www.thegryphon.co.uk @_TheGryphon Issue8 25/11/16

TheofficialnewspaperofLeeds University

Racism towards the First Lady cannot be ignored How the issue is stillrife in the US Page 9

In the MiddleChat to WhiteLies We caught up with the band about their latest album, Friends ThousandsMarch Against InThe Middle, page 6 Tory Education Bill

Over15,000students andlecturerscampaigned against the proposed changes

IanWhite fewwereevencalling fornothing short many speculatingthatevenOxford Euan Hammond of aMarxist revolution,but chants of with itsworld-famousreputationmay “One solution,Revolution”gainedlittle not be guaranteed agold-medalstatus Science in the Post-Truth Age Last Saturday,thousands of students traction in thecrowdscomparedtoold underthe newrules.LSE,Liverpooland How will scientific evidence hold up andlecturers from acrossthe UK favourites,“What do we want?Free Bristolare also expectedtoscore poorly. under Trump’s presidency? travelledtoLondontoopposeimminent education,” and, “Ohwhenthe beans BristolVice-Chancellor,ProfHugh Page 18 government changestoHigher come outthe tin”. Brady commented: “UKinstitutions Education.The marchfromParkLane Perhapsthe most controversialelement have asuperbreputation worldwide, and to ParliamentSquarewas followed by of theTorybill is theimplementation it wouldbeashame if thegovernment arallyincluding speakers such as the of theTeachingExcellenceFramework were to damage that throughan NUSpresident,MaliaBouattia, and (TEF). Thenew frameworkwillcreate inappropriateuse of metrics.” theprominent left-wingwriterand auniversityleaguetable basedon Arecent Guardian survey foundthat journalist,OwenJones. ratingsfor teaching quality.However, Russell groupuniversitieswerelessthan When askedwhy they were marching, criticsofthe bill have raised concerns on-board with thenew bill.Onlysix of protesters gave awiderange of answers. over whichstatisticswillbeusedto 20 have agreed to participateinthe TEF, Many were angryabout thenew Higher decide gold,silverand bronze ratings, whilepotential remainsfor alarge- Education Bill andits implicationsfor worrying whetherpurefigurescan scaleboycott amongstthose refusing to universitystudentsand staff,others provideanaccurate representation ofall comment. TheUniversityofLeedshas EthicalFashion in the 21st Century wanted areversetothe cuts in college universities. as yetgiven no indication that they will Fashion explore how we can shop fundingset to be implemented during Predictionsofwhich institutions will take part in anyboycott. ethically without breaking the bank thecourseofthe currentParliament. A come outontop aresurprising, with Read more on page 2 In The Middle, Page 11 2 | News thegryphon.co.uk Editor’s Letter:

Dear StudentsofLeeds, theresponsibilitythatcomes with it.The mediacoverageof Trumpwas overwhelmingly negative,and oftenfailedtotake It’s beenatumultuous week forthe himseriously, butwhatthe mediaseemedtofail to graspwas Contents mediaacross thepondinAmerica, that simply by giving himsomuchair-timetheywereaidinghis aweekthathas causedmanyin campaign.The old adageof‘No publicityisbad publicity’ could theindustrytostopand think easilybereplacedwith‘Badpublicity is good publicity’ in this 3-7 News abouttheir role in society. Donald election. Hispolicies, although outrageous andcontroversial, were Trumphas always hadanuneasy broadcasteverywhere, andthe negative mediaattention merely 8-11 Views relationship with mediaoutlets in the addedfurther martyrdomtohis cause.Evennow Ibet you could US,and thisweekthe President-elect recite anumberofTrump’s proposed policies;his planstobuild a 13-15 Features organisedaseriesofmeetingstoasserthis wall,toban Muslims entering thecountry,toremovethe US from dominance over theseplatforms. climatechange deals-buthow manyofHillary Clinton’spolicies 16-17 Business couldyou tell me? Firstlyhesummonedall majorNewsnetworkstoTrump Tower 18-19 Science to give them aseriousdressing down forwhathereferredtoasthe As anewspaper editor,eventhoughveryfar removedfromthe ‘deceitful,dishonest media’ who‘gotitwrong’.Helater organised US elections, Iencountered similarproblems.Wehad students 20 Society ameeting with TheNew York Times (amongst much grumbling queuinguptohavetheir sayonTrump,onhis policies, howhe anddrama)where he complained of their‘rough’ coverage of rose to fame, whovoted forhim -and it’s such ashame we didn’t 21-24 Sports himbut stressedhis desire foramorepositiverelationship going seeasmuchinterestinHillary Clinton. Trumpmay have seta

forward. It’s reallyworryingtosee thePresident directing media trendfor thefuture; in thispost-truthage,itseems that grabbing representatives to hisevery beckand whim.It’simportant, theheadlines with themostcontroversial policies is theway to

Quoteofthe Week nowmorethan ever,thatthe mediamaintains an unbiased winanelection. As representativesofafreeand democraticmedia,

independence,able to challengesuchanunaccountable and we must work collaborativelytoensurethatthisdoesnot happen. untransparentfigure. Donald Trump’selection hasactuallyseenastrengtheningof “ “ “ “ It’ll beinteresting “ to see how Cars 3 independentmedia,with TheNew York Times seeing avastincrease Trumpalready seemstobepredicting(plotting?) thedemise in donationsafter theresultwas announced.It’sreassuringto addresses thefact of certain institutions, as he constantly refers to TheNew York know that amongstall thefearand biting politicalcontroversy that Materisalmost Times as ‘failing’, with the WashingtonPost and Time having also thiselectionhas produced,people still cravethe unbiasedtruth, “definitely a Trump come underfire.However,Trump’s near obsessionwiththe news andasthe mediawemustmakesurewe’re able to providethat. supporter outlets, andhis desire to weaken theirresolve,shows just how much powerthe mediaactuallyhas,and howmuchofakey player Jessica Murray they were in thiselection. Trump, amongmanyothers,constantly Editor-in-Chief Fred Delicious complained of an election ‘rigged’ by themedia andwhile their [email protected] complaints oftenrangout like thewailsofabad loser, themedia must acknowledgethe powerithas to sway publicopinion and

Credits Continued from front page

Editor-In-Chief ~ JessicaMurray Thediversity of issues theprotesters Malia Bouattia warned against Editors of theWeek hoped to raise wasalsoreflectedinthe gambling with the futures of students AssociateEditor ~ range of slogansonthe placards they and staff: “The government is DominicJohnson were carrying,suchas‘CutWar Not running at pace with adeeply risky

DigitalAssociate ~ Welfare’,‘EndIslamophobia’,‘No to ideologicallyled market experiment FloraTiley Trump’,‘Fightfor Socialism’, ‘Tories in further and higher education, Out’ andthe quaintly British, ‘Stop and students and lecturers, who will News ~Polly Hatcher, suffer most as aresult,are clear that BeingSilly’. Sarah Berry,Euan this can’t be allowed to happen.” Hammond Farleftgroupssuchasthe Socialist Many voiced fears that aloosening Workers Party(SWP) were outinforce, Society ~ElsaAmri, Bea of regulation would allow private although onedemonstratorsaiditwas Warleta companies to easily establish forprofit difficulttodetermine whetherthey educational institutions and label Features ~Jessie were theretosupport theprotest or them as universities, something the Florence Jones, Hannah more interested in trying to pick up Macaulay, Ella Healing Government insists will offer students newrecruits. more choice. But many fear the Views ~RoryClaydon, Unlike demonstrationsinprevious potential of Trump-style universities LiamKerrigan, Jess years, at no pointdid thingsturnugly. beginning to operate in Britain. Readett Insteadofkettlingdemonstrators, Half adozen other issues were raised Xa Rodger, Heather Nash, Will at the demonstration, suggesting Science ~Sam police were friendly andhelpful. Arnoldand James Candler protesters were not outraged by any McMaster,Dougie At the rally in Parliament Square Arts Editors Phillips towards the end of the day, several single policy. Yet it is clear that unease is growing around the government’s speakers criticised the planned TEF The Arts team provided some brilliant Business ~Sam Bailey, ongoing commercialisation of the MatthewMoore and called for aboycott of the National coverage of the Leeds Creatives event Student Survey (NSS) in order to higher education system and what on Tuesday, interviewing many of the Sport ~LukeEtheridge, disrupt the implementation of the negative effects it could have for speakers -lookout fortheir articles in JamesFelton, John Gibby controversial policy which could university students and staff. next week’s issue. resultin further increases in tuition Design ~Becky Nolan, Frazer Sparham fees. thegryphon.co.uk News | 3 Vigilfor lives lost to trans hate Studentsgathertocommemorate thosekilled as aresultoftransphobic violenceand hate

Sarah Berry It is estimatedthat every three days, somewhere in the diversityofhuman lifecan be truly appreciated the world,anothertransgender person is killed. and celebrated.” On Monday evening, agroup of people (many The statement wenton: “We are taking this Afterwards,people were invited to join adiscussion drenched, some holding lanterns) filled the foyer opportunity to remember all thosewho have been in the Union. It was followedbyatransonly film of the University’s Uniontotakepart in aminute’s unlawfullykilled this year.Wewillremember the screening, alongwith badgemakingand cake. silence to remember all of thetrans people who have countless youngtrans peoplewho have diedfrom Those in attendance formed asmallpart of died -oftenunremarked by thewider community -as suicide. We willstand in solidaritywith the 48% of thousandsofpeoplewho come together for aresultoftransphobia, and to bringattention to the youngtranspeoplewho have attempted suicide. We International Transgender Day of Remembrance each ongoingand largelyundiscussed violenceperpetrated willstand together to condemn violence against trans year.The eventbegan in 1988 following the murder of against thetrans community. people.” transgender woman RitaHester, whose deathsparked Astatement on the Facebookpage forthe event Studentsentering theUnionbuilding toescape acandlelight vigil in San Francisoand aweb based highlightedhow, even as we view our society as Monday’sdownpourstopped to listen as Jamie remembrance project.Now,the international day of continuallyprogressing and taking ever more steps Fletcher,anLGBTQ+ activistand theatreand film action spans 185 cities across the world,and continues toward equalityand acceptance forall, thisbeliefisin director, led aprayer before theminute’s silence took to grow. Trans activism in Leedshas typically centred danger ofmaskingthe reality of those who continue place. around the University, butthisyear avigilwas also to face extreme prejudice: Init, she hoped that those who had died or suffered held in Sovereign Square. The increasingparticipation “2016 has been the deadliest year on record for because of their trans identity wouldbe“fully marks apositiveshift towards betterawareness, trans people. When trans people, andespecially trans accepted as whole peopleofworth, of talent, of wit recognitionand acceptance. women of colour, are killed just forexisting –itis and integrity.” Shewishedfor our “society [to] grow clear something needs to change.” greatly andrapidlyinunderstandingsothat in future Beckett studentjailed Bikethief arrested forunprovokedassault outsideThe Edge

Image: Unite Students

Euan Hammond Detective InspectorJames Entwistlesaid: “The victim was acompletely innocent Image: sacbike.org ALeedsBeckett student has been jailed party who saw Kalati collapsed and went to for 18 monthsafter an unprovoked violent his aid and was attackedfor no reason. As a Polly Hatcher attack left afellowstudent partiallyblind. resulthehas been left with alife-changing Sam Kalatihad been drinkingheavily injury that has seriously affected his future. On Monday night security personnel at the University of Leeds priortothe assault andwas seen on CCTV “We hope the prison sentence Kalati has detained aman who was attempting to steal apushbike which crawling out of alift in the Plaza student received will serve as astark reminderto was locked up outsideThe EdgeSportsCentre. He wasfoundwith halls. Sports therapystudent, Bruno others of theserious penalties they can face equipment on hispersontoenable the theft. Horatio, 20, approached Kalatiwiththe if they engageinmindless violence such as Reportsfromthe police have stated that there were three other intentionofhelping himwhenhewas this.” bikes stolen onthat day. grabbed by Kalati and repeatedlypunched As aresultofhis injuries and his extended If youare worried aboutthe safety of yourbike, West Yorkshire in theface. time in hospital,Horatio is nowunableto Police recommend using aD-lock,asthe majority of stolen bikes are The extreme nature of hisinjuriesput continue playingrugby for Leeds Beckett lockedwithcable ties. D-locks can be purchased fromthe Bike Hub Horatio into acomafor 24 hours and University and has had to start the first which is located at the end of the EC Stonerbuilding. permanently impairedthe vision in hisleft year of his course over again. It is also advisabletomake anoteofthe bike’s modeland serial eye. Recorder Toby Wynn described the number and mark it with yourpostcode. Leeds Universityholds bike Kalati pleaded guilty to committing “cancer of drunken violence” in society. marking events throughout the year. grievousbodily harm. He wasdescribed as He added that the sentence was astrong If there are anyfurther concerns, contact AndyGordon-Platt, being“paralytic” duringthe attack, and deterrent: “peopleneed to be deterred from the CrimePrevention Manageratthe University of Leeds,on told police:“Iamcompletely disgusted inflicting this mindlessviolence.” [email protected]. withwhat Ihave done to that poor guy.” 4 | News thegryphon.co.uk

AberystwythUniversity Studentscan win£10,000 in Dragon’s Denstyle competition Campus 1Students at AberystwythUniversityhavethe opportunitytowin over a‘Dragon’inaDragon’sDen-style competitionassomebuddingentrepreneurs getthe chance to pitchtheir business ideas. TheInvEnterPrize competitionoffers up to £10,000 to thewinning AberPreneurindividualorteam, which canthenbeusedtoinvestinequipment,facilities or professional servicestoturntheir business idea into a reality. Theprocess is simple;the student or groupwithanideafor anew productorbusinessservice cansend in an application,and thechosenfinalistswill then have an opportunitytopitch theideatoapanelofthe Watch Universitybusinessalumni–muchlikethe TV seriesDragons’Den. Careers Consultant at AberystwythUniversity, Tony Orme,said; “The moneyisawonderful assistance to start-up costs, butitisthe advice andsupport that will be most valuable.Weare luckytohavegraduates that want to give back andbeinvolvedwiththe studentsand theirgenerosity,intimeand fundsisinspirational.” What’s more,Aberystwyth Universitywillbehosting arange of workshopsand inspirational presentations in ordertodevelop student’s entrepreneurial skills.

AmyCrawford City University of London Harvardand Yale Union bans right-wing tabloidsciting“fascist” tendencies Colleges look to create “sanctuary campuses” 3 for illegal immigrants Last week,studentsatCity University of London votedtoban selling The 2 Sun, DailyMail and Express in amotion titled“opposing fascism andsocial Thousandsofstudents, professors andalumnihavesignedpetitions divisiveness in theUK”.The motion reflects asurge in censorshipatBritish demanding that theiruniversitiesbecome“sanctuaries”for undocumented universities, andgives some credence to theclaim that “the fascistsofthe studentswhose immigrationstatuslooks increasingly precariousfollowing the future will call themselves anti-fascists.” outcomeofthe US election. During ameeting attendedby200 students, themotion called foracampus- Although Trumphas rowedbackonhis pledgetodeport11million illegal wide banonnewspapers whichsupposedlypropagate fascist principles. It immigrants,hehas nonethelessmaintainedapromise to “immediately”deport added “freedom of speechshould not be used as an excuse to attack the 3million people,which manyfearwould includestudentswho arecurrently weakestand poorestmembers of society”,and took issuewiththe “inherently protectedfromdeportation by an executiveorder signed by PresidentObama. sexist”undertonesexhibited by theaforementioned publications. Theproposals aremodelledonsocalled“sanctuary cities”inwhich George Brock, former head of City’s journalism department,regards the authoritieshavesaidthattheywillresistcooperating with federalimmigration move “foolish, illiberaland meaningless”,whilst JodieGinsburg, Indexon officials. Othertypical “sanctuarycollege”policiesinclude theprovision of Censorship’schief executive, stated:“Rather than banningthings, we should financial assistance forundocumented studentsand thecreation of deansto be encouraging people to voicetheir objections to viewsand opinionsthey promotediversity andinclusion.Inaddition, Harvardstudentswanttosee their don’tlike.” MemorialChurchdesignatedasarefugefor those facing deportation. Moreover,studentsofthe university’s eminentjournalismdepartmenthave However,one senior legalfellowcondemnedthe proposals, claiming they staged a“mannequinchallenge”inprotest of themotion.The videodepicts amounted to a“fundamentalcontemptfor theruleoflaw.” Legalpolicyanalyst motionless studentsreading anddiscussing thebanned tabloids, before JonFreerealsocastdoubt on theefficacyofthe proposals, saying:“Ithink concluding with thefollowing quotefromGeorgeOrwell: it will be very difficultfor thesecampusestoshieldindividuals whoare in “Ifliberty meansanything at all,itmeans theright to tell people what they violationofthe lawfromfederal authoritiesshouldthe government choose to do notwanttohear.” deport somebody”. According to Spiked,ninetyper cent of higher educationinstitutions exercise some form of censorship.

AlexanderJones

UniversityofCardiff Plansfor newStudent Centre face heavy 4 criticism

Cardiff Universityhas facedheavy criticism over theproposedlocation of their 2 newStudent Centre. Thebuilding, designed by FieldClegg BradleyStudios,issettobebuilt on Park Placeand theuniversitysay theinvestmentisvital to keepingits status as atop university. Theproposalhas facedwidespreaddisapproval,however,due to thedesignof thebuildingand thethreattohistoricsites. Theconstruction of theconcreteand glassbuilding, measuring28m high and 140m long, wouldmeandemolishing aVictorian building andared-bricked Edwardian building,currently housing aCosta andaSubway. NumerousCityCouncillorsfeelthatCardiffwould be losing part of itsheritage, andthatthe “unnecessarily intrusive” newCentrefor Student Life wouldalter 1 thestreetscene forthe worse. On theother hand, manyhavepraisedthe projectasameansofsetting 4 3 standardsofdesignatthe heart of thecapital city,and enabling theuniversityto transformthe ways in whichstudentscan access services. Theapplication is duetobediscussedlater thisweek, andplanningofficers have recommendedthatplanningpermission be granted.

Jonathan Chard thegryphon.co.uk News | 5 5 Leeds Creatives: the lowdown Talksfromculturalconnoisseurs from across thecityshowthe creative strength of Leeds

Polly Hatcher whoisputting abid togetherfor Leeds to become theCultural Capital in 2023. She emphasised how arts On the 22nd November, The Gryphon,Leeds Student need to be made more readilyavailable to students, Radio and LSTV came together to put on thefirst as if students finish university thinkingLeedsis Leeds Creativesevent. confined to just the Hyde Park/Headingleybubble, The event played host to anumberofspeakers who they are more likely to leave the city, which is causing are having ahugeimpact withinthe city’s cultural abrain drain in the North. industries. LSR DJs filled thegaps between speakers Next came BillyCollins, from HonestEdibles, who and at the end of the day there was abuffetput on gave ademonstration on howtomake raw vegan by headline speaker, Adam Smith, fromthe Real Junk sushi. As aUniversity of Leeds alumni, he hasnow Food Project. starteduphis ownethical food business in thecity The sheer breadthoftalks that took place and uses as much local produce as possibleand highlighted the endlessopportunities within Leeds, teaches others howtocookveganfood. highlighting that you do nothave to go to Londonif Tom Smith from CosmicSlopalsospoke and youwant to makeitinthe creative industry. explaining how he has combinedrunning aclubnight The day opened withRaf Bogan speaking from with raising money for thecharityMAP (Music and &/oremporium, agroup which brings awhole ArtsProduction).Hehas managedtobuildasound collaborationofideas together. This was followedby system that has made Cosmic Slop ahouseholdname atalk fromLeanneBuchan from Leeds City Council, amongstsome of the biggest DJs, meaning many produce theatrewithout having the constantstressof have asked to come and play. the cost of thecapital. This enables Cosmic Slopto Hayley Reid, another Leeds University alumni, raise more moneytohelp spokenext about East Street Arts, highlighting the disadvantaged children receive numerous opportunities in Leeds foryoung creatives an education that they will to reallymake their mark. benefit from. Lasttospeak wasAdam Smith, the creatorofThe Followingthis came GOAT Real Junk Food Project. He gave an inspirational talk collective, who all recently and highlighted howmuchwaste thereisinLeeds, graduated fromLeeds College revealing that they intercepttonnesofwaste every of Artand nowworktogether single day. Previous single deliveries have included to create incredible artwork seven tonnesoflimes and 27 tonnesofnoodles. which was demonstrated by He states that there is amassive need to question the work they createdduring businesses about their waste, intercept food waste so the talks. that it can be usedelsewhere, and also reformthe GirlsThat Gig fromLeeds food banks as, shockingly, most of thewastethat CollegeofMusic emphasised they intercept comes fromthem as if it is after the the importance of getting food’s best before date(yet notthe usebydate), they women intomusic while are notlegally allowed to serve it. Amy Letman from Transform Overall, theday was hugely successful and hosted a described how it was necessary varietyofspeakers that covered all types of cultural for her to move to Leedsfrom outlets, provingthatLeedsisagreat place to live and Image: Rupert Lloyd Londoninorder to be able to thrive as ayoung creative. Students turn to payday loans as livingcosts rise Rabeeah Moeen repayments and extra fees. Many of theseloan Thisalsofurthers concernsthat studentloansare companies,suchasWonga, have attracted negative not enoughtocover student expenditure,asaccording In asurvey of over 1000 students, researchfrom attentionfromthe pressfor their exploitation of to Natwest’sstudentlivingindex,university costs Future Finance hasfoundover30% of thesehave borrowers. are higher than ever before. Housing prices have also turned to payday loans, credit cards and overdrafts to Furthermore, aquarterofstudentsdid notthink risen too, placing afurther strain on students.Asthe cover financial expenses while at university. of payday loans and credit cards to be forms of debt. maintenance grant is no longeravailable as simply This suggestsathird of studentsare relyingon Recent research has also found that millennialsare agrant,this maycause further worries for students moneysourced outside of student grantsand loans. far more likely to have taken out loanssuch as payday as well as parents,who maynot be able to support 70% of studentsadmitted that Governmentfunded loans and credit cards of ahighercost,due to poor their children financially, forcing them to lookfor loansdid notcoverthe cost of their expenses and credit scores, which onlygraduallyget worse the alternative forms of income. were therefore turning to othersources ofmoney. more loansthat are takenout. ShellyAsquith, NUSofficerfor welfare, was quoted Apayday loan is arelatively small money loan, Theresearch has raised concerns that students as saying, “We needurgentactiontoreinstate grants however it is often accompanied by ahigh interest have apoor knowledgeoffinance,with40% of and control thegrowing costsassociated with study.” rate.They are called ‘payday’ loans as they are most those surveyed notknowing what an APR (annual often used by workerswho need to briefly borrow percentagerate) was. Future Finance CEO, Brian some money on therun up to payday. Norton, told The Telegraph that handling your own The real cost of payday loans come withmissed finances at uni can “be asteep learningcurve.” 6 | News thegryphon.co.uk Studentpauses degree to launch FGMCharity

