72M Magazine: History, Stories of us, or Stories for us

July 2015

H ISTORY Stories of us, or Stories for us?

Issue 18

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fabulous, frivolous, fashion; online - in app - 24/7

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catherine lyn scott - promoting london with flair

the pr guru

dave calcutt - english, male and in Serbia teaching words (English ones)

the teacher

darren darnborough - seemingly, omnipresent, certainly multi-talented

the entrepreneur

alexis king - knowing that all that we know just ain’t no thing

the philosopher

dinah sackey- founder, editor and dreamer of bigger things

the editor

50 / art is; now

46 / nadine -exile

44 / annastasia baker - you turn

42 / going bongo - a film by ernest napolean

40 / heart london

28 / zandra beauty

22 / brit on the boulevard

21 / san luis obispo

discover

52 / mbeke waseme - the lion sleeps no more

34 / alexis king - the bubble of modernity

32 / dave calcuut - our man in belgrade

30 / sanela kasegi - the winner makes it all?

10 / history - the wisdom of the (learned) crowd

72M vox

contents

mbeke maseme - teacher, mother, mover, shaker

the consultant

terri seymour - a font of articles, resources and information

the marketeer

sanela kesegi - journalistically flexible from beauty, through fashion to business

the eclectic

Dr. Vincent Wong - celebrity beauty tips without the beastly burden of the surgeon’s knife

the aesthetician

60 / genealogy

58 / world wise women - misty copeland

56 / train your brain - choose muse

48 / old wives tales take the test of time

38 / hashtags

learn

contributors

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the editor’s review

the editor s review

H

istory is not a reflection of the truth – at least according to our contributors. This doesn’t necessarily mean that history is an outright lie, just incomplete, and often tainted with bias, ergo not truth in its truest sense.

When asking “stories of us, or stories for us?” the intent is to provoke a conversation about how we engage with history. Most of our contributors suppose that the common narratives are controlled by those in favoured positions of power (the victors, if you will). The stories they tell are of necessary evils and triumph over adversity, yet whether we believe this or not we readily absorb these stories by allowing them to persist. Furthermore these are the stories we share in educational establishments, through mainstream media, and via various sources of entertainment, essentially passing on our half-truths, biases, and assumptions so they become coded into our present, underscoring the way in which future generations view us, and themselves.

How kind future generations will be to us, and the events we manifest, remains to be seen. #LoveWins #BlackLivesMatter #NotAllMen #HeritageNotHate have all reinforced [on social media platforms] the need for, or against, change but history will view some of these conversations very differently from others.

Alongside the discourse on history is our usual spirit of fun and adventure. San Luis Obispo, Hollywood, adolescent entrepreneurs, picnic’s in London parks, art, music, and film.

There’s always much to discover and plenty to discuss.

Join the conversation.

Dinah 6

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W

hen considering history it is difficult to stray from the structured paths dictated by education. For the majority of us our first dalliance with history, as a means of ‘learning about history’, is through school – The Roman Empire, Christopher Columbus, The Crusades, TheTransatlantic Slave Trade, The World Wars… often learned by rote with little opportunity for critical analysis that challenges the status quo.

Perhaps we take history for granted, in this regard, as we readily accept that it lies entombed in the minds of historians, or history books, glancing over the reality that we are history. We live it, create it, revise, and even deny it in all the actions we take, or not. Our mere presence at this point in human history should grant us the right to record what we believe events to be, even if this is viewed, in future times, as one individual’s perception; for what is history worth if it cannot encapsulate the many?

History, as it happens, is manifestly messy. The proportion we capture for academic, cultural, commercial, or even personal reasons is arguably a drop in the ocean of all the events that take place, in any given span of time. Yet consider the minutiae of existence and the task of having to document every single second that we care to acknowledge… then what of the seconds that completely pass us by, missed because we are not machines and can’t possibly see everything? Is it gravely important that history should be accurate or is it enough to simply provide reference for what has been? Stories for us or stories of us?

It would be remiss to ignore the voices of the historians among us, those who take pleasure from unravelling our past, or documenting our present for future reference. Theirs is a special interest in collating the artefacts of existence and their dedication is certainly worthy of note.

In my ambition to craft conversation that is

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the wisdom

expansive, and inclusive, I searched for historians of varying disciplines and posed the following questions >>> I. What type of Historian are you?

II. In your opinion, and your field, is History a subject matter for academic pursuit or is it an actual record of how we live our lives?

III. In your opinion/experience how much of the statement “History is written by the victors” is true?

IV. With the growing influence of social media, and the increasing interconnectedness of the world do you think the way we record, and teach, history will change? If so, how? If not, why?

the

wisdom

of the (learned) crowd

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discuss

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“ I

’m a Hippologist - a historian who specialises in studying the archaeology and history of the horse, through its relationship with humans of course. I do have other areas of interest in history and archaeology as well, but the horse is the main one.

For me, history is both an academic study and a record of real lives. It helps that being around horses is inevitably a down-to-earth activity. They need feeding, cleaning, tending, veterinary care. I do a lot of documentary based research so in that sense I’m a very traditional historian and I’m very happy with my nose in an obscure book or journal ferreting out facts; but I also work at a living museum where we have real live horses and we teach people about the working horse tradition.

It’s very much based on the history of the working people of north east England and their working equines - pit ponies, dray horses, plough horses, farm horses, pack horses etc. I look on it as a very special type of field work. (Pun intended.)

In one way I think that the study of history has changed a great deal and that people are more savvy, if I can put it that way; there’s no shortage of historians now and many, like me, find it exhilarating to discover something that is apparently unexplored or relatively unexplored and make it available to others.

On the other hand, that isn’t necessarily easy to do and it is a bit depressing the way that the mainstream media keep covering the same historical ground again and again. There are plenty of topics that would make brilliant programmes that people would like to watch, or books that people would like to read, but often they languish in relative obscurity because the media, publishers, and programme makers are afraid to move

miriam bibby

Rural Life Engager / Hippologist form the tried and true.

So they often tend to uphold the idea that History is written by the victors, sometimes deliberately, sometimes unwittingly.

New social media offers us huge potential for bringing to light those unexplored, forgotten, or deliberately ignored aspects of history that can change our views of the past forever.

So yes, the potential is there for new schools of thought, new approaches and quite simply “new” information, in the sense of information that was previously unknown or has been rescued from obscurity. That’s the great side of social media as far as the historian is concerned.

That, and ease of access to other researchers, specialists, texts. It’s a huge boon. The bad side is, I guess, bitty information, scattered here and there, half researched, half baked even. There are lots of distractions. You can follow something in the media for a long time thinking it might have something good in it, only to find that it’s perhaps 2% of the material that is good and the rest is just a distraction, and that your time would have been better spent doing “proper” research in a library with the support of a good librarian.

Having said that, I do like the idea that anyone can be a historian now. That’s the plus side. Someone with no qualifications but a burning desire to research and tell the world about a particular topic can do just that - and make a really useful contribution whilst pursuing their passion.

The informed “amateur” historian has always been there, but it’s always been the qualified academics who’ve been recognised. I prefer the idea of giving credit where credit is due.

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“

dr. phillippa wright curator/photo historian

I

am a photo historian.

The historical facts are needed to authenticate early photographs.

I think this is true for personalities in the early history of photography [that History is written by the victors] those less famous are photographed but may not have been able to make a statement about their situation.

With the growing influence of social media, and the increasing interconnectedness of the world do you think the way we record, and teach, history will change? If so how? If not why?

Definitely. There is less the authoritative voice but many voices to be heard.

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the wisdom

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discuss

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“ I

marya mcquirter

Historian at the National Museum of African American History & Culture

am an historian at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. I work with the Visual Arts gallery curators to research and write content on artists and their work.

I think it’s both [An academic pursuit and a record of how we live our lives]. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to learn how to be a historian in a PhD program. I had 5+ years of uninterrupted time to read books, learn from professors, and students, and to write a thesis.

do. However, their stories aren’t the only stories. And their stories should be told in all of their complexities.

Winners are always losers, too.

Similarly, the stories of the ordinary/the trampled are also being written and, if told right, they can also be seen as winners.

Although, a historian could argue that the paradigm of winners vs. losers is fraught.

History is both fact and art. The factual part is I was born in the United States. The art part is how a historian chooses to tell stories about what it meant to be born in the United States.

One of the most profound ways is that social/digital/ new media have provided a platform for individuals to tell their own stories and the stories of others.

It’s broken down (at least some of) the walls of authority and made access to ideas, people/tools more democratic.

Too often, history is written not only by the victors but for the victors. Meaning that it is written to justify the very existence of victors. This isn’t to suggest that victors don’t have stories that need to be told. They

It’s also questioned the authority of the book as the primary way to transmit knowledge and opened up blogs/tweets/photographs/videos as also central ways to transmit knowledge.

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“ I

’m a conflict/military historian.

