamp has alistic and the CGI isn’t done in a hap- directors that people don’t re- if they knew of Neil Blomkamp, to cle’. The other big and awe-inspiring strayed from creating cinematic re- hazard manner. However, the lms Nally know the name of. People which the majority of people an- lms of the sci- genre such as Star leases and started his own short lm still lack spectacle and instead, focus are aware of his works, but unlike swered ‘no’. But when I mentioned Wars, Star Trek and the Marvel Films company called Oats Studios, where on the characters and environment. household names such as Christo- or asked if they knew District 9, they are all to do with spectacle. They he is at the forefront of production For example, the start of Zygote is pher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino, were immediately aware of it. Which have large, tense action sequences, and creation of the lms. The stu- two characters talking, and it is as if no one really talks about him. It is made me wonder; just why is he so vast set pieces, relying very heavily dio releases a lot of sci- short lms the conversation is mid-way through. safe to say that he has successfully unknown? His other major lms be- on wonder and a lot of the time, com- throughout the year, some of which You learn what is going on from the kept under the radar. Now, don’t ing Elysium (2013), which, despite edy. They don’t really focus on the in- are in a series and others are stand discussion and learn of the world, but worry if you aren’t aware of who he a decent marketing campaign, got teraction with the environment and alone. For example, Zygote (2017) is without them directly mentioning is; Neill Blomkamp is a South African swept under other big releases and social aspects. But Neill Blomkamp’s short horror lm about a remote min- it as the conversation ts between sci- lm director who has only had Chappie (2015) received mixed re- works seem to focus very speci cally ing base where a monster has taken the two characters present in the three major cinema lm releases. views and ended up fading into ob- on human attributes and responses. over, ADAM (2017) is a series of short world of the lm. The quality of the However, he is an incredibly active scurity. However, despite talks about For example, District 9 isn’t about lms rendered entirely in the Unity lms does vary between each one, short- lm director, but I will get onto District 9, both Elysium and Chappie action or the wonder of the environ- engine and set in a post-apocalyptic but they are all genuinely good and that later. are hardly ever mentioned. ment, it is about the responses be- world following robotic humanoids I would recommend them. Some of Blomkamp is probably best known I started wondering why these sci- tween humans and aliens to project and Cooking with Bill (2017) is a se- them are rather disturbing, but they for the highly acclaimed and well re- lms are so underappreciated. They a larger commentary. Elysium, which ries set like a 80’s cooking shopping are meant to be rather odd, unset- ceived lm District 9 (2009), which had as great a production value as does contain more action, is still a commercial where stu goes horri- tling or hold disturbing humour. The you may know of. The lm is set in most lms get, especially District commentary about the interaction bly wrong and focuses a lot on physi- lms are also good to show just how Johannesburg after an alien space- 9; the set pieces are fantastic. They of social classes. This isn’t to say that cal horror. The majority of the lms wonderful lm is, and the things pos- ship stopped over the city motion- also have good characters and rela- the other lms which project specta- tend to be sci- horror. However, the sible with technology and cinema. less. Inside were a species of alien tively in-depth narratives, focusing cle are bad, spectacle is fun and often short lms have quite a large follow- It also goes to prove that short lms worker drones called ‘Prawns’, but on sociological factors. Often, his enjoyable to watch, but with this being on Youtube and Steam. can be just as good as larger lms. I unlike other sci- lms where they lms are quite gritty and are written ing the norm, it puts expectations on Despite his lack of stardom on the recommend you check out some of would be hostile or an enemy force, to say something about humanity or the genre, so in all likelihood, these global stage, Neill Blomkamp has not his lms and look at Oats Studios. they are instead treated like second- society. In regards to his short lms, lms probably get forgotten as they stopped making lms and his love They may not be as well-known as class citizens and put in slums. The they show human emotion or dark don’t t the “normal” sci- pattern. for the genre is evident in every lm others in the genre, but they are of lm is actually a social commentary humour. The lms visually and nar- There is also the issue of budget he makes. His studio produces lms good quality, unique in their design of the apartheid and racism within ratively are by no means terrible and and marketing, which District 9 and with amazing production quality for and interesting from a lmic stand- South Africa, rather than a typical I would highly recommend District Chappie didn’t see much of, but Ely- twenty-minute short lms, the sets point; he is the unsung sci- great. sci- lm about space and specta- 9. So why are they less known than sium had a relatively large campaign are mesmerising, the acting is tting Recent Releases & Upcoming Movies

Gringo (9th March) Peter Rabbit (16th March) Paci c Rim Uprising (23rd March) Isle Of Dogs (30th March) Love, Simon (6th April) Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo) Adapted from the Beatrix Potter In the blockbuster sequel, 10 years Wes Anderson bring us a dystopian Simon (Nick Robinson) is secret- works for a company that has devel- tales, Peter Rabbit (James Corden) on, the sea becomes unsettled once Japan set in the future, where dogs ly gay, and is yet to tell any of his oped the “Weed Pill”. But his bosses, and his sisters enter a battle of again, and it’s down to Jake Pente- have been quarantined on an island friends or family. But when he nally Elaine Markinson and Richard Rusk, wits and wills with Mr McGregor cost (John Boyega) and the PPDC due to “canine u”, but it doesn’t nds someone to trust, a blackmail- send him to Mexico to handle the (Domhnall Gleeson) over his vegeta- programme to put an end to the de- stop a young boy named Atari (Koyu er threatens to tell the whole of his manufacturing, but he ends up get- ble garden. struction. Rankin) searching for his. school. ting kidnapped by the cartel, which A Wrinkle In Time (23rd March) Ready Player One (28th March) Blockers (6th April) Rampage (13th April) holds a grudge against Harold’s Based on the novel with the same On Earth in 2045, people escape to When three nervous parents (Leslie Based on the video games series bosses. name, it follows Meg (Storm Reid) a virtual reality called the OASIS (On- Mann, John Cena and Ike Barinholtz) of the same name, Davis Okoye Tomb Raider (15th March) who is searching for her father Alex tologically Anthropocentric Sensory discover their children’s pact to lose (Dwayne Johnson) has a unique In the newest expansion of Tomb (Chris Pine) after he goes missing Immersive Simulation), and Wade their virginity, they try everything in connection with an albino gorilla, Raider lms, Laura Croft (Alicia Vi- whilst on another planet. Watts (Tye Sheridan) is in search of a their power to stop them. George. But when experiments take kander) embarks on a journey to her valuable “Easter Egg”. place, George is soon on the loose. father’s last known location to inves- tigate his disappearance. 22 March Issue 2018 | Seren Seren | March Issue 2018 23 FILM FILM @seren lm Get in touch via our social media platform for any information, latest news or @SerenFilm [email protected] to become involved with Seren! Neill Blomkamp: The Unsung Sci-Fi Great Oscar Winners 2018 Sit Down For Cinema, Standing Up For Film