Soraya Ali time betweentheir second and third years to study solely devoted to the cause.Bethel began the project abroad or complete ayear in industry, Bethel created at university but decided to launch it further in her Auniversity student has taken ayear outofher Hidden Scars, acharity devoted to safeguarding hometown of Leeds. degree to successfully launch acharity in Leeds. against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Bethel says “I was inspired to do something after Bethel Tadesse is originally fromLeeds but studies Other organisations in Leeds contribute towards the watching the Channel 4Documentary ‘The Cruel Cut’. at Northampton University. While students often take prevention of FGM, but Hidden Scars is the first to be Oneofmymentors told me if you want something done, you’ve just got to get up and do it –soIdid.” Female Genital Mutilation refers to the partial or total removal of the female genitalia. There is no medicalorreligious backing of the procedure and it was made illegal in the UK in 1985. Despite its criminal implications, a2014report by the Leeds City Region Conference revealed that almost 3,000girls have undergone or are at risk of FGM in Leeds. The procedure originates from and is still most widely carried out in Africa and Asia. Bethel is of Ethiopian descent and has close family members who were subjected to FGM. She seeks to combat the risk to girls in Leeds with the help of local communities. Shehas recently worked with the WestYorkshire Police and FGM medical specialists to spread her message. As well as this, she runs events in town which seek to explain FGM to the public. Having won an O2 Think Big award and recently being featured on HumansofLeeds, Bethel hopes to Image: luu.org.uk continue her successafter completing her degree. Leedsstudent scoops topprize innational photography competition

Will Marriott confidence boost Ineeded to take my photos to the year partneredwith Canon and the leading industry next level and really push my career forward”. magazine Professional Photography, Calumet said: AUniversityofLeeds student has been named Calumet Photographic hold the competition every “We believe [our competition] helps to celebrate Student Photographer of the Year 2016, winning year, receiving hundreds of images, which then young people’s love for pictures and encourages £11,000inprize money. have to be cut down by apanel which consists of artistic photography. We would like to congratulate Henry Nathan, an undergraduate in Film, Media professional photographers. Henry and the runners-up and thank everyone for and photography, entered his freelance work into Speaking about their competition, which this participating.” Calumet Photographic’snationalannualcompetition but didn’t think it would get noticed. He said “I never dared believe that Icould come first because of the high standard of work Isaw from last year’s winner and runners up”. Nathan’s image was of an underground cave in Oregon, America, which caught abeam of light shining down on aman and adog walking through. The student said “It was spectacular to see. Iknew as soon as Ihad taken the shot that Ihad captured something pretty special and Ihardly needed to do any editing to the picture.” Speaking of Nathan’s image, Jon Warner, Managing Director of CalumetPhotographic, suggestedhow this image shows the 20-year-olds passion and talent for photography. “Henry’s winning image shone out. He is clearly very talented and has an eye for composition and working with light. The fact that he captured such an amazing shot taken during such ashort window of opportunity demonstrates his patience and skill”. It comes after hearing these encouraging words that the student, who beat 800 competitors to the title, is considering his future and is lookingforward to a possiblecareer in photography. “I am hugely overwhelmed and honoured because Ibelieve winning this competition will give me the Image: blog.calphoto.co.uk

8 | Views thegryphon.co.uk Views Should NigelFaragebegiven agovernmentpositiontohelp with official relations between Britainand theUS?

Yes Rory Claydon

Afterthe resultsofthiselectionseeingDonald of anysortofresponsefromher administration attitude combined with thefactheiscloserto Trumpbeingswept into theWhite House, Ican hasleftofficials in amajor stateofconfusion – themovers-and-shakers inthe U.Sgovernment say that it wouldbeinBritain’s best interests whichleads me to seewhy Donald Trumphasn’t than anyBritish official wouldbeimmensely to keep up agoodworking relationship with yetmet with TheresaMay despite meetingup valuable. thenew President-elect. Afterall thespecial with manyothers, includingthe Japanese Prime However, many MP’s andevensomefigures relationship we have with theUnitedStates Minister andthe IrishTaoiseach. in DowningStreethavebeenopenlyhostile to givesusmuchmoreswayonthe international Ourspecialrelationshiptherefore lookslike Trump, both before hisvictory andafter it.Few stagethan what we wouldhavewithout such a it is in peril–thelukewarmattitudetowards have come outtoaccepthis successand extended partnership. Trump’svictory threatens thecurrent UK-US awelcoming handtothe future President. This As Farage said in response to theknee-jerk connection,the ripples from this couldreduce cold approach borders on hostile, butFarage, ripostefromDowning Street on thetopic of ourplace on theworld stage. aman whoknows notonlyTrump butmany becomingambassador: “The worldhas changed. Whichiswhy Farage wouldbeanexcellent others that will no doubtholdpositionsinthe People need to face up to this.” choice.Healready hasapersonalfriendshipwith U.Sgovernment, wouldsolve thisproblemifhe As he stated,2016has been averysurreal thePresident-elect,and knowsmanypeople on became ambassador. year in politics –withTrump’s victory, rising histeamaswell. ThepositionFarageisinwould As he said,the worldhas changed–and Farage nationalisminWestern Europe andBrexit help Britishinterests in Americagreatly. hasadapted to thisconstantlyfluctuating completelychanging thepolitical make-upof Farage himselfsaid“Iwould do anything to politicallandscapetimeand time again. Forthis, thewestern world, DowningStreetstill reflects help ournationalinterestand to help cement ties if Britainwants to continue ahealthy working theold attitudesthathavedominatedpolitical with theincomingAnglophileadministration.” relationship with America, then it is withouta discoursefor thepastfew decades. Andindeed,his tireless campaigningthroughout doubtthathewould be asafechoice forboth Indeed,Theresa Maywas recently criticisedby theBrexitcampaignand indeed during the DowningStreetand Washington. herown ministersfor her“terrible handling” of U.Selection shows that,atthe very least, he Britain’sresponsetoTrumpsvictory.The lack stands up strongly forwhathebelievesin. This No Alex Passingham

SinceTrump’s victory, governmentsthroughout with Trump. Firstly, it is by no meansclear that wayofexample he attended oneout of 42 meetings Europe havewrestledwithhow best to deal with the Farage’s wide eyed enthusiasmfor Trumpismutual. held when he wasonthe fisheries committee, despite manwho,against most of theirpreferences,will lead In thenow famous picture of thetwo menoutside a UKIP campaigning heavilyonthe issue).Given his thefreeworld forthe next four years. Theirdifficulties golden lift Farage lookslesslikeaseriousnegotiator campaigningstyle,which dependsontakingswipes areoften compounded by thefactthatmanyofthem andmorelikeagrinningchild meetingtheir favourite at establishedauthorities and‘experts’, it is also have,understandably,made disparagingremarks football player.Thisisfar from theimage that Britain difficulttosee himtakingseriously anybriefings aboutTrump when he wasanobscure primary should wish to projectabroad. Furthermore,touse or advice whichForeign Office officials, likely to candidate whoweall assumedwould talk himselfout Farage in thisway would simply suggest to Trump be farbetterqualifiedinforeign policy than him, of therunning.Theresa May, then Home Secretary, that Britainsharessomeofhis potentiallydangerous mightprovide.Thisrenders himaloose cannon in said he was‘absolutely wrong’ in hiscomments foreignpolicypositions, most worryingly hisfondness afieldwhere Britishpolicydesperately needstobe aboutBritish Muslims’relationship with thepolice. forPresidentPutin whichthreatens theNATOalliance consistent. Understandably,therefore,the necessity of building on whichWestern security hasbeenfounded sincethe Overall,whilehis viewspresent challenges,Trump aworking relationship with thePresident-elect will endofthe Second WorldWar. is farfromthe most difficultworld leader Britainmust not be easy forthe Britishgovernment. However,to Woulditnot cheapenthe prestige of theForeign deal with.But Britainhas dealtwithconsiderablymore arguethatNigel Farage is theanswertothisdifficulty Office to give such avital role to aman who, letus hostileleaders in thepast, andone mightfind solace is to fundamentallymisunderstandthe problem. notforget, hasbeenrejectedseven timesbyBritish in thefactthatTrump at leasthas aconnection to and Many have argued that because of Farage and voters whenever he hasstood forParliament? His affinity forBritain.Certainly,heposes questions, but Trump’sclose friendship, theactingUKIPleaderis foreignpolicyexperienceisscantatbest, whilehis NigelFarageisnot theanswer. anaturalgo-betweeninthe UK government’s talks attendance in theEuropeanParliamentiswoeful (by

thegryphon.co.uk Views | 9

Racism TowardsFLOTUSCannotBeIgnored

EleanorNoyce potentialcourseofTrump’s presidency.Totakethe because sheisnotwhite is heinous. Awoman of such BA EnglishLiterature wordsout of Michelle Obama’smouth,‘thisisnot hi“ gh authorityactivelyspoke outagainstawoman something that we canignore’.Itisnot something who, if notalready,shouldberegardedasone of the ‘Thisisnot something that we canignore. It’s not that can be fixed by punishment,orsomething that most successful in theentiretyofAmericanhistory. something that we can just sweepunderthe rug.’Just canbefixedbyapology.Thisbehaviour is suggestive Michelle Obamawas educated at Princeton afew weeksago,MichelleObama stoodinfront of of adeeplyengrained attitude of racism;itrepresents UniversityaswellasHarvard:two of themost an audience comprisedofhundredsofher advocates, successful educational institutions in theworld. publiclyspeakingout againstsexist, disturbing Michelle is alawyer, awriter, andanintellectual;her comments that Donald Trumphad allegedlymade Whalingclaimed that she had marriage to Barack Obama andher position as First againstwomen.The public outcrywas enormous, not intended to be racist, but Lady is just thecherryonthe top. Sheisfantastic even threatening hisvictory in the2016USElection.Of as shestandsalone, andthissends outapowerful course,whatismoredisturbingisthatwenow know this ignoranceembodies the messagetolittlegirls alloverthe worldwho have a that thisdid little to impedehis success, andby problemitself. drop of ambition in them.She overcame amultitude January, he will be thePresident of theUnitedStates of social barriers to get to herposition today. After of America. everything theObamashavefoughtfor over the “Itwill be so refreshing to have aclassy, beautiful, themosthateful beliefs in America. pasteight years, thecommentsmade by Taylor dignifiedFirst Lady back in theWhite House.I’m Whaling claimedthatshe hadnot intendedtobe andWhaling highlightseverelyregressive attitudes tiredofseeinganape in heels”,wrote thedirectorof racist, butthisignorance embodies theproblem whichthreatentoreverseevery achievementmade. theClayCountyDevelopment Corp,PamelaRamsey“itself.Her racism wasnatural, anditwas something This is notsomething that we canignore. Treatthis Taylor,onaFacebookpostlastweek. Hercomments that shedid not herselfrecognise.Ithad to be pointed with care;learn from it;treatitasawarning sign. were even supportedbyBeverly Whaling,the mayor outfor hertorealise theerror of herways, andthisis of Clay County;thoughWhaling hassince been something deeply troubling. To implythatawoman removedfromher position,thiscase of inherent as infinitelybrilliant, inspiring andintelligentas racism should be treatedasawarning sign forthe Michelle Obama is not‘beautiful’, or ‘dignified’ ObservationsOnBeing Disabled

Michael Everritt come as much of asurprisetome. What hassurprised to unlock the disabled accessdoororblock the access BA Philosophy me is howlittleeveryoneelseseems to care.You routewithabadlyplacedsecuritybarrier.Cases like wouldliketothink that more people wouldhavethe theseare especially frustratingbecauseyou know In thisday andage,manywill be temptedto decencytomaketheir companionsaware of their that decent people have done theworktoensurea think that thedisabledhavenever haditsogood. ignorance or apologise on theirbehalf. If afriendor building is accessible, only forittobeundonebysuch Even if that is true on paper, take it from me that relative didsomething racist, out of ignorance, most abasic levelofignorance. we stillhavealong waytogoasasociety. Though of us wouldfeelcompelled to saysomething.Why are It maywellbethat, as wouldoncehavebeenthe

notdisabledmyself, beinginarelationshipwith disabled people not affordedthe sameconsideration? case forme, nothing in thisarticle sounds allthat someonewho uses apowered wheelchair hasgiven Onepartofthe problemisthatitis easy to assume badtoyou.Whatneedstobeunderstood is that these me acertain insightintothe difficulties they face. most ofthe problems facing thedisabledhavebeen little problems arefaced allday,every day. When UK Disability HistoryMonth,which runs from 22nd addressed.Itis worth saying that accessibility in this we areignorant, when we lack basicconsideration

Novemberto22ndDecember,seems like as good a country, whileitcould always be better,could be a forthe difficulties some people face,wecontribute time as anytoshare my ownexperiences.Itisnot my greatdealworse.Whatisastonishing to me is how alittlebit to abig problem. Thegoodnewsisthat intentiontoappropriate thesufferingofthe disabled. oftenthisaccessibility is provided in theory butnot thismeans we only need to be willing to make small My motivation forwriting thisarticle is that that my in practice.People aretoo complacent;theyneglect changestomakeabig difference. perspective, as an outsider looking in,might shinea “ different lightonthe strugglesthattheyface. Oneofthe most strikingthingsabout oursociety

People aretoo complacent; they neglect to unlock the disabled access door or block theaccessroute with abadly placedsecuritybarrier.

is just howmanyignorantpeople thereare.Trying “to get awheelchairfromone endofabusy street to theother is akin to navigating aminefield. People frequently walk straight in frontofthe wheelchair, deliberately cuttingacrossitorsimplynot paying attention to theirsurroundings. Worstofall is how many of thesepeople shootthe wheelchair user a dirty lookafter anearcollisions, despite it invariably being theirfault. That thereare that many ignorantpeople didnot Image: Getty

10 | Views thegryphon.co.uk TheMuslimRegister-HistoryR“ epeats Itself

Sarrah Mariam 80,000 menand boys were registered andmonitored foundthat51% of Americansdon’t want other BScHuman Physiology by thesystem.Asense of fear wasspreadthroughout Muslims entering theircountry.WeBritish know theMuslim andArabcommunities.Attacks motivated theAmericans to be aparticularlypatriotic bunch. AHumansofNew York post came up on my Facebook by Islamophobiaincreased. Andyet NSEERS didn’t Muslim Americansare no less patriotic than their feed acouple of days ago. Awoman told us shewasn’t result in asingleterrorism conviction. whitecounterpartsand yetnow they must contest aracistbut “There’s something goingonwiththe with thefactamajorityoftheir ownpeople don’t Muslims...There’salot we don’tknowabout.” Her want them in thecountry.Theymustgointowork rhetoric can be compared to thekindofthingsthat 51%ofAmericans support banning andlookintothe eyes of theircolleaguesand were said aboutthe Jewish population by Germans wonder whichofthemvoted Trumptobetheir next before theHolocaust. Muslims from enteringthe US. President. We begintolearn aboutour historyfrom Less seriously, we cancompare it to thekindof ayoung age. If we learnany moralfromlooking into rhetoric oftenaimed at theX-Men -vilifiedfor the thepast, it is that we mustn’trepeatthe mistakes actionsofafew, suspectedoffoulplaysimplybecause Letthatsinkin. Over 80,000 people forcibly of ourancestors in thefuture. Yethumanityseems of whotheyare. registered.Not asingleconviction. determined nottolearn from ourmistakes. ThePresident-Elect Donald Trump’sproposed Nowthe incoming Presidenthas made it clearthat IsincerelyhopeTrump decidesnot to go ahead “Muslim-register”onlyincreasesthose X-Men he’llbetargeting Muslim immigrants specifically. with theproposedregisterthathis supporters so comparisons.The proposedregisterhas its OneTrump supporterevenwentsofar as to saythat clearlywanthim to.But in theinterim,whilstthe foundationsinthe National SecurityEntry-Exit“mass Japanese American internment campsduring speculation spreads,the only people Ican think of is RegistrationSystem(NSEERS).Supposedlyitwas WWII area“precedent” forthe proposed register. theMuslims of Americaand thepeople in Muslim- away forthe US to keep trackofall non-citizens It’s ahorrifyingprospect.AsaMuslim,Icannot majority countrieswho mayhavelookedtowards the entering thecountry forthe safety of theAmerican stressexactly howterrifyingsomething like thisis. supposed land of thefreewiththe American Dream people,but tellinglyevery countryonthe NSEERS list Ican’t even begintoimagine thesense of fear my lodged in theirminds.And my heartbleedsfor them. (bar North Korea)has amajorityMuslim population. fellow Muslims acrossthe pond must be feeling. TheNSEERSsystem wasacatastrophicfailure. Over In late Marchofthisyear, apoll(YouGov/HuffPost) HoneyG-ComedyAct or Cultural Appropriation?

MikhailHanafi HoneyGisn’t arap act. She’sacomedyact.Onthe comedicpurposestocater to thetastesofalargely BA Sociology&International Relations broadcasts of herperformances, thereare more shots whiteaudience. of laughter from theaudiencethan thereare shotsof Though theracismofculturalappropriation isn’tas HoneyGhasbecomeanational sensation. A applause.Itwould probablybefor thebestifwetook damaging as more explicitracism, like hate crimes contestant on thecurrentseriesofTheXFactor,she’s amomenttoexamine just whywelaugh at HoneyG. andsystemicracism, it is stillharmful.And if you’re managedtomakeitintothe topfive,beating acts like Afterall,amajority-white audience laughing at an stillnot convincedthatracehas anything to do with Sam Lavery (oncesaved by thepubliclifelinevote) actwho lampoons blackculture sounds suspiciously HoneyG’s success, askyourselfthis: wouldHoney G andRyanLawrie. If you knew nothing aboutHoney like theminstrelshows of the19th–20th Century. have made it thisfar on TheXFactor if shewerea G, it’d be easy enough to assume that she’s at least It mayseemanextreme example to make,but both young blackman insteadofathirty-something-year- slightly talented consideringshe made it into thetop HoneyGand minstrelsappropriate blackculture for old whitewoman? five.Inreality,she reallyisn’t. HoneyGisa“rap”act.She wearsstereotypical “rap”clothes,speaks“urban” andperformscovers of classichip-hop songs. Theproblemisn’t that Honey Gisawhiterapper—Eminem is considered by many to be oneofthe most talented rappers in thehistory of rap. TheproblemisthatHoney Gisawhiteperson whotakes all thesuperficialparts of rap, allthe stereotypesand conventions, andstripsthemoftheir context, essentiallyparodying thegenre. This is,for lack of abetterterm, problematic, because rapisinseparablefromblack culture. It’s amore inclusive genrenow,withrappers like Macklemore, Eminem andWatsky, buteventheyacknowledge and respectthe fact that rapemerged from thestruggles of blackAmericansinapost-slavery America. Rap wasand is theexpression of blackdiscontentand blackstruggles.Modernrap’s emphasis on material successstemsdirectlyfromthe socio-economic position ofthe blackinner-cityAmericans in modern America. ForHoney G(an outsider)tocomeintothisculture andtotakethe surface-levelparts—the outfits,the slang—andtoexaggeratethemtothe pointofparody is unabashedculturalappropriation.Her performances arereductive,oversimplified takesonblack culture, withoutany merittosavethem. If herperformances were actuallygood, it wouldbelessclear cut; agood coverartistmay be insensitive,but at leastthey’re doingthe originalmaterialjustice.Honey Gdoesn’t have flow, vocalability or danceskills. Image: ITV thegryphon.co.uk Views | 11 TheGlobalRiseOfThe Alt-Right

Timvan Gardingen Trump’svictory,theystate “ifthe citizens of theUSA of afascination with deaththatwas an elementof BA Germanand Chinese have done the‘impossible’, then us Europeanscan do pastfascistideology.Instead of “YOLO”,the Austrian thesame…we can trustagain in ourown strength… ‘Identitären’use thephrase“YODO”; “You only die Don’tthink that Trumpand Brexit areisolated let’smakeEuropegreatagain!”The European Alt- once”.Ifthere wasany doubtthatthisisadangerously examplesofadramaticpushtothe extreme-right of Rightlooks to Trumpand Farage as theirheroes. If radicalmovement, then clearlinks to fascist thinking politics.Thisisatrend spreading aggressively over theseviews gainfurther popularity,wecould seeyet shouldcover it. thewhole of Europe andnothing showsthismore more racism andinstability Europe-wide. In allthe fear andexcitementofBrexitand Trump, clearlythan theriseofanewgroup:the Alt-Right. TheIdentitarian’s islamophobiaisparticularlyvocal. it maybeeasytothink,oratleast hope,thattheywere TheAlt-Right is adifficultgroup to define, partly TheFrench‘Generation-Identitaire’havepainted exceptions; momentsofmadness that bear no effect down to itsrelatively newappearanceinthe public graffiti depicting‘AngryBirds’asMuslims carrying on global trends.Thatisunfortunately nottrue. The sphere andpartlybecause of thewidedemographic theflag of Daesh. Likewise,inHamburg,the ‘Identitäre shapeofpoliticsinEuropeand Americaischanging of itsfollowers.Sometimes considered aformof Bewegung’had an anti-Islam demonstration:one dramatically andthose changesare potentiallyvery ‘hipster’extreme-right,itisamovement whichuses womancovered in fake bloodheldasignwiththe dangerous. It is thejob of Europe nowtolookthe theinternetasits domain andbattleground, andwith words“Germany2016”,and next to her, awoman disasters of 2016 in theeye,not lettingothers emerge memesasone of itsmosttrusted weapons. wearing aBurka with thesign“Germany2020”. from an increasinglyunstable politicalenvironment. What holdsthe Alt-Righttogetherisnot amessage Germanywas widely praisedfor itsworkaccepting as of what they arefor,but rather of what they are manyrefugeesaspossible vehemently against. Multi-culturalism,immigration during theheightofthe andpolitical correctnessare theirenemies;elements refugeecrisis, butsadly we couldall seeinTrump’s presidential campaign. thebacklashagainstthat That messageisnow gainingstrengthinEuropetoo kindness is gainingvocal withinthe Identitarian Movement. ground. TheIdentitarianMovementbegan back in the Some identify very early2000sinFrance, buthas only in recent years extreme elements gainedstrength. Theirincreasingpopularity up to of historical fascism nowwas causedinpartbythe refugeecrisis, but in theIdentitarians. recent inspiration in theformofBrexitand Trump According to DÖW, an have giventhe groups aheightenedconfidence that is organisation concerned starting to be felt. with thedocumenting of In an articleon‘dieIdentitäreBewegung’ (the theextreme-right,the German branch of theIdentitarians) website regarding movement shows signs Image: Screengrab from The Atlantic Video TheSecretHealthService

Lauren Walker proposal to downgrade at leastone A&Edepartment in healthcare system in theworld,thatisactuallygood BA Englishand History Cheshire andMersey, whilst southwestLondoncould quality,soIjustcan’t comprehendthe motivesin seetheir number of acutehospitals beingreduced reducing itsbudget, quality andcutting of invaluable Earlierthisweek, theGreatBritish populouswere from five to four.Additionally,innorthwest London, services.The fact that thereare also clearanxieties made awarethattheir representatives in government thereisthe notionthatthe number of sitesoffering amongministers andNHS leadershipoverthe way –those allegedlyprotectingtheir interestsand afullrange of serviceswillbedrasticallyreduced, theplans couldbeinterpreted by thepublicconfirms standardsofliving–have attempted, disgustingly,to and in Birminghamand Solihull thereisaproposal theoutrightstupidityand selfishness of such people. deceivethembytryingtokeepcutstothe National to reduce theproviders of maternitycaretojusta Thereisnoway they areconsidering theinterests of Health Service(NHS) secret,arguably Britain’smost single provider.Althoughthismay notseemliketoo thewider populace:people who, withoutthe NHS, treasuredand long-lastingliberal reform. drastic achange,the population volume in theseareas woulddie withinmonths, people whoneed theNHS Health managers acrossEngland have beenordered alone–notconsidering themultiple otherareasthat because of accidents, thechildrenwho need theNHS to developstrategiestochange services, reduce costs wouldbeaffected –would mean asubstantial decrease forillnesses whilst they areinthe vulnerable stageof andattempt to improvethe service theNHS provides in thequality of care andservice we wouldreceive as theirlives.Dotheynot matter anymoreor, does money whilst it is currentlystrugglingwithasubstantial recipientsofnationalhealthcare. Idon’t know about outweigh thecostofliving? £2.45billion deficit –althoughthisisnothing anybodyelse, buttomethisiscompletely unacceptable. compared to theestimated national debt of £69 In Britain, we have oneofthe most desired billion.Whatmakes thisevenworse is thefactthat NHSEngland hadactuallyinstructedthese health managers to refuse Freedom of Informationrequests from themedia or thepublicwanting to seeproposals, completely mockingthe democracy of GreatBritain. It is completely irresponsible forour leaders to impose such cuts on an already down-troddensystemthatis struggling to cope with thedemands of health care that ourageing, obeseand just generally unhealthy population requires.Now,Iam notsuggestingthatthe NHSshouldreceive billionsmoreintheir budget,but surely thefrequentdemonstrationsbyjuniordoctors, thewalk-outs by nurses,and everything else shows thestupidity in imposing further cuts on theLiberal Reform’s crownjewel.Itis not yetclear theseverityof thecuts, howeverithas beenrevealedthatthere is a Image: Getty thegryphon.co.uk PRINT©BUREAU Student Printing Services at the University of Leeds

THESIS PRINTING AND BINDING COPYING INVITATIONS LEAFLETS/FLYERS POSTERS EXPERTHELPAVAILABLE

ORDER ONLINE WITH PRINT CLOUD  AVOID THE QUEUES

PRINTCLOUD  EASY PAYMENT  AVAILABLE 24/7  NEXT DAYCOLLECTIONAVAILABLE

Located on Level 6inthe RogerStevens Building.