What we call ‘History’ is the interpretation of past experiences from the perspective of a given point in time. If I were to write, for example, a book on the ‘History’ of the Second World War, I might strive for it to be comprehensive or ground-breaking, but it would still be my interpretation based on the facts available to me, my development to this point and, all but inevitably, the way I see the world. Even the longest and most thorough book involves a selection of facts and a choice about how to present them.

To me, therefore, ‘History’ - the story of our past and the people and events that shaped it - is an interpretation of the records of the past, a certain set of facts. It may be that those facts are limited and we have to join the dots as well as possible until more information comes to light (as with the ‘Dark Ages’ which no longer seem so dark!).

So, while historians must strive to be open-minded and fair in judgment, and for an accurate re-telling or analysis of the past, we must also recognise our innate limits as we discuss and present ‘History’ - we must remember that all ‘History’ is to a greater or lesser extent based on opinion and guesswork.

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ashlee goodwin

Deputy Editor of the RUSI journal Military Historian To be charitable, it could be argued that victors are only concerned with their own experiences; belittling the vanquished by failing to consider their experiences - their achievements as well as failures - my simply be a byproduct - potentially...

On a related, if slightly tangential point, it’s always worth considering whether those who keep good records, or put up many statues, used coins etc, also tend to dominate history because there is more evidence of their existence.

This is a tricky question because I’m not sure what’s happening to all of the content being generated by social media, or at least what might happen to it in 50 years’ time, for example. It could be, potentially, a real treasure trove, although the scale and diversity of the content available might make sifting through it much harder and more time-consuming!

Either way, I think that schools will stick focus on national history first and foremost, because that is the most easily structured approach. The advent of social media, however, might also make it easier to connect students internationally and begin discussions on subjects of mutual interest - certainly something I would advocate.

the wisdom

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San Luis Obispo

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D

riving the famous Pacific Coast Highway, roof down, music up, is a lifetime must, and a stop at the vineyard town of San Luis Obispo is a great idea. Situated slightly inland on the Central coast, this affluent area, self-styled the “Happiest Place In America” is perfect for twenty-four hours of unique fun.

Surrounded by lush green valleys and with waves in sight, start your day right with an energetic but stunning hike up Madonna mountain, an extinct volcano that offers a looped trail to the top and unrivalled panoramic views, not to mention a huge M if that’s your kind of thing. Appetite suitably worked up, a quick drive south to nearby Pismo Beach and the Honeymoon Cafe will see you indulged in healthy eats, espressos, and juiced goodness amidst a relaxed and rustic surfer vibe.

Next, bag yourself a room at the Madonna Inn - in fact, do this way ahead of check in, as you’ll have a better selection in this famously kitsch hotel which boasts 110 rooms and suites all individually designed and unique.

With themes ranging from classic romance, to Wild West, to full-on caveman replete with stone walls, stone showers and animal skins; this hotel is a kaleidoscope for the senses, yet despite being over-the-top and bizarre, retains quality.

The nice folk at reception will loan you a bicycle, so ride into downtown San Luis along the trail, and stop for lunch in one of the many great restaurants serving farmto-fork cuisine, thanks to the varied local agriculture.

Wine-tasting goes without saying, given this area is the third-largest producer of California wine. From there, check out the cute shops and boutiques, or if still seeking the bizarre, take a stroll down Bubblegum Alley, adding your own saliva-souvenir to the wall graffitied with years of visitors’ Hubba-Bubba.

Back to Madonna Inn for dinner in one of the pink and gold carousel-booths at Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steakhouse, for simple meat classics and perhaps a twist and twirl on the dance floor against the backdrop of live big-band hits framed by a glitzy spiral staircase that will have you yearning for yesteryear. Cake! Do not forget to try their famous cake, the sickly yet super-indulgent Pink Champagne being a top hit.

If you abstained from the wine, end your night with a blockbuster at the historical Sunset Drive-In Cinema,.

Crack open the Coca-Cola and popcorn and enjoy a classic Americana experience from your car. Or simply head back and enjoy the spacious comfort and intricate quirky delights of your Madonna room, as the chances are, you won’t get the same one twice. sevent y 2minutes July 2015

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brit on the boulevard

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I

love to check off major world events and happenings - award shows, festivals, cultural occasions. Maybe it’s bragging rights, the accomplishment, the satisfaction of “been there, done that”, or equally just to see what all the fuss is about. This Spring, the fuss was about blossom.

Companies shut down, thousands go on holidays, hotel prices soar during the Japanese Sakura, otherwise known as the Cherry Blossom festival. A tough one to predict, since it relies on some rather volatile trees blooming, best bets favour the first week of April, so we boarded an extremely comfortable Singapore Airlines flight to Tokyo for some pastel pink action, amidst anticipation of a complete sensory onslaught - culture, taste, scenery, activity and some downright crazy.

The Land of the Rising Sun didn’t disappoint.

High priced, tiny room, short sleep later, we were up before dawn break rushing to Tsukiji Fish Market, a Tokyo highlight that only allows a handful of tourists to watch the auction. Resounding advice was get there a couple hours early; our advice is two hours earlier than that. Missing the proverbial boat, we commiserated having breakfast sushi, fresher than Will Smith in a fridge.

We scaled the viewing tower of the TMG building with slight delay

darren darnborough searching for the bathroom handdryers (apparently Japanese all carry their own towel) to decide upon our optimum Cherry Blossom experience from birds-eye views.

The blue picnic mats pointed us to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, so we loaded up on sweet and savory treats exquisitely presented from amazing department store Takashimaya, and strolled around the busy park, surgical masks donned to ward off the pollen (and because when in Rome, right?) marveling at the sheer concentration of bare trees hosting varying shades of pink blossom, creating a stunning visual across the impeccably manicured gardens.

Traditional graceful highlight achieved, our evening took a turn to the modern and rambunctious, snaking our way through Shinjuku’s yakitori-filled Memory Lane (or Piss Alley depending on who you ask) to the Robot Restaurant, a lucid entertainment affair which I can only describe as what would happen if Las Vegas ate Rainbow Brite whilst making love to Daft Punk on a carnival float.

With memories fresh of Robot boxing and Anime drumming, we boarded an equally futuristic bullet train, bento box in lap, north to the quiet ski town of Nozawaonsen, named and known for its multiple Onsen (hot springs) that serve as a scalding naked relaxation for locals after a great day on the slopes. We

even indulged in the practice of boiling your own egg whilst soaking your feet in one, before retiring early in matching Yukatas following a multi-course dinner at Kiriya Ryokan, a traditional Japanese B&B that will have you feeling proper Karate Kid. We journeyed east to the ancient post town of Magome, sending luggage ahead and walking the trail of stone paths and hiking trails through picturesque Kiso Valley to Tsumago-juku, where a scrumptious outdoor BBQ awaited, prepared by grillmaster “Funny Face” at another elegant ryokan “Fuki no Mori” (its name, not a house rule). A dip in the on-site onsen and big breakfast later, we were off once more to Kyoto, one of my favourite stays of whistlestop Japan.

Kyoto has the feel of a very well planned city, easy to navigate and surrounded by lush nature. We had the chef ’s choice of Kobe at subtle but upscale Haafu Honten - simply excellent - before cycling through Arashiyama taking in UNESCO temples, hanging with monkeys atop the mountain, running through the towering bamboo forest before rushing to scale ten thousand steps through the famed red gates of the Inari Shrine.

Our little evening energy left dragged us round the geisha district of Gion, popping into exclusive intimate eateries, before a quick sleep, a superfast bullet train to a final day at

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darren darnborough Disney Tokyo Sea (where twinning seemed a big trend amongst Japanese teens), a formidable lunch at Bice against the backdrop of Tokyo’s skyline and Minjae Lee’s artwork, then dropped off our side of the Pacific back in LA. I arrived just in time to welcome my business partners, actors Richard Cambridge and Jessica Rose, who flew in from the UK and Australia, to launch our new business WeRehearse.com with a star-studded red carpet event on the famed Sunset Strip.

WeRehearse is video chat for actors, helping them to rehearse their scenes with anyone around the world, and it was thankfully very well-received by Hollywood’s talent and press.

Hot on its heels was the annual Britweek festival, for which I sit on the committee.

We kicked off with a sci-fi themed launch at the British ConsulGeneral’s residence complete with tardis entrance, and a private art showing of Turner’s work at the Getty, before Mary and I skipped off to New York for HuffPost Live host Caroline Modarressey-Tehrani’s gorgeous wedding featuring, handsdown, the most talented wedding singer ever.

New York was as busy and fun as it should be - strolls through Central Park and the Hi-line, foodie classics from Sarge’s Deli, The Meatball Shop, Lombardi’s Pizza, and Junior’s cheesecake, immersive live theater in the bizarrely interesting and carefully choreographed Sleep No More, and a private immersive virtual reality

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darren darnborough viewing of Lost, a short film made for Oculus Rift at TriBeCa Film Fest.

