Quench Magazine Issue 174 October 2019

OCTOBER 2019

MAGAZINE

HOUSE PLANTS nature is reclaiming our indoors!

LOCAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT an insight into Cardiff ’s four-piece Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard

DARK TOURISM the latest tragedy travel trend

2 - JOIN QUENCH issue 174

@QuenchMagazine @QuenchMag @quenchmagcardiff Are you interested in the publishing industry? Fancy putting your creative juices to the test? If so, Quench is for you.

Quench is Cardiff University’s student lead magazine, where you will be given an environment through which your creative flare can flourish.

From written articles to vibrant digital design, Quench aims to help build your portfolio, while making a new set of friends at the same time.

We use a first come first served basis on our Facebook groupsQuench Contributors 19/20 and Quench Design and Creative team 19/20, so make sure your notifications are on!

In the contributor’s group, articles are posted by our Section Editors, who allocate them out through our first come first serve basis. If you see an article you’d like to write, all you have to do is comment below! We have five print issues a year, and weekly online content so there are new opportunities posted

Modified photograph of Cardiff University Main Building by David Meenagh via Flickr: https://bit. ly/2kgW9mu.

every day.

We are on the hunt for Welsh speakers for our Clebar section too!

Our Design group works in a similar way, and if you’d like to design any of our pages look out for a post from our Head of Design asking willing designers to comment. Don’t worry if you’re an InDesign newbie, as we will be holding Give it a Go workshops shortly.

All abilities are welcome, whether you’re hot off the press or a total newbie who’s never set foot in an editorial office.

Quench won’t get in the way of your social life either – we organise regular socials, alcoholic and non.

So get in touch. Contact us via the social media link for more information or email us through editor@quenchmag.co.uk.

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EDITOR’S LETTER - 3

Editor’s LETTER

W

elcome back to another year at Quench.

Although I may be a familiar face, having featured on the Meet the Team page during both my first and second year here in Cardiff, this is my first ever issue as Editorin-Chief. As much as I’m aware that I have my work cut-out, especially in following in the footsteps of the incredible work of Andrea Gaini last year and Rachel Jefferies the year previous, I’m really excited to make my mark on Quench across the next five issues.

I am already struggling to believe that we have, once again, made it to the start of another academic year. One that, for me, will be my third and final year here at University. However, although this might signal the nearing of the end of my time in Cardiff University, I’d really like it to signal a new beginning for Quench.

With Luisa and I taking the reins for the foreseeable future, we really wanted to seize the opportunity to take the magazine in a new direction. There’s a brand-new, fresh team working extra hard behind the scenes to ensure that Quench is full of the best possible content and I couldn’t be more proud of the work that they have created for our first issue. Our biggest change however, if it isn’t already clear, is our size. We made the decision to downsize from A3, as we really wanted Quench to have a grab-andgo kind of feel. We would love it to be the kind of publication that fits on your coffee table and slips into your rucksacks, allowing you to pick up and read it with ease. Whether that be on your commute, between lectures or even tucked up in bed on an evening.

However, our changes to Quench this year aren’t purely on the outside. Within our pages, the Technology section has evolved into what we have have named Download. After feeling that Technology didn’t sit quite right amongst the arts and cultural content within Quench, we have sent it packing to its new home within the Gair Rhydd Science section. In its place, Download is an exploration of all things digital culture. We all have a relationship with digital culture in some way, and this is what Download hopes to explore. If you want to understand more about this new section, head to the Download section on our website where our Head of Section Mike O’Brien has explained more on his decision to make this change.

In short, we really want to bring Quench to a new creative level this year, and we are doing so by ensuring a consistency in articles and design, as well as a hope to emphasise the magazines artistic side. Looking past all this, however, the most important thing is that you enjoy what every one of our contributors has to offer. I can’t wait to see what this year will bring, and I hope you will join us as we test the boundaries and attempt to take Quench into a whole new era.

It wouldn’t be an editor’s letter if I didn’t finish by thanking the people who have supported me along this new ride. Firstly, to my parents. Thank you for the constant laughs, for always paying for my weekly Lidl shops and for always believing in everything I do.