SHOP OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm pcb.leeds.ac.uk In TheMiddle

Issue8 25.11.16

Music•Clubs •Fashion •Arts•Lifestyle andCulture •Blogs 2

Credits

Editor-in-Chief In The Middle Music Clubs Jessica Murray Associate Editor Jemima Skala Reece Parker [email protected] Mark McDougall Sam Corcoran Julia Connor inthemiddle@ Robert Cairns [email protected] thegryphon.co.uk Juliette Rowsell [email protected]

Fashion Arts Lifestyle and Blogs Victoria Copeland William Rees-Arnold Culture LaurenDavies Meg Painter Xa Rodger William Hoole Charlie Collett Ashleigh Stern James Candler Charlie Green [email protected] Beatrice Rae Heather Nash Megan Fryer Hannah Brown [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Design Cover Photo Frazer Sparham Snow on Great Shunner Fell, Becky Nolan Wensleydale Dougie Phillips 3

Contents

5 14 Do theD.A.N.C.E with Justice’slatest ThelatestLeedsInternational Film release. Festival just happened andwesent theArtsteamfor aroundup of the 9 films thisyear. 20 Juliacaught up with DJ Skreamahead of hisgig at Mint in December. Have youbeentothe German christmasmarketyet?Check out Lifestyle andCulture’s review. 11 22 Ethicalfashion?How to shop Braceyourself, ‘Winteriscoming’: ethicallywithout bursting thebank HannahSnutchcountsdownthe top five things aboutwinter. Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Image: Olagist

The stigma surrounding mental health in our society todayhas lead to afear of speaking out. What can the examples of musicians likeZaynMalik do to increase our confidence in creating an open conversation about mental health? And howcan music itself help mental health? In The Middle investigates...

Mental health. It’s asubject that still has alot ofsocial stigma around it. We you amore creativepersonand although many artists’ work has been inspired don’t like talking about it. It makes us feel uncomfortable, vulnerable. This is by their mental and emotional struggles, this is aromanticised view of aserious despite the fact that, according to the Mental Health Foundation, 1in6people health problem. The fact that many artists have struggled with mental illness does willhave experienced some sort of mental health problem in the past week. It’s not make this a‘creative’s disease’. It’s simply an issue that affects alot of people especiallyimportant for us, as students, to be talking about it as UK universities so, inevitably, some of these people are musicians. are currently going through amentalhealthcrisis with record numbers of students experiencing mental health difficulties, possiblyasaresult of increasing financial Many musicians have used their fame to speakout aboutmental illness in order burdens, work pressure or substance abuse. to help others that might be struggling. The most recent of these is Zayne Malik. AlthoughI’m not personally afan of his music, Ireally admire his choice to speak You might be thinking,“That’s all very interesting, but what on earth does it openly about his struggles with mental health. He wrote in Time magazine that: have to do with music?” Mental health and music have had alongand complex “Anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of; it affects millions of people every day. Iknow relationship. Various studies have shown how the music we Ihave fans out there who have been through this kind of thing listen to has aprofound effect on our mood. Music is away “Finding away to too”. This message is coming from asuccessful popstar, with to express feelings that we can’t otherwise communicate. It’s expressyour emotions ahuge fan-base. To hear from one of your idols that mental inherently linked to how we view both ourselves and the world through creativity is a illness is common, acceptable and that anyone can suffer from around us. it, can onlyhave apositive effect on the young people that look brilliant waytocome up to him. With the rise in interest in mindfulness techniques, music is to terms with them and being recognised as an effectiveway to cope with the difficulties rationalise them.” Malik isn’t the onlymusician to have addressed personal, associated with disorders such as depression and anxiety. As mental struggles in public. Eric Clapton has admitted to someone who has beendiagnosed with anxiety, Ifind musicto problems with alcoholism. Barbara Streisand has spoken openly be areally positive influence in my life. The act of simply taking about having social anxiety disorder. Beach Boys member Brian afew minutesout of your day to relax and listen to some music can help you put Wilson has spoken out against the idea that mental illness enhancescreativity.He your thoughts and worries into perspective. You spend some time focussing on hasbeendiagnosed with depression and schizoaffective disorder and says that his how you actually feelrather than that extensive list of all the things you have to depression has actually stopped him from making music. do today. However insignificant those ten minutes may seem, they can actually be really effective. Musiciansspeakingoutabouttheirownexperiencesisvitalwhenitcomestobreaking through the social stigma that surrounds mental illness. Especially since many of If you’re able to play music, this can also have agreat effect on your mental themencourageotherstoseekprofessionalhelpinordertoovercometheirdifficulties. well-being. It improves self-esteem, focus and communication. Making music is one of the oldest and most beautiful waysthat humans have of expressing As asociety, we need to stop being scared to talk about mental illness. Music could ourselves. Finding away to express your emotions through creativity is abrilliant be an amazing way to combat this problem but none of that matters if people are way to come to terms with them and rationalise them. We shouldn’t hide our too afraid or uninformed to seek help. It’s time to break the stigma. Musicians feelings away and pretend they don’t matter. That’s how our mental illnesses can are starting to talk about mental health and we all need to get involved in the control us. By accepting that this is arealproblem, we can find solutions. Musical discussion.Thisisthe only way to find asolution. expression is just one of these solutions. Katie O’Kelly Within nearly every musicalgenre, you can find examples of artists that have struggled with mental health. There is amyththat having amentalillness makes 5 Fresh Beats

Hardwired... To Self Destruct by Metallica

We hadSlayer’s Repentless last September,Megadeth’s Thetrack ‘Now That We’reDead’ wasabighighlight. Dystopia in January, Anthrax’s ForAll Kings in February It rockshardand steadily andhas some greatlyrics andnow thefourth andfinalmember of theFour aboutenteringimmortality in death. Some tracks Horsemen of Thrash Metalare contributing their were abit slower andprogressive or hadsometextural efforts.Metallica’s tenthLPcomes eight yearsafter varioussuchas‘Halo on Fire’, ‘ManUNkind’,‘Am I theirhighlysuccessfulreturntotheir rootson2008’s Savage?’ and‘Murder One’.Onthe track‘Atlas, Rise!’, DeathMagnetic. Stylistically, it wasdifficulttoknow Kirk Hammettevenbringsbackhis dreadedwah- what to expectorpredict whichspecificdirection wahpedal.The closingtrack,‘Spit OutThe Bone’, was Metallica wouldgothistimearound. also ahighlight with itsheavy fastriffs, it’s full and chaotictextureand –bestofall –James Hetfield’s Thefirsttwo singles, ‘Hardwired’and ‘MothInto harshervocals. Flame’,grewonme. At first theproduction appeared alittlethin, theriffswereabit simplistic andthe Overall, themaindrawbackofthisLPwas the tracks soundedtoo similar. ButIgrewtoappreciate slightly thin production andgenerally excessive thethrashrootsinessofthese tracks.Withoveran similarity of thetrackswhich wouldleave first- hour of material on thisnew record,there wasbound time listenersofthealbum unimpressed. Butwith to be some variation on thedeepercuts. subsequent listens, these disadvantagesbecome less prominentand lead to an impressive album. Most of thesetracksare astylistic combination of their80s and90s output.The production washandled Fred Savage by thebandthemselvesalong with Greg Fidelman– whothe band have neverworkedwithbefore–which Rating: does render thealbum’s sound rather unique in Metallica’s discography. GloryDays by Little Mix

Little Mixare thebestpop actaround, afactthat whichexpressesdated ideals of masculinityand thetitle of theirfourth albumproudly announces– includes thebody-shaminglyric “theyonlyshowoff welcometothe GloryDays. yourmuffin top”.However,the girlsdowin points for theline“is you afraid ofBlue’sClues?” –because who Openingtrack andleadsingle‘ShoutOut to My Ex’ doesn’tloveagood referencetonoughties children’s sets thetonewithits anthemic chorus,and girl power TV? lyrics whichbite. This song is thenew ‘WeAre Never Ever GettingBackTogether’,but thealbum is far less Many popartists have beenwalking away from pop lamenting than Taylor Swift’s Red. musicinrecentyears,rejectingitinfavourof‘amore mature sound’. Yawn.Thankfully, Little Mixknow Ferociousfemaleempowerment is strong on this howtogrowand experimentcreatively withoutbeing record.Eventhoughthe girlsare mostly singing boring andpretentious. aboutrelationshipswithmen,they’re venturinginto territorythatfew dare to explore.Yes,they’re singing GloryDays is amix of perfectpower pop–with aboutsex.Explicitly. Andalot.It’sstill rare that sex notablenoughties influences andflirtatious50s issungabout from awoman’s perspective–female vibesblended in –and bold bangersmade for the desire andpleasureare very much taboo.But with club. songslikestrutting club anthem ‘Touch’ andfunky dancetune‘PrivateShow’,LittleMix tell us that they Sophia SimonBashall like it hot, andtheyare not ashamedofthat. Rating: Theonlylow pointonthisalbum is ‘You GottaNot’, Woman by Justice

Hoponboard theboogietrain because it’s time to Metal’ seem tofitinthe least, mainly duetoits experiencediscofor thenew age. French electro–rock more manic tempo,comparedtothe rest of the duoJustice arebackwiththeir latest offering, Woman. albumwhich managestoblend soft harmonieswith With an impressive blendofinstrumentals andvocals electronic voices andsmoothdisco beats. ‘Close from arange of genres, Woman takesits listener on Call’isanapt waytoend Woman. Whileitisnot adance inspiredjourney on arecordwhich further as gripping as ‘Safe+Sound’,itneatlyroundsoff strengthensJustice’s unique sound. what is otherwise apleasantNu-Discoexperience.

Thealbum openswiththe epic ‘Safe+Sound’,a Whilethe albummay notresonate with those glorious andeuphoricanthemwhich arguably makes whoenjoy amorelyrical record,Justice manage to forone of themoreexcitingopening tracks of 2016. further affirm theirstatusasauniquemusical act. Thestandardisset high from thebeginningand makesfor awell-structured album. Whileeachsong Theuplifting sounds make it hardfor doesn’tmix with afadeinorcrossoverassomedance anyone to notget up,dance andexpress their recordsormixes tend to opt for, thealbum wasstill love andgratitude for this exciting album. cohesive. Mark McDougall It’s clearthatthere aresongs whichare more radiofriendly, mainly thosewithvocalsonsuch Rating: as ‘Randy’and ‘A lakazam!’. Tracks such as ‘Heavy 6

In The Middle with WhiteLies

In the wake of their European tour and the release of their fourth album Friends,James Bate caught up with White Lies bassist, Charles Cave,about the band’s early achievements, touring with some of the world’s biggest rock bands and how Friends differs to all their other albums.

White Lies are acommon feature on any alternative alreadyinvested many years of hard work”. Cave was to White Lies than simplytouring. rock playlist, with tracks like ‘Death’ and ‘Farewell right: White Lies did deserve all of the praise they To The Fairground’ propelling the band fromsmall- received in the post-To Lose My Life period. The high Friends was released on Infectious record label and time gigs onto shows at Wembley, supporting bands calibre production of their first album led to the band the influence on this record label has helped elevate like Muse andKings Of Leon in the process. It’s been touring the world. As Cave states, “Being in White White Lies to similar heights they experienced seven seven years since the Londonthree-piece (a five- years ago. After exploring the band’s website, Iwas piece live) released the award-winning To Lose My “The attention wasn’t atotal immersed in this user-interactive maze where Ihad Life. Yet the band are still touring the world, and are to collect letters which then revealed hidden content. due to play at Leeds University Union’s Stylus on surprise as we had already This clever and innovative piece of music marketing Wednesday 30th November. invested manyyears of hard is something that Infectious had orchestrated and can only be seen as apositivefor the band’s progression. To say White Lies hit the ground running back in work [in the band]” 2009would be amassive understatement. Prior The interactive maze correlated with the artwork to the release of their first album, To Lose My Life, on Friends, and this has always been avital step in which was later awarded number one in the UK Liessuddenly meant getting to see The Great Wall, producing an album. “We have been fortunate to Albums Chart, the Ealing-based post-punk outfit Niagara Falls, cherry blossominHarajuku Park”. work with agraphic design company called Big had already booked aplace on the 2009 NME Awards Active which have produced our artwork on the past Tour and enjoyed aheadline performance on the BBC 2011witnessed the release of Ritual and two years three albums. The visual side of the brand has always Introducing Stage at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend. later Big TV,whichhighlights the band’s commitment been important to us and it’s helpedsteer thisship to continually produce albums ratherthan enjoying massively,” Carl affirmed. This was largely due to the success of ‘Unfinished the many luxuries that come with being asuccessful Business’ and ‘Death’, the latter being Zane Lowe’s rock band. “We all have ourhobbies and pastimes The standout single from Friends has to be ‘Take It Hottest Record in the World and later remixed that keep us occupied. We all love to cook, read, walk; Out On Me’ which has apoppy essence to it, similar by Drum ’n’ Bass frontrunners Chase &Status. A it’s amazing how those simple pleasures can fill days, to some of White Lies’ earliest records. Their album television debut on Jools Holland ensued and the weeks and months”,Cavereiterated. is out now and is definitely worth alisten to as it band had already solidified their position in British heralds similar qualities to some of their greatest indie music, prior to their hotly anticipatedfirst When considering the success that White Lies work. album release. experienced in the early stages of their career, you have to admire their persistence to produce records. If you want to see oneofthe best alternative rock “We hadbeen abandfor quite some years before [To Their experience is evident in Friends, an album which band to come out of Britain this past decade then Lose My Life]and released some 7” singles too. We showcase’s the band’s more mature sound while head to Stylus on Wednesday 30th November, tickets didn’t anticipate our first album release reaching UK keeping their style the same. Like any band, White are still available. number one, and we obviously enjoyed the praise. Lies enjoy touring, with Cave describing playing at [But] the attention wasn’t atotal surprise as we had Wembley as “pretty badass”, but there is muchmore James Bate Gig 7

Arriving at Belgrave at the end of a long, chilly day, her raw vocals carefully accompanied by either Roundup catching the tail end of Fil Bo Riva sent me into keys or strings. And her attitude was so reassuring, blissful reverie. Creaking into one of the luxurious strumming a few chords, sussing out which octave Joan As leather sofas at the bar, it wasn’t long until one of she might play in: no desperation for perfectionism, the members of what could only be described as a “6 no tearing hurry, just taking time and pride to enjoy Policewoman @ Music crowd” - I’m pretty sure I was the youngest the music she’s playing. there by a long way - told me that the main event Belgrave,15/11/16 had reached the stage: Joan As Police Woman and As the band members returned on stage, the pace Benjamin Lazar Davis. then picked up with the biggest tracks all played in quick succession - ‘Broke Me in Two’, ‘The Magic’ Accompanied by two bandmates, all clad in blue and ‘Into the City’ to name but a few– much to the boiler suits, as per the album cover of their recent delight of the audience, Wasser trying to compose release, Joan Wasser was totally captivating. Her fits of laughter over jealous dancers/fangirls in the performance experience and professionalism shone front row. through, compared to Davis who took some time to relax into the set. Keeping the pace steady to start The overall show really was a treat: the perfect ebb with, the ensemble treated us to tracks from the and flow of pace, a brilliant display of talent and recent album, the sixth album from Joan, yet the know-how and gorgeous music. first collaborative effort under her solo guise, as well as older tracks. I say ensemble, because that’s Flora Tiley exactly what the group were, swapping the limelight and instruments at every turn. Rating:

Image: Urban 75 Wasser then took to the stage on a solo mission,

Despite it being arainy Thursday night, alineofgirls With Myers’ drum kit right at the front of the stage, with buzzcuts and fishnets and boys in Doc Martens the gig felt like an intimate session in the girl’s snaked from both entrances of the The Wardrobe. practice room. This intimacy radiated through the Honeyblood @The Each fan was effortlessly cool, much like Scottish duo pair’s anecdotes and pure bants. Afterintroducing Honeyblood. With support from Manchester foursome us to their honorary synth bassist, Sebastian (who is Wardrobe, 17/11/16 PINS, the night was destined for unapologetic allegedly having “an affair with PINS’ keyboard”) and adrenaline-infused girl power. complimenting the crowd for being the best dancers they’ve seen, they continued their set of bewitching PINS were something special. Radiating rebellion hooks and beckoning harmonies with the euphorically and female empowerment, they swaggered about the scuzzy ‘Sea Hearts’. stage with magnetic cool and grungy spark. After beckoning all the girls to the front, frontwoman Faith Afloor-fillingmoshbroke outtothe pulsing chorus Holgate stepped down from the stage and started a of empowering tune ‘Babes Never Die’, and as the playful grrrl mosh with guttural anthem ‘Girls Like set reached its end, the heavenly chords of collective US’. PINS’ set was so good, it felt as if the gig had favourite ‘Super Rat’ blanketed the room. The finished once they left the stage. crowd blissfully shouted back lyrics “I will hate you forever”- aparadox to the undeniable love the crowd But things had only just begun. “Are you ready forthe hasfor Honeyblood. magic?” joked vocalist/guitarist Stina Tweeddale as the two surged immediately into scratchy ‘Ready For It’s apparent that the hype for these babes will never The Magic’. On the first pulse of Cat Myers’ symbol, die. Image: Here Today drinks flew and so did some members of the crowd as they bounced around to the sugary hardboiled Meg Firth shoegaze; this energy swelled as the two swaggered into the inkydarkness of ‘Love Is ADisease.’ Rating:

If the bitter chill over in Leeds has crossed the the hefty riff of ‘I Wish’ sets in,bitches be jiving. TomMisch @ Pennines, it’s certainly not breached the sweaty walls of Manchester Gorilla. Cosy at the best of times, the However, Tom’s not much of atalker. Sure, he Manchester Gorilla, intimate venue becomes utterly rammedduring a graciously thanks everyone, or calls for applause charming, spaced out support set fromCarmody. as his band drop face-melting solos.Yet somehow, 19/11/16 he seems less comfortable in the limelight. This is Perhaps this is unsurprising. Multi-instrumentalist accentuatedbyvarious guest appearances, including Tom Misch has garneredacult following since 2015’s the return of Carmody and asaxophone feature from ambient, funk-infused Beat Tape 2.His diverse appeal his sister, Laura Misch. Zak Abel’s appearance for an is reflected in tonight’s crowd: an interesting blend of electrifying live debut of ‘Beautiful Escape’ provides a those for beats and those for beautifulguitar, peppered high-energy, heartfelt singalong. But these highlights with some loudmouths who probably thought Gorilla also emphasise Tom’s preference for the sideline over was aHarambetribute night. But regardless of meme the spotlight. This is by no means acriticism; Misch’s knowledge, this mismatched mess move as one the best moments are simply borne out of collaboration. instant Tom enters. Having another lead the crowd channels his ‘The Journey’ provides aperfectopener. The first introversion into the music, leaving venues like track from Beat Tape 2,this instrumental offers a Gorillawith an altogether warmer kind of chill. smooth groove idealfor easing the crowd in. The violinist, an unexpected addition to the live band, Sam Corcoran Image: Naomi Hipps seems worth his weight in goldhere, fleshing out textures with sustained tones and alooppedal.Not Rating: to mention Misch himself, whose jazz-soaked guitar work sounds like John Mayer with balls. By the time 8

Skream Speaks

Oliver Jones, aka Skream, has become one of theUK’s best-loved DJs.