In the city that never sleeps, we were able to recharge perfectly with stays at the excellently located and hospitable Élysée and Casablanca Hotels, both offering classically designed spacious rooms in unique comfortable style, including a muchenjoyed wine and cheese happy hour for guests.

We made it back to catch the tail end of Britweek to see WeRehearse’s Jessica speak on the Growing Your Startup panel for DigitalLA, and the Film & TV Summit featuring a thought-provoking keynote by Sir Ken Robinson.

May found us at the launch of trendy denim brand Artistix, and Neil Diamond’s concert at the Hollywood Bowl, a parting gift for one of our Face Forward charity patients Hanifa who just completed surgery reconstructing her face after an acidattack. She had a great time, as we toasted her new MBA scholarship an inspiring woman, who welcomes no pity.

We sailed a sunrise ferry over to Catalina Island for my birthday, for silliness on golf carts and cocktails at beach clubs, then jumped on a quick plane to Utah, to the sprawling serenity of Victory Ranch to celebrate Chefdance founders Kenny & Mimi’s wedding anniversary with a fantastic weekend of yoga, mountain biking, fly-fishing, clay pigeon shooting and

of course fine, fine food, friends and music in true Chefdance style.

We caught a few movies in the interim - Ex Machina, a subdued eerie thriller of the future; Spy (surprisingly good), and Tomorrowland (surprisingly cheesy), before attending the WeRehearse-sponsored launches of Real Housewife Lea Black’s book, and LA Fringe Treya’s Last Dance, a one-woman play of growing up in London’s ‘hood.

Mary’s birthday was up next, spawning a road trip north through gastro-goodness at Sides restaurant in Los Olivos, to a huge cake tasting at the fabulously kitsch Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, staying in one of the themed rooms and a morning after hike up Madonna Mountain, but not a material girl in sight. She opted to further celebrate with friends at the gorgeous Griffith Park back in LA, with pot-luck food and kiddie party games. I’m sure I won at Twister.

June gloom brought with it grey LA days, which were perfect for morning runs around Hollywood Lake and self-development podcasts, my current faves being StartUps, Smart Passive Income, Tai Lopez and Entrepreneur on Fire. I saw a pre-screening of the shockingly gruesome, and extremely up-close, Cartel Land documentary about the war on Mexican drug gangs, and promoted our WeRehearse heart out amongst the other movers, shakers ,and startups at LA Tech Day.

We enjoyed way too much munch at The Autry’s Friday food-truck fest; an idyllic and relaxing weekend at British actor John Mawson’s Ojai Valley hideaway; and networked ourselves numb at Next Level Studios and The Workshop Guru’s performers party at Sassafras.

I tied a nice neat bow on the year’s halfway mark, recording my vocals as Clive for the new puppet-based horror “Abruptio” which Dread Central are calling “boldly original”, and remembering exactly why I’m pursuing a career in film watching the unfathomably perfect timeless classic Back To The Future.

For its 30 year anniversary, we were treated to a screening of this amazing movie, at the amazing outdoor venue the Hollywood Bowl, eating amazing fresh-packed picnics by gourmet Italian restaurant Bottega Louie (you have to try their macarons!)

The film was introduced by screenwriter Bob Gale, Christopher Lloyd and Lea Thompson, with the accompanied score played live by the LA Philharmonic - what an experience! I reflected back on the last three months of awesomeness, truly grateful, and I look forward to sharing more with you in the future.

Have a great summer.

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discover

t r a e h e th r u o f o t a e b d l r o w

by Zandra Azariah

M

y name is Zandra Azariah.

I am 14 years old and I am a freshman at Nardin Academy in Buffalo, NY. When I was 9 years old I was obsessed with lip balm and my dad refused to buy it for me. He actually suggested I make my own, so I did just that.

Since that time I have launched a natural bath and body product line for teen girls. I wanted to make something that was as natural as possible without all the yucky stuff they put into commercial products.

I wanted to create something that I could use on my sensitive skin. It has been a really cool 5 years. I had to take business classes and product creation classes to grow my business.

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zandra beauty

It has totally been a journey. I knew I wanted to figure out how I could use the business and the products I made to help people and to be about more than making money.

When I have the opportunity to speak at events I am always very excited although I might get a bit nervous, I used to be really shy, so I have been working on that.

Once I was asked to become an ambassador for girls education, and became exposed to all the issues girls like me across the world were dealing with, I decided that girls education would be a cause I would support and bring awareness too.

The message I want to share is that girls are very important to the heart beat of our world. I want those that don’t know to understand the struggles of girls that still exist today.

One of the best pieces of advice I have received was from my mentor Michelle Barron, Founder of Woman in The Spotlight Goinglobal. She always tells me to “be myself and own my story because no one can take that away from me”.

Also, my Nana always tells me to “Pray on it”, my mom says “do your best” and my Dad always says “Let’s go Riah , you got this!”. When I get ready to speak to a group or I am thinking about something, or need a push, those are the thoughts in my head.

At first most of my customers were local. My mom and I worked a ton of local artisan events in Buffalo to get a feel for how people would respond to my products.

Once we decided to rebrand, we used the feedback to help us choose which products we would re-launch with. Mostly adult women, and some men, would buy from me but now I have worked to connect with teen girls.

I am working toward growing the Zandra brand. I want teens across America to recognize what Zandra stands for...girls’ education. I will be launching a Zandra Beauty Ambassador Program that will allow me the opportunity to help other girls like me go after their dreams and better understand that you don’t have to be an adult to be a boss. I will continue to offer natural skin care and entrepreneurial workshops.

I also look forward to traveling to teach classes to girls in other countries as well. I am looking to connect with other girl/women’s empowerment groups to have a larger impact on creating change.

I personally would love to travel more and share my story with audiences across the nation.

I want young people to know that the time they invest in negative, or un-productive things, they could invest into something meaningful that would benefit them, their families or communities.

You’re never too young to have an impact. Life is so short, we all have a purpose and we should not waste any time. I want to have tons of fun and help people at the same time.

My friends at first just thought it was a hobby, just something to do. Years later they now really get what I am trying to do. I have learned how to involve them, I had some of my friends be a part of my focus group for the rebrand, so they have helped me plan events and worked a few events with me. They get it and they really love what I am doing. Now we spend a lot of time together talking about them starting their own businesses too.

I have learned that you have to prove yourself to people sometimes because they may not always get your vision, and sometimes they might not take you seriously. I have been told “no” just because of my age, and I had to learn how to take that and simply work harder without giving up.

I have learned that I can actually inspire people with my work and that’s beautiful and scary at the same time, because that means people are always watching.

I have also learned that if I really want it, I can have it - if and only if I work really hard for it. I don’t want to take my freedom and opportunities for granted.

Lastly, I am still learning how to be a good business person and a great leader.

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72M vox

history; the winner makes it all? by sanela kasegi

T

he old expression “History is written by winners” describes the meaning of history in necessarily the best way. From this perspective, it is definitely a story for us rather than by us, seen, as it is through the eyes of those who benefited the most.

do not have access to time machines, to see how things actually went. All they have is written…

In schools we learn only facts, without a deeper analysis of battles, agreements, people… The winners write stories which we believe to be true and therefore we are guided for centuries. Sometimes there is some witness of recent history who cast a shadow on all of these beliefs.

For example, the idea of the nation is a power relationship: it imagines certain groups of people to exist as distinct from others, holds that each group of people has certain essential characteristics, and that each group should be governed specifically as a group and often in quite specific ways.

It happens that archaeologists find centuries-old evidence that testify to a completely different course of history, but people rather belive in what they heard in school.

Of course there are data that are completely true, but they are also spiced with words of winners. Historians

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Another way to say this and push it a bit further is to remember that all the documents produced reflect power relationships, even when they’re not obvious.

The effect of this idea is to create a kind of frame, or a set of boundaries for how politics among a particular group of

sanela kasegi people will operate, and it works at such a basic level that it’s almost never seriously questioned.

Thus, virtually anyone today writing about politics, and many other topics besides, will take for granted the idea that everyone on earth has some national identity.

They won’t necessarily come right out and announce how much they love being part of a nation state, and how they think this is the perfect mode of human political existence, but they won’t question those things and, if they do question them, then they will have to do so in some kind of subversive fashion.

The Ancient Egyptians carved stuff into stone monuments, so we have theirs. We have much less from the Nubians in the same time period, because they used a different methodology to record their history.

In Southeast Asia we have a number of short-lived kingdoms recording their history, but the same mountain societies that faced off against a dozen such Kingdoms are still opposing centralizing governments today but we don’t have ready access to their history because we don’t have books from them.

How people record history matters.

During battles, sacks, and sieges histories are lost.

Books, before the modern era, were a form of portable wealth and often taken as spoils of war. Sometimes the books taken found their way into bigger libraries, and sometimes they were lost or destroyed in transit.

The people who keep the oral traditions of a people can die in battle, or die to disease, or the starvation that invariably attends wars. So those who lose wars invariably lose some part of their history.

are many texts from the ancient era that we know exist and know the gist of; not because we have a copy, but because they are cited in those works we do have.