Secondly, to my housemates Orlagh, Dan, Ed and Sophie, mainly for putting up with my inability to load and unload the dishwasher but also because I know they’d kill me if I didn’t give them a namedrop! Thirdly, to Reece, for being my number one article proof-reader, for your constant support and for always giving me a reason to smile (and for always being there to cook me countless bowls of pesto pasta). I can’t wait to spend our last year in Cardiff together.

Finally, a massive thank you to Luisa and the entire Quench team for 2019/20. Luisa, I couldn’t dream for a better deputy and I can’t wait to see what we create together. Seemingly, we’ve struck gold with an executive team that has worked so hard already. I’m so grateful for every single one of you. Let’s go team!

Here’s to Quench 2019/20. Happy reading!

KATIE MAY HUXTABLE Editor-in-Chief

4 - MEET THE TEAM issue 174 Contributors Katie Waits Andrea Gaini Ioan Lee Megan Evans Lowri Pitcher Rhodri Davies Hannah Penwright Angharad May Josh Allex Lottie Ennis Anastasia Kropotina Polly Denny Eve Lewis Ellie Hutchings Sarah Belger Rhian Lock Lewis Empson Charlotte King Sam Tilley

Editor-in-Chief Katie May Huxtable

Social Media Assistants Janaki Selvaratnum and Coby Barker

Designers Ashley Boyle Elaine Tang Lottie Ennis Josh Ong Alessio Grain Yean Su Cho Kamil Kowalski Dominika Matusiak Katie May Huxtable Luisa De La Concha Montes Orlagh Turner Ula Rodakowska Head of Illustration Elaine Tang Dear Ella...

Ella Woodcock

Deputy Editor Luisa De La Concha Montes

Head of Photography Charlie Troulan Deputy Head of Photography Ella Cuss Head of Design Orlagh Turner Deputy Head of Design Ula Rodakowska

issue 174

Columnist Phoebe Grinter

MEET THE TEAM - 5

Features Rhianna Hurren-Myers, Elly Coyle and Rebecca Astill

Culture Sofia Brizio and Neus Forner

Clebar Indigo Jones

Food & Drink Lauren Stenning and Emily Stanton

Travel Marcus Yeatman-Crouch and Molly Govus

Music Kate Waldock, Josh Ong and James McClements

Fashion & Beauty Sophie Coombes and Emily Ricalton

Download Mike O’Brien and Emma Murphy

Copy Editors Denise Dogan, Izzy Wackett and Ellie Ball

Film & TV Caleb Carter, Cynthia Vera and Laura Dazon

Q3 Editor Jasmine Snow Q3 Deputy Editors Eduardo Karas and Nidhi Pattni

6 - FRONT COVER Q&A issue 174

CardiffStory

Interview and modelling: CYNTHIA VERA photographs of Cynthia by: CHARLIE TROULAN design by: LUISA DE LA CONCHA MONTES

How was your life at home different to your life in Cardiff?

In all honesty, I kind of prefer home life a tiny bit more, but Cardiff is so liberating. I appreciate the freedom I have at Uni. I think everyone can agree that Uni essentially pushes us into the first steps of adulthood full speed. It’s a key turning point in shaping some of our values, trusting ourselves and understanding who we are. I’ve allowed myself to grow so much here and it’s pretty refreshing!

What aspects of your childhood do you feel influence your time at University today?

There’s so many different things back home that have definitely influenced my time in Cardiff. But I think I’ll always fondly remember when I was sixteen or seventeen, since that is when I started to get comfortable with being outspoken and quite confident in my views, especially on gender related issues. There was a running gag last year with my housemates that I’d probably end up publishing a feminist manifesto with a hidden queer agenda. I basically haven’t shut up about gender since then. I went to a Free Periods demonstration during that time, and when I told people about it, some of them wouldn’t stop going on about how protests aren’t really worth it because there’s never really an actual outcome from it. That’s fair, most of them don’t really lead to much apart from a few mediocre tabloid headlines. But, that protest (amongst many more) actually made the government listen. In March this year, a new scheme was put in place to provide free sanitary products in all secondary schools in England to tackle period poverty. It’s still quite surreal to think that I was a part of that.

This year at Quench we wanted to give you the chance to feature on our front cover. Each issue, we would love to speak to a different student about their life and how they came to study here in Cardiff. For this issue, we spoke to Cynthia about her life as a child in Zimbabwe, growing up in London, and how this changed when she moved to Cardiff.