You might associate thename withthe earth-shatteringbass line wobble of UK dubstep, the scene brought to the masses by theCroydon local inthe mid-noughties, along with close friends Benga and Artwork. Remember super group Magnetic Man? That wasthem.

But Ollie famously quit dubstep in 2013. Nowadays he’sMrVersatillity, and if you’veseenhim play at one of the mega events he frequenntly headlines, you’ll knowtoleave your expectations at thedoor. Therre might be pounding deephouse,maybe throwback UK garage, or evenn moody techno. He plays and produces what he feels like in themomentt, inacareer evolvingcompletely on hisown terms.

We had achat withOllie before his visit to Mint on 3rd December, wheere he’ll play allnight long as part of his Open to Close Tour.

You’ve said the Open to Close Tour involves your favourite venues. What are Even though you alwaysseem un-phased by being talked about,isthere your fondest memories of Leeds? anythingyou don’t like about being in the public eye?

I’vebeen going to Leeds since Iwas about 17 /18, so I’ve been goingupthere a Iguess people always saying that you lookfucked! Imeaneverybody knows I long time. Iusedtoplay dubstep at the West Indian Centre. The last time Iwas like to party but most people only see me when I’m in aclub, they don’treally at Mint Club was mad! There’s afew standout moments that Ican’t really talk see me on aday-to-day basis so it’s just quite annoying when sort of no matter about, they happened at after-parties, but it’s aplace I’vealways had fun and what state I’m in, every comment on the photo or clip it’s like ‘I bet he’s fucked’. always had agood following. Since Benga spoke out to the media (he retired suddenly from the industry What do your favourite shows consist of now as compared to when you were in 2014 and has since opened up about dealing withbipolar disorder and first starting out? schizophrenia), have you personally seen any change in attitudes towards mental health in dance music? Well, when Iwas playing dubstep the main reaction you were trying to get was causing an absolute raucous, rewinding tracks etc. It was alot more ADHD filled, Yeah definitely. Ithink there’sbeen apositive effect because it’s made other alot more in your face. Whereas now, [it’s about] goingout and having afull people feel like they’re not going through it on their own. Ithink people are dance floor. Especially with the Open to Closesetswatching people, the feeling of looking more closely especially at artists and people in the nightlife industry, making people dance all night long to just you on your own is areallysatisfying because it’s ajob that makes you burn the candle at both ends. And also it’s a feeling. And still the same as before one of the best feelings is playing one of my world where it’s easily missed. Like you can just think ‘ah, they’re just being records and it getting agreat reaction. nutty, just acting mad partying’ or whatever. It’s good that there’smore of an awareness. Do people still come up to the decks and complain you’re not playing dubstep? Or has everyone finally accepted what you’re doing? Your latest solo release ‘You know,right?’ sounds very garage influenced and back to your old roots.Isitaclue for thealbum that’s supposedlyinthe works? No it doesn’t happen any more! Imean every now and then there’s the odd one but it’s expected. It used to happen all the time and it felt like people would do it No no no it’s not haha. The album isn’t something I’m talking about much because they knew Iwouldn’t play it which was pretty irritating. And then people because to be honest, it’s barely even started. The track reminds me of one off my would get almost aggressive about it! second album, called ‘I love the way’. It’s kind of just athrowback, something that Iwould’ve doneyears ago. It’s reallysurprised me that it’s been doing so Given what’shappened to your career in the past tenyears, do you see yourself well over the summerand it’s doing so well now. in another five or ten years shifting in style again? Read the full interview online at thegryphon.co.uk/clubs. Maybe, or maybe in two or three years. There’s no set grid Ijustkind of go with what makes me happy really. Julia Connor 9

Triple Cooked Virginity

As In The Middle’s supposed go to guy on the Club scene,I’llstart this review with red stripe and wallhangings. Jake Adams, the man behind the decks, crafted an two intertwined apologies. Firstly, until this night, Ihad never beentoTriple eclectic mix ranging from tech house to disco. For someone perhaps towards the Cooked. Secondly, Ihad never beentoThe Old Red Bus Station. In the stale state bottom of thelineup, he showed the level of quality on show. that I’d allowed my third year self to seep into, this event was set to be my new dawn. The layout of the club, whilst fascinating, became incredibly confusingoncemost my blood was lager. At one point Imistakenly staggered my way into Room 2, and Triple Cooked are an eventsteam who havetheir target market down to atee. was greeted with atotal of five people shuffling to what Ican only describe as Glowsticks were passed out to excited punters in the queue,whilstbunting was neurofunk remixes ofsomeclassic soul tracks. Unsettling. adorned all over the already charming venue.The intricate layout of The Old Red Bus Station, and the avant-garde attitude emanated by the event worked perfectly The main room brought the vibes that Triple Cookedare truly known for, the together. packed out area full of goodvibes and happy people. This may havebeenmyfirst time at Triple Cooked, but it wont be my last. Upon entry, the first roommost of the crowd came across was by the downstairs bar, tucked away next to the smokingarea. The small confines flattered the Reece Parker powerful sound system, creating an atmosphere that was so muchmore than High Hopesfor HighRise

HighRise is incredibly popular with Leeds offs. The Special’s ‘A Message to You Rudy’ and students, one of the city’s most notorious SBTRK’s ‘Wildfire’ were the anthems that received events. Last Friday’s fourth Birthday lived the best response. As expected, the final tune was up to this reputation of packed out line ‘OneLove’and hadthe weary stragglers arm in arm ups and impressive production value. singing alongatthe top of their voices.

At no point in thenight was the rammed The music of the night was set to the backdrop of a Back Room without aqueue, andrightfully bonfire outside to keepthe crowd from freezing, and so. Congo Natty and Top Cat set the vibe the ceiling was covered in army-style cargo nets. with abit of ‘Junglist’ and chilled out the This decorative approach had acertain effortless crowd with ‘Three LittleBirds’, flitting cool, and lighting and sound was on top form. betweenaclassic Jungle sound and Reggae in HighRise ticked all the boxes and the response was which they’ve carvedtheir niche. undoubtedly positive.

Ray Keith’s set that followed had more of basis HighRise returns to Leeds 20th January for its in Duband Drum &Bass, providing amore consistent January Session. heavy Junglevibeasthe night progressed. Utah Jazz then followed suit to bring the arguably most popular Back Room to aclose. Amelia Whyman

Afurther notable set came from Slimzee and Riko. Riko Dan’s vocals filled the Warehouse room with an atmospheric selection of patois- filled grime, layered over the nostalgic sounds of DJ Slimzee. TypicaltoHighRise’s musical tendencies, the night came to its very close with some classics mixed in with Reggae and Jungle round 10 Poison Ivy: theethics ofIvy Park

Are we blinded by brandBeyoncé? Lucy Brown exposes...

In 2016Beyoncé surprised us again when she burst onto the retail fashion scene produced by afairlytreated workforce they would be forced to give staff abetter with her active wear collection,Ivy Park. The collection aims to be durable, flexible deal. Maybe labels should even carry information about agarment’s source? and also fashionable with aminimalistic look despite the Ivy Park logo being splashed across every item. People flooded into Topshop stores nationwide to grab So the next time you see Beyoncé’s brand in Topshop, spare athought for the apiece of thenew brand co-created by the pop queen herself. The brand was women that have worked until their hands bleed to make it. If the information marketed in line with Beyoncé’s core values, to promote strong independent about the origins of our clothes was easily available, I’m surewe’dall prefer to women. The slogan, ‘where is your park?’ implies that every type of woman can spend our cash on leggings that are as comfortable on our conscience as they are do sport. Allveryempowering, right? to wear.

Sure, in the countries that retail Ivy Park, this new clothing line has been Lucy Brown applauded and countless women enjoy looking stylish heading off to the gym. Yet the dark truth behind Ivy Park came out about amonth after its launch. Mid way through May, aBritish tabloid leaked information about the origins of Ivy Park and where it was made. The line had hundreds of women producing the clothes in the MAS Holdings factory in Sri Lanka. Sweatshop scandals havecausedconcerns before but becauseBeyoncé openly claims to be aphilanthropistand aself- professed do-gooder, this situation is explicitly contradictory.

The Sri Lankan women manufacturing these clothes are reaping none of the benefits, unlike the designers, distributors and supposedly Queen Bherself. The conditions they have to live and work in are franklyhorrific, with women expected to do 18 hour days, paid as little as 44p an hour. They havetolive in cramped conditions with no kitchens, communal washing spaces and curfew times away from their families. They are told when to go to bed at night then they are woken up six hours later to go and begin another 18 hour slogatthe machine factory making overpriced clothes for fashion conscious, western gym bunnies.

Clearly this throws up massive ethicalissuesabout the treatment of those in developing countries that are expected to work in factories to create the clothes we wear. This issue has beenon-going for along time but it’s imperativethat people are informed about how their clothes are produced, ratherthan blinded by branding, so that they can make choices about where to spend their money. Customers are apowerful component in the retail success equation and if manufacturers could see that people prefer to buy clothes that have beenethically Image:pitchfork.com Stella McCartney: Sustainable fashion

On the 14th November Stella McCartney joined focussing on changing the way her brand sources one journalist Lucy Siegle for the third annual Kering of its most-used materials: viscose. “We didn’t really talk on sustainable fashion. As adesigner, McCartney know the impact of viscose and that it was tree pulp continues to set the pace on how to create and innovate and that it was abig contributor to deforestation.” in the fashion industry without comprising ethical “120 million trees are cut down ayear forviscose”, she beliefs. Her most recentwomenswear and menswear explained, “As soon as we knew that we didn’t want lines (launched the weekbefore) stand at being 53% to be apart of it.” The brand now works with NGO and 45% sustainable. So, if anyone has the right to Canopy to ensure that all viscose production meets lecture us all on sustainable fashion, it’sStella. strict sustainability standards, ensuring the forest and its habitats are not irreversibly destroyed. McCartney began the talk reflecting on her past. She recalled how, initially, she was ridiculed for wanting Sustainable fashion is still in its early stages though, to start abrand that sustainably sourced its materials; with aneed to prioritise. “The biggest sustainable she was told that this wasn’t aviablebusiness. But thing we do is not use leather. Over abillion animals a with fashion being one of the most environmentally- yearare killed just for their leather and 50 million for harmful industries, and with an ever-increasing their fur”, not to mention additional impacts that the modern consciousness of our environmental impact tanning process and agricultural deforestation have. -beitvia whatweeat or how we choose to travel - McCartney questioned why fashion was not as much a Proof then that being ethical can be profitable, Stella part of this conversation. McCartney is definitely heading in the right direction. Let’s just hope she doesn’t have to walk it alone. McCartney’smost recent venture is areflection of this conversation. Overthe past two years she has been Beth Marchant 11 Ignorance is NotBliss: Ethical The Belowthe Belt Brands to Truth of Fashion follow

Production Monki

When purchasing the latest trends, on the high their business chains and publicallyapologised Fresh, edgy and unique, Monki is ayouthful and street and online, most of us don’t give asecond for the damage and exploitation caused to energetic brandthat ensures an ethical code of conduct thought as to where exactly the products we the factory workers. Yet stories such as this for its workers as well as being committed to minimising buy actually come from. For the majority, continue to emerge.From the investigation, its environmental footprint with their Monki Cares involvement in the buying and sellingofgoods one 15-year-old worker was found to be garments. Their motto is all about caring for those who is just another regular activity- whether it be working 12 hours aday ironing clothes for work for them, and ensuring that their material choices in the form of fashion, cosmetics or food.We them to be shipped to the UK. are eco-friendly and chemical limited. are the consumers that brands rely upon on a Recently Monki set agoaltoobtain all their cotton from daily basis. But who else do such brands rely Organisations such as the PETA (People for sustainable sources by 2020. Moreover to show their on for keeping business alive? the Ethical Treatment of Animals) continue commitment to recycling, all customers who recycle to campaign for the protection of animals in their old clothes with Monki get 10% off their next Recent investigations (BBC Panorama) the production of fashion and beauty. Whilst purchase. In their “Monkifesto”,Monki also express uncovered the truth behind fashion production these organisations encourage consumers their dedication to issues central to women and give voice for major and iconic British brands Marksand not to buy products from favourite make up to debatesaroundperiods, body hair, cyberbullying, Spencer and leading online fashion retailer brands such as Bobby Brown, Estee Lauder, love and sisterhood, placing female empowerment as a ASOS. The BBC investigators were shocked Maybelline, M.A.C and L’Oréal in the hope to key part of their brand. and appalled to discover hundreds of Syrian send apowerful message to consumers, it may refugeesinTurkey workinginpoor conditions seem as though we are left with little choice in to produce the fashion that Britain wears. the market. Milk it Reports state many of the workers were illegal migrants and that young children had been Fear not. With designers such as Stella Milk It is an ethical recycled and vintage clothing working extensivehours, operating dangerous McCartneyand VivienneWestwood’s company,availableonline through companies such as machinery and using harmful chemicals continuing ‘animal free’fashion campaigns The Ragged Priest, which also aims to reduce its carbon to bleach fabrics. Panorama reported that and successes, we can be inspired to think footprint by taking vintage pieces and reworking them. the clothing labels found in the factories twice before heading to the checkout. Look Similarcompanies which used recycledclothing and suggested that they were also suppliers for to brands such as LUSH, NYX, Urban Decay materials, andreducewaste include Reclaimed Vintage. huge householdnames suchasNext, Zara and and The Body Shop forhigh street cosmetics Mango. without the price of exploitation. Monsoon Representatives from all of the brands denied Alex Jones awareness of the activities taking place within Monsoon are committed to reducing their environmental impact by minimising packaging and waste, and expanding their recyclingfacilities. They are also supporters of animalwelfare and ensure no animals are maltreated in their supply chain. This includes: no use of animal testing, no fur and sustainable use of any and all animal products such as wool. Other high street stores such as Fat Face also ensure their workers are being treatedfairlyand make sure the factories that supply their clothing are doing so ethically. Similarly, H&M’s Conscious Collection, a The countdown is on; forget Christmas, the Leeds RAG recently launched line from the worldwide company, ensuresitonlyuses completely sustainable resources. fashionshowisback.

The most hotly anticipated RAG event of 100% of the launch party ticket money going Hope and Ivy theyearisback with abang this February. directly to the chosen charities, the fundraiser The LeedsRAG fashion show is infamous is off to agoodstart. The charities chosen Bohemian and delicate, Hope and Ivy is perfect for for bringingfun,flamboyancy and of course by thecommitteethisyearare Cruelty Free anyone looking for aspecialoccasion piece or just for a fashiontothe students of Leeds University. International, against animal testing, and lover of embroidery. With a30strong committee the 2017 show Labour Behind the Label, acharity which works Describing itself as a‘contemporary British fashion is expected to be bigger and better than ever to empowerand promote workers’ rights in brand’, Hope &Ivy uses materials ethically sourced before. The show is confirmed to take place on thefashion production industry. and takesinspiration from all around the world. All February 23rd, asure fire event to brighten the the embroideries and prints in the collection are hand- winter months! With just over 3months to go, The Gryphon crafted and are overseen to make sure they meet the fashionpageswill have all the details, gossip ethical standards and conduct the company upholds. With ateam of 60-80 models, cast last week and exclusives you need. Mark your calendar, ahead of thelaunchparty held on Tuesday, the this is an unmissable event! Lucy Young show is one of the largest annual contributors to theRAG’s total money raised, and with Meg Painter 12 Dressing Ethically: Is it worthit?

We all know our favourite high street brands aren’t exactly share clothes as much as possible. Or maybe some of us the most ethical of retailers, but it seems that most of us are just don’t like the thought of wearing someone’s rejected willing to turn ablind eye to this fact in order to gain cheap skirts when Topshop’s latest collection seems so appealing. fashion fixes or anew party outfit. I’ve had this conversation Irelate, honestly. But there are ethical retailersout there, enough times to know that the standard student response if we just lookedabit harder –think H&M Conscious and to the question of dressing ethically is ‘I really want to but I Free People. Yes, the price tag might not be such apretty just can’t afford it’. We are, after all, constrained by student sight. But surely it’s worth it to start making adifference? finance’s somewhat ungenerous offerings and the cost of socialising most nights of the week. So isn’t it fair enough If you join the movement to boycott unethical shops you’ll that we turn to Primark in our moments of desperation? be in goodcompany. Statistics have shown that 18-34 year Absolutely not. With 170 million children engaged in child olds are the most engaged sustainably, with 1in4ofus labour worldwide, it becomes atiny bit harder to justify considering the social and environmental ethics of brands that extra pair of jeans. Of course this statistic isn’t limited when making decisions. The only way we can really make a onlytothe fashion industry, but it’s undeniablethat fast difference is if more of us demand ethically produced fashion. fashion is aprime reason that unethical trading occurs. If you’re lookingfor aNew Year’s Our constant demand for cheap new fads has turned the Resolution, perhaps this is the industry into arace to be the fastest responder, with one for you. Or maybe start even littleconcern forthe children spending their days picking sooner and give Topshop the cottonfor our jeans rather than getting an education. chop. Fashion break up’s are not easy,and I’mnot goingto Andit’s not just workers in unbearable conditions that are lie and tell you otherwise. But, paying the price. The clothing industry is shockingly the believe me, it is so worth it. second largest polluter in the world,trumped only by the oil industry. At every stage of our production, the environment is Lydia Varney being trampled down; from the excessive water wastage used in the production of cotton, to the harmful fuels releasedto bring our globally produced garmentsright to our door. What’s worse is the fact that half the clothes we so eagerly buy wind up discarded in alandfill just months later: each year, up to 1 million tonnes of textiles are sent to landfills in the UK alone. Sounds pretty bleak, Iknow. But it doesn’t have to be. Sure, most of us don’t really want the hassle of shopping ethically –and Ithink that’s the issue. We’ve all seen the University’s vintage stalls or strolled past charity shops in town centre. We just don’t have the time and energy to wade through heaps of grandma-style cardigans and poorlyfitting jeans. However, if we really thought about our excuses for not dressing ethically, Ithink afew of us would have to admit they really don’t hold up to much.

Take for example, the limited student budget. Sounds pretty convincing until you consider the fact that most ‘broke’ students are still willing to ‘invest’ in another round of shots or amidday coffee.Besides, ethicalshopping saves money; charity shops won’t charge more than £5 for atop, whilst we should all be encouragedtoswap and The Depop Fix

Sarah Ashford- Brown tells youhow to get your shopaholic fix -without leaving your room

@yasminkeen_ is themost lovely person you could @edie1234 sells completely newbranded items @hollymolden has the cutest clothes sold forsuper communicate with on Depop. She replies very quicky including Lacoste, Puma and Nike for affordable affordable prices on her Depop page, and pretty and makes evrything so easy for you to get the best prices, but what Igenerally go for is his music artists much everything is under 25. She presents her items shopping experience on her page. Her items are clothes which are dead cheap compared to the same in such anice way and is so sweet to talk to that super cheap, mostlybrand new or worn ahandful merch you’d find anywhere else. Continuously adding you’d want to buy all of it right now. As anew seller of times maximum. She will reduce the prices even new items such as The Rolling Stones, The Beatles or on the mobile app, whydon’t you just pop in her more if you decide to buymore than one piece of even the great David Bowie tshirts and jumpers, he is store and have alook? Great deals for you and it clothing, and does amazing bundle deals! One of my extremely active. Afollowwould be great not to miss wouldhelp her alot to get her well deserved Depop all times favourite on Depop. an opportunity! fame. It’s awin-win. WANTED: WEBSITE DESIGNER PAIDOPPORTUNITY

DoDo yyouou wawanntt ttoo designsign TThehe GGryryphonphon’sns nextext webswebsite?ite? WeWe’rree lolookinoking for someone with skills in web design to help us recreate www. thegryphon.co.uk

It’syour chance to put your stamp on one of the most popular websites among the Leeds student community. We’re looking for someone with fun and vibrant ideas to make The Gryphon’sonline platform truly unique.

If you’reinterested, headtoJoblink to findout more, or email [email protected]

Deadline: Sunday 4thDecember Image: Paramount Leeds International Film Festival Roundup

The 30th Leeds International FIlm Festival finally drewtoaclose last week,after afortnight of diverse and exciting film showings. Over the twoweeks, In the Middle sampled awidearray of screenings, and here we giveyou ataste of our thoughts...

Lady Macbeth (2016) Chi-raq (2015)

The film presented the everydaybrutality of Victorian aristocratic life very Chi-raq is atriumph of no-holds-barred filmmaking. It is afeast for the eyes and effectively,asthe youngbride is viciously controlled by her husband and father the cinematic imagination is saturatedwith director Spike Lee‘s biting political in lawand ruthlessly laced into the costume of the day by her servant. The satire. cinematography beautifully captured the cold and empty environment, merging The film is ahip-hop adaptation and incisive twist on Aristophanes’ comic play nicely with both the plot and depiction of the characters.Alot of plot was Lysistrata (411 BC). Warfare between Trojans and Spartans is mirrored in black packed into 90 minutes, yet some interesting events were left hanging in away gang-warfare between ‘TroyTown’ and ‘Sparta South’ in modern-day Southside that Ifound frustrating. It wasaplot that seemed intriguing on paper became Chicago. Lysistrata, girlfriend of head Spartan Chi-raq (an ever-shirtless Nick monotonous on screen and ultimately felt quite unsatisfying. The audience was Cannon) and the women of the opposing gang initiate a‘sex strike’, forcing their not invited to connect or empathise with any of the characters, so as the plot men to achieve peace or never have sex again: “No peace, no pussy”. progressedd andCatherine emergedasLady Macbeth, Ididn’t really care. Emily McDermott Ellie Goodwin Creepy (2016) Blue Velvet (1986)

Apinch of neighborlyxenophobia, atouch ofimminent terror and adash This is not afilm for thefaint-hearted: Lynch showss littlerestraint in showing of skillful casting only begin to describe director Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s recent what excesses go on behind closed doors; mainly gore andd sexual violence. J-horror, Creepy which premiered at LIFF 2016onthe 15thNovember. A Though there are no real jump-scares, the film truly terrifies at tiimes. It troubled ex-detective named Takakura recovers from afailed investigation explores dark thoughts and desires, the lengths evil will go to andwhethher the of apsychopath’s escape,acase that haplessly results in him forfeiting his goodofthe world can stop it.Ithas both realist and surrealist scenes, which profession. He eventually becomes alecturer at auniversity,successfully are eitherdreamlike or nightmarish. Abrooding score by Angelo Badalamenti relocaating with his wife to anew home.It’s at this point that the combination is joined by the haunting use of 50s and 60s ballads, such as the title song and of grim, bleaak cinematography of the green Nipponese landscape, and the blank ‘In Dreams’. The idea of Americana as represented by these songs has, by 1986, stargazing charactters grips the audience with an overall sentiment of decay. If been torn down. Baz Luhrmann’s artistic styleconsists of akaleidoscope of colours and visual chaos, then Kurosawa’s approachh todirecting falls on thecompleteopposite side Ramzi Ramsden of the spectrum, capitalising rather on the robust andintricatecharacterisation of his actors.