That effect we have now still matters, the works cited in a later work a person is intrigued enough to read gives them a road map to other works they might be interested in.

Additionally, later historians from one group often record the oral traditions of foreign groups, either to contrast with their own history or as sources when their own history is insufficient for conclusion. So, how history refers to itself, to make points, matters.

While the vast majority of history has been lost, and disproportionately so, plenty of history written by “losers” survives through period records, archeological recovery, and the like. Moreover, some historians are interested in looking into these sources more than those sources that come to us from “winners”.

In many cases who “won” and “lost” isn’t clear. While it could be argued that we have a better selection of sources from highly literate, militarily successful groups, the lack of effective definitions for “winners” and “losers”, and the fact that we still have a wide variety of sources from cultures that were not militarily successful, or were only briefly existent, means that it’s more pithy than true, even though there are some reasons that groups commonly assumed to be “winners” are more heavily weighted in history than they should be.

The interests, goals, and biases of later historians also directly impacts what histories survive and thrive. There

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72M vox

dave calcutt is

our man in

belgrade 32

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dave calcutt ccording to The Oxford English Dictionary, it is “A narration of incidents, esp. (in later use) professedly true ones; a narrative, a story.”

Now, I like the OED and I use it a lot in my work and this is a good example of why I like it so much. “.....professedly true ones,…..a story”. In my mind these words and phrases really sum up the problems we face when we start looking at history.

Throughout history, it seems to me that the main obstacle to recording history accurately is the fact that it requires someone to do the recording. The person doing, or ordering, the recording will always have, at best, a writing style influenced by personal experience or, at worst, an ulterior motive.

In the past, there were few people who were educated enough to be literate. Education and literacy were, usually, the preserve of the rich and powerful ruling classes. The impact on history from this may well have been twofold.

First of all, only a small percentage of the population could compile the documents that recorded historical events. Secondly, the vast majority of people could neither read, comment on, or challenge the content.

Those who were “recording” history likely had a vested interest in ensuring that the documentation of events suited their own purposes or justified their actions. In many cases, a span of time will have passed before any significant number of “ordinary people” would have been sufficiently educated to read and understand the documents.

With this passing of time, the documents themselves would probably have represented the only professedly true record of the past events. In this way, a heavily biased and possibly even untrue narrative of the past could easily evolve into what would become accepted as an accurate historical account.

Two seemingly unconnected

individuals provide quotes that I think capture this idea quite well. The author Julian Barnes contends that “History is that certainty produced at the point where the imperfections of memory meet the inadequacies of documentation “, whilst the diminutive Frenchman, Napoleon, seems to have had a slightly more pragmatic view, declaring that... “History is a set of lies agreed upon”.

As an Englishman, agreeing with anything said by an 18th century French emperor kind of goes against much of what I hold to be true but, on this occasion, I will concede that the Little Corporal managed to get up on his tiptoes and hit the nail squarely on the head.

So, records were badly or even falsely kept in the past.

Thank goodness for the modern world of 24 hour news programmes, the internet, social media and the like. We are all so much better informed and educated and, as a result, the failings of the past will never be repeated, right? We will never again have the wool pulled over our eyes when it comes to the true and accurate recording of events, right?

Surely in this day and age there is no way that events can be distorted to such a degree that they can then be used to justify some outrageous actions or even to “spin the truth”?

If you fancy a bit of reading and are prepared to spend a little time doing some research, might I suggest you look into the recent “history” of my relatively new home, Serbia and, more specifically; Belgrade.

Once you have arrived at what you think is a reasonable conclusion regarding the civil wars here in recent years and the NATO bombing of Belgrade, refer back to the reports offered by the US and European media and press.

It makes for a compelling comparison and certainly, in my opinion at least, quite nicely fits Napoleon’s perception. NATO may well have been pondering Churchill just a little too literally when it formulated its press releases during that “humanitarian” bombing campaign… ”History will be kind to me for I intend to write it”

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72M vox

alexis king wanders along a historical narrative or two to investigate whether self-discovery, reality and freedom have yet to be truly written. And should time allow, wonders on some more within...

the bubble of modernity by alexis king

I

t seems evident that the Human Being is an amnesic species. To be able to recall who we are, where we came from, and how we got here to have any hope of realising where we might be headed are perennial considerations for the philosophical mind.

Does history serve us any clarity in our self-discovery process or is it mere mud for our waters, recurrently trapped as we seem in our oxygen bubble of modernity?

Let’s begin by discriminating between what is the past, what is chronicle, and what is history.

What we term the past is clearly everything that has happened up until now... and now.... and now. It is rushing constantly and torrentially over us like an infinite

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waterfall, minute on minute, second on second, eon on eon.

Chronicle is solely a record of certain events and associated dates.

History is distinctly a remembering as well as an aggregate of selected events up to now. It is subject to constant shifts in perspective dependent upon what is most recently known of what events, and their subjective interpretations, is heavily influenced by the stature and reach of its re-tellers and like the memory of any individual is subject to the effects of degradation and imagination.

For the history makers, some scholars and the sponsors of the chosen narrative to remember is as to dismember; to assemble scattered pieces in an attempt to revive some semblance of the previous and to derive power

from this gathering. Much like the Egyptian Goddess Isis reassembled her brother consort Osiris from the scattered pieces wrought about the Nile by their brother Seth. Yet what is reassembled, is a pale version, made all the more morbid and decrepit for the constant veneration of the more gory parts.

Arguably, the ’first page’ of history is today being written in close to real time. Through the action of social engineering conceived of by the un-elected, privately funded, groups and ‘think tanks’ such as the Committee of 300, Royal Institute of International Affairs, Tavistock Institute, Rand Corporation, and Trilateral Commission, proposed by selected figures in an increasingly cohesive fashion internationally, as well as regionally or nationally,

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the alex is experience it is then sold to the populace by an unquestioning, and un-dissenting media, and received by instantaneous device alert. The subsequent tweets, posts, and trolls are mere evidence that a new infection has been introduced.

With the requisite grandiosity of public or media figures ‘making history’, is then proclaimed as if some specific action or influence worthy of great cultural significance or human endeavor is occurring by their hand.

In individual instances the presence of these people is axiomatic, but it is the essentially aggregate nature of the phenomena we call history that means that current happenings can alter whole perspectives on previous ones over which direct action, unless you are Marty McFly, The Terminator, Wolverine or The Doctor, has become impossible.

The chronicle of events is what it is, but our current view of, regard for and behaviour as a response to them, never mind what we actually recall of them, describes further the action of history. As such it is much more akin to a societal tool that can be wielded for greater or lesser states of collective cohesion than it is a reliable constant.

The arena where this is most empirically evident in microcosm and best describes the creation of the bubble of modernity, as a bi-product of the history manufacturing process is that of sports.

So overused by writers, pundits, commentators and fans in sports is the expression ‘making history’ in reference to the latest world championship win, title exchange, grand slam, gold medal, hole in one, scoring title, MVP award, tournament triumph, or world record that there is both a constant and an immediate impact on how we regard those who have gone before.

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Within a few generations this might at the least begin a debate concerning Messi, Zidane or Maradona; Jordan or Kobe, or maybe Le Bron; Martina, Steffi or Serena; Schumacher, Hamilton or Senna; Bayern Munich 1973-6, Liverpool 1976-’84 or Real Madrid 1997-2002; Alex Rodriguez, Hank Aaron, or Barry Bonds; Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones Jr, or Muhammad Ali. The conversation becomes much more nebulous, however, when you introduce Pelé, Bill Russell, Helen Wills, Fangio, Real Madrid 1955-’60, Babe Ruth, and Jack Johnson to the debate.

The implication comes then that modernity lends greater achievement and momentousness, something that writer C.S. Lewis’ described as ‘chronological snobbery’ an assumption that history uses based upon the fading of context that is so much its seedbed.

How often do you hear the caveat “since records began”, most often in reference to natural events?

Sometimes such records are less than a century old and demonstrate the fatuousness of their use to understand the nature of our reality, but in this age of scientism they serve very much to reinforce the skin of our bubble.

Conversely the ancient past invites a more mythological interpretation, that may hold greater truth about the human condition but for the majority is more impenetrable, difficult to comprehend and with the absence of surviving physical evidence can invoke much wilder speculation, blind faith based devotion, and complete dismissal in equal measure.

For 90% of who we are is ‘prehistoric’, and so this calls into question the very recording mechanisms we base our human

existence upon. If the measurement that is to say, the calendar itself, has been ‘authored’, as opposed to being empirical, say perhaps by a Roman Emperor or two, can any of the associated narrative be trusted?

What about the maxim “There is no such thing as time only clocks”? or the true origins of the universe and life itself before we came to be a constituent of both. The ‘Big Bang’, ‘Relativity’ and ‘Evolution’. Theories all.