The SHAPE OF WATER ABOVE WON the best picture award. Best Picture: The Shape of Water Images LEFT TO RIGHT OF NEILL Blomkamp’s (left) work; District 9 (2009), Elysium (2013) & Chappie (2015) all look beyond their Sci-Fi nature, holding real world values. Actress: Frances McDormand; Three Bill- By ARRON WILLIAMS cle. I did some research and actively other lms in the genre? I believe it as I previously mentioned. and well delivered, the props are re- boards Outside Ebbing, Missouri eill Blomkamp is one of those went and asked various people rst to be that they put ‘story over specta- However, Neill Blomkamp has alistic and the CGI isn’t done in a hap- Actor: directors that people don’t re- if they knew of Neil Blomkamp, to cle’. The other big and awe-inspiring strayed from creating cinematic re- hazard manner. However, the lms Gary Oldman; Darkest Hour which the majority of people an- lms of the sci- genre such as Star leases and started his own short lm still lack spectacle and instead, focus Nally know the name of. People Director: Source: CINEWORLD are aware of his works, but unlike swered ‘no’. But when I mentioned Wars, Star Trek and the Marvel Films company called Oats Studios, where on the characters and environment. The Shape of Water; Guillermo del or asked if they knew District 9, they are all to do with spectacle. They he is at the forefront of production For example, the start of Zygote is household names such as Christo- Toro JORDAN KING and spectacle of the art form with pointing. It’s convenient, it’s instanta- their bit to keep you coming back were immediately aware of it. Which have large, tense action sequences, and creation of the lms. The stu- two characters talking, and it is as if by pher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino, Original Song: et ix. Amazon. Now TV. Kodi multi-million pound nancing and neous (nearly), and it’s cheap. Maybe and to give you the big screen ex- made me wonder; just why is he so vast set pieces, relying very heavily dio releases a lot of sci- short lms the conversation is mid-way through. no one really talks about him. It is Remember Me from Coco; Kristen sticks. Illegal streaming. It has multi-billion pound gross revenues it’s a bit uninspiring, but it’s there. perience that a television can’t pro- unknown? His other major lms be- on wonder and a lot of the time, com- throughout the year, some of which You learn what is going on from the safe to say that he has successfully Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez never been easier to watch becoming the norm. Furthermore Then picture cinema as a nice restau- vide. Sitting in a packed screening, kept under the radar. Now, don’t ing Elysium (2013), which, despite edy. They don’t really focus on the in- are in a series and others are stand discussion and learn of the world, but N Original Score: lms than it is today, and it has never however, the internet age has seen rant, where you pore over the menu sharing every tear and every laugh a decent marketing campaign, got teraction with the environment and alone. For example, Zygote (2017) is without them directly mentioning worry if you aren’t aware of who he The Shape of Water; Alexandre De- been cheaper either quite frankly. the blossoming of ‘fandom’ phenom- because you know you care about with friends, family, and everyone swept under other big releases and social aspects. But Neill Blomkamp’s short horror lm about a remote min- it as the conversation ts between is; Neill Blomkamp is a South African splat For around £7 a month, you can pick ena into something colossal, with the money you’re spending and that else in attendance is something no Chappie (2015) received mixed re- works seem to focus very speci cally ing base where a monster has taken the two characters present in the sci- lm director who has only had Cinematography: any of the available streaming servic- franchises such as Star Wars, Disney, you’ve made the e ort to spruce up amount of Net ix or streaming can views and ended up fading into ob- on human attributes and responses. over, ADAM (2017) is a series of short world of the lm. The quality of the three major cinema lm releases. Blade Runner 2049; Roger Deakins es and have hundreds of thousands Transformers, and Saw (examples in and get out the house. More than compare with. You may break into a scurity. However, despite talks about For example, District 9 isn’t about lms rendered entirely in the Unity lms does vary between each one, However, he is an incredibly active Original Screenplay: of lms ready to go in the comfort the purpose of fair coverage and not that though, you know you aren’t twenty quid note on a trip that used District 9, both Elysium and Chappie action or the wonder of the environ- engine and set in a post-apocalyptic but they are all genuinely good and short- lm director, but I will get onto Get Out; Jordan Peele of your own home. Couple that in indicative of personal taste) attract- just paying for the product, you’re to give you change from a tenner, are hardly ever mentioned. ment, it is about the responses be- world following robotic humanoids I would recommend them. Some of that later. Adapted Screenplay: with home comforts like your fa- ing huge followings and represent- digging deep in your pockets for an but you’ll know your money wasn’t I started wondering why these sci- tween humans and aliens to project and Cooking with Bill (2017) is a se- them are rather disturbing, but they Blomkamp is probably best known Call Me by Your Name; James Ivory vourite pyjamas and your cosy bed, ing the beating heart of the cinema’s experience. The e ort of the chef, the squandered because you’re keeping lms are so underappreciated. They a larger commentary. Elysium, which ries set like a 80’s cooking shopping are meant to be rather odd, unset- for the highly acclaimed and well re- Live Action Short Film: all tucked up with Poundland’s nest purpose - to bring people together, sta , the ambience and the atmos- the big screen going, jobs intact, and had as great a production value as does contain more action, is still a commercial where stu goes horri- tling or hold disturbing humour. The ceived lm District 9 (2009), which The Silent Child; Chris Overton & nibbles and drinks at your disposal, to celebrate life in all of its joys and phere, the occasion you have looked supporting the makers of the lms most lms get, especially District commentary about the interaction bly wrong and focuses a lot on physi- lms are also good to show just how you may know of. The lm is set in Rachel Shenton and for a tenner at most, you’re good sorrows, and to share an experience forward to and carefully chosen to you love in the purest form of lm 9; the set pieces are fantastic. They of social classes. This isn’t to say that cal horror. The majority of the lms wonderful lm is, and the things pos- Johannesburg after an alien space- Documentary Short Subject: to go. of pure and ecstatic escapism. spend money on. Tell me that the there is. also have good characters and rela- the other lms which project specta- tend to be sci- horror. However, the sible with technology and cinema. ship stopped over the city motion- Heaven Is a Tra c Jam on the 405; Now, with Net ix dealing cinema a And herein lies my core issue with restaurant doesn’t warrant that ef- In a world that is becoming ever tively in-depth narratives, focusing cle are bad, spectacle is fun and often short lms have quite a large follow- It also goes to prove that short lms less. Inside were a species of alien Frank Stiefel surprising new blow after the instan- the seeming air of mystery over the fort, that appreciation. Takeaways are more troubled and where refuge on sociological factors. Often, his enjoyable to watch, but with this being on Youtube and Steam. can be just as good as larger lms. I worker drones called ‘Prawns’, but Film Editing: taneous release of The Clover eld purpose of cinema in an on-demand nice sometimes, they’ll do their job from the depressing state of a airs lms are quite gritty and are written ing the norm, it puts expectations on Despite his lack of stardom on the recommend you check out some of unlike other sci- lms where they Dunkirk; Lee Smith Paradox after this year’s Superbowl, generation of lm viewers. Whilst I and won’t let you down, but you’ll is growing harder to to nd, the cin- to say something about humanity or the genre, so in all likelihood, these global stage, Neill Blomkamp has not his lms and look at Oats Studios. would be hostile or an enemy force, Visual E ects: whispers are growing in volume, enjoy and appreciate the wealth of never make memories thanks to ema is there to take you away. From society. In regards to his short lms, lms probably get forgotten as they stopped making lms and his love They may not be as well-known as they are instead treated like second- Blade Runner 2049; John Nelson, all asking the same questions - why classic and new lms I can devour Dominos... you just might however, rst dates to golden anniversaries, they show human emotion or dark don’t t the “normal” sci- pattern. for the genre is evident in every lm others in the genre, but they are of class citizens and put in slums. The Paul Lambert, Richard R. Hoover & go to the cinema when I can watch from the comfort of my own home, at a nice little Italian (other nationali- from family outings to a laugh with humour. The lms visually and nar- There is also the issue of budget he makes. His studio produces lms good quality, unique in their design lm is actually a social commentary Gerd Nefzer more for less at home? Does anyone and I’m especially supportive of ties available). your best friends, or simply some ratively are by no means terrible and and marketing, which District 9 and with amazing production quality for and interesting from a lmic stand- of the apartheid and racism within Animated Feature: even care? Well, I care. And I’m here the independent lms given cover- ‘But the cinema is so expensive!’ I alone time to switch o and chill out, I would highly recommend District Chappie didn’t see much of, but Ely- twenty-minute short lms, the sets point; he is the unsung sci- great. South Africa, rather than a typical Coco; Lee Unkrich & Darla K. Ander- to tell you why you should care. age by streaming services that may hear you cry. Well, yeah, in some cas- the cinema has been there for us for 9. So why are they less known than sium had a relatively large campaign are mesmerising, the acting is tting sci- lm about space and specta- son Since 1895, when the Lumiere otherwise have slipped the net (I’m es it ain’t cheap, because sadly lm over a hundred years and, if we rec- Animated Short: brothers decided to go and create looking at you Okja, not so much distributors are hiking up their take ognise this and embrace it with the Dear Basketball; Glen Keane & Kobe motion pictures, the signi cance of you Bright), there is something that of the ticket sales. Disney took 60% love it deserves, it will continue for Bryant the cinema as a bricks and mortar is sorely lacking from many viewers’ of the gate pro ts for The Last Jedi, hundreds more. You can stand up for Supporting Actress: church for the worship of the holy lm-watching these days - apprecia- and so to keep in business, there has lm by sitting down for cinema. And Recent Releases & Upcoming Movies Allison Janney; I, Tonya celluloid has been immense. On a tion, and e ort. to be a re ective price strategy. Then when you’ve done your duty and Foreign Language Film: monetary level, the power of cin- If you like, imagine Net ix and co again, with combo deals, Meerkat splashed out, go and grab a cheeky A Fantastic Woman (Chile) ema in driving industry through the are your favourite takeaway, always Movies, Cineworld Unlimited and takeaway, even though you’ve had Production Design: past century has been staggering, available with a lot of choice and, if lax rules on smuggling in your own the restaurant , because lm is a food The Shape of Water; Paul D. Auster- re ected in the increasing scope you stick to your faves, never disap- confectionary, the cinemas are doing for all times and occasions. berry, Je rey A. Melvin & Shane Vieau Sound Mixing: Avengers: In nity War Dunkirk; Mark Weingarten, Gregg (27th April) Landaker & Gary A. Rizzo Sound Editing: Dunkirk; Alex Gibson & Richard Stop; Trailer Time King Documentary Feature: Icarus; Bryan Fogel & Dan Cogan Costume Design: Phantom Thread; Mark Bridges Makeup and Hairstyling: Darkest Hour; Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski & Lucy Sibbick Supporting Actor: by JACK HOLLINSHEAD in. It stars Ewan McGregor as a grown be highly anticipated, with 54 years Sam Rockwell; Three Billboards ver the last few weeks, it up Christopher Robin, who relies on between this and the original. Mary Outside Ebbing, Missouri seems that Disney have taken his childhood friend to reinvent him- Poppins Returns is set to be released Gringo (9th March) Peter Rabbit (16th March) Paci c Rim Uprising (23rd March) Isle Of Dogs (30th March) Love, Simon (6th April) a stronghold on releasing self. Already from this short clip, it on the 21st December 2018. Harold Soyinka (David Oyelowo) Adapted from the Beatrix Potter In the blockbuster sequel, 10 years Wes Anderson bring us a dystopian Simon (Nick Robinson) is secret- O teasers and trailers, with a trio of looks to be an emotional encounter Ralph Breaks The Internet: works for a company that has devel- tales, Peter Rabbit (James Corden) on, the sea becomes unsettled once Japan set in the future, where dogs ly gay, and is yet to tell any of his lms that will undoubtedly please between the pair. Christopher Robin Wreck-It Ralph 2: oped the “Weed Pill”. But his bosses, and his sisters enter a battle of again, and it’s down to Jake Pente- have been quarantined on an island friends or family. But when he nally a vast audience throughout many is set to be released on the 17th Au- Back in 2013, Wreck-It Ralph was Elaine Markinson and Richard Rusk, wits and wills with Mr McGregor cost (John Boyega) and the PPDC due to “canine u”, but it doesn’t nds someone to trust, a blackmail- generations. They did a marvellous gust 2018. released and was enjoyed by fans send him to Mexico to handle the (Domhnall Gleeson) over his vegeta- programme to put an end to the de- stop a young boy named Atari (Koyu er threatens to tell the whole of his job with the live action extravaganza Mary Poppins Returns: the world over. Now, Ralph and manufacturing, but he ends up get- ble garden. struction. Rankin) searching for his. school. Marvel and Earth’s mightiest he- of Beauty and the Beast last year, so In a blustery, 1930s London, the Vanellope return, and this time, the roes must set their previous dif- ting kidnapped by the cartel, which A Wrinkle In Time (23rd March) Ready Player One (28th March) Blockers (6th April) Rampage (13th April) the excitement will be higher than Banks children are all grown up, but internet is at the forefront of their ad- holds a grudge against Harold’s Based on the novel with the same On Earth in 2045, people escape to When three nervous parents (Leslie Based on the video games series ferences aside and unite to defeat ever for the two remakes, and then that doesn’t stop the return of Mary venture. This looks a great plot-point their toughest opponent yet, Thanos bosses. name, it follows Meg (Storm Reid) a virtual reality called the OASIS (On- Mann, John Cena and Ike Barinholtz) of the same name, Davis Okoye the long awaited sequel to Wreck-It Poppins. With Emily Blunt portraying for age groups alike, because it has Tomb Raider (15th March) who is searching for her father Alex tologically Anthropocentric Sensory discover their children’s pact to lose (Dwayne Johnson) has a unique (Josh Brolin) in the MCU’s (Marvel Ralph. the title character and taking over transitioned nicely from retro gam- Cinematic Universe) biggest and In the newest expansion of Tomb (Chris Pine) after he goes missing Immersive Simulation), and Wade their virginity, they try everything in connection with an albino gorilla, Christopher Robin: from the magni cent Julie Andrews, ing, into the 21st century technology, Raider lms, Laura Croft (Alicia Vi- whilst on another planet. Watts (Tye Sheridan) is in search of a their power to stop them. George. But when experiments take most audacious lm yet. Look out The beloved Winnie the Pooh re- she looks perfect for the role, but it which I am very much looking for- for our review in the next couple of kander) embarks on a journey to her valuable “Easter Egg”. place, George is soon on the loose. Roger DEAKINS ABOVE FI turns to the big screen in a live ac- will be di cult not to compare her to ward to. Ralph Breaks The Internet: father’s last known location to inves- NALLY WON AN Academy Award months on our website: tion, CGI lm titled Christopher Rob- her predecessor. One thing is for sure Wreck-It Ralph 2 is set to be released www.seren.bangor.ac.uk tigate his disappearance. at his 14th nomination. though, this musical fantasy lm will on the 30th November 2018. 24 March Issue 2018 | Seren MUSIC @seren_music THE BRIT

This debut album is certainly one This is an interesting fteenth al- Although it has a much more re- You will never have listened to an This long awaited album is enjoy- you can get lost in. Its combina- bum from the electronica artist. laxed feel than his famous single album like this one before. Every able but quite forgettable. The sin- tion of synth and indie pop makes Moby uses hypnotic vocals over re- ‘Riptide’, this album has a lovely single track has a completely dif- gle ‘Always Ascending’ is undoubt- tracks like ‘It’s All Good’ and ‘Nobody petitive music in most of the tracks sound. The opening track ‘Call If ferent sound. ‘Close But Not Quite’ edly the album’s best song and Cares’ almost hypnotising. ‘Eve- that make the album feel just as sur- You Need Me’ sets the tone of the would not be out of place in the provides a good sense of the rest of rybody Wants To Be Famous’ and real as its artwork. ‘Like a Motherless album perfectly. The heart-felt lyr- charts alongside Ed Sheeran and its sound. ‘Lazy Boy’ has a very simi- ‘Re ections On The Screen’ have a Child’ ends with forty seconds of near ics and use of an acoustic guitar are James Bay, whereas the next song lar feel to it and will probably be more mainstream, rockier sound to silence, leaving you time to think heard throughout the album. Some ‘She Said’ is a reggae song that has the album’s next single. The ‘Acad- them. However, ‘Nai’s March’ and about the song. The more upbeat tracks are livelier and have a richer a similar feel to Bob Marley’s songs. emy Award’ has upbeat, positive ‘SPRORAGNISM’ have such a surreal, tracks ‘The Last of Goodbyes’ and sound, such as ‘Lay It On Me’ and ‘Wet Looking Road’ is a heavier wrap lyrics but is a rather slow and quiet electronic sound that they could ‘The Ceremony of Innocence’ feel ur- ‘One Of These Days’. You’ll be sing- song, and ‘Show Love’ is a more re- song. ‘Huck And Jim’ has an unusual be called absurd. The use of birds gent and direct. Although unlikely to ing the catchy lyrics of ‘We’re Going laxing, electronic song. Although the sound that could mark a change in chirping, bicycle bells and other be one of Moby’s most remembered Home’ days after you’ve rst heard album is very interesting it reveals the band’s sound in the albums to completely random sound e ects albums, it is one everyone should lis- it, as well as those of ‘Saturday Sun’. nothing about the artist and gives no come. Overall this is a good album make this album totally crazy and ten to purely for the experience. On Vance Joy is showing listeners a dif- hints as to what we can expect from that any Franz Ferdinand fan will completely original. Lyrics in ‘The the whole though, each track feels ferent side to his talent which cer- him next. like. However with the excitement Prawn Song’ about living the life of a very similar to the last. tainly doesn’t disappoint. of their rst two albums missing, I prawn, even make it funny. doubt this album with recruit any new fans. 24 March Issue 2018 | Seren March Issue 2018 | Seren 25 MUSIC @seren_music TV ON REVIEW REVIEW THE BRIT DEMAND