Varun Madan

Forfull reviews of these movies and manymore LIFF screenings, head to www.thegryphon.co.uk. Image: Seann Webb Zulawski: ARetrospectiveonsomeofthe director‘s best works

While it has become something of acultural in-joke that 2016 has seen aswathe and its manifestations in contemporary life. This is another key tenant of his of artists and celebrities pass away, one less talked about, but no less essential, filmmaking, yet sadly the Polish censors were not soeasilyfooled. filmic artist of the 21st century also passed away this past year, Andrzej Zulawski. The visionary Polish director is alittlelesser known in the English speaking world, Like many of Zulawski’s works, On the Silver Globe has unfortunately been subjected as his filmography includes only one film in the English language, Possession, to more discussion surrounding its production than the film itself. Invited back to anotorious video-nasty banned in the UK during the 1980s. Zulawski’s work, Poland after his success in France, Zulawski attemptedtoadapt amuchloved sci- however, compromises aphenomenally rich vein of European art-house, so I finovel writtenbyhis granduncle Jerzy Zuawski. Production was halted 80% to attended screenings of three of his most notable works at the Everyman Cinema completion by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, critical of what they thought to be as part of LIFF30: The Third Partofthe Night, The Devil,and On the Sliver Globe. the film’s thinly-veiled critique of the communist government. Assembled while still incomplete, the film could be accusedofbeing The Third Part of the Night is, even as his debut feature, “Zulawski gave us access to even more disjointed than atypical Zulawski affair, unmistakably Zulawski. It’s admirable that the nightmares, and created truly though having lost none of its visually arresting director had such aclear vision of what he wanted absorbing cinematic experiences” qualities. Especially in the new digital restoration his films to be right from the very beginning. Allthe Iwatched, the film is absolutely achingly gorgeous. Zulawskian tropes are already out in full force: the histrionic acting, doppelgangers, the wildly spiralling camera movement, themes The trifecta Iwas lucky enough to view is enough to convince anyone of Zulawski’s of religion, transgression, the macabre, are all present and accounted for. unique vision, captivatinglybizarre style, and undeniable talent. Beautiful, grotesque, striking and unnerving all in equal measure, he is afilmmaker anyone The Devil,asthe name may suggest, brings the transgressive nature of Zulawski’s with an interest in the medium should be acquainted with. If Tarkovsky allowed filmmaking to the next level, so muchsothat the film was banned in his native us to occupy dreams, Zulawski gave us access to nightmares, and created truly Poland. Darker stillthan The Third Part of the Night, The Devil is an Eastern European absorbing cinematic experiences that ran totally counter-current to what one corollary to Rosemary’s Baby,orThe Exorcist.Though much less accessible than the could find in Anglosphere filmmaking. Do yourself afavour and expand your two aforementioned films, it is no less rich in aesthetic, or compromising in its filmic horizons by seeking his work out foryourself. willingness to perturb its audience. The late 18th century setting not onlyadds to the overt religious undertones to the film but, as I’m sure Zulawski wished, Jonathon Atkinson but provides enough distance with the modern day to examine historical trauma 16

Shakespeare Livesin2016

Image: Pink News

The British Council‘s has launched aglobal programme to bring Shakespeare into the 21st Century,but is Shakespeare Lives in 2016 achieving its goal?

The Shakespeare Lives in 2016 campaign aims to bring the Bard into the 21st wonder watching alesser knownplay staged at the Swan Theatre in Stratford. century, but I’m not sure it’s working, or that it will be fully appreciated. We are I’veyet to see The Two Noble Kinsmen anywhere but at the RSC, and trying to all taught that Shakespeare is abig part of English literary history, but often in explain the storyline of Titus Andronicus to my friends only creates confusion. the classroomexperience we miss valuable lessons, and teach some to hate iambic pentameter. It is impossible to deny the Bard’s place in literary culture, but I We spend so much time studying Shakespeare and yet we often can’t help but wonder if it’s time to give the overworked miss so much of what it has to offer. classics arest, just for adecadeorso. In the meantime, “I can‘t help but wonder Before starting an English degree no one had can we study some of Shakespeare’s other works, please? if itstime to givethe pointed out to me that the first 126 of Shakespeare’s sonnets are to ayoung man, and only the last 28 Allofthis is not meant as an insult to the Shakespeare overworked classics arest” to awoman. Only through outside reading did I Lives in 2016 project; the short films are amazing to discover my favourite play, and trips to the RSC have watch if you love Shakespeare. My issue is not that taught me more than any lecture on aShakespeare these re-imaginings of Romeo &Juliet, Julius Caesar and King Lear are without play. Shakespeare Lives in 2016 could do so much more, and open new doors, merit. Each piece is beautiful, well crafted and wise. The issues of missing but it didn’t; it took King Lear to acarehome and Hamlet to apub.After 400 mothers, race and age are carefully considered and sensitively acted out. The years there are still new interpretations and meaningsinShakespeare’s challenge for me is that the base plays are only those studied at GCSE, and that work to be found, just maybe not in the same 10 plays we all know inside out. excludes so much available work. Somepeople Iknowroll their eyesatthe mere mention of ‘Sonnet 130’ or Macbeth,but equally I’ve seen their eyes wide in Channah Parker Review: BalletBoyz Screened on Remembrance Sunday, BalletBoyz challenges the necessity of language in depicting the horror of trench warfare

BalletBoyz was launched in 2010 by former Royal endured by the soldiers who are consumed by the his memories of the war. If you didn’t catch Young Ballet dancers Michael Nunn and William Trevitt, unending cycle of violence and death. Whilst some Men on air, Ihighlyrecommend watching it on BBC whose main aim was to showthat “movement can viewers have criticisedthe production for glamorising iPlayerwhere it is available until 12th December or on convey complex emotion on screen”. It is clear or aestheticising war, Ibelieve that the dancers did not the BalletBoyz official site. The show paid an alluring that the BalletBoyz did just that, as they eloquently fall into the trap of sensationalising asensitive topic tribute to our soldiers by bringing awhole new portrayed the harrowing brutality of war in their with graphic effects or meticulous camera angles. understanding of the agony of conflict and proves feature-length silent film, Young Men. Young Men was Instead, Young Men was gracefully shot through that apowerful message can be conveyed without the screened for Remembrance Day weekend on BBC2, intimate close-ups as the storyline focused on the need for asinglewordtobespoken. and depicted the tale of agroup of young soldiers who raw dynamics betweenthe soldiers and the ongoing are brought together by the horrors of trench warfare. effectsofPTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder). Rating:

Despite the experience of the soldiers being almost The closing scene was perhaps the most touching unimaginable, Young Men is ahauntingly beautiful and painful to watch, as it showed ashell-shocked Adina Rees and compelling depiction of the psychological trauma soldier writhing in emotional torment as he relives w 17

Review: AStreetcatNamed Bob The Independent

Notyour classic rags-to-riches, Roger Spottiswoode‘s latest feature finds hope in all the right places. We sent AnikaVadukul to giveusher verdict.

The term ‘emotional rollercoaster’ has never been more relevant. Drugs +aginger importantly his feline friend. Iwon’t give anything awaybut, especially with his cat +love = AStreet Cat Named Bob. father, the dialogue and interactions appeared downright sad and that really got to me. Weare toldthe true story of James Bowen, ahomeless drug addict who is given one last chance when he is placed into housing where he befriends Bob, avery Onhis journey, we touch upon the very basics of ‘becoming clean’ and Inever mischievous cat. In this heart-warmingcomedy James turns his life upside down realised just how much of an strugglethis endeavour is. Luke Treadaway (James) and inside out. With the help of his furry friend they embark on asweet journey playedhis character finely and depictedthe sensitive issue in araw, haunting way. together which may or may not have made me bawl buckets by the end. Ending on alight note, the real James Bowen was featuredasacameorole and this Iwas not initially going to watch this film, but oh boy am Iglad Idid. Iparticularly brought asmile to everyone’s faces. Reflecting back, this film has definitely made liked the personal feel of the film; we are positioned as Bob through multiple me rethink how homeless individuals are treated. Apowerfulfilm. Iamafan. over-the-shoulder, shaky camera shots,enhancing the picture’s originality and authenticity.One thing that moved me were the relationships James had with Rating: those around him; his regretful father, his innocent neighbour Betty and most Anika Vadukul ‘Merlin’s beard!’

In all honesty, the recent adaptation of JK Rowling’s significant aspects of the real world that still need Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is, if you’ll addressing. It was arelieftofind that Queenie, pardon the pun, pure magic.Eddie Redmayne breathes blonde and beautiful, was not just the stereotype, life into his bumbling andbashful character Newt but awell-rounded character that furthers the plot Scamander, exploring 1920sNew York in search of through her actions. It was also gratifying to see some of his misplaced creatures.His co-stars Katherine that the President of the Magical Congress was a Watson (Porpetina Goldstein), Alison Sudol (Queenie black woman, and not just another old white man. Goldstein), Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski), Colin Farrell (Percival Graves), and EzraMiller(Credence)are Redmayne was perhaps the most stunning, truly equally impressive in their portrayal of their characters. capturing the adoration and awe Scamander has for his creatures and translating it into aloveable The primary plot is intriguing and humorous, fully protagonist who caresmorethan anything about captivating the audience with incredible special protecting them. The creatures themselves were effects that can truly make aperson contemplate visually spectacular, adding adashofcomedy the existence of magic. Combined with astunning into the fantasy and adventure mix. All in all, this soundtrack from James Newton Howard, it can bring isamagical film that deservesrecognition for eventhe most emotionally hardened audience to the incredible performances, effects and writing. tears at the right moment,and there are many. The DidIlike the film? Well, maybe ‘just asmidge’. subplot is perhaps far more sinister than a12A rating would suggest, linking to characters that Potter fans Rating: will recognise from the original series and tying the two worlds together. It touches on critical elements Warner Bros like child abuse and animalcruelty, foregrounding Stephanie Bennett 18

Image: politifact Trump's NewAmerica The Reality of the Election Result

This week’s episode of Panorama focused on answering the question on all our minds: who voted forTrump?

Thesheer power of the media in influencing public opinion is discrimination are stronglycaptured within this episode of Panorama; astounding.The news is omnipresent; headlines, articles and these fears have been similarly expressed within British media over interviews loom over our heads and infiltrate virtually every area the past week. The camera follows the concerns of students at the of society. One of the by-products of the media is the stirring up University of Houston in Victoria; one student markedly expresses of public opinion; any political figure can be annihilated by one her fears and concerns for the future, given that she is awoman, news headline. The focus of this week's episode of Panorama was Hispanic, and disabled; what does America's future hold for her? 'Trump's New America'; in interviewing different groups of people from different areas, Hilary Andersson tries to get to the bottom Even more poignantly, the programme meets the mother of aman of this result. Who are the people who voted for Donald Trump? who was shot dead by police in his own home after she dialled 911 with concerns that his schizophrenia was raging out of control. The Presidential campaign of Donald Trump was largely facilitated She sought the support of the authorities; these same authorities by the strategic use of popular media, with many of his actions ultimately betrayedher.Thus far, 800 people have beenshotdead dominated by the controversy of the policies which allowed him bythe police in 2016, and asignificant to win the American election. Trump'svictory has naturallybeen number of these fatalities have been “She is awoman, Hispanic, and conveyed in many different waysbythe American media.The black Americans. Obama fought disabled; what does America’s reaction of the American public to the result fluctuated between throughout his presidency for the rights triumph and despair, making it difficult to make adefinitive of black Americans; the same might not future hold forher?” statement about the general American public opinion. It is easier be said for his successor. What does the to make ageneralstatement about how the British media have future hold for these minority groups? reacted to this; news headlines have largely emphasised the fatality of Trump'ssuccessand the uncertainty of the future which follows. The programme both begins and ends with the appearance of those who voted forTrump, with afocus on thedeep South Though the BBC have attempted to avoid political bias in interviewing and the various different groups of people who advocated him ahandful of Trump's closest friends and political allies, the throughout his campaign.Manyofthe news headlineswhich sentiment of fear perpetuated by minority groups interviewedon havereported his victory have focused solely on demographics the programme is overpowering. Trump's main political advisor was and statistics; by putting faces to the electoral body who voted interviewed on the programme, describing Trump as a'genuine' for Trump, the result of the election becomes amore realistic and 'kind' man: who is the real Donald Trump? Is he acreation concept. It is important that we remind ourselves that the outcome of the media? Nonetheless, the implication of Trump'sadvocates of this election was notdecidedbyanalien population, but by contextualises this election result and the power he wields as aresult human beings; the very same humanbeings will live to endure of it. This programme really hammeredhome that it is possible to the decisions of the man for whom they havevoted. Politics is not be accused of rape,racism, misogyny, and discrimination, and still such adistant concept as it might sometimes appear to be: the win ageneral election with peers willingtodefendyour honour. American election has struck many down to reality, and this is a sentiment which is clearly defined within this episode of Panorama. Throughout his election campaign,Donald Trump repeatedly made discriminatory and offensive comments towards minority groups Eleanor Noyce such as the LGBT community, women, ethnic minorities, and the disabled. Anyone who wasn't white, straight or male was in danger of being situated at the receivingend ofthis abuse. The fears of the people who havebeen targeted by Trump's inherent misogyny, racism, and 19 John Lewis: The reign is over

The John Lewis Christmas advert is here, which can only mean one thing, the start of the festiveseason...

Over the past five years the department store has become renowned for its tear- sister opens her gift to reveal apair of red sparkly trainers and we see atouching jerkers. However, this yearseesabreak in tradition with amore light-hearted display of brotherly love. However, this year Heathrow Airport has emerged as the approach featuring Buster the Boxer. On Christmas morning.six-year-old unlikely contender for the best Christmas advert. This week saw the unexpected Summer rushes to enjoy her new trampoline onlytobebeatentoit by her dog rival launch its first everfestive ad campaign which featurestwo teddy bears. after watching aselection of British wildlifeuse it through the night. According We watch as these ‘grandparents’ land at Heathrow and make their way through to aJohnLewis spokesperson, this cheery advert is an attempttodistance itself the airport with asense of bewilderment until they are reunited with their from “sadvertising” after worries that last year’s campaign was slightly bleak family at the arrivals lounge, and depressing. where they are transformed into humans. Some critics have Since 2011, John Lewis has become synonymous with heart-warmingads after claimed this feel good heart- the release of The Long Wait.This classic featuresayoung boy impatiently warmer is an attempt reduce counting down the days to Christmas; the twist is he’s more excited to give negative attention following presents that receive them. The reaction was incredible and each Christmas the the announcement of athird retailer attempts to replicate this success with anew advert designed to make runway in west London, but us feel warm and fuzzy. the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive, with In 2012 we saw The Journey in which asnowman travels far and wide to find pollsshowingthatpublicopinion the perfect present for his wife. The following year saw The Bear and the Hare, puts this as the forerunner an animation featuring Lily Allen’s cover ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ as a in the battle for best ad. bear delightfully experiences his first Christmas. 2014 was the year of Monty the Penguin which told of an endearing friendship betweenaboy and his toy No one can deny that these penguin. Last year, the department store spent awhopping £7 million on the adverts are heart-warming but, Man on the Moon in partnership with Age UK to raise awareness of the elderly after all, they are adverts and

at Christmas. Although charming, many did notthink it was worth the price. the main focus is money. This Image: Metro This year, has John Lewis been able to live up to its success of five years ago? year John Lewis has partnered up with The Wildlife Trust in Every year the new adverts are welcomed with an eager anticipation but always order to raise awareness and promote the value of British wildlife. Similarly, leave us with atinge of disappointment. Every year we see other retailers fight Sainsbury’s has paired up with Great Ormond Street Hospital, Aldi with John Lewis for the title of best Christmas advert. This year Sainsbury’s has taken Barnardo’s and Waitrose with Crisis, with proceeds from merchandise going the typical heart-warming approach with an animation of adad who wants to towards each respective charity. These partnerships offer agreat opportunity spend more time with his family at Christmas. This ad features Dave,voiced for publicity and fundraising as seen by Age UK who, after partnering with John by James Corden, who sings ‘The Greatest Gift For Christmas Is Me’ in an Lewis last year, report an increase in the number of volunteering enquires. unexpected bid for Christmas no. 1. The endearing message of spending time with the ones you love does have the tear factor, but has met with some criticism Despite this, the cheesy nature of Christmas adverts, especiallythose of John with employees who are being forced to work on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day Lewis, is what we have come to love and expect each year. Unfortunately, this claiming the advert is hypocritical.Marks andSpencer hasopted for adifferent is distinctly lacking from ‘Buster the Boxer’ which, although light-hearted and approach focusing on Mrs Claus. As Father Christmas leaves to deliverpresents enjoyable, does not live up to the standard of the retailer’s past adverts. It looks across the world, we see his wife go on amission of her own to deliver agift like John Lewishas finally lost its crown. to Anna on behalf of her younger brother. It is impossible nottosmile as the Anna Sutton 20 Bringing Thanksgiving to Britain

Jade Verbick shows us why we should bring the American National HolidaytoBritain, as well as ahearty portion of pumpkin pie...

Every yearinAmerica, families gather together to give thanks by eating copious who also avoids eating turkey at all costs, being able to pick what meat to roast amounts of food and consuming large quantities of alcohol,all whilst watching can be very liberating. Breaking Thanksgiving traditions can be quite delicious. American football and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. It’s anational holiday One of the best aspects of aBritish Thanksgiving is the addition of the Yorkshire steepedintradition that brings people together to celebrate all that they have, which pudding to the meal. These delicious pastries are the best part of any British roast is followed by Black Friday, the biggest and probably most dangerous shopping day and Inow believe that any roast, American or otherwise, will notbecomplete of the year, celebrating everything people don’t already have. To many Americans, without them. That being said, it is extremely disappointing how impossible it ThanksgivingsignifiestheendofautumnandthebeginningoftheChristmasseason. is to find certain Thanksgiving treats. It’satragedy that you can’t find pumpkin pie in the UK, considering that it’s absolutely the best dessert of all time. While almost everyone in America is given time off for the national holiday, American students still have lectures to attend and essays to stress over. While it is not always fun to miss quality time shared with family and friends It can be asad prospect to see friends and family getting together and at Thanksgiving, it is quite arelief not to have to pretend to be interested eatingadelicious roast. It’s especially difficult considering that most of in American football, or to have to face the dreadedquestions from your us barelyknowhow to cook pasta, let alone amassive Thanksgiving meal. relatives about what you plan to do with your degree,orlisten toracist relatives talk about the merits of building awall betweenthe US and Mexico. If there is onething I’ve learned though, is that British people get pretty excited at the prospect of celebrating Thanksgiving. Everyone loves celebrating extra Being able to share the Thanksgiving holiday with friends and flat mates can holidays, especially ones that involve lots of food.Itisalot less daunting to prepare be really fun, and although it’s not going to be the same as being back in the afull roast when friends and flat mates all chip in. While it’s not exactly the same as US,celebrating this holiday helps makes Leeds feel alittlemorelikehome. the US, there are actually quite afew merits to celebrating Thanksgiving in the UK.

Hosting your own Thanksgiving means you can avoid eating the strange foods Jade Verbick that have become synonymous with the holiday. Who actually thought that putting marshmallows and yams together would be agood idea? As someone

Boxing DayPie ensure that the saucedoesn’t seep too far into the FeastiveFood pastry.Takethe pan off the heatand allow it to cool. Atraditional Thanksgiving meal is made up of some very hit-and-miss dishes, such as pumpkin Georgia Ryan takes on Jade’s pie -not as disgusting as it sounds and, if made 3.Flourthe kitchen surface and arolling pinin claim that Pumpkin Pie is the right, tastes like heaven. Their combination of preparation for the pastry, which will be rolled best festivefood on the table, turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce, however, is outtofitthe width and depth of the pie tin being such ahit even here in the UK that households have used. If using awide but shallow pie tin, turn said providing her ownBoxing adopted it as their Christmas roast, and turned the tinupside-down and measure against the rolled out DayPie recipe, but which will leftovers into aconcoction called Boxing Day Pie. pastry to see if there is enough pastry left to cover the edges; adeep pie tin will require the pastry youprefer? 300g cooked turkey being worked in with the fingers rather than rolled 1pack sage and onion stuffing on top and fitted. Trim the edges of the pie tin with ThePerfect PumpkinPie 1tbspcrème fraîche asharp knife and chill the pastry in the fridge for ½teaspoon ground nutmeg 5-10 minutes so that it doesn’t shrink in the oven. While normally relegatedtothe autumnseason, Jar of cranberry sauce there is no reason why this delicious treat can’t 340g plainflour 4.Preheat the oven to 170°. Begin layering the pie case be eaten yearround. This recipe makes two pies. 150g cold butter/lard/shortening with the broken sheet of stuffing, spoonfulsofturkey 1egg and sauce, cranberry sauce, and repeat until the casing 1can pumpkin puree Salt and pepper is full. Use arolling pin to pick up the remainder of the 1can evaporatedmilk pastryand rollitontop of the pie case, forming the 150 grams sugar 1.Follow the instructions on the stuffing packet to crust. Water will help blend the casing to the roof if 1/2 teaspoon salt create athin sheet of stuffing that can be cooled the two pieces of pastry won’t connect. Make asmall 1teaspoon ground cinnamon and later crumbled into pieces. While the stuffing is hole in the top of the pie so that air can escape,and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger cooking/cooling, begin making the pastry by sifting use abeaten egg to glaze the pastry before it goes into 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves flour into alarge mixing bowl, stirring in ateaspoon the oven for 15 minutes, or until the pastry is cooked. 2large eggs of salt with the fingertips, and add the fat gradually in 2pastry cases 175 grams small cubes to make the ingredients easier to mix. Rub Georgia Ryan the fat and flour betweenyour fingers for 2-3 minutes 1. Preheatoven to 180°. Mix together the sug- until the mixture resembles yellowed breadcrumbs ar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves in abowl. and gradually add teaspoons of cold water to the bowl so that the pastry can form. Unlike bread, the pastry 2. Beat eggs in aseparatebowl and stir in doesn’t require kneading, and it’s best to add the pumpkin pureeand the pumpkin pie spic- water gradually so that the pastry is still crumbly, but es. Stir in the condensed milk gradually. when pressed betweentwo hands it stays together.