Now lets go back to a word I used near the beginning of this article, a word that some readers may have winced at. A word that through the passage of a military conflict that was the American Civil War of 18611865 altered its meaning from its origin after the Latin verb discrimire meaning ‘to distinguish between’, or ‘to make distinction’, to one that now describes an understanding of prejudicial treatment of a person or group to their disadvantage.

This connotative rendition of the word, specifically in American English, was then taken up by social identity theorists and academics to become the umbrella term for the disadvantage of some at the hands of others. So escalated has this use of the word discrimination become that the United Nations Human Rights Council seeks to “...work towards helping ending discrimination around the world”.

This is a precise example of history in action. Of the preference for one interpretation over another not just of events but even of the words we use to describe and communicate those events or the experiences of them and to be perpetually redirected thereafter. Another example would be ‘holocaust’.

There is no doubt that prejudice is despicable, to disadvantage others viciously, perniciously and

systematically is a wretched thing but nevertheless it is a human thing, and with interaction, conversation and mediation; understanding and reconciliation is always possible.

When bureaucrats announce that they are seeking to stamp out something of conflated meaning, whose quality has been corrupted, whose origin obscured in the name of ideals, progress or ‘rights’ with no attempt to clarify their terms, we are meeting with foot-soldiers of those heavily invested beneficiaries of ‘history’. No difference here Nazis to NATO, European Union to Soviet Union.

In this example if you seek to extinguish ‘discrimination’ is that to end only the social theorists interpretation of what disadvantage is? For it does not describe the obliteration of prejudice itself. Or is the conflation of terms intending to seek the elimination of the human capacity for discernment, for being

able to rationally distinguish, to make one thing as distinct from another without predilection or bias being involved? In short, the excision of something that makes subjugation all the more easy. Is it this that is under attack? Maybe history will decide.

One final word then on the effect that this digital age and the ‘bubble of modernity’ has had on the production of history itself. Have we in fact already seen the beginning of the end of history?

With both instantaneous filming in real-time and near instant recollection through playback available with the ubiquity of recording devices and the spread of the internet, have we moved from the production of history to the production of reality?

By not just allowing events to occur from which a version can be derived, embellished or otherwise, but creating events according to a script and then passing them off as if

genuine? By attempting to pre-empt the actions of others who may only be perceived to be acting tangentially to your interests before they in fact act at all? By such technology, vaticination, and adumbration the struggle for influence, control, and subsequently power shifts from a post to a pre-production world.

For the story-tellers the battle now takes the form of not just standing under our torrential and infinite waterfall of what is passing, catching a mere drop in their holy grail and proclaiming it the only and vital source of ‘history’ as they have done before, but to have to fire fight the abundances of contradiction to their narrative that pour down upon them threatening to sink their battleship and so seriously diminishing their position in the information war.

Of course to the victor the spoils and to writing what is always written by them… the rest is, as they say...

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mind your business The words or phrase you want to include in the hashtag cannot have any spaces. You do not want your hashtag to look like this: #top ten hit record.

You need to remove the spaces. #toptenhitrecord As with a url if you want to separate the words, use upper case letters; #TopTenHitRecord

#1

#DontUseSpaces

When you come up with a hashtag do a search for it to see if it is already in use. The possibility exists that is could already be in use for an entirely different topic. It could be a touchy and embarrassing situation if you used a hashtag that was already in use for something negative or a tragic event of some kind.

#3

H

#TestYourHashtags

Make sure your hashtag is related to your post content. If you continually post hashtags that are not relevant to your content, you will just alienate your readers and followers.

#2

#UseRelevantTags

#bigsaleonallfurnituresavemoneywitheverypurchase for example, is just a big confusing mess. Try not to use more than two or three words for your hashtag.

Like #FurnitureSale You want your hashtag to be easy to understand.

#4

#KeepItShort

ashtags are simply words or phrases with a hash tag or pound sign (#) in front of them to highlight or emphasize the specifics of the message.

The hashtag promptly increases the chances of your post being found when someone uses those terms in a search. They can be a bit annoying but they have become important if you want your posts to be found.

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terri seymour Adding punctuation marks or special characters will render your hashtag ineffective. You also do not want to use all capital letters. You can use numbers as they will be effective within your hashtag.

#NoPunctuationHere

#5

I have seen messages or posts that were nothing but a jumble of hashtags. This is a definite no-no. Try not to use more than two or three hashtags per message. Using too many might give people the impression that you are a spammer.

Use them as a tool, not as your entire message.

#7

#LessIsMore

Create a relevant hashtag that has not yet been used to promote an event or special promotional campaign. Include the hashtag in all your promotional materials and marketing.

#9

#CreateYourOwn

Just as with keywords you want to really narrow in on your topic by being very specific as opposed to a generic hashtag. Hashtags that are too generic will not generate many results. For example: If you sell cosmetics do not use cosmetics as your hashtag.

Zero in with hashtags like #AllNaturalPerfume, #24HourLipstick or other precise terms.

#6

#BeSpecific

Although hashtags saw their beginning on Twitter, they are now readily used on most social media sites. Do a little research to see the most effective way to use them for each particular social site. Each site may have different guidelines for how to use them properly for the best results.

#AllSocialMedia

#8

Use hashtags that are very memorable, unique and will develop some interest. Even adding a little humor or quirkiness can make the difference between a good hashtag and a great hashtag. Using hashtags for contests and other events is a good way to create a buzz about your business. By making your hashtags interesting the chances of people retweeting or sharing them will be much greater.

#10

#Memorable

by terri seymour © Along with the above mentioned tips, #do #not #use #a #hashtag #with #every #word, don’t hijack a hashtag that is already being used for an unrelated topic, use proper spelling, don’t get over descriptive with words, use simple but relevant hashtags, and be sure to add content to your hashtag message; don’t let your hashtag be the totality of the message. Try to make a point of following hashtag etiquette.

Hashtags could and should be a very important part of your social media marketing. Start slow and build up to becoming a #hashtagexpert. sevent y 2minutes July 2015

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As mercury rises this summer, W London – Leicester Square is bringing a taste of South East Asia to the heart of the city with its unique Spice Tea. Served in the W Lounge, the Spice Tea, created by the talented Spice Market London culinary team, is a playful and exotic twist on the quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. Inspired by the exciting flavours of South-East Asian street food, the tea features savoury delicacies such as Steamed Buns with Glazed Pork Belly, Thai Shrimp Cake and a Vegetable ‘Popiah’ – a Malaysian fresh spring roll.

The Spice Market Afternoon Tea will be served daily from 2pm – 5pm, from June 24th 2015 at a price of £29 per person, including tea. The Thai Spice cocktail costs £11.

Quaglino 16 Bury Street, London, SW1Y 6AJ 020 7930 6767

W London

quaglinos-restaurantco.uk

Hidden in the heart of St. James and one of London’s most iconic restaurants, Quaglino’s is introducing the ‘Q Brunch’, a truly indulgent dining experience that offers bottomless bubbles and brunch classics with a twist.

Created and developed by renowned Executive Head Chef Mickael Weiss the ‘Q Brunch’ provides an endless flow of bubbles alongside an array of delectable dishes.

Spice Market, W Hotel Leicester Square, 10 Wardour Street, London W1D 6QF 020 7758 1000 wlondon.co.uk/w-hotel-baror

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From perennials like Eggs Benedict and French toast, to more decadent offerings such as the 10g caviar omelette, and Summer Truffle Scrambled Eggs on Sourdough toast. With a sweeping staircase and lavish Art Deco, Quaglino’s provides a glamorous setting for a mid-morning treat. Live music from the grand stage graces the room, taking guests on a complete sensory journey as they enjoy the mouthwatering menu.

The ‘Q Brunch’ will be available every Saturday between 11:30am and 3pm where guests can enjoy endless bubbles and an authentic slice of modern European cuisine.

w b

os

heart london What could be nicer than whiling away an afternoon or evening in London’s tranquil Lincoln’s Inn Fields: Set in the heart of Holborn the park is an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. And to make it even more enticing is Rocket Holborn’s new picnic in the park pizza delivery service. The purveyors of some of London’s leading pizzas will put on a perfect al fresco dining experience this summer – sending picnickers in the park cocktails, pizzas, chilled water as well as a blanket to sit and enjoy it all on!

R.S. Hispaniola

Pop into the Holborn restaurant which backs onto Lincoln’s Inn Fields to place your order and Rocket will bring you a cocktail and pizza each, as well as a bottle of water, cutlery and glasses to your chosen picnicking spot for only £20 per person.

Available until end of August. Get it while the sun’s shining! rocketrestaurants.co.uk

where to eat in beautiful London Rocket

The R.S Hispaniola is a restaurant and bar situated on the Thames alongside Victoria Embankment, minutes from the Embankment tube station and offers both dining and drinking.

The sun was out in full bloom when we visited and happy drinkers sat on the top deck of the boat enjoying the fantastic views.