by VICKY WILKESAWARDS ast month, on Wednesday 21st nomination despite the success my’s where he secured ‘Best Pop February, we celebrated the earned from his second studio album Vocal Album’ with ‘Divide’ and ‘Best L2018 Brit Awards, Britain’s most ‘The Thrill of it All’ which reached the Pop Solo Performance’ with ‘Shape of prestigious music awards ceremony, number one spot in the O cial Al- You’. Sheeran missed out on ‘British which recognised artist’s, single’s, bum Chart at the close of 2017. Male Solo Artist’ to Stormzy. Sheer- NETFLIX - 78/52 music videos and producer’s success- Among the performers of even- an’s hit, ‘Shape of You’ failed to secure Altered Carbon es within the eligible year. The event ing were Justin Timberlake, ‘British Single’ or ‘British Artist Video Cyberpunk Noir. This stu is to sci- ast Saturday, just before going was held at the O2 Arena, London, Rag’n’BoneMan featuring the ‘BRITs of the Year’ which had celebrated fans what crack cocaine is to Macau- to print, I caught this fascinat- and was hosted by comedian Jack Critics’ Choice’ Jorja Smith, Sam Smith much success at the Grammy’s. Ed ley Culkin - not essential but pleasur- Ling documentary on BBC Two. Whitehall, opening the event with and Ed Sheeran. Despite being over- was perhaps the most overlooked able enough to indulge in obsessive- 78/52 explores the incredible 78 set fashion advice from Big Shaq with a looked with nominations, Smith’s artist of the evening considering the ly. Following consciousness swapped ups and 52 cuts it took to record the rendition of ‘Man’s Not Hot’. mesmerising performance of ‘Too overwhelming reception of his third Takeshi Kovac (Joel Kinnaman) three legendary shower scene in Alfred The most celebrated artists of Good at Goodbyes’ captured audi- studio album released back in March hundred years in the future, the se- Hitchcock’s Pyscho. the evening, both securing two ences and was reminiscent of Adele’s 2017. ‘Divide’ celebrated huge suc- ries is set in a world where humans EVERYTHING DOESN’T SUCK 78/52 is an insightful, fairly entry- awards, were: Dua Lipa, winning performance of ‘Someone Like You’ cesses in 2017 as it topped the UK can live immortally by hopping be- level documentary about arguably ‘British Female Solo Artist’ and ‘Brit- at the BRIT Awards back in 2011 with album charts and secured 9 places of tween bodies to preserve their con- ith nostalgia being the order coolio are present and correct, whilst pertinence to the plot and, whilst in the most evocative and well-known ish Breakthrough Act’ and Stormzy his powerful and soulful vocals which 10 in the top 10 singles charts. sciousness, trading ‘sleeves’ to keep of the day at the moment, the sci- lm the kids are attempting the outset quite two dimensional, scene in all of cinematic history. You winning ‘British Male Solo Artist’ and served to emphasize Smith’s heart- The evening was a celebration of on keeping on. Tasked with solving Wand with several servings to make incorporates all of the become fully eshed out by the know you’ve created a masterpiece ‘Mastercard British Album of the Year’ breaking lyrics. Rag’n’BoneMan and British talent in the music industry his own former self’s murder, Takeshi of the 80s coming in the form of practical e ect and sci- geekery climax and promise much in series when an hour and a half can be spent with ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’. At just 22, Jorja Smith’s vocals and performance (alongside Jack Whitehall’s comedic goes down the rabbit hole in a com- Strangers Things and The Goldbergs, that was pined for in the 90s. to come. Rio Mangini’s McQuaid is dissecting one scene and yet still Dua Lipa made history as the rst of ‘Skin’ was equally as soulful. genius) and served to prove that anks For e pelling drama that oozes with Blade alongside big screen nostalgia trips As well as capturing the aesthetic noteworthy amongst the ensemble, leave much to be explored. A wide woman to ever receive ve nomina- Despite being one of the most awards such events are not solely Runner vibes and undeniable style. such as the upcoming Ready Player and sound of the decade, what a typical nerd with a great dry wit array of perspectives are given on the tions at the Brit Awards as ‘New Rules’ anticipated artists of the evening, determined by the success of a par- One, the time has been deemed the series does better than many and excellent comic timing, and a scene with well-made connections was nominated for both ‘British Sin- Sheeran only managed to secure one ticular artist in the eligible year, as Memories right for a throwback to the 90s. such nostalgia pieces is maintain a character who looks set to become to Hitchcock’s lmography gle’ and ‘British Artist Video’ along- win at this year’s BRITs which was as seen with Ed Sheeran’s notable near eren’s 90s Night in Academi last without stumbling, ten years since I This past month Net ix released 90s believable sense of character in its a central gure in the inevitable elsewhere and the scene’s broader side ‘Album of the Year’. Sam Smith, ‘Global Success’. This followed his re- misses. Tuesday made me very nos- watched the programme. Starting to set American high school dramedy cast that. Central characters Kate second series. reverberations in lm, parody, and however, failed to secure a single cent wins at the 60th Annual Gram- Stalgic. Seeing people dressed sing the theme tune of ‘The Suite Life Everything Sucks, a series that and Luke, played by Peyton Kennedy In terms of the plotting, the series homage ever since 1960. The breadth as the Teletubbies, characters from Of Zach And Cody’ can get a room of follows a group of teens from Boring, and Jahi Di’Allo Winston respectively, admittedly gets o to a rather slow of the documentary is admirable, but The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air and Sonic students’ attention and could prob- Oregon as they traverse the rocky form the emotional core of the series. start, but once you get past the a criticism would be that its depth the Hedgehog reminded me of the ably start a ash mob in Main Arts. landscape of adolescence against a As Kate toils with her sexuality and fourth episode there is a welcoming of analysis was somewhat limited television I watched as a child. I still However the king of all Disney backdrop of creating a sci- B-movie. the pressures of her dad being the familiarity with the characters and I found the black and white believe that the key to any success- Channel theme tunes has to be the But does Everything Sucks actually school principal, Luke nds himself and their quirks that serves as a visual gimmick to be a cheapening ful TV show is a good, memorable one for ‘Phineas And Ferb’. I don’t suck? Or does it, erm, blow… yeah, absolutely smitten with her as he springboard to an altogether more act. theme tune. think I will ever stop trying to learn not too sure on that one really. tries to understand why his father wholesome and compelling second Nevertheless, this is a worthwhile The Disney Channel nailed this all of its lyrics or ever stop being en- AMAZON- First things rst for any period left home and direct the school’s rst half of the series. Given time, the documentary that doesn’t concept and produced some theme vious of those two boys’ never end- The Tick set show, you’ve got to nail the ever lm. The dialogue between the potential for this series to be as necessitate an adoration for the tunes that were in nitely better than ing summer holiday. My point is that The Tick stars underrated comic ac- setting. Everything Sucks manages two is frequently funny and often good as - if not better than - its most lm it documents, or even for the programmes they started. I can it often feels like theme tunes are a tor Peter Sera nowicz as the titular this e ortlessly, from a spectacular surprisingly powerful, and as the comparable rival Stranger Things, lm in itself, though both greatly still remember every word to the bigger part of people’s childhood blue-suited hero, a superhero with soundtrack including Oasis and Tori series goes on and the characters is real. I never thought I’d be saying elucidate the material on o er as you ‘Wizards Of Waverley Place’ theme than the TV shows themselves. They the strength of ‘a crowded bus stop Amos, to the double denim and develop, so to does the quality of that but there you go, get down to would imagine. What it o ers to the tune but cannot remember a single are always a sure re way to bring full of men’ and a penchant for awful beach shorts fashion with t-shirts the writing and the show as a whole, Net ix central and crack on with uninitiated is a fascinating insight story line. I am extremely proud of people together and get conversa- sloganeering. The general premise paying homage to classic lms, the aided by the honest and charming some of this nineties-kid dream TV into the technical work that goes the fact that I can wrap the whole tion started with anyone from the of the series is that weedy account- production design is perfect. The performances by the young stars. into the production of lm and in of the ‘That’s So Raven’ theme tune same generation. ant Arthur, haunted by the tropey references to words like daddio and The supporting cast all have the execution of artistry. If nothing murder of his parents at the hands of else, this documentary serves as a big bad The Terror, teams up with The potent argument in favour of lm as Tick to kick ass and take names, and an art form that is as complex as it indulge in some witty surrealist hu- HOT OFF THE PRESS (PASS) is meticulous, whereby every frame mour too. The Tick is a great throw- is a painting with its own unique back to classic heroes and absurdism. purpose and language. From German Expressionist evocative angles to lighting and focus, performance and direction, score and silence, every part of the scene that is a part of the global conciousness has been painstakingly considered. As a gateway into the work of a master of cinema this is a ne starting This debut album is certainly one This is an interesting fteenth al- Although it has a much more re- You will never have listened to an This long awaited album is enjoy- point, though Hitchcock/Tru aut you can get lost in. Its combina- bum from the electronica artist. laxed feel than his famous single album like this one before. Every able but quite forgettable. The sin- would be the perfect pick if available tion of synth and indie pop makes Moby uses hypnotic vocals over re- ‘Riptide’, this album has a lovely single track has a completely dif- gle ‘Always Ascending’ is undoubt- to you, and as a documentary tracks like ‘It’s All Good’ and ‘Nobody petitive music in most of the tracks sound. The opening track ‘Call If ferent sound. ‘Close But Not Quite’ edly the album’s best song and FAV NEWS OF THE WEEK about an art form that is often Cares’ almost hypnotising. ‘Eve- that make the album feel just as sur- You Need Me’ sets the tone of the would not be out of place in the provides a good sense of the rest of overlooked in the modern era as rybody Wants To Be Famous’ and real as its artwork. ‘Like a Motherless album perfectly. The heart-felt lyr- charts alongside Ed Sheeran and its sound. ‘Lazy Boy’ has a very simi- This week, just before going to n exciting news for your dear TV neighbourhood Television editor and every day with the latest news, ‘Art’, it is compelling and impressive. ‘Re ections On The Screen’ have a Child’ ends with forty seconds of near ics and use of an acoustic guitar are James Bay, whereas the next song lar feel to it and will probably be print, Disney announced that Jon editor, this month has brought the here will be on hand to ght through reviews, and antics from the south of The documentary is still around on more mainstream, rockier sound to silence, leaving you time to think heard throughout the album. Some ‘She Said’ is a reggae song that has the album’s next single. The ‘Acad- Favreau, director and writer on The news that I will be attending the the thousands in attendance, France. BBC iPlayer currently and doing the Jungle Book and The Lion King live I rounds on Amazon Instant Video, them. However, ‘Nai’s March’ and about the song. The more upbeat tracks are livelier and have a richer a similar feel to Bob Marley’s songs. emy Award’ has upbeat, positive 71st Annual Festival de Cannes in begging and lying and degrading At this point it seems only ‘SPRORAGNISM’ have such a surreal, tracks ‘The Last of Goodbyes’ and sound, such as ‘Lay It On Me’ and ‘Wet Looking Road’ is a heavier wrap lyrics but is a rather slow and quiet action adaptations, will be heading May. Admittedly this is a lm festival, himself in the purpose of true appropriate to thank those of you so I would thoroughly recommend electronic sound that they could ‘The Ceremony of Innocence’ feel ur- ‘One Of These Days’. You’ll be sing- song, and ‘Show Love’ is a more re- song. ‘Huck And Jim’ has an unusual up a new series set in a galaxy far far so many of the ve readers I have journalistic endeavour, to get you who do read my pages, and to those checking it out whilst you can. be called absurd. The use of birds gent and direct. Although unlikely to ing the catchy lyrics of ‘We’re Going laxing, electronic song. Although the sound that could mark a change in away. Following years of waiting for a (cheers mum) will be wondering why guys the inside scoop on the most who work with me at SEREN HQ, as chirping, bicycle bells and other be one of Moby’s most remembered Home’ days after you’ve rst heard album is very interesting it reveals the band’s sound in the albums to chance to enjoy a live action serial of it matters to them, but rest assured it renowned lm festival in the world! without your support and advice, I GET CONNECTED! completely random sound e ects albums, it is one everyone should lis- it, as well as those of ‘Saturday Sun’. nothing about the artist and gives no come. Overall this is a good album Star Wars, and following o the back does. So what does this mean heading would never be in such a privileged make this album totally crazy and ten to purely for the experience. On Vance Joy is showing listeners a dif- hints as to what we can expect from that any Franz Ferdinand fan will of an epic climax to the animated In attendance at the festival will into the nal issue of the year? Well position. So here’s to Cannes, and FACEBOOK - completely original. Lyrics in ‘The the whole though, each track feels ferent side to his talent which cer- him next. like. However with the excitement masterpiece Star Wars Rebels, it is a be stars of the big and small screen, it means that you will be seeing here’s to another round of TV ON SEREN TV Prawn Song’ about living the life of a very similar to the last. tainly doesn’t disappoint. of their rst two albums missing, I very exciting time to be a SW fan. Is lm makers and screenwriters, and TV going live from the red carpet TOUR - bigger and better than ever prawn, even make it funny. doubt this album with recruit any it overkill? Only time will tell but I for almost certainly budding prospects or the back of the queue from the before. See you on the other side new fans. one am very excited to see what the within both industries of motion red carpet, reporting across our chaps and chapettes. TWITTER - future holds for the SW EU. picture entertainment. Your trusty social platforms and website each @SEREN_TV 26 Seren | March Issue 2018 GAMES Games to Start Spring With Shadow of the Colossus Review: A Colossal Success? In an unknown ancient land, a mys- order to reach weak points to plunge terious boy carries the body of a girl your sword into. The bosses are mas- REVIEW to an altar, and begs a deity to return sive, and each has a design based o her to life. He is then sent on a jour- of an animal such as a horse, turtle, ney around the land to kill sixteen lizard etc. You also have a bow and Colossi – massive, majestic creatures a trusty steed at your disposal, Agro, Developers: Bluepoint made of stone. The premise of the though he can often be hard to han- Games game is simple yet strong, and leaves dle. The controls have been updated a lot to the imagination as you ex- since the original slightly, but they Release Date: 7 Feb 2018 plore the forgotten ruins of an old are still quite poor in places. Mashing kingdom. It also allows the raising of triangle (on PS4) to gallop is far from Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, many questions. Why does the spirit intuitive, and while playing I smashed PC want these creatures dead? Who is into more walls than I care to admit. the girl? Will you succeed? The end There is also the option to revert to of the game, while not answering all the classic controls, but unless you’re Genre: Action Adventure of these questions, still comes with a fan of the original controls, there is a shocker. The minimal storytelling no good reason to do so. Multiplayer: No gives a focus to what really makes Visually, it is hard to tell this was Shadow of the Colossus memorable: ever a PS2 game. Colossus has some Age Rating: 12 slaying the sixteen individual Colossi. of the best graphics out there, from The gameplay is comprised of nd- the muted colour scheme to the ing your way to each boss, and killing massive rocky valleys and thickly them, with some light platforming fur-coated bosses. With no HUD and by CHARLIE WHITESIDE and climbing in between. The ghts often set camera angles, the game hadow of the Colossus is back are the primary focus of the game, goes for a cinematic look, but it can from the dead, and it’s been with the rest feeling a bit underde- occasionally result in it getting stuck but once a Colossi nally falls at your undermine how iconic and beauti- completely rebuilt from the veloped. Each boss is masterfully on world objects, especially while on hands, the music turns melancholic, ful Shadow of the Colossus is. If you S designed and have their own trick horseback. It succeeds 90% of the ground up. This is more than just a making you question the morality of haven’t played this, the remake is remaster – the game has been com- to defeating them, always involving time though. The music when it plays your quest. most certainly the de nitive way to pletely and incredibly faithfully re- their towering gure having to be is fantastic, with angelic choirs giving While it does have some troubles experience it. made for this generation. scaled by your character Wander in a feeling of grandeur to your journey, in terms of controls, nothing can Does Fe Skulk in the Shadows?