3. Pour mixture in the pastry cases and put it 2.Once the pastry is of the right consistency, wrap into the oven for 40-50 minutes. To test if the it in cling film and leave in the fridge for half an pie is cookedall the way through stick aknife hour. In the meantime, use two forks to shred the in the centre, if it comes out clean, it is done. turkey and add it to alightly oiled pan on medium heat. After aminute, add agenerous tablespoon of 4. Allowthe pie to coolfor 2hours. crème fraîche to the pan, and sprinkle in the nutmeg, some salt, and pepper if desired. Stir the turkey JadeVerbick into the newly-made sauce forafew minutes and add apinch or two of flour to thicken it. This will 21

Image: AdrianaDlcs Christkindelmarktist zurück! The Christmas Market is back! But where’s the beer tent? Is there still atalking moose? Georgia Ryan gives us the lowdown...

Those whose daily commute to and from campus involves with the seductive smell of cheese garlic bread mixed with passing through Millennium Square would have taken note spiced apple and something else you can’t pin down, but when The Lady Boys of Bangkok left the area -the first hint you want it. Heavily pricedsnacks hit you at every corner, that the GermanChristmas market was returning to Leeds. and it’s all too easy to leave the markets having spent £20 and not remembering what you bought, but knowing that Though the Christkindelmarkt has been open to the public your stomach just might burst. If you’re on atight budget for two weeks now, with deadlines to meet, presents to buy, before Christmas, enter the markets with great care on a and pretty awful weather, is it worth the trek into town? full stomach, and if you decide that you want something Since Millennium Square happens to be on my uni route, I to eat later, use some spare change ratherthan notes to stopped by briefly on aThursday night and browsed the few buy apretzel, acrepe, or what can onlybedescribedas open stalls with ease, considering that it was rush hour on a ‘ginormous’WagonWheels that come in dozens of different weekday. If you have the patience,this is probably the best flavours. At 90p per treat, or 15 for £12.50, they are much time to visit, since you can wait an hour or so for the rest more reasonably priced than the £5 potato fritters with of the stalls to open and for the markets to become livelier. cranberry sauce.The Frankfurter is the only exception –at half ametre long and carefully rotated on aring heater filled Weekends are another with sausages, it’s an absolute must, no matter the price. story completely. We thought it would be best Anyone who visited the Christkindelmarkt last yearwill to go on aSaturday, giving notice the glaring absence of the beer tent, which has been us more time to browse the replacedwith outdoor wooden canopies with tables and markets and have afew stools for people to relax with their mulled wine from any drinks. More time is what of thedrinks stalls. The singing moose is still there, and you need plenty of, since as amusing as ever, guarding the Alp Chalet restaurant, an the crowds are so thick it indoor eatery amongst the string of food stalls where you will take you ten minutes can sit down and enjoy yourself away from the wind and to travel from afoodstall rain. Another must this yearisthe arrivalofThor’s Tipi, to the bin two metres away. which sits in frontofthe ArtGallery on the Headrow, by On top of that, the lines the ferris wheel if you struggle to find it. Ahipster twist can stretch so far that the on arusticconcept, the Tipi is aglowing getaway decorated group of people waiting minimally with Christmas lights,firtree garlands and forapretzeland thegroup the poles keeping it together. Their hot chocolate with Image: AdrianaDlcs waiting for astein become marshmallows is now afirm favourite, and the soaring mingled, until you find popularity of the pop-up bar hopefully means that it yourself in the wrong queue completely or angering a will become aregularinthe Christkindelmarkt rotation. middle-aged woman and her two children who have been waiting forever to buy their candyfloss. Don’t try to The German market’s expansion this year has certainlypaid apologise, she will think you’re being sarky and try to hit off, with more rides in the fairground area by Revsand now you. If you want to keep your dignity, your friends, and your 40 stalls to browse in Millennium Square seeing abigger food intact, never visit on aweekend. It’s too dangerous. boost in popularity. It’scertainlyahead of Manchester, and acontender to go against London if it continues to While it’s tempting to look at the stall littered with flowered draw in bigger crowds. Agreat attraction for the city, but fairy lights and decide that you absolutely need them, it’s onethat maybe draws too much attention on weekends. best to hold on to your money for the main attraction –the food. Before you even reach the gates to get in you’re hit GeorgiaRyan 22 May’s Mental Health Mission: Rhetoric or Reality?

With mental health services being cut fartoo often, Bradleydiscusses the effect it’s having on young people and whatPrime Minister Theresa Mayshould be doing to tackle the problem

are that 78% of you have done so in the last year. flagshippolicies like improvements to waiting times. University can be achallenging environment for those with mental illnesses. The safety blanket of familiarity Far from taking on mental illness, Conservative policy is pulled from under one’s feet, and avariety of social has consistently aggravated it. The austerity program and work-related obstacles become apparent. It’s no has beencondemned by many experts in the field, wonder that over the last five years, 50% more students including leading mental health charity, Mind. In April, have sought assistance from university support TheIndependent published aletter signedbyhundreds of services. So as more and more students develop mental doctors describing austerity’s “profoundlydisturbing health problems, how has the government responded? effect” on the nation’smental health. Moreover, when government policy was criticisedbyits own mental The short answer is they haven’t. At least, not health champion Natasha Devon, she was sacked. nearly enough as they have verbally promised. “I will take on …mentalillness,” stated Theresa So, entering her premiership, Theresa May faces May in July. However, with no coherent strategy adecision: break the mould and take action -by as of yet, May merely echoes the rhetoric of investing in students and protecting those with DavidCameron in 2011: rhetoric- not results. mental illnesses -orleavethem alone in their rooms. Mrs Prime Minister, another student night is Your friends are all pre-drinking for the night ahead. For example, despite the “no health without mental coming up. 78% of us are making preparations to They’ve beenplaying ring of fire in the kitchen health” programme,mentalhealthexpenditure manage our mental illnesses. That might be through for the last half hour but you’re still in your room. was cut by £35m in 2014. In 2015,Downing Street breathingtechniques, meditation or exercise. To Perhaps you’re studying your ceiling contemplating allegedly pressured NHS chief executive, Simon ourbestability, we’re taking action. Will you? your worthlessness. Or pulling at your stomach in Stevens into halving his overall recommendation for the mirror. Or having apanic attack on the floor. additional NHS funding. Consequently, mental health Bradley Young AccordingtoarecentNUS survey, the chances departments suffered, including alack of funding for Top5:The best things about winter Loveitorloatheit, youcan’t deny that there’s just something magical about winter.HannahSnutch gives arun down of her favourite things about the season.

It’s already started: the bitter cold mornings, dark whilst indoors with the central heating blazing away rather than being bombarded with it on every social skies, the endless Snapchat stories documenting and the radiators on full blast. Big jumpers are my media platform, we can’t deny how magicalitiswhen snowfall. Winter is truly underway. With 2016 saviour, Ican hide my food baby bump from last it snows. Snowmakesthe journey back and forth to predicted to have the coldest winter in years and the night’s pizza, burger and afat sliceofcake under a work and university muchmore beautiful to look at. sun laughing at us all as it sets at 4pm leaving us nice, cosy jumper. Hurrah! But I’m sure everyone’s favourite thing about the to march through the ice-cold breeze to get home, 3: GameofThrones Quoting snow is definitely snowball fights. There’s nothing the only thing that could make it worse would be if quite like the satisfaction of pelting asnowball in one Trump were Presi- Oh. Winter might be the time of The fun of saying ‘Winter is Coming’. Say it now. of your dearly beloved friends’ faces. year when we lose feeling in our fingers and toes, but Feelsgood, right? Saying it makes you sound wrap up warm as here are some positives about those foreboding, prophetic and dramatic, what’s not 5: The Sunrise cold winter months we love so dearly. to love?! Not onlyare you confirming that you recognise the change in seasons but you are also During those warm summer months, the sun rises 1: CHRISTMAS expressing your interest in averypopular TV series. rather early for the likes of us; the time we roll out of bed is closer to sunset than sunrise. But for afew This is perhaps the best thing about winter. There’s frosty months the sun rises later, so for many of us nothing like hearing Michael Bubléonthe radio, Image: HBO having to drag ourselves, coffee induced, to a9am Christmas lights sparkling on the streets and lecture we get astunning sky setting. Normally, such decorating aChristmas tree to get you in the spirit. aview is reserved for the early works, birds andthe The build up to Christmas is alovelytime but there’s insomniacs. nothing more enjoyable than the day itself and those magical days between Christmas and New Yearspent My point here is that winter may be cold, dark and enjoying your presents, visiting family and eating everyoneresembles azombie on their morning all that food that your parents were ‘saving for commute but there are some positives. Ihopethis Christmas’. lists helps you get through the following months because… Winter is Coming. 2: Big Jumpers 4: SNOW Hannah Snutch Summer has been and gone so who cares about being Yes, it may be annoying when the floods of Facebook ‘beach body ready’? It’s all about the Winter bod now! posts and Snapchats come pouring in the minute the Whack out those woolyjumpers and toasty knee socks, snowflakes start to stick. And though we can all just for now is the time to wear seven layers of clothing look out our own windows and see it for ourselves 23 Welfare at Leeds: HowtoBeat Winter SADness

Health and Wellbeing Intern Martha discusses the problems that the winter months can bring, and who youcan turn to get advice.

people canbeaffectedbySeasonalAffective stress and anxiety are exposed to impulse buying when Disorder (commonly knownasSAD). It is they are vulnerable and can experience financial loss, important to know that it is common for people which in turn impacts negatively on their wellbeing. to experience this condition and there are lots of It is important to be prepared for extra expenditure optionsavailable to you. Light therapy, cognitive over the Christmas seasonand make sureyou budget behavioural therapy (CBT) and simpler measures for it. If you suffer from financial trouble remember such as spending as much time in natural sunlight that the Student Advice Servicecan always offer your as possible and managing stress levels can all help help and support in aconfidentialenvironment. improve your wellbeing whilst suffering from SAD. It is always important to seek advice, on any of these These winter pressures can be particularly issues, early. So who you can talk to? Services such exacerbated at this stage of the academic year; as the asthe Student Advice Centre, Skills@Library, your long nights draw in, assignments are due and results departmental Student Support Officer and personal are looming. It can feel like you have less and less tutor are always there to support you on apersonal, time in the day as your pile of work gets higher. Your academic and financial basis. It’s always best to get degree is alongprocess with lotsofcomponents, so supportsoonerratherthanlater,don’twaitforthemark The winter months can present us with pressures if one aspect doesn’tgoasyou hoped this doesn’t to comeback or the exam to loom before you have achat. that impact on how well you feel able to cope with mean you need to be unnecessarily harsh on yourself. personal, academic and financial pressures. This Don’t let this winter be filled with discontent, is especially true in the build up to Christmas It is easy to get overwhelmed however, especially seek help if youneed it from your doctors, as the darker nights and colder days impact our as financial pressurescan increase as the Christmas University and Union on any of these various mood, sometimes without us evenrealising. season draws near, and the festivities and present issues. Take advantage of the welfare services buying begins. ArecentBBC report warned of the available to you during your time at Leeds; services These feelings can leave you feeling dejected and dangers of online shopping, highlightingthat those whowanttosupport and aid your wellbeing. finding it harder to get assignments completed who strugglewithinsomnia are at risk from night to the standard you would usually desire. time alerts sent out in the early hours of the morning. Martha Clowes During these long, dark winter months many This means that people already more vulnerable due to HowToBeatthe CreativeBlock With deadlines hanging over all of our heads, howare we meanttokeep creative? Lauren gives some tips on how to beat the block.

and get creativeonthe side, how do we ensure that we Union. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but being get to do what we love and stay sane at the same time? able to analyse the things Ienjoymakes the thought of a12,000word dissertation slightlymore bareable. Istarted writing this piece because I’d beendoing long shifts in the library, as well as working part- Ok, so this point might be alittle idealist, but one time between severaljobs. I’m in my final yearhere thing I’vefound that works for me is keeping my at Leeds and unfortunately thingsare starting to get weekends completely free of university work. Of serious. If I’m not thinking about my dissertation, course, the thought of doing this when you’ve which in all honesty haunts about 90% of my got amidday deadline the followingMonday daily thoughts, I’m looking frantically at graduate might seem alittle daunting, but just being abit jobs, master’s degrees or panicking that nothing more organised will mean you can do whatever will work out for me and I’ll be thrown out in the you want when the weekend comes around. world next yearwithnothing tocushion the fall. Don’t wait until the week before to start reading As away of distracting myself from the inevitability for an essay, if you’ve got time, get it done. You’ve of real life, I’ve spent the last few months trying to undoubtedly heard it all before but you’ll thank It’s nearingthe end of term; deadlines are looming work out what makes my creativeblock disappear and yourself later. Just make sure to take time off at the and the days are only going to get shorter. If you’re how Ican find time to integrate all the creative things weekend to draw, paint, photograph or whatever anything like me, then you’ll resent the fact that you Ilove in to the remaining hours Ihave in the day. else. Ijust can’t stress enough how important it is to spend the vast majority of time doing reading for an destress and partake in something you really enjoy. essay and not having any idea what it’s on about. The first step is to accept that you’re going to have to put in work foruniversity, but if it’s possible, you can Gettingrid of the creative block is difficult, but If you’re acreativetype, being swamped with academic tailor your studies to cater for your more creative side. never impossible. University often makes us feel like work and reading can be stifling, as you probably feel I’m not sure if this works forevery degree,but as a creativity should be repressed in favour of academic as though you never get the chance to just take a history student Ihavequite abit of leniency in what I work, but arguably it’s creativity, imagination and day to do something you reallyenjoy, without being can study. My specialist subject looks at the social and originality that really keeps our minds working. assessed for it. But when it seems like 24 hours just cultural history of the USSR and for my dissertation isn’t enough time to do all your work for university I’ll be looking at film, fashion and music in the Soviet Lauren Davies thegryphon.co.uk Features | 13 YouAre What YouRead Rabaeeh Moeen looks at the US election and questions themedia’s role in it. How much of an influencedoes it have? And more importantly,isitadecisive one?

Rabaeeh Moeen media, an outlet forfrustrations.But this one was Incidentally, considering Trump’s refrain of ‘it’s directly critical of how the mainstream media had rigged’ that news pundits debatedtodeath, people The media plays arole in our perceptions. Of dealt with election coverage in itself. Trump’s antics may have lost alot of trust in the electoral system. course it does, it’s how we consume the majority of were treatedlike entertainment rather than with the Not onlythat, but trust in the media is fast being lost, our information. It’s easier to switch the TV to the gravity required in election coverage. Furthermore, not only in regards to election coverage but wider BBC than comb through the internet for niche news the only mention of Hillary Clinton in the media was currentaffairs that occur and are notreportedon. For blogs that might give you awider coverage of events. when it involved her emails scandal, creating two example, there was no information about the fact that

However, due to this, it’s easier to be misled too. distinct stories. One was of acorrupt Hillary Clinton, voter suppression may have been taking place,which Perhaps this was what happened in the US elections. one was of Trump’s astoundinglyignorant rhetoric. is when avoter is stopped from voting, usually done Trump’s win was ashock notjust to the rest of the It’s up to the media to control how biased their to ethnic minority voters, and can include harassment world,whenfar-right political leaders such as Marine reporting can be, especially when it comes to outside polling stations,being turned awayfor not

Le Pen claimed it as a‘great movement;’ not just for elections. To be bombarded by the same candidate having the correct ID and spreading false information the pollsters who got it completely wrong again; but repeatedly, gave him the platform to speak without about how to vote. for the people, who hadn’t expected it. And how much having to expend anyeffort. Perhapsthe sensational Greg Palast, an election investigator, was quoted of aroledid the media play in this? factor of his speeches increased ratings and perhaps assaying, “the election was already fixed by Trump In May, analytical firm Media Quaint surmised they didn’t, but Trump did receive alarge amount “ operatives.”Hewrote an article for The RollingStone, Trump had received over $3bn in free advertising of extra coverage that may, crucially, have affected discussing how voter suppression techniques have for over ayearofhis campaign, blowing the unpaid election results. This is not fair coverage, and it is not beenexistent ever since he started investigating advertising (in the form of media reporting) other what the media should be doing. them,with the controversial Bush vs Gore presidential candidates received out of the water; Clinton, in battle. If Trump supporters were actively stopping comparison, received about $1bn. Trump himself Clinton-supporters from voting, and this was not acknowledged this extensive coverage as far back as Trrumpm washeard about so reported until after the election was over, how much September last year. Speaking to The New York Times of an effect did it really have? And importantly for the about his lack of television adverts, he said “when you oftten ini themedia you could media, why do we not hear about this? look at cable television, alot ofthe programs are 100 assusumem therewerenoother So what’s thetruth? While it’s clear to any who read percent Trump, so why would you need more Trump the news that Trump has been creating sensational during the commercial breaks?” candidates headlines for higher ratings for almost two years Even in the UK, Trump was heard about so often now; the extent to which this may have damaged in the media you could assume there were no other the election and how this ties into the reliability of candidates, his outrageous claims becoming agreat the media as awhole is always up for debate. The source of entertainment. Recently, this technique Journalist John Pilger claimed ‘journalists created corruption and questionable ethics of certain news of the American media received alot ofbacklash on Trump,’ in apiece he did of the US election for the groups was exposed afew years ago and discussed in social media, aprominent memberbeing actor Josh“YouTube channel ‘goingundergroundRT.’ “One of the the Leveson Inquiry, but how muchmore is there that Gad who tweeted ‘Dear media, Ireallyhope all the most revealing aspects of this has been the exposure remains to be uncovered? ratings were worth it.’ of journalism as an extension of corrupt established Anger at political events often erupts on social power”, he said.

Image: ScreenFish 14 | Features thegryphon.co.uk Is LoveAll We need? Jessie Jones looks at thecurrent political climate, outlining ways in which we can remain hopeful in atime of uncertainty and upheaval.

Jessie Jones

In his recent Thump article about my friends’ night Brudenell Groove, Tom Glencross described it as ‘nakedly political’. These two words resonated with me more than any I’ve read foralong time.What did this mean? How is politics naked? Itook it to mean honest, raw and stripped of all the usualbullshit that adorns it. Something ‘nakedly political’ is removed of its pomp. Removed of its frills. No longer dressed up in false promises and statistics designed to coerce and seduce avote from the public. It is unhidden. This is something that we all need to cling to in modern society. The rhetoric permeating the media, whether printed or social, is of dogma, control and, most dangerously, fear. This is something the people

can’t afford to succumb to. This is not abodily fear,

pumping our systems with adrenaline, readying us for ‘fight or flight’. This fear is psychological, permeating our collective systems and clogging us

up, robbing us of an ability to fightand chase.

It’s difficult to be actively political, to enact real change, within asystemthat is inherentlyflawed. The frustration of acting within this framework is “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ incomparable. Asystemthat, in light of suspicions “ of voting fraud and the election of hateful and crushing faces, backed by hateful and crushing corporations,has proved itself far from functioning. Never mind perfect. It is indeed time for change. A time foraction. But it is the ‘nakedly political’ that must rouse us.

Thhis isi people united, dpdespite impm odosed andreinforced diivisionns

When the Brexit result was announced, the general atmosphere on social media was anger directed away cities, hand in hand, arm in arm, brandishing ‘love whereboundaries dissolve and differences are from those in charge. Instead it was thrown sideways trumps hate’ placards. These are examples of just diluted. This is aspace where queer people, in asafe, to the general public. To neighbours. It was you that that. Love trumping hate.That may seem wishy- loving and glittering environment, can stomp away had voted for this, the consistent war cry ringing washy, hippy-dippy drivel at first glance. But those oppression with never-tiring dancing feet for the “out as ‘it’s all your fault’. Similarly, after Trump’s are just some examples of the nakedly political. In night. If hope was gone, if love couldn’t win, these “victory”, the knee jerk response from some people Liverpool there are growing homeless initiatives microcosms of beauty and unity would not exist. on Facebook was to give in to atide of division, including the tying of scarves and hatstolampposts These shining, precious gems would not dazzle away focusing on how voting had separated us and placed for homeless people in the winter months. Following the surrounding shit we tentatively call a‘system’. us into seemingly concrete categories. This is the in Leeds’ footsteps, Liverpool also has increased The system is malfunctioning. Because its dangerous fear Iwas talking about. Equally of course its care for homeless women by providing sanitary weaknessisthe power of people united. By no means there was afear of those in charge,and of what products in care packagestodistribute throughout am Isayingthatdancing to disco and buying ascarf these shifts with them at the helm would have on the city. for one homeless man will suddenly transform the people. This is people united, despite imposed and thelandscape of society. ButI’m also not refuting Iadmit it’s easier for awhite British woman to reinforced divisions, to redirect ‘it’s all your fault’ its ability to do so (eventually). If enough people cling on to remnants of hope. It’s not my religion, to those above ratherthanaside. The raw human engage in compassion, if enough people focus on skin colour, citizenship or humanrights that are kindnessofsmiling at somebody whomight have thehumanity that connects us, rather the ‘official’ so directly in jeopardy. But that doesn’t mean that hadashitday cannot be discounted as insignificant. politics that divide us, then real change can happen. there is no hope at all. It just means now is the most The small but generous offering of acup of tea anda In the wise words of Shelley: ‘rise like lions after critical time to nurture it. Now we need it more than sandwich to ahomeless person cannot be called ‘too’ slumber, in unvanquishable number, shake your ever. small. These are the remnantsofhope that persist. chains to earth like dew, which in sleep had fallen on Anotherseries of events unfolded recently to For if enough people make these small, seemingly you, ye aremany-they are few’. Though centuries counteractthesetumultuousandfearfultimes.Masses insignificant, gestures, then that transforms into old, these words are as poignant as ever. They, the swarmed to cinemas to thump their compassionate asocietal wave. That turns into love, beginning at powers that be, the rulers of the world, are indeed fists and weep in empathy at the starkly realistic least, to trump hate. few.And though its easy in these times to feel and harrowing I, Daniel Blake.Thousands stormed Another friend of mine runs aqueer night called equally small, we are in fact, when united and driven the streets of Edinburgh and New York among other ‘Love Muscle’. This space, like Groove, is aplace with compassion, absolutely unvanquishable. thegryphon.co.uk Features | 15 Black Mirror-AnIndicator of

What’stoCome?

With thepopularityofBlack Mirror,Zaki Kaf Al-Ghazal asks whether this content is as fictional as we think. (Warning: spoilers ahead!)