The wonderful staff will greet you with a smile that does not seem to leave throughout the delightful dining experience. The decor is very nautical, as you might expect, with lime green wooden walls and dark black tables. Perfect to visit for drinks after a hard days work and for those who enjoy expertly cooked, delicious food.

The R.S Hispaniola bar and restaurant is an excellent eaterie for Londoners and visitors alike, the food is simply divine, the service excellent and the view outstanding. Enjoy an evening of romance, or dinner with friends on board ship and leave with a satisfied grin.

R.S Hispaniola, Victoria Embankment, London, WC2N 5DJ 020 7839 3011 hispaniola.co.uk

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film

I

grew up in Africa so I always wanted to make a film that goes back and makes a difference.

There are a lot of stories not just in Africa but worldwide that are not being explored since they don’t fit the “Hollywood formula”.

For me it was entirely by design to break this barrier. I also got tired of the same movies that keep getting made. I thought to myself, “Surely we don’t need another movie about a family in suburban America whose little daughter get kidnapped”.

I also wanted to inspire African filmmakers who really struggle for financing and quality films. I show that you don’t need that much money to make a film that can compete on an international scale. So from there is where I started looking for a story that would fill this void. A film that has got something to say, that is well done on a very independent budgetary scale. In accomplishing this, a byproduct was to discover great African talent, showing the beauty of the continent and opening up a dialogue of what exactly “being happy” means.

Around the time of filming Tanzania received visits from Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, two powerful and notable American public figures.

This is a very interesting phenomena.

For some reason, building an interest based on powerful people who visit the country has not worked so well for films that are shot in Africa in general. Of course these are great people and it was an honor to have them in the country, but the film relied mainly on its merit.

It’s something I personally haven’t been able to figure out why even though Africa is getting attention, films from Africa in general still struggle to get financed. For example, I was in Cannes the year that Lupita Nyongo won an Oscar.

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It was a historic event for Africa and we were all buzzing. However, little had changed on where financing and general attention went. It was still business as usual in the yachts and hotel suites where financing still went to the same type of films that Hollywood makes, even at an independent level.

Recently on Twitter there was a trending hashtag #theafricathemedianevershowsyou - wherein young Africans posted images of an Africa like any other continent - focusing on its beauty and variation as opposed to its poverty and degradation. We have all seen some very well done Hollywood films about Africa such as Hotel Rwanda, Blood Diamond, Last King of Scotland etc. These films are very important, well made and have a strong message. However, on the flip side, they present a skewed image of Africa especially to people who will only get their “African education” through movies.

Association with child soldiers, machete warriors and ruthless dictators is not something that we see in every country in Africa.

Certainly not where the film was shot. Going Bongo is by no means a documentary. There is dramatization just like any film but it paints a wider picture of Africa. Sure, there are a lot of challenges but there is also a lot of beauty.

It was quite challenging to shoot on location in Tanzania, mainly because it was the first film of this magnitude to be shot in the country. We arrived in the country a month before the shoot. I thought it would give us enough time to hit the ground running but in the hindsight we should have taken even more time.

Casting, Crewing up, Film permit, Camera import, Lights was quite a lengthy process for a small team.

We also had to bring half of the crew and equipment from Kenya which of course added quite a bit to the budget. But this also made the East African region come together in the involvement of this film. A lead actress that plays the humorous nurse “Tina” (Nyokabi Gethaiga) is Kenyan.

The positive reception to Going Bongo was a major surprise to me.

Films are like children; you give birth to them, raise them and let them go into the world in hopes that they do well. This is pretty much out of your control. We really tried to give it our all given the circumstances and audiences from all walks of life have supported the film.

The film has been well received in the States, in Europe, Canada, Africa even in Asia, which is quite stunning. This definitely encourages an independent filmmaker such as myself to keep going and keep creating. I think independent cinema and TV is where the future lies because of freedom to tell fascinating stories.

I am currently writing a project about a failed Football (soccer) professional who loses himself in an underworld Football tournament. I hope to be shooting this film at end of next year.

I am also starring and producing a film about a revolutionary struggle in Africa based on a very good novel shooting next year.

Another project that I have is called “From Freetown”, which would be shooting in a couple of month about a group of young African people with dreams trying to survive in Paris.

So there are quite a bit of projects on the horizon that I hope to share with the world very soon. The main thing in this industry is to keep working hard on different projects that have great potential.

ernest napoleon

a film by

ernest napoleon

going bongo

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A N N A S T A S I A .

BAKER

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aving completed a tour of the U.S.A. and recently playing a sold out show at the London Jazz Café, Annastasia will soon be embarking on an 11 date UK tour beginning on November 15th at 02 Shepherds Bush Empire.

With the T.V. show X-Factor clearly a big piece of initial exposure, did Annastasia feel there were any other routes into the industry that would allow her to present her music as she chose? “Before I entered The X Factor, there was certainly YouTube but I hadn’t fully utilised it at that point.” she says, “People didn’t use it as much as they do now, but that was certainly a place to express your self and experiment whilst building a fan base”.

Observing that over the last 5 years, social media has grown to such a degree that people can, as she puts it, “easily showcase their styles and be free”, she is savvy to the fact that it has become undeniably powerful. Where once she didn’t use these platforms to their full potential she now exercises them in the hope of, as she explains, “... get me to some of the heights I have seen others reach by using them.”

On two seperate occassions Annastasia’s talent got her to the Judges house stage of X-Factor, so we were curious as to what she thought of the production process, and, in hindsight, would she walk that road again?

“The process was amazing, it’s such a big show with great exposure and I had lots of fun. If I needed to go that route again I would, I felt like I learned so much from it each time I entered and that experience prepared me for the TV show Time2Shine and all the opportunities I am embracing today.”

internationally”. Annastasia contiues by elaborating on how both shows are similar in the sense that they are seeking talent for their respective markets. “They both offer big exposure in the U.K. and internationally for their genres.”

What about the emotional journey throughout the production of her debut album ‘You Turn’?

“The album is one from the heart. I had to dig deep so I could deliver something authentic and give people something they can relate to”.

Expressing how she, and the writing team, listed concepts to touch on based on her experiences, Annastasia stresses the value of an album based on real situations. “Every day we go through different emotions and scenarios so there is a mixture of songs there for everyone, uplifting songs, painful songs. I hope to inspire people and also make them smile”. On the surreal nature of her own album release she states; “It is totally surreal to think that my album will be released, it talks about who I am and it means a lot, a real turning point in my life.”

A tour of America is significant for any aspirant musician, so how was Annastasia received in a place so steeped in the Gospel tradition both personally and professionally?

“It was an absolutely wonderful experience” she enthuses, “the reception was fantastic as if it were back here at home from people who know you”. She sees the value of support as one thing, but Annastasia also understands what it is to go across the water to meet people who know nothing about you and have a positive response in abundance.

MOBO award nominee; UK X-Factor finalist and the of Time2Shine the UK’s most popular gospel talent 72M spoke to Annastasia Baker about inspiring striving to build that path to success and waking up in the As the winner of the ‘Time2Shine’ competition how would she compare the experience to X-Factor? “Both shows are certainly very similar,” she admits, “Time2Shine is specifically a Gospel show, so a lot more emotion and passion in the output.”

For anyone who saw her journey, the X Factor experience undeniably built her up to a point that when she entered Time2Shine she had already enjoyed previous exposure, but also gained a different frame of mind, a different energy for the next chapter. “Time2Shine was amazing and I have since been able to achieve great things nationally and

winner show. others, dream.

“It was phenomenal. I’ve had emails and messages, with positive feedback on how a song or experience changed someone’s life and that’s incredible. It’s the whole reason I started and why I sing so I’m very happy. So from a personal perspective, it’s so lovely that people were connecting to me.”

“Professionally,?” meeting different people, networking, having the support for the tour and the album she explains, “...it’s been great”.

Annastsia is also a mother, so working in an industry that demands so much time, how does she strike a balance between the roles of singer/songwriter and parent? sevent y 2minutes July 2015

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music

“In life, successful people have to work hard to get where they want to be, especially when you’re trying to do your thing as an entrepreneur. I have a supporting family and my daughter has always known from a young age that I am hard working so she is understands and sees me striving harder now for something that I love doing”.

There is a balance between work and play, and an importance to routines for Annastsia, and that she and her daughter have time to spend together.

“My family aren’t far away so we work together to make that happen. This is my job and hopefully career and like anyone else, you have your work time and you have your family time”.

So should she ‘wake up tomorrow in her dream’ what would it be like?

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“My dream would be to be an internationally successful award winning artist, with scores of accolades. Grammy awards for music and Oscars for acting, because that’s also a great passion of mine.”

and develop talent”.

The UK tour is the current activity and Annastasia suggests tantalisingly that some new things are yet too early to reveal, so watch this space.

As an entrepreneur, Annastasia would also like to have several businesses and organisations to support creative youth, and give back abroad to those who may not have access to funding to develop themselves. She would love to do international work like building schools, and giving opportunities to children to express themselves creatively.