species are the same, and each is as well as it does with its gameplay as o for others. Also, to get the help REVIEW by LAURA ASPIN memorable as the one before, due to it does with its visual style. Although, of other animals, you need to play a the unique and colourful designs the jumping and controlling Fe on singing mini-game, which is a great Developers: Zoink e is the rst of a series of video of each species of animal. Even the ground is tight and responsive, and clever way to unlock new abili- games called ‘EA Originals’, a the titular Fe has a great design that which allows you to scale to higher ties. However, the rst song Fe learns Release Date: 26 Jan 2018 Fprogram developed by EA to combines fox-like traits and spiritual places quickly and enjoyably. Yet the quickly becomes grating as it will promote indie developers. It focuses abilities to make a cute but feisty abilities that Fe acquires over time sound like Fe is gargling water for the Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, on the titular fox-like character FE character. Also, the enemies manu- range from feeling clunky to control rst half an hour of playtime. PC, Switch who has to defend his forest home factured and robotic design clashes to downright unresponsive, such as Whilst Fe shines brightly in the from the Silent Ones, with the help with the natural and peaceful aes- the constant struggle to turn in any visual department, it falls apart with Genre: Action Adventure of the other creatures who live in the thetics of the forest, giving them a direction Fe when its gliding. Due to clunky controls and repetitive envi- forest. feeling of not belonging in the forest. sensitive controls you often will turn ronments. However, if you can look Multiplayer: No The forest world of Fe comes to However, the lack of a guide and rep- too sharply, or careen into a wall. past that then this is an indie game life, because of the copious amounts etition of the environment can eas- Whilst the lack of any obvious hints you should add to your collection. Age Rating: 7 of detail that have been added to it ily mean you get lost, with the map or guides to show you how to com- from the backgrounds, to the animals sometimes not being much help. plete objectives may be welcomed that live in the world. No two-animal Unfortunately, Fe doesn’t fare as by some players, it may be a turn March Issue 2018 | Seren 27 GAMES is Month’s Gaming News Nintendo Smashes Expectations As Several Dark- er Games Crash onto the Switch Let's a-go! -Mario Maps ast Thursday, Yoshiaki Koizumi several games ported to the Ninten- o celebrate Mario day, or Mar10, announced several new games do Switch, including the previously google maps has teamed up Land ports for their gaming de- PS4 exclusive Crash Bandicoot: The Twith gaming developers at vices, on the Nintendo Direct You- N. Sane Trilogy. (Finally, I can beat Nintendo. The Japanese game com- Tube channel. The most anticipated Crash 1 with the great ability to save pany's famous ex-plumber was avail- and exciting announcement was the game...). The other ports were able for this week on Google Maps as a trailer for the new Super Smash also very impressive, with some in- a guide to help travellers nd their Bros game, which will be released teresting darker and more mature way. Mario uses one of his go-karts later this year. In the trailer it also games being added to the Switch's from the iconic series Mario Kart showed that the Inklings from Nin- roster, including Little Nightmares, instead of a real car. In a blog post, tendo's newest IP Splatoon will be Undertale and South Park: The Frac- Google have kindly recommended making their rst ever appearance in tured But Whole. Also, Nintendo have to drive safe and not to throw either the game. They also showed a trailer announced that there will be an Ami- bananas, or red and blue shells at for new DLC for Splatoon 2. As well ibo for Dark Souls. other drivers. it was revealed that there would be Valve Reopens Gaming Development

he founder of Valve Gabe Newell the development of their gaming has said that Valve will be once platform Steam, which will give the Tagain developing and shipping company unique opportunities in games, with their new game Artifact the future. Even though Artifact had being released sometime this year. a somewhat mixed response, when it They have also announced that a was announced at The International new card-based game, in a similar Dota 2 Tournament last year, fans are vein to Hearthstone, which will be still in hope that this new develop- based upon the rules and the uni- ment will mean the con rmation of verse of Dota 2 is also in develop- long-awaited and almost mythical ment. The reason that Valve has gone sequels. back to making new games, was Nineties Nostalgia: Life is Like a Hurricane...

toon show. Scrooge, like in the original game, sible from one of the game’s menus. redone or cleaned up in the game, The plot is relatively simplistic, and which maybe a disappointment to All of the end level bosses are given and there now some new addi- REVIEW follows Scrooge’s globetrotting ad- some players who would like to play new unique ghting patterns in ght tional tracks for the new levels. Also ventures as he tries to reclaim sev- as other main characters like the Tri- sections, which gives veteran players the remaster has all dialogue and eral artefacts of equal importance. plets or Webby. It is challenging, but a challenge to the game. cutscenes voice acted. Furthermore The new levels added make the with some practice can be quite en- While the game still retains an this dialogue was recorded by the Developers: Capcom plot of the game feel less random, joyable. However, this does depends 8-bit aesthetic, it is quite clear that surviving (at the time) voice actors of WayForward Technologies and bring a sense of purpose. Each on the types of area the player is in, the game has been graphically im- the original cartoon. Special mention level is inspired by locations from as some platforming sections can be proved, with particular note going must be given to Alan Young and Release Date: 13 Aug 2013 the original cartoon show. It is very quite annoying, or in the case of the to the character sprites, whom now June Foray who were in there 90’s similar in structure to episode arcs of railroad sections, unforgiving and look a lot less blocky. Each level de- at the time of recording. The game Platforms: PS3, Xbox One, the original series, with Scrooge and clunky. The platforming works well, sign now looks incredibly unique also marks some of the last recording Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Mobile his family using a mysterious map and the cane as a pogo stick me- and looks vastly di erent from each of most of the original voice actors, to nd several McGu ns. Most of chanic is still very enjoyable to watch other, using elements of the show to with it being the penultimate voice Genre: Platformer the original cartoon characters have and play around with. The ability to emphasise their unique designs. A recording of Alan Young and Russi major roles, there are also several toggle the pogo cane controls, and contributing factor to the di erences Taylor, the original voices of Scrooge Multiplayer: No fan favourites, like Gizmoduck and to have a map on easier settings are in each level is that the game now and Huey, Dewey and Louie respec- Bubba the Caveduck, in roles of vary- also a great way to make the game has an added depth of perception, tively. Age Rating: 7 ing importance. All of the characters accessible and enjoyable for old and and each background is stylised to The Ducktales remastered is an in- ucktales: Remastered is a re- feel authentic, and often provide hu- new fans of the game. As well as the each level’s theme. The added back- credibly enjoyable nostalgic remind- mastered of the titular game morous commentary on the game’s feature that allows the players to play grounds doesn’t harm gameplay er of the early 1990’s, and is worth at Dthat was originally released plot, or give you di erent gameplay the levels in any order they want to, either, and make the game a much least one number one dime worth in in 1989 for the Nintendo Entertain- aspects. An issue is that the plot bar the rst and last levels. Also, the more visually appealing experience. enjoyment and sincerity. To anyone ment System and GameBoy. It is can be slightly repetitive, especially game’s collectibles serve a purpose One of the best things about the who wants to enjoy this simple blast based upon the original Ducktales towards the middle portion of the too, as they unlock new things like original Ducktales game was the mu- from past, I recommend packing a show, has additional story content, game, where the stakes the can feel more money in Scrooge’s money bin, sic, with iconic tracks like the 8-bit bag for Duckburg, and jumping into and audio recorded by the surviving fabricated and unnecessary. and access to extra features like con- version of the shows theme and The this duck-blur. WooHoo! original voice actors of the 1987 car- During the game you only play as cept art and music, which are acces- Moon. This original music has been 28 Seren | March Issue 2018 BOOKS Happy Birthday... Dr Seuss r. Seuss was born on March sta , but continued to contribute to emotional pain caused by an a air, of eminent cartoonist Chuck Jones, 2, 1904, in Spring eld, it using the pseudonym “Seuss.” committed suicide. Geisel had an The Grinch Who Stole Christmas was DMassachusetts. Theodor After graduating he attended a air with their longtime friend adapted into an animated lm made Seuss Geisel was born to Theodor Oxford University in England, with Audrey Stone Dimond. Geisel then for TV. In 2000 the book was adapted Robert Geisel, a successful plans to eventually become a married Audrey, a lm producer, the again as a full-length animated brewmaster, and Henrietta Seuss professor. In 1927, he dropped out following year. Dimond is known feature by director Ron Howard, Geisel. At age 18, Geisel left home of Oxford. for her work on the lms The Lorax with Jim Carrey voicing the Grinch, to attend Dartmouth College, where While studying at Oxford, Dr. Seuss (2012), Horton Hears a Who! (2008) Je rey Tambour as Mayor Augustus he became the editor in chief of its met his future wife, Helen Palmer. and Daisy-Head Mayzie (1995). Maywho and Molly Shannon as humor magazine, Jack-O-Lantern. The couple married in 1927 and Several of Dr. Seuss’ children’s Betty Lou Who. When Geisel and his friends were moved back to the United States the books have been transformed Dr. Seuss won numerous awards caught drinking in his dorm room same year. into full-length feature animated for his work, including the 1984 one night, in violation of Prohibition In October 1967, Helen, who was lms, both during his lifetime and Pulitzer Prize, an Academy Award, law, he was kicked o the magazine su ering from both cancer and the posthumously. In 1966, with the help three Emmys and three Grammys. “So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you’ll move mountains.” International women’s day being celebrated by publishers con dence, comfort and belonging will be celebrating its female authors through books. I hope it plays a and women’s writing as a whole small part in supporting women’s throughout the entire month of voices and legitimising women’s March. The publisher will be posting experiences via the written word.” pieces to its website every day of On the retailer’s website, a the month this March, including banner will link to an International exclusive pieces from its authors, 4th Women’s Day page, featuring one Estate personal picks from everyone hundred books by women as part in the team, book recommendations of Waterstones’ 100 books for 100 and competitions to win books. years campaign that started with the Women’s press Virago is running centenary of the rst women’s right to month-long campaign inspired by vote in Britain. The titles are selected the o cial International Women’s to re ect broad experiences and the Day hashtag; #PressForProgress. The cultural impact of, and on, women in publisher is encouraging readers everyday life. The campaign is further to celebrate women writers with 31 supported by a series of blog articles daily themes, tied together with the ranging from recommended reading hashtag #ViragoPressForProgress. ublishers and retailers removed all titles, events and blog provided the foundations for many on Women’s Su rage to key lessons Penguin Random House’s pop-up celebrated International pieces by male authors from the women to re ect on how their from 10 in uential works of non- bookshop, which is stocked solely PWomen’s Day on Thursday homepage for the day . gender impacts upon their lives. ction written by women. with titles by female writers, ran (8th March) with a host of activities Catriona Morrison, commercial Morrison said: “This month-long Similarly, Creative writing centre until the 9th March to celebrate including events celebrating manager Waterstones, said that the campaign, bridging the 100 year ‘Retreat West’ is issuing a call International Women’s Day. It will be feminist texts, homepage take-overs past year had been a signi cant anniversary of the rst British for stories to honour 100 years selling titles from authors including and a pop-up shop. one for women across the world, women’s right to vote in February of women’s su rage for a new Malorie Blackman, Iris Murdoch, Waterstones dedicated its following the “Time’s Up” and and International Women’s Day anthology which will be edited by Caitlin Moran, Malala Yousafzai, homepage solely to female writers “#MeToo” movements spawned this month, has allowed us the Rose McGinty. Zadie Smith and Margaret Atwood. on Thursday to celebrate women’s from the Harvey Weinstein sexual opportunity to re ect on all the HarperCollins imprint 4th Estate literary achievements. The retailer harassment scandal, which has ways women nd knowledge, power, REVIEW AND INTRODUCTION TO: Charles Dickens