Zaki Kaf Al-Ghazal left to lose.Her “rating” is at rock bottom and she lets so on.Ascliché as it sounds, however, social media loose. She is apprehended by security and the episode really isn’t real. It is just asnapshot of what is going I cameacross this fascinating series quite recently ends with her screaming at afellow inmate in prison. in one person’s life at that time. Beyond the exterior and was piqued by how it takes our use of technology The end of the episode is especially poignant, with we are all facing our own problems; though displaying “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ and develops it frighteningly,enmeshing our entire Lacie screaming with rage at her fellowinmate and anxieties isn’t ‘likeworthy’. The stratification of “ livelihoods with this modern phenomenon. It’s areal him screaming back.Both lacking their phones, it’s society based on social media is neither morally eye opener on how dependent we have become on interesting to hear liberated expression. Whilst she correct nor productive. gadgets and how the effect of just asmall hand held is in prison and angry the relief on her face implies device can have shattering consequences for who we that she’s free from the constraining society she once are and how we interact. lived in. It’s fascinating to see how this irony plays The particular episode that Isaw worthy of honing out through this end scene. In many ways, ‘Nosedive’ AmAs much as many people

in on was the one that impacted me the most -season portrays asociety in asocialmedia prison, where haate tot admit this, we tetendn

three episode one ‘Nosedive’, starring the American everyindividual who wants to practice humanity and actress Bryce Dallas Howard. It wasahard hitting honesty is stuck within ajail of perfection. to validal te ourself wororth on watch and the crux of it involved atime in the future The episode illustrates something deeperwithinthe social media where society’s interactions were ultimately driven ‘like’ and oversharing era we are living in right now.

by a“rating system” of other people; be they family, It takes our Facebook and Instagram experiences friends, co-workers, classmates and evenrandom to extremes and shows how society as awhole can passers-by. Anyone you would interact with you be skewed by other’s perceptions. The fact that you It’sencouraging to see more social media figures would give arating out of five and hope that the other need aspecific rating to live an exclusive life gives talk about their experienceshonestly.The Instagram “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ person would give you ahighrating (this is done on it all away. Aformof‘social apartheid’ develops as model Essena O’Neil, who quit the app last year mobile phones in the same way you rate Uber drivers those with higher ratings then shun those with lower and suffered ahugebacklash, spoke honestly about after acab ride). You would assign someone arating ratings and isolate themselves, worried they’ll be doctored pictures, perfect poses and small snapshots “infected”. It’s afascinating take on social media and giving off avibeofserenity which in reality covered howitdisplays just asnapshot of peoples’ lives. The darkness and depression. The oversharing culture we fact that you can be rated if you’re only apasser-by live in has serious ramifications for mental health Inn mam ny ways, “Nosedive” speaks volumes about this system and how superficial as we wrongly compare and compete –whenwe’re poportraya sasociety in assoco ial it actually is. purposely at different stages of our lives. We need The worrying matter is that is hits frighteningly to engage with the matter at hand and deal with the mediaia prison ... stuckwwithini a close to home. As muchasmany people hate to admit problem head on. jail of perfection this, we tend to validate our self-worth on social Social media is no doubt awonderful thing; but if media. How many ‘likes’ we receiveonaFacebook society’s not careful ‘Nosedive’ could one day become postorInstagram photo helps to give us a‘value’. If ourreality. we get xnumber of likes we’re worth this much and (For example 4.1/5) and get notified when you’re “assigned arating too. The episode begins with Lacie (Bryce Dallas Howard) looking to move awaytoamore exclusive neighbourhood–though she lacks the magical4.5 rating to do so. She is offeredanopportunity to increase her rating by being her best friend Naomi’s (Alice Eve) maid of honour at her wedding (her friend is a4.8) and interacting with fellow “high fliers”. Lacie and Naomi need each other’s presence to increase their respective ratings. Though the friendship gives off astrong vibe, it is fake and this is communicated to the viewer from the beginning. Lacie misses aflightand ends up getting into afew heated arguments and ultimately arentedcar fails her. She ends up hitchhiking with afemale lorry driver who is lower than a2.0,practically unheard of in the futuristic society. Lacie is forced into getting in and is toldastory by the driver about how ratings should notbeassignificant as everyone give them credit to be. Lacie then receives an angry call from Naomi demanding an explanation for her lateness and her low rating and she decides to “un-invite” her from the wedding last minute. Lacie is, however, determined to attend the wedding and attend she does; she uses it as an opportunity to voice her frustrations about the superficial society and its focus on ratings, as she feels she has nothing Image: Cult Hub 16 | Business thegryphon.co.uk Leed BradfordAirport Flying High withRecordResults Alex Hallwood in revenuefor the year ending 31st March 2016. Through the addition of recent relationships made with This past year has therefore represented arecord Monarch, destinations such as Alicante and Malaga Considering the Yorkshire and Humberside region revenue in business for the regions airport. Carrying are increasingly available for passengers looking for represents the 3rd largest business centre in the UK 3.5 million passengers, the airport is still operating all-year-round sun, and these now represent two of and is home to over 5.3 million people, the needfor within its potential capacity, but recentinvestments the most popular routes airport wide. aproper ‘international airport’ here has never been to the modern two-story terminal and new airline higher. With its main competitor, Manchester Airport, partnerships are helping to deliver arealdrive for At the heart of the Yorkshire region, and only seven atedious motorway commute away, the pressure on demand and surging revenues. miles from the city centre LBA is also the local airport Leeds Bradford to step up has reached its pinnacle – for avast student community. Reinvestment into and it seems to be delivering. In past years LBA has made marginal losses, but routes including Southampton, Newquay,Belfast, performances of late have more than halved these Guernsey, Jersey, Aberdeen, Glasgow,Dublin and Once considered ‘local’ Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in the space of just 12 months. TonyHallwood, recently London Heathrow (with British Airways) has published recent figures indicating its growing Aviation Development Director, explained losses now provide aquick andconvenient alternative to ambition to internationalise, boasting an impressive to be increasingly on the decline and emphasised lengthy alternate road, rail or sea travelback home. 5% increase in passenger numbers and 6% increase underlying business to be strong. It seems this Just another way the airport may be able to hoist its optimism is well founded, given the recentlaunch impressive growth figures lookinginto next year. of the ‘Airport Master-plan’ in April of this year– aiming for increased operational routes from 64 today Looking ahead airport bosses are expecting further to over 100 by 2030. Passenger numbers are also set to financial improvement, including reducedannual double over the same periodto7million. losses, on the back of attracting evenmore new routes and services. They appear confident that 2017will In terms of the terminal, anew Premierlounge, be another record-breaking year with alreadyseven alongside huge investments in retail and dining confirmed new destinations and plans in place to facilities air-side represent only afraction of the carry out the remaining expansive investments. With work so far to enhance experiences for passengers. business booming, and with an Action Plan active, it And on the internationalisation front, the airport is seemsthe skyreallyisthe limit for our neighbouring also making movements, now providing flights to airport, which is apromising prospect for students at Image: LBA.com over 50 European regions -including 11 capital cities. the University of Leeds. Crowdfunding YourDegree?

Alice Green experiencedglobal success and it began with asimple university education. Repayments then begin only crowdfunding campaign. when the borrower has found agraduate position, Since the financial crisis, many people have grown based on 10% of net income. EdAid also help their weary of the traditional banking system and the Crowdfunding is now being used in the student students find the most meaningful intern and amount of power it seems to have over the economy. community, in order to bypass the need for graduate roles. They claim to be “backing the 99%”, There is now agrowing movement to bypass the banks government loans. This may be students who find believing that all young people should have equal and revolutionise the way in which we access money. themselves ineligible for aloanorwho wishtoavoid access to affordable education. Crowdfunding is an alternative source of finance, the annual interest rate of 3% plus inflation pegged which has experienced acolossal surge in popularity to retail price index, charged by the Student Loans So perhaps you’d like to fundraise for acharity, over recent years. It involves the use of the internet Company. start your own business or even fund your studies. and social media in order to communicatewithalarge Crowdfunding brings ahost of possibilities. In short, number of people, asking them each for just asmall EdAid is astart-up social enterprise, which enables it is simply our generation’s way of saying no to the amount of money. ambitious and talented students to borrow from the banks, and choosing to lend to one another in amore community, at no interest rate, in order to fund their organic and meaningful way. This concept is not new. The first crowdfunded project tookplace in 1997 when the rock band Marillion could not afford to fund their American tour. In dismay, their fans raised $60,000 online, enabling their beloved band to tour and thus, crowdfunding was born. The first crowdfunding website went on to be created in 2001.Fifteen years later, the list of websites is vast; amongst the most popular are Kickstarter, Crowdcube and Indiegogo.

Crowdfunding has beensuccessfully used in numerous different sectors. Recently it has been particularly fruitful in the arts and technology industries. For example, the VR start-up,Oculus Rift, promised investors aheadset that would change the face of gaming. The firm was able to raise $2.4 million from crowdfunding, before being bought out by Facebookfor $2 billion. Oculus Rift has Image: realbusiness.co.uk thegryphon.co.uk Business | 17 Everything You Need to KnowAboutBlackFriday

Zoe Alison the expansion of online retailing and technological supermarket brands such as Asda to mobile phone communication, many companies have also sought to companies like Samsung. In 2015, Hot UK Deals With the arrival of the Germanmarket, depressingly extend the tradition into amore modern manifestation claimedthe biggest cuts were in electrical devices longer hours of darkness and those dreaded heating called ‘Cyber Monday.’ such as televisions and laptops, down by 31%, baby bills, we might as well accept that the famously bitter and children’s products which were down by 50%, and winter of Leeds is fast approaching and so too is the So where does it come from? food at 46%. But when looking at the picture from an consumer chaos we call Black Friday. annual perspective, it doesn’t appear too significant The origins of Black Friday lend itself to when retailers typically have 10-15% of stock on sale In case you didn’t know, today is the last Friday of Thanksgiving in America. This holiday expressing all year round. November, which means acrazedarmy of discount- gratitude to God officially kicks off the holiday season loving shopaholics will be taking to our high streets in the US, encouraging consumers to hit the shops At theend of the day, retailers are clever capitalists in abid to get the best deals on Christmas goods. With and spend big the following day. The concept behind and wouldn’t ever reduce prices unless they could the term ‘black’ comes from how afford to. Therefore, they tend to use the low footfall this trend helped stores that were period immediately before Black Friday to increase previously experiencing loss of prices foramonthly period. Then suddenly they can revenue (so in the red) become afford to ‘artificially’ drop them ready for Black Friday more profitable (moving into leaving customers amazedatthe incredible discount the black). Although founded in rate. the US, British bargain hunters collectively spent around £2 However there is also adarker side to Black Friday. billion last year in in the 24-hour Someonline clothing warehouses resell their faulty periodwiththe internet retailer items at discounted prices and in the UK, there has Amazon selling 86 items per been adevelopmentofscamming websites taking second. advantage of less savvy internet users.

So, is this all just an advertising Nevertheless, figures collated by Nationwide predict gimmick or is there actually agrowingpopularity with a47% increase in spending opportunityfor hugesavings? comparedtoany other Friday. Therefore, this Friday, be careful with your money and get clued up about the Almost every retailer today is sales because Black Friday is set to stay. Image: Queit.co.uk expectedtomake cuts, from big BreakingThe Stigma: Businesses Move to Employ Ex-offenders

Julia Constable giving ex-offenders afighting chance at abrighter outreach charity have shown that work inclusion future. For example, Timpson, akey cutting and results in improved awareness of community issues, As privileged students attending aRussell shoe repair business with three stalls in Leeds and reduced absenteeism and labour turnover as well as Group University, we have been offered every more than 1000 stores nationwide, employs over direct positive financial implications.Considering opportunity to make asuccessofour lives. 270 former convicts, with the aim of providing equal the benefits of employing former convicts, why Despite theoverwhelming negative rhetoric in the opportunities to marginalised groups. Furthermore, aren’t local businesses working harder to provide media surrounding the strugglegraduates have Virgin Trains which operates rail networks in the employment for them? establishing themselves in the job market, the North of England, havebeen recruiting ex-offenders reality behind the myth is that graduates are at since 2013; they have recently announced further Ex-offenders are often more dedicated and willing the top of the food chain when it comes to finding plans to host an increased number of recruitment than other applicants as their eagerness to succeed employment. Realistically, climbing the career days at prisons across the country, every three stems from amotivation to remain out of prison. ladder is tough, but it wouldn’tberewarding if months, in an attempt to prevent reoffending. Having seen the harsh realities of life on the inside, it was easy. Saying this, there’s abig difference offendersare keen to establish alifefor themselves between tough and nearly impossible. According to the Ministry of Justice, and which preventsreoffending. Unfortunately, all too Department for Work and Pensions,only onein oftenthe stigma of being an ex-prisoner prevents Ex-offenders are last in line for employment three offenders find ajob ayear aftertheir offence. formeroffendersfrom making asuccess of their lives opportunities. When faced with aformtofill in ajob Despite these stark unemployment figures, the asecond time around, because of employment bias. application, one box determines their future: Check government is trying to tackle the marginalisation An importantmessage that needs to be emphasised is “yes” if you’ve ever been convicted of acrime. of ex-offenders as well as people who are homeless that everyone deserves asecond chance to prove their or recovering from drug addiction with their See worth, to themselves and to society, especially ex- Knowing that applications from candidates with a Potential scheme; by working in partnership with offenders,who are often not given the opportunity criminal history are likely discarded, ex-offenders over 100 major businesses including Marriott and to do so. are immediately confronted with the choice of Marks &Spencer, the government is encouraging lying to ensure their application is taken seriously, employers to offer more opportunities for or they tell truth and run the risk of losing out disenfranchised minorities who have continually on job opportunities altogether. Institutionalised struggled to find work. employment bias is prevalent within all industries, meaning that any sentence is alife sentence for Employing former offenders is not onlysocially an ex-offender. Fortunately, more and more responsible, but also makes good business sense: companies have begun to redress the balance, figures generated by the Business and Community Image: thespecialistltd.com 18 | Science thegryphon.co.uk Donald Trump: who needs scientific rigourinapost-factual era?

LeoKindred Once again, we just don’tknow. headlines, andappealtoreaders’pre-conceived We’restill notevensurewho some of histeam prejudices.These includeliberal targeted storiesas Like many whohavebeenfollowing American will be;somespeculatingthatthe list of hard-line well as those aimedatpeople more on theright of politics,IwokeuptonewsthatIthought wouldnever conservatives -which included BenCarson, Sarah thespectrum, although with an apparently higher happen on Wednesday9th November-DonaldTrump Palinand Newt Gingrich -isbeing tacticallyventured proportion appearing on conservativepages. will be the45thpresidentofthe United States.My to soften expectations. Those we do know about Coupledwiththe echo-chamber of social media amusementfor thisalmostcomedicallybad candidate make forsomegrimreading,especiallyfor someone andthe abundanceofconspiracytheoriesonline, it soon turned to abject horror.Now we’vehad time to with an interest in factual informationand scientific seriouslyendangers thelegitimacyofinalienable enterthe ‘acceptance’ stageofgrief,there areserious reasoning. facts.Studies have shown that themoreoften questionsfacingthe world. Theconcerns people have Vice Presidentelect Mike Penceisonrecordassaying falseinformation is repeated,the more it becomes abouthis presidency range from hiscloseness to the he thinkstobacco doesn’tkill, aviewheexpressed in establishedand believed. We cannow decide whether autocratic andaggressive regime of Vladimir Putin, 2000and hasnever retracted.Assomeone whohas or notsomething is worth believing,not on the to hisviews on womenand hisharnessingofthe worked on arespiratory ward,the idea that anyone legitimacy of itsevidence, butonwhether or not racially-charged fearsand grievances of America’s in asignificantposition of authorityholdssuchcrazy we want to believe it.ThisOrwellian environment ruralwhite population.Thenthere’s hislackof viewsisdisturbing. Meanwhile, lobbyist MyronEbell of nonsense enablesDonaldTrump to standupata experience. Andhis lying. Andhis bankruptcy cases. will be in charge of Mr Trump’sEnvironmental rallyand claimthatsprayingaerosolscan’t possibly Andhis almost glass-like fragileego.Totop it all Protection Agency transition. Mr Ebell, in keeping contribute to global climatebecause hisapartment is off he is,nearobjectively speaking,amisogynistic, with hispreposterousname, believesthatglobal sealed. It enableshim to sayhe’sgoing to pull outof narcissistic, incompetent,racistliar. warmingiserroneous andisonrecordassayingthat thehistoricclimate change agreementtorapturous Puttingthataside however, what does hiselection scientists actuallythink it’s “silly”. Thescientific applause,eventhoughnoone’s sure if he can,when mean forscience?The answer,likealot of things consensushas beenclear foranumberofyears that or how. It enableshim to saythatclimate change is surroundinghis election,isunclear.Ironically theplanet is gettinghotter. Almost as if to highlight ahoax. “unclear”isananagram of “nuclear”. Sorry, let’s theseriousnessofthe global situation, recently it Hiselection can be seen as avictory forananti- keep this light. When Isay it’s unclear, Imeanwe wasreported2016isprojected to be thewarmest on scientific, anti-intellectualmovement. On topofall of don’tknowwhathe’sgoing to do because so many record. those things, it enableshim when challengedtojust of hiselection promises were so outrageous that it’s On closerexamination of thesituation,perhaps the claimhenever said anysuchthing. hard to know whichare actually deliverable. He’s most damaging thing aboutthisAmerican election is If wedon’t look criticallyatinformation anddiscard alreadyback-trackedonseveral promises, including theadventofthe post-factera.Politicians andleaders what is falsefromuntrustworthysources,weerode hispledgetodismantleObamacare.Infact, he has need to understand factsabout ourworld and, more what we think truthactually is. repeatedly lied aboutthingshe’ssaid, oftenclaiming importantly, should respectthatfacts andscience are Politics is not like science. Scienceisbuiltonfacts when challenged he neversaidany such thing. notsomething you can pick andchoose if you don’t andrejectingevidence-free opinionasthe fanciful, Take climate change as an example.Weall thought like thefindings. unreliable guessworkthatitis. Politics is about we knew what he believedonthis, famouslytweeting Throughout theelectionwheneverDonaldTrump having an opinionand then co-opting factsthat that globalwarming wasahoaxperpetrated by claimedany number of thingswhich aredemonstrably supportthatview. This hasalwaysbeenthe case, theChinese to make US exports less competitive. untrue,helegitimised thecorruption of facts in lieu of butwhenyou have aPresident whowill saywhatever However, when challenged in adebateheclaimed convenienceorpopularopinion. In amodernage,we people want to hear at thetimeand hasactively to have neversaidit, despiteobviouslyhavingdone need to be able to confront andacceptthingswhich participated in spreadingmisinformationwhenever so.Healso promisedtotakethe US outofthe Paris arecomplicated,evenunpalatable,tohaveatrue look hefeels like it,the detrimentaleffect on theworld at agreementonclimate change.Thisisfairlyalarming, at what is realand what is false. This doesn’tstop largecould be considerable.Itthreatens theprimacy butagain we have no idea if it’llreallyhappen. Legally with Donald Trump. Recently news hasbeenawash of critical thinkingand accuracy andthat, in turn, speaking,hecan’t foranotherthree to four years, by with Facebook’s role in theproliferation of ‘fake threatensscience. whichpoint it maybemoreeffort than it’s worth. news’stories whichcarry click-baitsensationalist thegryphon.co.uk Science | 19

Exploiting viruses: from What’s new coldsores to cancer cures in Science?

•The secret to superchargingphonesin seconds revealed? Scientists from the University of Florida have developed anew method for creating flexible supercapacitors, capable of storing more energy than before and can be recharged more than 30,000 times without degradation. After experimenting with the application of new nanomaterials to supercapacitors, the team believesthey’ve solved the smart phone battery problem. •Men lag behindfemales in life expectancy: In atime when people are living longer than everbefore, analysis of the mortality patterns of humans, monkeys and apes has shown that males still lag behind females across the entire primate family tree. Despite the influence of modern medicine and public health improvements, thedisadvantage males possess has deep Image: Rob Berkeley, PhD student, University of Leeds &Aat Mulder, Leiden University Medical Centre evolutionary roots,according to research from Duke University. Therehavebeenmanystudies showing that,in •Method for removingspecific fears Louise Müller additiontotheir directkilling effect, oncolytic discovered: Using acombination of artificial virusescan also activate theimmunesystem, acting intelligence and brain scanning technology, Is it possible forustoexploit something that is as apotenttrigger forimmunecells.The boost from researchers from the University of Cambridge potentiallyharmful to us,toalleviate something aviral infection can wake thecells up from their have been able to remove specific fears from that mightcause even greaterharm? That is thebig suppressedstate andengagetheminidentification the human brain. By reading and identifying a question forresearchers in Leedsand around the andkilling of cancer cells. It canalso potentially fear memory, implanted in avolunteer using world, currentlyworking on oncolytic viruses. An generateimmunological memory to providelong- ‘Decoded Neurofeedback’, the team could oncolyticvirus hascertain characteristicsthatenable term protection againstrecurringtumours.This overwrite the fear using arewardsystem. Such it to kill cancer cells, whilesparing thesurrounding further contributestothe efficacy andspecificity of adiscovery could revolutionisethe treatmentof healthytissue. This mayall soundabit sci-fi-esque, oncolytic virusesasatreatmentfor cancer,withone PTSD. howeverone such virushas beenrecentlyapprovedby of themainadvantagesbeingenhancedselectivity for •Smell–isitacultural phenomenon?: thedrugadministrationsinboththe US andEurope, cancer cellsovernormalcells,comparedtocommonly Research from McGill University has shown that fortreatmentofsevereskincancer.Thisvirus,which used chemotherapies. two people sharing the same language and similar hasthe potentialtoeradicate skin cancer lesions, is TheUniversityofLeedsisone of thebig contributors traditions can have extremely different reactions theverysamewhich causes your ever-annoyingcold to advancingoncolytic virusresearchinthe UK,with when smelling the same thing, depending on sores(herpes virus). severalresearchgroupsstudyingarange of different their cultural backgrounds. Participants were So,how is it possiblefor avirus –consistingof virusesand theirpotential as treatments formany asked to smell six scents and rate them based on nothing butafew genes, ahandful of proteins and different cancers.Following on from numerous pleasantness, intensity, familiarity and edibility. an inability to sustainits ownlife–to potentially preclinicalstudies in thelaboratory, formerly ledby Their nonverbal reactions, such as respiration rescue us from life-threatening diseases?Viruses ProfessorAlanMelcher,the university hashosted and heart rate, were also monitored. requireasuitable host cell to multiply andspread, severalclinicaltrialsaspartofthe development of a •Evenphysicists are‘scared’ofmaths:A andasitturns out, cellsthathavetransformedinto common cold-causing virus(reovirus) as atherapeutic New Journal of Physics study has shown that cancer cellsare particularly suitable hosts. During agent. Only last week,astudy completedbyscientists physicists, despite being trained in advanced thetransformation from anormalhealthy cell into a basedatSt.James’s University Hospital waspublished mathematics, pay less attention to theories cancer cell,the built-in defenceagainstviral infection in theBMJ journal Gut, demonstrating forthe first involving large amounts of mathematical detail. is lost –basically leavingthe door open forany virus time that reovirusalso haspotential as atreatment This findingsuggests that there are greater to invade.Inaddition, cancer cellsoften present forprimary livercancer.There have also beengreat barriers to communicating mathematical work proteins on theirsurface whichare necessaryfor the advances in otherareasofcancer research; Professor than thought before. Try not to worry guys, it’s virustobeable to enterthe cells, much like leaving SusanShort recently securedfunding to startthe just abit of algebra…most of the time. apileofsweetsinfront of that open door.Oncethe first-everclinicaltrial in theUKusing an oncolytic virusgetsinsidethe cancer cell,itcan hijack thecell virustotreat braincancer,adisease wheretreatments machinerytomultiply, eventually to an extentthat with enhancedefficacyare urgentlyrequired. thecellburstsand dies.Thisleads to arelease of new Theseare only afew examplesofhow thedaily viralparticles,which can infect surroundingtumour work performedinthe Leedslaboratoriesbystudents, cellsand result in aself-amplifying treatment. post-docsand technicians significantly contributes Thecells of theimmunesystemare usuallypotent to thefightagainst cancer.Ifyou areinterestedin killers of anything they recognise as foreigntothe oncolytic virusresearchfor an undergraduateor body, such as bacteria,viruses,and even cancer postgraduateproject,moreinformation andcontact cells. However, cancer cellsoften generate an detailsfor involved researchers canbefound on the immunosuppressive environmenttosurround the research pagesofthe LeedsInstitute of Cancer & tumour,protectingitfromattackbythe immune Pathologywebsite. Image: University of Central Florida system andallowingfurther growth andspread. 20 | Society thegryphon.co.uk Animal Welfare Society:‘Cowspiracy’

Bertie Donkin veganchocolate,cruelty free lipgloss (fromBeauty Animal SanctuaryinBarrow,Lincolnshire. TheGR WithoutCruelty)and a£10 gift voucherfor Yours Animal Sanctuaryare anot-for-profit charitywho TheAnimalWelfare Societyran ascreening of thejaw NaturallyNaturallyYours-aluxurynaturalskincare providerespite foranimals in need.Unfortunately dropping‘Cowspiracy’. On Thursday 17th November, andsoy waxcandlecompany whotickall thevegan thesanctuary wasrecentlybrokeninto, resultingin students gathered to watchthe documentary andcruelty free boxes. animalsand property beingstolen. Themoney will that summarises thedevastating effects animal thereforeprovidethe sanctuary with supporttoget agricultureishavingonthe environment. Intensive The£75 raised in theraffleisgoing to theGR back up andrunning andcontinuetheir good work. animal farmingisundeniablythe mostdestructive industry on theplanet; responsible formassspecies extinction,large ratesofdeforestation,hugeemission of greenhouse gases,enormousconsumption of water, largelanduse,billionsoftonsofwaste,and theexploitation anddepletion of oceans.