“But seriously, the tour ends with my biggest headline show to date at The O2 Shepherds Bush Empire. I hope people will see me popping up more and more in the media and there are some great plans in the pipeline for future projects, collaborations and announcements”.

“The dream would also be for me to be comfortable, to work as I choose, look after my family and help others who don’t yet have. If my artistry permits, I’d want to be performing regularly, giving concerts in large arenas and have my own label to manage

Annastasia’s debut album You Turn is available on Black Grape Records.

nadine

nadine

The beloved sound of music, the magic it binds you in, the stories a musician can tell in a single note; these are the treasures that lead us to new artists and this issue finds us with Nadine talking ‘Exile’.

B

efore music Nadine was for a time a graphic designer.

Did she ever think of that previous ‘life’ and wonder what would have been had she not followed her musical passion?

I’d probably use the word ethereal. My voice is very bright and airy with a soulful touch.

Her live cover of Coldplay’s Magic is truly magic! Who else would she love to cover?

“I’m actually feeling quite relieved that I took a risk and didn’t stay where I was just because it would have seemed more sensible. I wouldn’t want to have missed the adventure of my last few years for the world. Sometimes I miss Swiss friends and family, but then again, Switzerland isn’t too far away. I still work as a designer, but now I get to do it for other artists, which is amazing.”

“Thank you! I think I’d like to cover something a bit further away from my genre. I enjoy playing Taylor Swift’s ‘Shake it off ’ with minor chords and much slower than the original. This helps bringing out another layer in the lyric without changing the melody. I’m intrigued by artists who really make a cover their own”.

With some respectable coverage from the BBC in the UK and a warm reception from bloggers there, how much of this was expected and has it been the same in her native Switzerland?

“I’ve been hoping for some media coverage but when it happened it came as a surprise!

I think Swiss people have become more aware of my music since I moved to London and it seems like even when I’m focusing on building my career in London, it simultanously has an effect back home.

I even got the opportunity to support two Swiss Singer-Songwriters on their tour at the end of last year.”

Post release of the Exile EP what’s next on the agenda for Nadine and where can fans keep up with what’s next?

“I’m back in writing mode and I’m about to go to a studio in the country side where I can work on new material, which I’m very excited about! The best way to keep track of what I’m doing is through my Facebook page (facebook.com/ nadinemusicofficial) or my website (www. nadinemusic.org) where you can find links to all my social media”.

The new EP NADINE - Exile is now available on Spotify!

Described on YouTube as possessing a ‘haunting’ voice; how does she describe her own sound?

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discover

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1. Chocolate and greasy foods will give you spots.

2. Cold water can shrink your pores.

3. Toothpaste can help treat spots.

4. Honey can help with healing skin.

sevent y 2minutes  Issue 18

dr. vincent wong

the test of time cosmetic expert Dr. Vincent Wong assesses some historical beauty and skincare ideas and whether any of them hold up to scrutiny

I

n the history, and the evolution of beauty, it is inevitable to find old wives’ tales that have been passed on for generations. They’re part of our oral tradition and help shape the ideas and conceptions of beauty. While most old wives’ tales are just tales, have we gotten so used to being skeptical that we now dismiss some of the tales that are actually true? Here, we have got the answer that debunk (or defend) some of the most popular beauty old wives’ tales.

1. This is probably the most commonly heard old wives’ tales. Many researchers have tried to establish a link between break outs and chocolate or greasy food. Good news to all chocoholics out there, the evidence simply isn’t strong enough to establish a causative link. Acne (both teenage and adult acne) is a complicated skin problem and is usually multifactorial.

If you do look after your skin well and maintain a healthy lifestyle, there is absolutely no reason why you should cut out chocolate or your favourite pizza. However, nutrition does play an important role in overall skin health and well being, so moderation is key!

Dr. Wong's Verdict: False

2. Cold water can constrict blood vessels and make your skin feel tighter. Unfortunately, it does not do much more than that. Pores always look bigger when they are clogged with oil and dead skin. Therefore, if you’re looking to reduce their appearance, try using noncomedogenic skincare products and wash your face with a face wash that contains salicylic acid. Collagen loss also leads to the pores being ‘flopped open’ - this is where treatments such as microneedling and other collagen stimulators can be beneficial.

Dr. Wong's Verdict: False

3. There isn’t a magical ingredient in any toothpaste that can help with spots. In fact, there isn’t any ingredients in toothpaste that helps with skin quality. However, although toothpaste doesn’t treat spots, it does work by cooling the skin and soothing the inflammation, thanks to the menthol component.

Dr. Wong's Verdict: False

4. This is probably one of the rare old wives’ tales that has been defended by science.

Research has shown that honey does have calming, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is an ideal ingredient for wound healing. It is so good that sterile honey dressing is actually commonly used in hospitals to treat skin wounds!

Dr. Wong's Verdict: True

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art

U

nsurprisingly there is a whole faction of History that deals in art, and art alone; curating, collating, collecting, or cataloguing, all to ensure that what has been is duly preserved so that those that are to come can experience the societal moods of times gone by.

The connection between the Art Historian and the artist thus becomes the appreciation of art, however the work of an artist is rarely to gather what has been produced by others. While it may be polite, gracious, or even intelligent, to know a little of the context in which you produce, the work of an artist is to simply produce all that is within their gift.

History, or rather retrospect, elevates yesterday’s artists to hallowed status. So frequent is the tale of the poor, suffering artist who found relevance posthumously that it’s forgivable to believe all the great artists are dead; or at the least need to busy themselves dying so we can admire their work, especially those that are overly controversial for their time.

When enough time has passed History, or Art Historians, or even everyday Historians, might then determine that such and such an artist, belongs to such and such a group; so to illustrate a narrative that binds all of History together into a neat, contemporaneous tale. Here is a period of great unrest, and conveniently; here is the art to reflect it. Here is the period where beauty was highly celebrated, and again, here is the art to reflect it. It is all too manufactured and far too narrow.

If art is life, emotion, knowledge, then it is as expansive as it is expressive and cannot be neatly contained. If art has a purpose, and that purpose is elevation and evolution, we cannot allow its reduction to ‘scene setting’ for the History we all seem to perceive as selective and biased;

“Just as in the evolution of knowledge - that is, the forcing out and supplanting of mistaken and unnecessary knowledge by truer and more necessary knowledge - so the evolution of feelings takes place by means of art, replacing lower feelings, less kind and less needed for the good of humanity, by kinder feelings, more needed for that good. This is the purpose of art” – Leo Tolstoy 1897

So challenge the stories that will be told years from now about our experience of art and indulge in the art that is happening now. Document it, laud it, criticise it [for you must], but don’t, for goodness’ sake, allow the chosen narrative of the hallowed few to supplant the mood of a time we have all contributed to.

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Alternativ

e Berlin

NYC Graffi

ti Tours

Street Art

Street Art

Street Art

London

Utopia

Melbourn

e

Grafitti So

uth Africa

Moscow S

treet Art

Street Art

Bangkok

street art

history of art?

Phazed

Deviant Art

art is;

Digital Artist Daily

Now

The Culture Trip Behance

digital art

Abstract

e

Art Onlin

Art Net rt

London A World Ar

ICA

t Galle

ry

Abstract World Ar

Critical

Belvedere, Vienna

t Duba

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Abstract Aborig

inal Art

llery

Artist Ga

Mizuma Gallery cks

Raven Tra African

Arts Tru

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world ar

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Hua Gallery

abstract art

contemporary art sevent y 2minutes  July 2015

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72M vox

W

hat became of the Black people of Sumer? The travellers asked the old man, “for ancient records show that the people of Sumer were Black.

What happened to them?” “Ah” the old man sighed. “They lost their history, so they died”.

Williams 1987 The recording of past events and activities is what we accept as history.

However, it has for many years, been regarded as not simply history where events are recorded. It has been widely accepted that it is fact one perspective and interpretation of these events and hence, it is ‘His’ ‘ Story’.

White men, as opposed to ‘hers’, for documentation of past activities, carried ‘His’ out predominantly. For many centuries, education was the privilege of a minority in the western world and those who were attributed with the opportunity to have their opinions accepted by others were predominantly white men.

This record of events, from the specific angle of the writer, has not always represented a sample of indivdual views. In Stolen Legacy, George G.M. James begins by arguing that the book is necessary so that ‘people of African origin might be emancipated from their serfdom of inferiority complex and enter upon a new era of freedom in which they would feel free men, with full human rights and privileges.’

His book goes on to explain in finite detail how much of what is documented, and accepted, as ‘Greek philosophy’ was in fact stolen from the Egyptians, and that the Egyptians are black African people.

His research was revolutionary in the 20th century and will still be so for many in the 21st.

The stories with which we have been raised, and with which we forge our

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realities, all come from somewhere.

The world service discussion on July 14th on ‘Salt and its diverse history’ reminded me that here too the stories have been accepted.