by ANNA BOSWELL The character William Dorrit, from the greatest Novelists of all time. the beloved Novel Little Dorrit, was He’s captured people’s attention harles Dickens, born February imprisoned in Marshalsea Prison for everywhere and was once of most 1812, has an interesting story of bad debt, which is where Charles’s iconic novelists. Chis own to tell. Born into wealth whole family were sent. So, if you fancy stepping back but that was quickly taken away from Dickens’s novels all include through time to gothic Victorian him as his father was imprisoned into unusual characters with eccentric England, and meeting some special, a debtor’s prison. Charles was sent to personalities. His novels and some and unusual characters, then work under bad conditions. He never of his characters make my heart read a novel by Dickens, he won’t forgot his experiences. He eventually hurt. Nicholas Nickleby’s character disappoint! returned to school and gained an Smike is probably my most beloved Recommended Dickens Novels by education. Although these childhood character. I think the character plays Anna: experiences are sad, you could say, on my heart strings the most because •Little Dorrit that Charles bene ted from them as of how raw this story is and how •Nicholas Nickleby they formed and inspired some of Smike is treated. Everybody knows •Great Expectations the most famous characters in the how cruel Victorian England was, and •Oliver Twist history of English literature. David I think Dickens really captures this in •David Copper eld Copper eld’s character Mr Micawber, this Novel. •The Old Curiosity Shop imprisoned for debt like his father. Charles Dickens was one of March Issue 2018 | Seren 29 FOOD & DRINK Fresh cuts for SPRING SALMON RECIPE Freshers

Campus Life caters for a wide range of activities, but if your fridge is ever running low these are a few key dates you should keep in mind. Run by the Campus Life Mentors, these events aim to make integrating into a new environment more fun and more relaxing too. Making new friends and learning new recipes could never be easier! Be sure to check them out around University and ask any questions, John loves ques- emon Herb Salmon Burgers A big squeeze of lemon juice – INSTRUCTIONS: ties one at a time (unless you have tions. Remember to book in – a healthy, fresh recipe that about a tablespoon Firstly, mince the shallot and herbs. a huge griddle that can t more), advance if necessary but you Lis a MUST for salmon lovers! Salt and pepper to taste Set aside two tablespoons of the ipping once after 3-4 minutes. The can nd all details and more A light burger atop a beautifully shallot/herbs for the dressing. Saute patties should be golden brown on events on a Campus Life sweet, crunchy, herb-fresh salad. For the Dressing: the remaining shallot and herbs in a the outside and fully cooked on the poster or online at: bangor. 2 tablespoons minced herbs and little olive oil over medium high heat inside. ac.uk/campus-life/index.php. INGREDIENTS: shallot (reserved from burgers) for a few minutes to remove the bite Place all the dressing ingredients in en For the Salmon Burgers 1/4 cup oil (not totally necessarily, but it helps a jar and shake until combined (don’t 1 shallot 2 tablespoons water the avor in my opinion). forget the reserved shallot and herbs 1/2 cup fresh herbs (basil and pars- 1-2 tablespoons lemon Pulse the salmon 2-3 times brief- from step one). Set a little bit aside ley are great) 1/4 teaspoon salt ly in a food processor until well and toss the rest with the salad in- 16 ounces wild caught raw salmon, 1 teaspoon honey chopped and a little bit sticky. Stir gredients. skin removed For the Salad: together with the quinoa, eggs, sea- Serve burgers over salad! Mix the FFRIDD 1 cup cooked quinoa 2-3 cups baby spinach soning, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and reserved dressing with a little bit 1 egg + 1 egg white the shallots and herbs from step one. of greek yogurt or mayonnaise for 1/2 teaspoon seasoning mix (I used Shape the mixture into four patties. a herb-dip-type-sauce and serve it MONDAY 5TH MARCH FAIRTRADE FRUIT a seafood seasoning that had marjo- Heat a small drizzle of oil in skillet over the salmon burgers. And feel GIVEAWAY 8.30AM ram, chives, and onion) over medium high heat. Fry the pat- fresh and healthy. FRIDAY 16TH MARCH FEEL GOOD FRIDAY HOT CHOCOLATE MORNING 8.30AM

WEDNESDAY 21ST EASTER EGG HUNT Top Take Away 5PM

ST MARYS Deal of the Weeks

MONDAY 5TH MARCH FAIRTRADE FRUIT KFC GIVEAWAY 8.30AM

FRIDAY 16TH MARCH FEEL GOOD FRIDAY HOT CHOCOLATE MORNING 8.30AM

WEDNESDAY 21ST EASTER EGG HUNT 5PM

BARLOWS KITCHENS

TUESDAY 6TH MARCH LEARN TO COOK FAIRTRADE BROWNIES 7PM

TUESDAY 20TH MARCH LEARN TO COOK HOT CROSS BUNS 7PM McDonald’s BARLOWS International Box Meals KFC on Deliveroo gives you Regular Fries TUESDAY 13TH MARCH BOARD GAMES a wide range now we’ve AND BISCUITS 7PM Women’s Day Woe restored the chicken stock! Regular Side Personal favourites include he iconic golden arches of in the M-to-W changeup. And 100 the Mega Bucket and the Regular Drink some McDonald’s franchis- restaurants are getting special “pack- Boneless Banquet. If you’re Tes across the country were aging, crew shirts and hats and bag after something with a little KFC Original Dip ipped on March 8th as a nod to stu ers” for the day, too. more pizazz try the Wicked International Women’s Day, that’s But in reality, what has this actu- Zinger Tower Meal. Located on 286 High St, all. ally done? The upside down M has Bangor LL57 1UL, this infa- It’s a “celebration of women every- left many people in split opinions Box meals are ideal for sitting mous palace of chicken is where,” a McDonald’s spokesperson over the decision. Whilst it does help by yourself at the weekend open Monday to Thursday said. It’s a rst in the brand’s history to raise awareness, no actual action binging on Net ix. WHAT’S 10.30am to 11pm, Friday “in honour of the extraordinary ac- has ever been done by maccas. Plus, INCLUDED IN THE BONELESS 7am to 12am, Saturday complishments of women every- the following day the signs were re- BANQUET: 10.30am to 12am, and Sun- where and especially in our restau- versed back as though nothing ever day 7am to 11pm. rants.” The gesture went beyond the happened. Good e ort Mcdonalds, Three Mini Breast Fillets Call on 01248 364717 for outdoor signs, including all of the 3/10 for the e ort. yours now! fast food brand’s social media logos Popcorn Chicken 30 Seren | March Issue 2018 LIFESTYLE The Ordinary: Why I’m Already Thinking About Anti-Aging Products

’ve never been sure as to when to women in their twenties, who like intrigue me. One that I am keen to for 30ml you cannot go wrong! start thinking about using anti- me, are keen to tackle the issue try is the retinol range. Retinol is said and best of all cruelty-free! Iaging products. Although only 21 before it becomes the problem. A to boost collagen production and They are also: which isn’t old at all, I want to stay company that has recently caught reduce the appearance of ne lines - Alcohol-free Although I am yet to try these ahead of the game and catch those my eye is The Ordinary, I’ve seen and wrinkles. There are 3 products - Silicone-free goods and the rest of the range have wrinkles before they catch me. Whist them on BeautyBay, Urban Out tters, with retinol and range in their dose, it - Nut-free been in my wish list for ages and with there are plenty of products aimed and ASOS so far. All at a reasonable is recommended to start low at 0.2% - Vegan a student friendly price tag taking at older women there has been a price (under £10) the products have and build your skins tolerance to the - Gluten-free care of your skin never felt so won- small trend of products aimed at di erent acids and formulas that maximum which is 1%. At only £4.20 - Soy-free derful! Editor’s Picks: Is Your March Foundation Shade Favourites Available on the

Mario Badescu Facial Spray ne as a base for my makeup but with Aloe, Herbs and I don’t know how I lived without a primer before this. In a small compact High-Street? Rosewater: pump bottle it’s small enough to pop in your makeup bag and just one ecently brands have been I’m reasonably fair with freckles 1. Fenty Beauty Perhaps one of my favourite items pump is enough to cover your whole bringing out foundation and and always opt for one or two shades in my skincare collection! I got this for face. I went for the ‘pore primer’ Rconcealer collections left, right down from the lightest a company 2. Bobbi Brown Christmas and after deliberating over and although I don’t struggle with and centre. I know that I’m always make but I know for some, like my which one to get (the other option massive pore problems I have noticed stuck for choice when it comes to the sister, even the lightest is too dark was the Aloe and Cucumber - haven’t the di erence. My makeup glides on end of my bottle, do I try a new one or and doesn’t compliment those who 3. Maybelline ‘Fit Me!’ tried myself but heard it’s brilliant) and looks almost airbrushed, soft stick to my trusty L’Oréal True Match? have a very fair complexion. But what I settled for the Rosewater, as it has and glowy. I thoroughly recommend Whilst I deal with this, seemingly about lightening and darkening 4. MAC anti-in ammatory properties. The having a go and explore the other little battle, others are faced with not drops? Whilst these are brilliant for aim of the product is to revitalise dull primers in the collection. Get it at being able to nd their skin shade in changing your shade depending on and tired looking skin and it does Superdrug for £8.99. any or very few collections. Despite what season it is, why should you 5. L’Oréal True Match not disappoint. You can also use it this, companies are recognising the have to add an extra 10mins on to as a setting spray AND to boost the Makeup Revolution shortage and, in an attempt to be your routine? Having a mini science 6. Cover FX hydration of your moisturizer. So more culturally diverse, they are lesson rst thing in the morning isn’t many properties in just one spray. Concealer: making several shades lighter and ideal, especially when some have the Get it from BeautyBay for £11 (236ml) darker than the traditional selection. luxury of pumping a few drops and 7. Clinique This product has been on my Congratulations and about time I say! being done. L’Oréal Infallible Pore Primer: timeline and all over my social Why shouldn’t companies be making 8. Sephora media so I had to see what the fuss an extensive colour selection, after Here I’ve made a list of 11 brands was about. Amazing formula and I bought this on a whim in a 3 for all the world is made up of variety of that have made the move into a 9. Lancôme 2 deal a couple of weeks after it I can de nitely see how it has been undertones and shades, so why not more diverse future and have an was released, and I was pleasantly compared to the Tarte Shape Tape. ensure your product applies to the extensive collection of shades, so if surprised! I’m not usually one for Read my review for more of my many and not the few? you’re struggling take a look! 10. bareMinerals primers as a moisturiser does just thoughts! Get it at Superdrug for £4. March Issue 2018 | Seren 31 LIFESTYLE REVIEW: Makeup Humanities Revolution’s Conceal Notebook and De ne Concealer That Friend