‘Cowspiracy’ encouragespeople to not only dispute thebad stigma plantbased dietsseemtohave, but to adopt aplantbased diet-i.e.avoidmeatand dairy products.The harshreality is that we can’t sustainably kill andeat theenormousquantitiesofanimals we currentlyare,any longer. Thedocumentarystates howavegan diet,comparedtoameateater,produces 50%lessCO2,uses1/11thoil,1/13thwater and1/18th land.

Thedocumentarywas followed by araffle. Although Starbursts andt-shirtsare nice prizes,everyone’s hearts were setonthe cardboard cutout of dapper environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio.There were also Image: RosieBell goodie bags up forgrabs,which included yummy NewSocietyAlert: Papercraft Society

Elsa Amri abit of cutting and glueing, and if I’m being honest, past experience has proven that Iamterrible at both Ihave always been slightly jealous of people who if Ihave to do them for an extended period of time. are adept at origami, because Iwas amazedatthe Art class was never my forte. amazing things you could create with just afew sheets Surprisingly enough, Imanaged to finish creating of paper. When Iheard that anew society had been my product, and it lookedexactly like the exemplar formed that focused on paper crafting, Idecided to that one of the committee members had made. Ithink check it out. The event Iattended was held in asmall what made the process smooth was that everyone roominthe MichaelSadler Building, and the session was helpful, and they were playing very calming and involved crafting aparticular piece with instructions. lovely instrumental music while we were working. Overall, Iloved my timewith the Papercraft Society, The piece Icreated was acat in abox,ontop of and Ihope to attend one of their future events and another box (which was meant to be abuilding of craft more wonderful items. Iwould recommendthis sorts). When Ilooked at the instructions, Iwas abit society foranyonewho wants to spend afew hours in worried that Iwould not have the necessary skills to arelaxed environment, just cutting up some paper. Image: Papercraft Society create agood product. What made me skepticalwas It’s an incredibly therapeutic experience, in my that, unlike origami, paper craft also involves quite opinion, and there are avarietyofcool items you can create! Before leaving the and the second reason is because Inoticed that there event,Ialso had achance is no other society that involves DIY projects or to interviewthe president making crafts. of the society. What events do you have planned for this What is your role in semester? the society? Maggie (Secretary): We will have aChristmas special My name is Pulu Zhou, event, because it’ll be atime when people are looking and Iamthe Papercraft for gifts for their friends and family, so we can host Society’s President. an event forpeopletomake Christmas-themedpaper crafts. Why did you create the society? What would you say to someonetoencourage There are two reasons. them tojoin thesociety? The first oneisbecause The society will help you practice your patience, Image: Papercraft Society paper craft is my hobby, because youneed peace of mind to create the crafts. thegryphon.co.uk Sports | 21 Darting delight in Wolverhampton Luke Etheridge players from theBritish DartsOrganisation.Much hisfirstfourmatches,withAnderson,another player Darts is made of thedifference in quality betweenthe two renowned forpeaking before theWorlds, just edging organisations, with the extraprize moneyavailable himout 16-14inwhatwas arguably thematch of the Anotherweek, anotherdarts tournament, another in thePDC meaningmay players can affordtogofull- tournament. winfor Michaelvan Gerwen.The Dutchman secured time,whereasthose in theBDO usuallyhavetowork With only thePlayers Championship Finals in histwenty-fourth tournament winof2016, anda to supplement theirearnings. Minehead thisweekendleftbeforethe Worlds kick off cheque for£100,000 with a16-8win over JamesWade TheonlyBDO player to winthe GrandSlam was at Ally PallyinDecember,MVG is onceagain odds-on in theGrandSlam of Darts, retaining thetrophyhe ScottWaitesin2010, andthe reigning BDOworld favouritetowin hissecondworld title, andonthis wonfor thefirsttimelastNovember. champion will have beendisappointedwithhis currentform, it will take amonumentalperformance Sunday sawthe semi-finals andthe final played performancehere, as he lost allthree of hisgroup to stop hisdominance. in oneday,withvan Gerwen facing off againstthe matches, with hislackofcompetitive action in flamboyant Scotsman,Peter Wright.The last sixteen 2016 shown by some rustyperformances.Lakeside matchesbetween thepairhad endedinvictory forthe stalwart Martin ‘Wolfie’Adams wasjustgladtobe reigning champion,and vanGerwenwas in excellent competinginWolverhampton,withthe 60-year-old form from thestart,checkingout 126onthe bull in being diagnosedwithprostate cancer earlierinthe thefirstleg,but Wright managedtokeepthe game year.The performances mayhavebeenlacking,but close,withthe twoplayers sharing thefirstsixteen hisrefreshingattitude on theochewas definitelyone legs.After this, theDutchman’srobotic scoring of thehighlightsofthe tournament. prowesscametothe fore,producing aten-dartleg as Therewereafew shocks in thefirstround,with he wasvictorious16-10,withanaverage of 111.Wade number threeseedAdrianLewis losing allthree of startedasthe outsider in hissemiagainstthe newly hismatches,despite averaging97, 108and 100inhis bespectacled Gary Anderson, with thereigning world threematches.The otherseedtofail to make it out champion just falling short16-14,asWadereached of theirgroup wasAustrianMensurSuljovic, with his hisfirsttelevisedfinalof2016. winagainst WorldYouth finalist Nathan Aspinall not Theuniqueselling pointofthe GrandSlamis enough to keep himinthe competition.The winner that it is theonlytournamentthatbringstogether of that group, Raymondvan Barneveld, lookstobe players frombothsides of thedarting divide,with coming into form at just theright time of year,with Image: Reuters theProfessional DartsCorporation inviting over eight thefive-timeworld champion looking unstoppable in India comfortably controllingthe series

Joey Wright factor in this, and was helped by Adil Rashid’s seven Kholi would ultimately win the player of the match. Cricket wickets over India’s two batting innings. The key The bowlingimpact of the off-spinner Ravichandran difference in the match was the first innings score Ashwin was another clear factor for their victory, India were the victors of the secondtest in the England achieved:exactly 200 fewer than the first with hisfive-wicket-haul in the first innings and Visakhapatnam stadium, winning by 246 runs. Day innings scoreoftheir opponents, leaving amountain three wickets in the second; India used his spin well four was aday of contrasting fortunes as India were to climb for Alistair Cook’s men. As England ended on apitch which was well suited for the spinners, bowledout for only 204, leaving the English needing up losing by 246 runs, it was clearly this lack of runs something England, eveninspite of Adil Rashid, still 404 runs to chase down. However, the final day saw in the first inningsled to England’s failure in the struggle with. the England batting order collapse which handed test. This tour of the South Asian subcontinent has seen Indiathe first win in the test series. It was this The impact of Virat Kholi and Cheteshwar Pujara the international debuts of Ben Duckett and Zafar batting collapse, which would ultimately let England was important for India, with both putting on Ansari but both in this instance had amiserable down, as their bowling was by no means the issue. centuries together that put India in an imposing test. Bowling only 12 overs for no wickets in the first The return of James Anderson was an important position after winning the toss and electing to bat. innings and scoring five runs in total, Ansari did not add any spark for England. After onlymanaging five runs in two innings, Duckett will be hoping that previous form will be enough to keep his place in the side. Twice bowled out by Ashwin’s brilliance, he will certainly be happy to leave the turning pitches of this tour behind. Incomparison, the Englishbatting pairing of Jonny Bairstowand Ben Stokes cemented their positionas the highest average partnership score in international cricket. Their average of over 120 placed them ahead of other cricketing stars across the globe, which not only reflects atriumph for English middle-order batting, but also highlights the fact that the team hasfailed to find asolid opening order batting duo. Many are following the progress of young Haseeb Hameed in his debut test series. While this series will notberemembered for his successful batting, he wasunlucky with his dismissals and will almost certainly be given another opportunity in the next test.Going into the third test on the 26th November, India are ahead by oneafter the draw in the first test in this fivematch series. All is still very much Image: K.R. Deepak to play for. 22 | Sports thegryphon.co.uk Do MenChoke UnderPressure? James Felton attitudes of male sportsmen in particular in order for because that is the nature of their job. When pressure Tennis them to successfullycombat the extreme pressures is removed from asporting event then that event is that invariably are aconsequence of big sporting rendereduncompetitive. But, as the research suggests, After International Men’s Daywas celebrated on competitions. more simply has to be doneregarding both male and Saturday, it is clear that, on abroad societal scale, What this paper can also be used to suggest is that females as to how and why they choke under sporting there is alot regarding male depression and anxiety just because many male and femaleathleteshave an pressure. That much is undeniable. levels that still needs addressing. In the sporting extraordinary amount of money as well as afortunate arena, this is also, unfortunately, atruism. With the place in society, in no way does this mean that they devastating examples of the late Robert Enke and the cannot succumb to extreme feelings of pressure as former Leeds United legend Gary Speed, whose death well as deepermentalhealthproblems. This is true of was five years ago this Saturday,sporting icons are their on the field, but also off the field, endeavours. not immune to the pressuresoflife, despite popular Indeed, sportingstars such as Clarke Carlisle, Stan mythical perceptions suggesting otherwise. Collymore, Kelly Holmes and Serena Williams are In apaper entitled ‘Choking under pressure and clear examples of this. Put simply, sporting stars are gender’ the authors used data from the four tennis normal human beings with all the same problems grand slams of 2010 to examine whether or not there that everydaypeople experience. Whether that be was asignificant gendered difference between male bereavement, mental illnesses, or these constant and female athletes when it came to performing well feelings of pressure which are exerted on them from under intense pressure.The results were startling. fans, sponsors and sometimes even whole countries. Indeed, the key finding of the paper was that ‘men Sometimes these athletes have alot of money. consistently choke under pressure’, whereas their Sometimes they are extremely famous. Sometimes female counterparts’ reactions to these scenarios of they are evenglobal icons, adored by millions. But sporting pressures are more varied and nowhere near they all have feelings, just like you and me and as negative. everyone else. Despite these findings, however, the paper is quick What can be done? More money should be invested to state that these results, although taken from over into research to investigate the reasons as to why 8,000 games spread equally betweenmen andwomen, male tennis stars disproportionately choke under are onlyapplicabletotennis. In other words,these pressure and, by default, how they can cope with results cannot be easily transferred to other sporting these extreme pressures. Similar studies should be events due to the unique pressures, skillsand formats pioneered in other sporting activities as ameans of each individual sport. What this paper shows, ofcomparison. There is also onething the general though, is that due to this gendered difference, vast public can do too:realise that athletes are just normal Image: BBC improvements need to be done regarding the mental people. Sporting stars will always be under pressure Australia win Four Nations title

John Gibby butinstead it wasDugan whofound atouchonthe Rugby League ball to addanother four points to theAustralian tally. Leading24-0atthe break, it seemed aforegone Australiaconfirmedtheir position as thepremier conclusion from thisstage onwardsthatAustralia team in international rugbyleagueonSundayasthey wouldreclaim thetrophy, andthe worldnumberone beat NewZealand in adecisive manner at Anfield to ranking,fromtheir opponentsatthe closeofplay. claimthe Four Nationsfor thethird time.There was That beingsaid, NewZealand didhavetheir moments an electric atmosphere at theMerseysideground, in thesecondhalf. Twotries forJordanKahuensured whichwas hostingits first game in thesport for19 that they avoidedtotal humiliationinthisOceanic years. Coming into thefinaloffthe back of a36-18 derby, butDariusBoydand Boyd Cordnerensured victoryoverEngland, theKangaroos assertedtheir Australiaretainedahealthy lookingleadthroughout dominancefromthe very beginningwithBlake thematch,and that they wouldgoontobecrowned Ferguson goingoverafter just threeminutes,tucking championsonceagain. theball into thecornerwithJohnathan Thurston This final comesataninteresting time for kickingthe extras from asubsequentlydifficult internationalrugby league.Indeed,David Collier, position to take thelead6-0.Fromthatearly stage ChiefExecutive of theRugby League International onwardsitwas clearthatthe meninblack were going Federation,has said sincethathedoesn’t know ‘ifand to have amountaintoclimb to reclaimthe spoils they when’the tournament will be held again, with the hadpreviouslytaken in 2010 and2014. WorldCup ensuring it won’tbeonthe calendar next Thepressuresoonbegan to showand theNew year.Tothe casual observer that couldbeawarning Zealand backline crumbledwiththree Australian sign forthe future of theinternational game,but in triesinfifteenminutes whichsentthemintoan fact nothing couldbefurther from thetruth.There almost unassailable lead with less than half thegame is talk of the‘Four Nations’ turningintothe ‘Eight gone.Somenifty footwork from Josh Duganfollowed Nations’,potentially massivenewsfor developing by TrentMerrinmakingthe most ofadisorganised League nationssuchasScotlandand France,bothof opposition ledtothe first twoofthose efforts,before whom onlyget to play in thecurrenttournamentvia thethird,again from Dugan, whichwas frankly therotatingfourth place. Whetherornot this is the entirely avoidable from aNew Zealand perspective. final time we’veseenthe competition in this guise, Thurston kicked theball throughpastthe trylinewith make no mistake; thingswillonlyget bigger and twoKiwidefenders available to remove thedanger, better forinternational RugbyLeaguefromhere. Image: AsiaPacific thegryphon.co.uk Sports | 23 Wayne’s World: Party time,excellent

JamesFelton footballers rather than, say, writing atacticalanalysis Football of howgoals from Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill securedthe victory to put The Three Never have professionalfootballers beenhealthier, Lions in acommanding place at the top of Group F. fitterand more looked after, both on and off the pitch. This harassment of the press is certainly not arecent They seldom, the theory goes, drink, gamble or party problem. Rather than concentrating on why England all night. They certainly wouldn’twant to consume did not qualify for Euro 2008,the Daily Mail ran a alcohol, smoke cigarettes or harm their bodies in such picture of Steve McClaren, the then manager, with away that compromises their ability especially during the famous caption of ‘The Wally with the brolly’, BUCSfixtures the intensity of afootballing season; in the Premier implicitly using him as the sole scapegoat of national 30th November League, in particular, any margin of error will be failure instead of genuine more in-depth reasons exploited, meaning every playerhas to look after their of English footballing failure; the lack of academy Fullfixtures and resultsat body properly. Indeed, as aclear example, fitness and resources, lack of home-grown players in the Premier bucs.org.uk weight levels are the reasons given by Pep Guardiola as League and the fact that many of the stars of the to why he only playedYayaToure this weekend for the Premier League are rested during the season instead Badminton Mens 2nd vs Sheffield 1st: 2pm, The first team in the season. It is also true that the intense of representingtheir country. Clearly, McClaren Edge media spotlight on professional footballers has never should have taken some of the blame, the manager been greater either. Therein lies the real problem alwaysdoes, but it is not fair that the media exert this Basketball Mens 3rd vs Durham 3rd: 6pm, The with the recent incident regarding Wayne Rooney. extreme pressure on individuals. Edge England’s record goal scorer, after playing his part in Manypartsofthe press put this extremepressure on a3-0 victory over rivals Scotland, was pictured alittle England players; it is little wonder that the players, no Football Mens 1st vs Northumbria 2nd: 2pm. worse for wearafter apparently staying up until 5am matter their fantastic abilities, feel so overwhelmed Weetwood that Saturday morning in awedding that took place to perform during international tournaments. The in the team hotel. He was wearing his training kit, press should go back to giving tacticalanalyses of the Football Womens 1st vs Chester 1st: 4pm, and, alongwith Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana, performances, of where it went wrong with particular Weetwood formedagroup of English players who, for some managers, of which formation suits the English team people, defied their responsibilities as international best, rather than having apaparazzi frenzy with its Hockey Mens 1st vs Loughborough 2nd: 5:30pm, footballers. Whetherornot he wasdue to play against most talented footballers time and time again. The Weetwood Spain the following Tuesday night, perhaps only he question should not be whether Rooney is allowed to and interim manager Gareth Southgate know for sure. socialise on aFriday night. Unless Rooney disobeyed Hockey Womens 4th vs Leeds Beckett 3rd: The real issue however, is not why Rooney was out strict orders from Southgate, was due to play against 12pm, Headingly Campus that night -unless he did disobey strict orders or Spain or compromised his footballing ability during was indeed due to play three days later -, but why the middle of the season, this should not have been Lacrosse Womens 1st vs Durham 3rd: 2pm, the press have made such abig deal of it. The fact made amealof. There were evenquestions of him Weetwood that Rooney was on the front page of newspapers losingthe English captaincy. The realquestion such as The Sun epitomises some of the attitudes however should be this: where is the line drawn? Netball Womens 1st vs Northumbria 2nd: of contemporary media tabloids; that is, they sell Footballers, after all, are normal human beings. 5:30pm,Gryphon Sports Centre newspapers through intruding on the lives of English

Rugby League Mens 1st vs Leeds Beckett 1st: 3pm, Buslingthorpe Vale Rugby Ground

Rugby Union Mens 1st vs Birmingham 1st: 2pm, Weetwood

Rugby Union Womens 1st vs Northumbria 2nd: 1:30pm, Weetwood

Squash Mens 1st vs Durham1st: 4pm, Gryphon Sports Centre

Squash Womens 1stvsLeeds Beckett 1st: 2:30pm, Gryphon SportsCentre

Table Tennis Mens 2nd vs Newcastle 2nd: 2pm, Cromer Terrace

Volleyball Mens 1st vs York 1st: 7pm, Gryphon Sports Centre

Volleyball Womens 2nd vs Sheffield Hallam 2nd: 3pm, The Edge

Image: Wall Street Journal 24 | Sport thegryphon.co.uk BUCS Round-up

Leedsvictories acrossmultiple sports

Luke Etheridge start seem like adistant memory.The win puts the representatives in the plate, as the 5th, 7th and 8th BUCS team into the last 16 of the Hockey Trophy, where team were eliminated in earlier rounds. they will play the 1st team from Sheffield. Leeds’ Moving away from the hockey pitch, it was agood sThe men’s hockey 1st team came back from two next league opponents are Loughborough, with the day for Leeds’ netball squad, with all four teams goals down to defeatStAndrew’s9-2 at Weetwood. two meeting at Weetwoodnext week,with both teams in action putting in excellent performances. The The away side started brightest, with their constant knowing that awin wouldput them three points clear highlight of the day came from the 1st team, with the pressure telling despite asuperbperformance from of their opponents. long journey up to Edinburgh to play Heriot Watt being the Leeds keeper, as he pulled off save after save to For the women’s hockey teams, it was aday of close- worthwhile, as they controlled the match expertly to keep the game tight in the early stages. Going two fought action in their matches. The seconds were run out 80-21 winners in the Netball Trophy. In the goals down appeared to wake the home side up,asthey eliminated from the last 16 of the Northern Conference Conference Cup, it was also atriumphant day for the utilised their counter attacking strategy to perfection, Cup on penalties against Durham, but the thirds were 2nd team, as they securedtheir spot in the quarter- making the scores 2-1, before asuperbshort corner delighted to defeat league rivals York St John on finals with a69-31 against the Liverpool 3rd team. routine, straight off of the training ground, levelled penalties, earning them amatch against Newcastle, However, there was heartbreakfor the thirds, as their the scores. Sensing that they had the momentum, with the winner making it into the semi-finals. In the cup tie against Newcastle 2s went to extra time, with Leeds continued to press, taking the lead just before Northern Conference Plate, the fourth team travelled Newcastle getting the crucial extra point to win 47- half-time. to Sheffield Hallam, and returned jubilant 3-0 victors, 46. In the Conference Plate, the 6s continued their The short break didn’t seem to help St Andrew’s, as they set up amatch against eitherBradford or perfect start to the season with ahard-fought 47-41 asthey conceded another goal from close range shortly Manchester in February. The 6’s were also involved win against Manchester5s. after the action restarted. Throughout the rest of the in a3-0 scoreline, but unfortunately for them they In other cup action, the men’s fencing team won second half, Leeds were rampant, scoring five more were on the receiving end of some great play from their Trophy match against Glasgow, winning 121-117 goals before the end of the match, making their slow the Hull. This leaves the fourth team as the soleLeeds in Scotland.