The story of placing salt on the doorstep so that the spirit cannot re-enter the house after death has taken place, or the story of placing salt in your bath water for spiritual cleansing, are stories which became practices within my life. Stories that I have passed onto others without questioning or debating their origin.

These are stories that now, cause no harm and people can choose to engage with them or not. There is no threat to life looming over their choice. However, the women who were associated with such practices would in the 13th, 14th century Europe, found themselves labeled ’witches’, and killed. This served the medieval religious rhetoric for which such practices were not tolerated.

The Sumer, the people of African origin, and the women healers and others, have all had their story told, but the documenting of their stories has not included their own perspectives, or voices.

Until the lions have their say, the story will always glorify the hunter, or until the Lion tells the story of the hunt, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.

This African proverb reminds us how important it is for the perspective of the ‘hunted’ or the ‘lion’ to be documented.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie argues that we are not to accept the stereotypes with which we are daily fed.

“The single story creates stereotypes, and not that these may be untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.”

There holds the power! If what is written, accepted and published perpetuates an image, idea, or perspective of whole groups of people, then the writing can be argued to provide stories about ‘us’.

And the ‘us’ can be any group who are written ‘about’. The stereotypes then reinforce negative ideas.

Influential people and organizations can perpetuate this. It then becomes accepted as the only ‘story’. In this way the stories are about us but too often are not for us in that they do not serve us positively but continue to reinforce one perspective.

The Internet has revolutionized a lot of the stories that we share.

The people on the ground told and showed the world the uprisings across the Arab world. The immediacy with which that experience was shared, left little room for the historian.

The audiences on all of the social networking platforms were exposed to image upon image of ‘history’ as it was unfolding. No longer did people need to wait for the edited and sanitized version of the story in the morning news.

When the newsreader stopped to report on ‘breaking news’, it was already history! The news had already been ‘streaming’ for hours. Social media helped spread democratic ideas across international borders.

History will continue to be ‘stories about us’ in the parts of the world where the voice of the ‘lions’ are still not accepted.

However, the mediums through which we communicate now mean that the lions have been given voices and channels through which to tell their story, and the result is that the documentation of many world events will be richer and positively

mbeke waseme more diverse as a result of this.

“Power is the ability not just to tell the story of another person, but to make it the definitive story of that person.�

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

by mbeke waseme

the lion sleeps no more sevent y 2minutes  July 2015

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72m vox

I do yoga too !

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by mbeke waseme

M them.

mbeke wasme y body is designed to be moved. Your body is designed to be moved. The growing new disorders that many of our bodies are suffering from are because we do not move

The movement I am referring to here can be walking, power walking, dancing, running, formal aerobic exercise at a gymnasium or running up and down the stairs in your home. They are all movement and most of us need to do more than we currently do.

I was recently at a swimming pool where I found myself gaping at a large number of young boys aged between 5 and 12, who all had breasts. I was shocked and sad for these boys approached the swimming pool.

They all did so holding onto their breasts looking embarrassed. They were aware that this was not how their bodies should look but they had not been given the guidance to support their bodies to form in a more healthy way.

The twenty first century prides itself on being the ‘information age’. We have access to more information now that we have ever had and with the illusion of ‘choice’ that all this information brings, we have high and ever increasing numbers of children and adults who are suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. This is a disparity and an irony of the ‘great century’ in which we find ourselves.

took out a yoga book. I had challenged myself at a young age to select books about things that I knew nothing about and at 15; there were many things on my list!!

I started to practice the asana and the breathing. I watched yoga classes on the TV when I could and eventually bought yoga videos and then DVDs that followed me on my travels.

Soon I was able to put the videos down as this had become so much apart of my life that a few days without any practice and my body started to long for the great feelings both inside and out which yoga brings to me.

I have now been doing yoga for 35 years and these images were taken this morning on June 27th 2015. I have been looking at them and whilst the little voice in me was ready to start criticizing, I stopped myself and celebrated the real pleasure that I feel in still having this practice in my life. I LOVE YOGA. My experience of health and healthy living is that, I also eat well as I incorporate smoothies and juices into my diet and I try to refrain from being in the company of negative people. However, the big however for me ,is that my health continues due to my commitment to regular exercise and yoga is a key aspect of that.

The diets which too many people follow are a combination of large amounts of fried foods, too much sugar, and too

The exercise looks after my inside and my outside. My internal organs need exercise too and yoga provides this. It keeps my body toned and the breathing and meditation are essentials that bring balance to the busy and sometimes challenging worlds in which I live. It has also bought greater self awareness and a sharper person

much salt and way too little movement.

to person antennae over the years.

My body likes to move. I love dancing, skipping, running, walking, jogging and doing yoga! Yes I am one of the millions who can say ‘I do yoga too’. I started doing yoga when I was 15. It was a dark time for me, filled with so much uncertainly as my mother was ill in hospital. I was starting my A ‘levels and nothing felt quite real.

There are sometimes gaps in my practice but I always return! The core strength that yoga has given me is a physical core strength which I am aware of when I am running past the pain threshold, to the point of flying.

It is powerful. I am powerful.

On one of my visits to the local library during this time, I sevent y 2minutes July 2015

55

technology

T

echnology evolves in leaps and bounds and nothing captures our desire for technology like the promise of self-improvement.

Apps to lose weight, apps to improve productivity, apps to motivate you on your life’s journey. MuseTM takes selfimprovement to the next level.

This sleek headband, accompanied by its own app, monitors your brainwaves in order to teach you how to calm you thoughts, and improve concentration.

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sevent y 2minutes  Issue 18

muse

choose muse

TM

the brain sensing headband that assists meditation, concentration, and aims to improve your relaxation and your response to the stresses of modern living.

sevent y 2minutes  Issue 18

57

learn

T

here are many adages about history that point at the gaps in the narratives we hold up as truth, “written by the victors”, is a popular one that persists, with good reason.

The formal narratives that we are taught, those that become our national identity, our collective memories, are clearly filtered through a lens of someone’s choosing.

Individually we are history, and the combination of our stories, however seemingly cacophonic, is the truth.

We live in an age of technological abundance where the internet connects us to the collective so that our individual histories can be captured, shared, commented upon.

As exposing as this can be there are instances when the beauty of connection becomes apparent.

Those instances when history is made and we able to witness it, in motion, coded to our own memories as we choose to remember whilst simultaneously reflected to a million others so they too can see what we see… even if they see it differently.

On September 22 2014 RIVKA GALCHEN wrote a piece about ‘An Unlikely Ballerina’ wherein it is written that this unlikely ballerina dares to be the first black principal to dance for the American Ballet Theatre, considered the best company for classical ballet in the USA. Fast forward to June 30th 2015 and @mistyonpointe announces her promotion to Principal Dancer, making her the first African-American woman to achieve this status. Her path to this accomplishment is far more complex than the sentence would have you believe but in doing so her story becomes history…

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world wise woman

misty copeland

Wo r l d Wise Wo m a n

sevent y 2minutes  July 2015

59

discover

genealogy 60

sevent y 2minutes  Issue 18

you-ology

O

f all the ‘ologies’ left to explore Genealogy is one broadly accepted as ‘true science’. Described as; A record or table of the descent of a person, family, or group from an ancestor or ancestors; a family tree, the expectation is that you are bound to these people by genetics, therefore share an immediate (historical) link.

We can debate all day as to how the human race essentially sprung from the same source of life, thus we are all genetically linked at some point in history, but we only have these two pages, in this here issue…

In recent times a glut of websites, and real world services, have sprung up offering you the opportunity to trace your heritage. The premise behind this is loosely the same as all our previous ologies. Know thyself.

While the sum of your parts does not necessarily equal the whole an understanding of your immediate ancestors may help you further appreciate the being you have grown to become.

More importantly growing scientific support for epigenetic inheritable traits supposes that our immediate ancestors pass to us more than just our DNA! The notion that the experiences and environmental situation of our immediate ancestors has bearing on how we develop should pique your interest enough to research who you came from and whether what they did, and where they lived, has had an impact on you today.

Unlike other ‘ologies’ this one takes a little more time and, potentially, financial resource as you navigate the meandering lines of your history.

In most instances you can start with your surname, or that of your mother.

Failing that there are more expensive solutions that involve in depth research, over time, to form an understanding of the people you’ve been born through.

Try familysearch.org as a first step. As a repository for international data you have a better chance of securing a link if your past spans several countries, or even continents, and unlike other web based services it’s free.

If you don’t shy from controversy you can ‘test your DNA’. Thanks to the marvel of all things internet for a nominal fee organisations like 23andme.com and dna-worldwide.com will carry out a DNA test that aims to trace your ethnic ancestry, plus your Motherline, and Fatherline ancestry.

To some, this may seem horrific, to others, it’s just another step on the path of self-discovery. However you feel if you embark on this type of research make sure you read up on the ‘Privacy Policy, of the companies you use and be prepared for what you find!

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