’m already a fan of Makeup Revolution’s previous dupes but Ithis is one, I want to shout about. To many others who have tried it, I am sure my opinions don’t come as a surprise, but this product is amazing and a must have at only £4! Creamy yet light it glides on with a thick application brush which I love, you don’t need to go back over, one swipe is plenty. I opted for the shade C3 which isn’t what I’d usually go for as it has yellow undertones and I’m more pink but it did the job regardless . After blending with a sponge, it sunk into the skin and left my under-eye area awless. I usually struggle with dark under eyes, but they were completely gone and not even a hint of blue or purple. I can’t fault the product. For the price, the consistency and the coverage, I give it a solid 10. Overall score: 10/10 (Above) Photo by Yvonne Mayer by RORY FROMSTONE least two more months. This amazing ROBERTS act of bravely and unfathomable Spring/Summer sacri ce was committed by a friend, a young lady with a love for her friend. reak of nature in support and charisma, a valiant foe in , can speak personally about Fhumour. A shared link like no friends and how truly unique other, with fashion sense certainly Imine are. From the crazy army 2018 Hair Trends like no other. We all have that one solider man to the child superhero; I By FAITH ELSEGOOD person who can lift you from a low am sure we all have that friend that straight to a high before they even is known for just being themselves. ometimes our hair can be a bit boring. We’re leaving the seemingly-endless winter months and it’s only natural open their mouth. The look across My friends would move mountains to want to freshen up your ‘do. If you’re in need of some 2018 fresh hair inspo, look no further! Here are some hair the room that says a million things; and build pathways for people if they Strends to spruce you up through spring and into summer... I’m here for you, you see what I see, thought it would help. They show you for-real, bestie, FOOD! These un- ickering a ection and passion exceptional people guide and steer towards, not just myself, but to all you through the good and bad that they encounter. parts of life, taking a bullet, crafting the bullet, and being the bullet. A ferocious beast ready at your call. nduring the humiliation that you and multiple others emember that time when Eprovide. Enduring the inevitable they helped you in a life or bickers and disagreements. Ensuring Rdeath situation. I spoke to that no matter what happens, they a magni cent young lady, Jessie will always be there as a shoulder to (alias) who gave bone marrow and cry on. skin for her friend (Gregory, alias) to ‘be comfortable in his body’ after su ering a horri c accident whilst o one walks along this earth Hair Accessories York. The claw clip has made a come- trimmed – or just try it yourself! Simi- being on holiday. Jessie ran into a without that person; the I remember heading o to primary back too, Alexander Wang sent his larly, if you don’t fancy the full cur- burning hotel room to nd her friend warrior in their corner, the models down the runway wearing tain, it’ll be long enough to sweep N school with my hair laden with dif- that she thought was in there. Jessie dreamer to your believer. You may ferent kinds of accoutrements every the throwback accessory. Get your- into a cute side fringe! dragged Gregory’s body down three feel alone at times but there is always day. Butter y grips? Check. Tortoise- self to the nearest Claire’s to make ights of stairs and out of an ever- someone there for you. shell barrettes? Check. Scrunchies? sure you’re bang on trend. Cropped Hairstyles collapsing building. Gregory su ered Check. Those weird ties with plastic It seems as though the nineties are an extremely high burn percentage balls on that had a mysterious abil- Curtain Fringes reigning supreme among the hair- over his body and was on life support eterminately navigate and ity to get knotted into your hair so The curtain fringe must be one of style trends of 2018, because the for over ve months. Through this help this person as they help easily? Don’t remind me. Anyway, the most maligned hairstyles there cropped hairstyles sported by the time of his recovery, Jessie stayed you, guide them as they has ever been. But this new, modern supermodels of the 90s, like Linda D they’re back in style at the minute. next to him and supported Gregory. guide you, and support them as they The scrunchie made a comeback at incarnation of the infamous fringe is Evangelista and Christy Turlington, I spoke with Jessie a few weeks ago support you. Too many cooks spoil New York Fashion Week recently, and chic and stylish. The curtains of 2018 are making a huge comeback. Low to check on the progress. Gregory is the broth, but a mind struggling is designer scrunchies made by Man- are low-maintenance and versatile. maintenance and striking, these hair- making a good recovery, but he will a mind lost. Let someone else share sur Gavriel have gone on sale in New You won’t have to pop into the salon styles are just about as fresh as you still be unable to fully be mobile for at that load; let that person be a friend. every few weeks to get your fringe can get. 32 Seren | March Issue 2018 MENTAL WELLBEING PLAYLIST OF THE UNWIND YOUR MONTH: MIND MARCH MOTIVATION 10. Perfect Skin- Peace 35. Woman- Harry Styles 11. Daydream Believer- 36. Health- Mantaraybryn The Monkees 37. Not My Day- Keith James 12. Mona Lisa- The Copper Children 38. Paris in the Rain- Lauv 13. We Are Doing Fine- 39. Little Brutes- The Hoosiers Super Doppler 40. Strong as an Oak- Watsky 14. Hit Me With Your Best Shot- 41. Clementine- Sarah Ja e Pat Benatar 42. Only Women Bleed- 15. Sao Paolo- Vincent Mango Alice Cooper 16. Good Nights (feat. Mascolo)- Whethan, Mascolo 17. Dirty Imbecile- The Happy Fits 18. North Carolina- Poor Remy 19. Happy Together- The Turtles 20. How Good It Feels- It’s nearly Easter, I am four Easter Lake Street Dive eggs down and 4000 words of my 21. (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) dissertation up. I graduate in two Higher and Higher- Jackie Wilson ing a hot drink and doing some yoga, months with no future job prospects 22. Mardy Bum- Arctic Monkeys nwinding after a challenging others would prefer to listen to music and no idea what to do. Life is con- 23. Not Nineteen Forever- day is essential for our men- and chat with friends. Some like rou- fusing but this mis-match of songs The Courteeners tal health and wellbeing, es- tine whilst others thrive o sponta- has helped. 24. Young Chasers- Circa Waves U pecially in the cold winter months neity. However you begin your day is 25. Everything- Kaptan where sunlight is scarce. It can often up to you, as long as you’re content, 1. Grace of a Woman- Elephant 26. London’s Blues- be di cult to get out of bed and to and as unstressed as possible. These Revival Ferris and Sylvester fall asleep at a reasonable hour, let are just some small things that work- 2. A Hundred Sinners- The Feeling 27. Surfer Babe- McFly alone to keep active, maintain friend- ded for me 3. Little Lion Man- 28. Cherry Cola- Kuwada ships, work, to eat well and to func- Mumford and Sons 29. Comin’ Round Again- tion as a normal human being. If you feel drained, bored, unmoti- 4. Passiona- The Smith Street Band Houndmouth vated and unwilling to get up in the 5. Hungry like the Wolf- 30. Art Exhibit- Young the Giant I have never been an early riser. morning, take a minute to wonder Duran Duran 31. Second Time- Bruno Major Or should I say, I have never been a why this is and gure out what you 6. Vulfpeck- Animal Spirit 32. Solid As A Rock- Ella Fitzgerald willing early riser. For me, mornings can do to change this. It’s completely 7. Perfect- Fairground Attraction 33. Under The Bridge- consist of snoozing my alarm for the okay to have those days where you 8. Native Tongue- Quinn XCII Red Hot Chilli Peppers fteenth time before dragging my- stay up until all hours watching Ru 9. Jackie and Wilson- Hozier 34. Never Enough- The Hunna self out of bed, throwing on some Paul’s Drag Race and sleep in until clothes and drowning my sorrows one. In fact that sounds amazing. in co ee (Morrison’s own of course) Something that helped me to get OCD, OCD, OCD before falling asleep in Pontio. My more energy, to feel a little more turn trigger related conditions, such how much sleep a person gets can evenings are arguably worse. They motivated and a little less tired was CD is so often misunderstood as depression, when the rituals begin blur the line between a good and a consist of complaining about how to create a routine at the beginning and misdiagnosed. It’s not to control a person’s life. bad day. Sleeping for as long as your stressed I am, drowning my sor- of the day. Studies have shown that just about cleaning, tidying body needs to is important. If you’re rows in pasta, opening my laptop a small routine and regular wake up O to be productive and falling asleep time at the beginning of the day can and organising. It’s not just about A major misunderstanding about struggling with a negative sleep cy- counting and washing your hands. OCD is that it’s all about cleanliness cle, waking up earlier can tire your watching old episodes of Come Dine increase productivity levels. It isn’t funny and it isn’t quirky. OCD but this could not be further from body out and prepare you for sleep With Me. They have full episodes on a ects approximately 2.3% of the en- the truth. OCD manifests itself in a in the evening. I know it’s hard, but a YouTube you know. However, this is Set your alarm for the same time tire population, and it is ranked ninth variety of ways, for example if some- good night’s sleep is clinically proven something I have been trying, and every morning, be it 6am, 8.30 or in the World Health Organisation’s one’s underlying intrusive thought to reduce stress. You are capable of failing, and trying some more to even 10am. Try to stick to this time list of debilitating illnesses (that in- is that they are going to hurt their great things, do not let OCD de ne change, because something I have and wake up then every morning. cludes physical and psychological). partner (even if violence is not in what you can and cannot do. It is found, is that the way I begin and Wake up to a calming alarm, a song their nature) it can lead to complete time to speak out, and get help. end the day can seriously a ect my that you love, an instrumental piece Many of us have minor obsessions avoidance of the partner. This is dam- mood and the way I my day occurs. of music, anything that allows you to and compulsions at times, often aging anyway, let alone to those who Artist and comedian Ursus Wehrli wake up slowly and calmly. prevalent during childhood and of- do not understand OCD. uses his OCD to make art, as you can Mornings are a time for re ection, Create a list of ve things to achieve ten appearing during times of stress see from the photos used in this ar- relaxation and to restore balance to before you leave the house. For ex- in order to regain some control. The Help for OCD is not just limited to ticle. His compulsive desre to tidy an overcrowded mind, which I under- ample plan to make your bed, to most common obsessions include counselling and Cognitive Behav- and bring order to a world of chaos stand is much easier said than done. have a cup of tea, to open your blinds returning to a room to ensure the ioural Therapy (CBT) although this has led to writing multiple books. The way in which we re ect is di er- etc because then, before you even plugs or the light has been switched treatment is advised. It is crucial to The rst, Tidying Up Art, concerns art ent depending on the type of person leave the house you have already o . This is regular behaviour and look after your physical health in such as Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom in Arles’ you are. Whilst some nd it relaxing completed some small but nonethe- does not interfere with daily life be- order to take care of your mental that Wehrli tidies up to look more to start and end the day slowly, drink- less important achievements. cause it is short lived. The di erence health. Some advice from Mind.org aesthetically pleasing to him. Provid- for people with OCD is that the anxi- includes relaxation techniques that ing before and after pictures, Wehrli You might have to be your own best ety about switching o a plug for can ease stress and help to calm gives the reader an insight into the example, does not leave. This can in down an otherwise clouded mind. way his creative mind ticks. friend. That’s not something they’re Anything that relaxes you, do it, be it colouring in, mindfulness, yoga, going to teach you in school. So start reading etc. It may sound simple the work of loving yourself.” but just calming down your mind and body can help reduce stress and anxiety. Wentworth Miller

Do not neglect your diet where pos- IF YOU HAVE ANY sible. Eat well and regularly to keep COMMENTS, IDEAS, OR WOULD LIKE TO WRITE FOR up your energy. Your brain burns the THE MENTAL HEALTH AND most energy out of all the organs in WELLBEING SECTION THEN PLEASE DON’T your body, so keeping up energy is HESITATE TO CONTACT ME LIV AT crucial when battling a mental illness MENTAL.WELLBEINGSEREN.BANGOR.AC.UK such as OCD. It sounds futile, but March Issue 2018 | Seren 33 FEATURE INTERVIEW: BEDS

n the 21st and 2nd of April, BEDS will put on their own version of Alan Bennetts Talking Heads. Directed by Alec Bosneac, Natasha Blackmore and Jamie King, the show will be composed of six monologues. Three of them will be played on the rst night and then three on the second night meaning that while it is the same directors and same play, both nights will be totally di erent Ofrom one another. If people wish to see both shows they can pay on the rst night £6 for students and £7 for non-students. In preparation for the play, Seren managed a quick interview... by AMBRE RADOU what a director does. I had a lot of Alec: Lesley because of all the of that line and tries to express is so very deeply into their own hearts friends who have directed shows characters, I feel she is the one who funny, and I love social realism like through very small insigni cant Can you brie y present Talking and I sort imagined them being is innocent but at the same time that things. I love the way it places very Heads? taken o in a small dark room to not as innocent. She has this very Tash: Mine was just three words profound emotional stu in the Everyone looks at Jamie. and laughs be initiated in the most mysteries strict obsession with her acting and and you like quoted from memory a domestic setting. Natasha: Six people six stories of the society that I have not yet she basically escape from herself big chunk of the script. *laugh* over two nights. discovered. To actually get to live through these characters. But at the Jamie: That’s the part I read when What can the audience expect Alec: Six stories about loneliness this experience myself is quite same time she obeys everything the I pitched it and even if it’s not my from the play? told by people who are among… enlighten. I feel like I get to see director tells her. I found her a very favourite monologue out of the Alec: A bit of humour, fun, a bit of Jamie: … quite a lot of people. right inside the society and right disturbing character because there six I think it re ects perfectly what tragedy. Even though the characters into the world of theatre. Also every are multiple part of her, multiple Talking Heads is about may be weird, they can be pitied What pushed you to apply as day in rehearsal you get surprised. Lesleys inside Lesley. because it can happen to anybody. director? Hopefully in a good way. Jamie: I don’t know about a What are you the most looking You can nd a very profound feeling. Alec: I felt the need to direct these Tash: I was surprised by how well favourite character but I do have forward in this production? One can expect to see them lock monologues because I want to everyone works together. I would a favourite monologue, A Cream Alec: To my seventh dialogue inside of their head. challenge myself and I found these have thought that three directors Cracker under the Settee, played by cause I can just talk for miles and Jamie: You can expect to see monologues to be quite fun and I for a six cast play would be a lot and Katie Tew. I like that one because miles *laughs* nothing that any show has been also thought that I was con dent that we would just have shout right it’s so emotional and you just get Tash: The trailer and I’m really showing before in Bangor. It sounds enough to give an adequate vision after the very rst day but it was not swiped into the character whole life excited for production week when di erent from anything these and direction to these monologues the case. And the cast, even if it’s six when you watch that monologue. the actors will be on stage with the societies have done and you can so they are portrayed in a manner di erent monologues they are still The story just appeal to me. In all set out, the tech, and just watch expect to see six really good actors that is suitable for the stage. bonding, hanging out together and terms of the individual characters it. The full dress on and take run. To at the top of their games. Tash: I worked in a showcase of we had our head tech Emily Jarvis at the one I’d like to hang out with is watch them taking control of the Tash: If you have not bought the just monologues before so that’s our rst rehearsal which was great. Susan played by Shannon Glennon room and the audience. combination ticket expect to buy the reason this play resonated to I am just quite surprised at how because she is just she is sassy Jamie: I’m most looking forward a ticket for the next day. *laughs* me. I wanted to be director because smoothly has everything gone until independent and naughty. for putting the actors on the stage None of the monologue are the I have not done it yet and I really now. Tash: Regarding the monologues in JP theatre and the point in the same and you would not want to wanted to grab the opportunity to my favourite is Bed Among the production where we can nally miss any of it. be in a nice cast. What is the strength of the play? Lentils, because I feel like it takes a stop telling them what to do and sit Jamie: I wanted BEDS to do this What excites you the most about normal person, someone you could back and watch so it becomes their What are you hoping people will play generally because it I think it the play? know at school married to someone show entirely. take away from the performance? o ers a great playground for an Alec: The fact that even though from a social class that’s quite high Alec: I hope they will leave JP actor to play about in and I wanted there is only one character on stage, and basically watching her crash Is there a speci c message the thinking that maybe some of their to be part of the production that narrating and telling a story, the and burn in it. I think it takes some play is trying to transcript? friends might be going through brought it into stage. When I started way the character is telling makes real problems like mental problems, Alec: However weird they may this. They might be isolated, weird, to talk with Tash about the two of it as if there are two characters on drinking and things like that, throw seem, in the way they’re talking hiding something even from us working on it, it sort of became the stage. It makes the audience them in your face in some kind of they are just people like us. They themselves. I hope they can identify apparent that we would both be understand the character from this way. Also because she is that sassy are lonely, they are isolated, they with it, that they’re not alone and directing. And then we got Alec who narration. It is an interesting way to little bitch everybody needs. have problems. Even though they that if they need help they can ask was a great addition to the team. tell a story through the medium of are talking in a very casual manner somebody. These monologues also theatre, in the sense that they are A favourite line from the play about subjects that are not usually point out that many of the tragedies For the two weeks that have now written like short stories but the way and why? discussed especially at that time of these monologues happen passed were you surprised by it is written makes it theatre. Tash: “God has no taste” from Beds everyone can take a grasp of it. Their because external people don’t act. anything regarding your role, the Jamie: I’m excited by the shire Among the Lentils. messages are very subtle about the I hope that the audience will get cast? power of one person being on stage. Alec: “Acting is really just giving” fact that anybody can be a talking that they can be the hand to avoid Alec: The actors generally I think it’s a really exciting thing to from Her Big Chance head. something grave to happen. surprised me because they are watch and if you’ve seen student Jamie: There are so many lines Tash: It raises awareness about Jamie: I hope it helps people to trying to be o -script, that are Bangor shows in the past, I can that just pop into my head. There are mental health; that you have to take validate their own voice when they starting to enter the characters, guarantee it will be nothing that you lines so dramatic but then also some care about your mind as well as your have to face struggles. I hope that they are no longer being tied to try have never seen before. It just feels really funny ones. To be honest one body. De nitely not to judge a book they will see that everyone is worthy to get all the lines perfectly they new and fresh. It’s a really exciting of my favourite lines is in Muriel’s by its cover. of being a main character, being in are trying to be natural and portray thing to see take shape in front of monologue, Soldiering On, where Jamie: I like the way of how the spotlight. the characters, what I see now is you she complains about the mental it founds profound stu in the Tash: Aside the play and its characters not the actors. hospital manager: “Turns out he everyday boringness of life, when message, I hope it will bring a bit Jamie: I think I’ve been surprised Do you have a favourite has to…. His hands are tied by the characters are just pottering about more respect towards monologues. by getting to see behind the curtain, character and why? NUPE”. I just think that the rhythm their domestic spheres but they see 34 March Issue 2018 | Seren FASHION BEST AND WORST DRESSED OF THE OSCARS

Allison Janney: Emily Blunt: Betty Gabriel: Chadwick Boseman: Armie Hammer: The actress won the Oscar for best I love, love, love this dress. This This is one that I wouldn’t choose The young actor has started 2018 I love this daring red velvet suit supporting actress this year but she dress is so soft and elegant, making for myself but I am so drawn to this on a great high with his much an- that Hammer sported for this awards also would win the Oscar for best the English actress look absolutely beautiful teal dress with silver em- ticipated ‘Black Panther’ lm. The lm show. It is nice and refreshing to see dressed of the night if that was a cat- radiant. The duck egg blue chi on broidery. Normally I would not nd has had great ratings and as the ac- something that really pops out from egory in my opinion. This dress is so ows beautifully and creates a mini the top half of the dress to be ap- tor stepped onto the red carpet for the crowd for all the right reasons. simple and elegant whilst looking so train. The colour of the dress really propriate for an occasion such as this the most prestigious night of lm, The velvet is a really nice material in chic and beautiful. With the colour to complements the complexion of the one. However, the actress dared to Boseman proved that his style would any colour and the red really brings it match the carpet, Janney absolutely ‘Devil Wears Prada’ actress. The beau- bare and she actually looks radiant. I receive great ratings too. I love the out. It’s di erent and colourful as red nails this look and what better night tiful white lace on the high neck col- think because there is so much detail long blazer with the white pattern isn’t a typical colour that we see on to do it on. The long sleeves made lar and the waist of the dress really on this dress, the viewers attention on his shoulders. The material al- suits, they are usually, grey or black, the actress look regal as she walked breaks up the pleated chi on just to is captured elsewhere other than most looks as though it’s lace on his tweed even brown or white. Pared up the red carpet. The sleeves split give the dress a bit of texture and the neckline on the dress. If I were to shoulders as it displays and intricate with a black bow tie, Hammer looks at the elbow and created a train of not make the dress too simple. The make one negative comment about design. The actor kept the rest of the very suave and sophisticated whilst their own. A lot of the time, less is transparent textured cap sleeves of the it, the material does look slightly out t simple with classic black, but mixing up the look. I like the fact that more and that is certainly true for the dress makes it really di erent and too heavy at the waist and gives the having a change as simple as that, this look is simple and sophisticated this dress. This dress looks lovely and again sets the dress apart from oth- look that the dress has fallen down really makes the actor stand out and he doesn’t have to do anything really stands out from the rest. ers. revealing the actress’ chest and cre- against the rest of the men wearing outrageous to stand out from the ating a train. a simple black suit. crowd.

Andra Day (Red Nicole Kidman: Adam Rippon: Lea Michele: Darrell Britt-Gibson: This dress seems to be a shocking Carpet Dress): I understand that for men at the This one is a shame because I don’t This is another one that just misses statement. The dress does little to No. Just no. I try not to be harsh in award shows, what they are wearing hate this dress. It’s just a tad too re- the mark. The trousers seem to be di- atter the actress’s stunning gure. my criticisms of the out ts worn at tends to get overlooked by all of the vealing. If you are going to have a vorcing his ankles as the old expres- The dress gives Kidman a sharp angle awards shows but this one is a big extravagant and beautiful dresses. low plunging neckline, don’t also sion goes. However, this is an ele- which kind of creates a jagged bow error of judgment. The songstress However, a black suit and tie are a have a high rising slit on the leg. All ment that I do actually like about the shape at her waist. The bow shape seems to be going for a retro feel in classic for a reason and can have you have left is a strip in the middle out t. Howeverm the part of the out- draw s attention to Kidman’s waist this choice. However, there is retro men and women swooning all over where your core is. I so want to love t that I don’t like is the Barbie pink and crotch area oddly. This is an area and vintage, and then there is this the world. If you are going to go for a this dress but I can’t because it’s too jacket which has a slight shiny e ect that most people don’t want to draw dress. I hate to say it but I do believe quirkier, more unorthodox out t for revealing for the Oscars. I love the as well which makes the look really attention to and yet this dress seems my grandmother had these exact the Oscars, do not ruin the suave look black with the gold sequins of one bizarre as it looks like he has a shiny to demand it. This dress seems to curtains in the 70’s and 80’s. Day did and literally tear it apart. This is what side of the skirt. It is really eye catch- jacket over a black blazer but he have been cut and paste onto her. not help the situation by deciding to American ice skater Adam Rippon ing and if less esh was showing, the doesn’t. It kind of makes it look like A di erent writer on a di erent day lie down on the red carpet and use did. Rippon wore a leather harness dress would be incredibly elegant. he accidently put this jacket on. Like might suggest that Kidman was one the opportunity as some sort of bi- with cut out shoulders on his black What bothers me is the body part of he wasn’t looking and just threw on of the best dressed but I personally zarre photo shoot. The style is pu y dress coat. This seemed to be making the dress, or lack thereof. I like the slit any jacket as he walked out. Finally don’t like this look on the Australian and frilly on the sleeves and the bot- a mockery of the prestigious award in the leg. It would be irty but in- why would you put sunglasses on at beauty. tom of the skirt. Both the colours suit show’s classic look and wasn’t a good stead it just misses the mark which is the Oscars, this isn’t the time or place. her but the dress itself it a big no. choice. what makes it so disappointing. Seren | March Issue 2018 35 FASHION Hot Hairstyles Who wore it better?

t has been reported that the hot- credibly easy to do. Literally anybody test style to wear your hair this sea- can do this to their hair, provided it Ison could possibly be the simplest is an acceptable length. Therefore, design ever. As fellow women and rather than give examples of intri- men with shoulder length hair may cate designs, that take about 10 at- be able to sympathize with, even a tempts after watching three di erent ponytail cannot be put up without YouTube tutorial clips, this simple the use of a number of bobby pins. design seems to be the ‘in’ thing this However, this hairstyle, surprisingly year does not even need the use of any The other look this year, seems bobby pins. No, the most in demand, to be to crop your hair into a short common hairstyle this season is hairstlye and add a funky colour into called the hair tuck. All the hair tuck it. The looks appears to give a P!nk is, for anyone who is not familiar with style vibe o . The songstress is well the term, is simply tucking a strand known for her alternative style, with et us take a trip down memory Jennifer Lawrence has taken a leaf famous for. Therefore any one that of your hair behind your ear. her leather jackets, multiple tatoos lane. All the way back to the out of the model and actresses book even attempts to wear this dress is This seems a little bit bizarre, I don’t and maybe most iconically, her short L90’s where Hugh Grant’s then and worn a dress that is scarily simi- going to be compared with Hurley. know about anyone else but tucking crop of hair which she changes up on girlfriend famously wore ‘that dress’, lar to the original. The slinky black However, to her credit, Lawrence has your hair behind your ear is more a frequent basis. P!nk often die part at the ‘Four Weddings and a funeral’ number looks incredible on both of added a modern twist to the dress. something that occurs when hair of her hair pink too whilst the rest premire. these women and it is an incredible The dress is also become current continues to fall in front of your face is platinum colour. This seems to be The dress is so iconic due to the fact to dress to be able to claim to have with one of the most famous actress- and you tuck the hair behind your very in this season. From this, I would that the pieces of the dress are held worn. es of today’s era sporting it. Hurley ear to keep it back and out of your have to conclude that keeping your together by gold safety pins. Despite I do nd myself thinking that you has even commented on Lawrence’s face. hair away and out of your face would the fact that Lawrence leaves this can’t do better than the original. This take on the 90’s classic. “I thought she However, I do have to admit, it’s be the looks to go for this summer. part out, the colour, the cut and style dress is memorable and iconic and looked amazing in it,” Hurley told E! simple and pretty as well as being in- as well as the straps are identical. is actually what Liz Hurley is most News.’’ Drag and the fashion industry By ADAM PARRY the fashion/modelling world. Also, society and has been known to dress them from the barriers presented to that the fashion world could learn GBT Culture has had its place in in this year’s ‘America’s Next Top unconventionally. He wears what he them. Drag is a rebellion against the from drag is the acceptance of more fashion for God knows how long. Model’ three ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ wants to wear and is not constricted fashion industry and how it dictates plus size models, as in the drag world From the likes of designers such contestants (Valentina, Manila, Katia) to just the masculine attire. Drag has what you wear. It demonstrates they are not de ned by their body L appeared on the show to model helped create a world where this that being individual and thinking type but by their talent. as Gianni Versace, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, without these names the with the contestants, acting as an is possible, allowing individuals to outside the box is a thing to be loved fashion world would be completely in uence and giving pointers on and openly express themselves and free and appreciated. Though, one thing di erent. But the Drag community o -set. Drag queens are gradually has also added to fashion. Drag has joining the fashion industry with become a mainstream concept, some being signed on to appear especially with the help of the on catwalks (Marco Marco Fashion continual popularity of the TV show Week Show), not only does it add ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. Drag has created are and something new into the new opportunities and added forms fashion world, but it also helps the of expression that have blurred the LGBT community by giving them boundaries of gender and sexuality. more representation in mainstream Their sometimes-bright extravagant events. make-up, fabulous dress designing, Drag queens are constantly and their modelling potential in uencing and helping to shape have become a part of the fashion modern fashions and trends. The industry. diversity of drag has allowed the To think that 1993 was the year that change from promoting traditional RuPaul Charles was the rst ever drag gender stereotypes, to accepting queen to gain a modelling contract and incorporating the idea of with MAC Cosmetics is remarkable. the masculine women and the This event is the milestone that has e eminate man. Drag is a constantly led to a more accepted place for drag evolving form and is perceived as and the changes that have occurred more than just an act but an artistic over the last 25 years are amazing. In style. Drag promotes and teaches 2017, RuPaul and Marc Jacobs hosted individuals to not feel trapped and the rst ever “Fashion does Drag” ball, judged for wanting to be something a collaboration that brought fashion individual. We see how this has designers and models alongside a ected teenagers, when looking drag queens, which shows how at the well-known 19-year-old lm they are becoming more involved in star, Jaden Smith, who has grown up in this more loving and accepting 36 March Issue 2018 | Seren BREAKTIME

EASY

HARD March Issue 2018 | Seren 37 SPORT 38 Seren | March Issue 2018 SPORT Bangor Equestrian Competition Update

by BRONWEN SCHOFIELD On Wednesday the 7th of March Match Report: Bangor’s A, C and D equestrian teams took part in various competitions. Bangor - 16 e A team were competing at LJMU (Foxes Riding School) competing Liverpool JMU - 4 against Chester, LJMU and the University of Liverpool. All riders put in a great e ort and placed 3rd overall, with team member Ellen Heaton MVP: Malin Tillström placing 8th as an individual, this means she has quali ed for regionals. Whist the A team was competing, the C team were also competing away at Chester (Pennant Equestrian Park) against Chester, Keele and the Women’s Handball ranked top seed University of Sta ordshire. e team competed well and placed 3rd overall. With several team members placing heading into Finals high individually, Laura Grey placed 4th, Paige Suckley placed 6th, and Rhiannon Williams placed 7th. e their strongest attacks and allowed strong defensive work from Lacombe- as additional goals from Robinson and by STEVE THORNTON D team was competing at home over Bangor to progress with their own Bar and Ogerek combined with E.Smith further extended the lead. on Anglesey (Anglesey Riding Centre) game. e cient keeping by Jones kept LJMU With the nal whistle sounding ith the girls coming o a against LJMU, Northumbria and With Bangor now pressuring LJMU, frustrated throughout, as their e orts at Bangor 16-4 LJMU, a win le strong performance in the Chester, all members of the team rode fast movement and distribution from reaped minimal reward against the Bangor as a top seed in the upcoming previous round of games well and achieved strong dressage tests, versusW Manchester University, it was Harper and Scott began to create determined Bangor. competition and provided one of their achieving very high scores. e team openings, and the girls swi ly took Debutant Zoulia used her best qualifying results in recent times. important to continue in the same vein placed 4th overall. Well done to all advantage. Tillstrom scored a fast opportunity to burst forward to try With competitive debut’s handed against Liverpool John Moores Uni- riders who competed on Wednesday. brace, whilst E.Smith continued her and match her performance with an to Crabtree, Zoulia, Baldwin and versity. A win would provide a strong We wish the teams the best of luck in excellent form by adding to the score equally impressive goal, but a late Lacombe-Bar, the future of the squad seeding heading into the nals on the upcoming competitions. 17th March, providing high motiva- line. Further goals from H.Smith and tackle from the opposition instead appears in good hands a er such tion throughout the 13-strong squad. Robinson le Bangor leading 9-2 at provided a penalty - which Tillstrom a dominant display despite little e game began quickly, with LJMU hal ime. swi ly converted, as she had all experience. A er such an impressive immediately scoring from their rst A er a strong rst half performance, a ernoon. performance, con dence and focus attack. e pressure continued as they the team continued into the second As the game progressed into the remains high heading into the vital Super Sunday repeatedly attacked down their strong half with the same attitude and desire, latter stages, Bangor continued to nals on the 17th March, with Bangor right side, but impressive defensive further extending their lead through be ruthless. Impressive work from aiming for the ultimate achievement of work from Haigh and Harper negated Crabtree on her debut. Additional Baldwin continually supplied chances, Shield winners. Sailing is weekend the Bangor sailing team took apart in the Big lash, an event hosted jointly by Liverpool and Manchester University, with the Team Racing central in West Kirby. Team racing consists of a team of 6 people and 3 boats, o en re ies. Racing got underway early on Saturday morning under blue skies and with strong winds building from the South East. e aim is to use your skills and tactics to nish with all the teams nishing with scores under 10 points. It was a fantastic weekend for their rst event with this team and rst time team racing for some of the sailors. is was the rst event for the pairings of Octavia and Dewi, Aaron and Matt and Tom and Christian. e conditions proved challenging with capsizes in the rst Excitement builds for the Winter Paralympics few races because of the wind and shi y air. is was common among most of ollowing the hype of the Winter is making her Olympic debut and has Women's Super-G in Sochi. Kelly mixed team, and our wheelchair the teams and lead to smaller sets of Olympics, where Team GB only 3% vision - is aiming to achieve has recovered in time to compete curling team will once again be hoping sails being used for the a ernoons pulled o their best performance a medal in the alpine skiing alongside following an injury that caused her to for a podium nish. racing. A er a di cult 8 races, Bangor toF date, achieving their goal of 5 her guide Jennifer Kehoe. miss the 2017 world championships. Team GB will also be represented in nished the day in 16th with 2 wins medals, the attention now turns to However, the best hope for a British Britain will be making its debut Nordic skiing for the rst time since placing us in the bronze eet. Sunday Team GBs Paralympic athletes who medal is Millie Knight, a visually appearance in snowboarding with 1998, with one athlete competing for was a completely di erent challenge are also aiming for their best ever impaired skier who became the athletes Owen Pick, Ben Moore and GB in this event: Scott Meenagh. e with extremely light and variable games with 17 athletes aiming to win youngest ever british Paralympian James Barnes-Miller, they are hoping Paralympics have already got o to a winds. e team rose to the occasion medals and achieve greatness over in ever in Sochi aged just 15. Now aged for some podium nishes as Team GB strong start with Millie Knight winning winning all races occupying rst and Pyeongchang. 19, she’s back and hoping for a podium compete in Snowboarding for the rst our rst medal of the games alongside second in all but one, winning the ey have set their sights on a target nish, alongside her guide Brett Wild. time. guide Brett Wild. Placing second in bronze eet convincingly. All in all, it of 7 to 17 medals. Should they achieve Kelly Gallagher and her guide Garry e wheelchair curlers who won a the visually impaired downhill. Team was a great event that provided much this, it will be their best performance Smith were the rst Brits to win a gold medal 4 years ago will once again be GB are optimistic about reaching their needed experience but also showed for 30 years. medal in the Winter Paralympics or competing. Unlike the Olympic games, medal target. the potential that Bangor has for future 19 year old Meena Fitzpatrick - who Olympic games a er winning the Paralympic curling is competed in success in the competition. March Issue 2018 | Seren 39 SPORT

Bangor Karate bag bronze at Yorkshire Open e Bangor Karate Union (BKU) It was the rst outside competition 2nd and 3rd place. en came the turn was taken out in the semi nals, taking intense match. e BKU congratulates squad attended the Yorkshire Open the team have attended and it was a of the ghters in Kumite. Bangor’s a bronze medal with her. e male all their well deserved medallists and Championships in Barnsley on the fantastic day. e day started with female competitor fought very well lightweight category was the nal competitors who did themselves, the 11th February. ey competed across Kata. e female novice competitors against the world champion. A er success of the day. Bangor reached the club and the university proud. all disciplines in a total of 7 categories. dominated their category taking 1st, landing some fantastic punches she semi- nals and took bronze a er an Bangor University Students’ Union English Language Newspaper @SerenSports SPORT

Match Report: Bangor - 53 Manchester - 52 Women’s Netball triumph in Plate Final by HANNAH WHITTAKER the nal for the rst time, Bangor were Bangor's play and the girls nished the the combination and with Hannah of Olivia Porter and Bridgette Brown, determined to make all of their hard rst half 26-20. Determined to make Whittaker at WD, the defence made Bangor equalised with 3 minutes to and JENNA BOWMAN work count. e rst quarter went goal the game theirs, the Bangor girls went some crucial interceptions and go. For a short while it went goal for for goal with both teams nding their out with ght and determination but turnovers. Manchester managed to goal until an important goal allowed aving played a tough game feet. Going into the second quarter, unfortunately the third quarter was pull away, increasing the lead to 5 but Bangor to take the lead by 1. At this against Manchester 5ths Zoe Laurence and Kaylee Brooker the weakest and Manchester took the Bangor refused to drop their heads point Bangor looked a er the ball and last week, Bangor knew that took to the court, changing up both lead 40-38. Going into the last quarter and kept ghting. e whole team kept the possession, closing out the playingH the team above was going to attack and defence, meaning that Kaylee moved to GK and Katie Evans pulled together and with crucial shots game 53-52. be even more di cult. But being in Manchester struggled to keep up with took to the court, again changing up from the strong shooting combination