Name: Cynthia Vera Age: 20 Course: Media, Journalism and Culture What was your life like growing up?

Most probably walking around Roath Park (it’s my favourite place in Cardiff) and having so much free time to explore and try new things which I doubt I’ll ever have again. Not to sound pessimistic??

What are three things you would go back and tell the younger version of you starting first year if you could?

1. Trust yourself and your emotions a little bit more.

2. Why do you think Przym is a good night out? Stop it.

3. Please eat an actual meal if you’re drinking otherwise you’ll get food poisoning!

l

Well... my childhood wasn’t quite what you’d expect. Between tending to the family cows and looking after my grandmother, there wasn’t all that much to do in rural Zimbabwe. I moved to north London when I was about nine, ready (sort of) to experience virtually a new world I had very limited knowledge about. It’s crazy to think that I was once just a country girl with five cows, a few goats and lots of chickens living on a farm. London is definitely home and where I’ve basically grown up. One of my favourite memories growing up there is my brother taking me to the cinema for the first time.

What will you miss about your experience here in Cardiff when you graduate?

If you’d be interested in being on our front cover and answering a couple of questions, email us at editor@quenchmag.co.uk – we look forward to hearing from you!

issue 174

CONTENTS - 7

8 - COLUMN issue 174

Inspired by Vogue’s 73 Questions YouTube series where we get a glimpse into the glamorous lives of our favourite celebrities, I’d like to give it a go as a way of introducing myself to Quench. So, you are about to get a very watered-down, Phoebe Grinter-esque version, a ‘Vague 20 Questions’ if you will. Maybe one day when I am famous enough for Vogue to follow me around my lavish mansion and ask me questions, I will look at back at these answers for inspiration…

words by: PHOEBE GRINTER design by: ORLAGH TURNER

issue 174

COLUMN - 9

words by: PHOEBE GRINTER design by: ORLAGH TURNER

10 - FEATURES issue 174

A History of Women in University all eH ar

Abe rd

Going to university is something that has been drummed into me from an early age – an opportunity I took for granted. My mum always told me about how, as a woman, she was part of the minority during her time at university.

I had perfected my monotonous ‘yes, Sir’ to teachers’ constant nagging of whether I had written my personal statement yet. At the time, I didn’t understand the weight of a degree, particularly historically. It just seemed like the next stage of education – something that everyone did, nothing special. I never perceived my chances as any less than those of my male counterparts. The only determining factor I saw was how hard I worked and what grades I achieved.

So I decided to take a deeper delve into the milestones achieved by women in education to get us to where we are today. I was shocked to discover that women were not admitted until 1968, nearly 900 years after the UK’s oldest University, University of Oxford, opened in 1096. The first nine women took a General Examination for Women at the University of London – an easier equivalent to the male-only degree, which wasn’t offered to females until 10 years later. 6 of these passed, 3 failed, but ultimately all can call themselves pioneers of women’s education.

Another incredible story is of the Edinburgh Seven – the first women admitted to undertake a medicine degree in 1869. Sophia Jex-Blake led the campaign, after being rejected from Harvard. They told her that there was ‘no provision for the education of women’. The suggestion that women require different treatment to men is, frankly, ridiculous.

The Edinburgh Seven found themselves organising their own lectures, as the staff were not obligated to teach women, and on top of this, were charged higher fees.

When it came to it, a riot from 200 male students stopped them from sitting their anatomy exams, and academics voted against them graduating.

It was not until 1877, 8 years later, that Jex-Blake was awarded a degree in Switzerland. The University of Edinburgh didn’t allow women to graduate until 1894! Even then, women had to coordinate their own tuition. They were still not seen as capable, yet the institutions were unwilling to change that. Jex-Blake went on to found the London and the Edinburgh Schools of Medicine for Women.

Millicent Mackenzie

Obviously, I was interested in the history of women at Cardiff.

I knew I felt equal to my male friends and fellow students, but had the university been progressive early on? I was slightly nervous to find out. I needn’t have worried. I was proud to learn that after its establishment in 1883, the first women’s residences Aberdare Hall was built in 1885. Aberdare Hall is the source of many rumours nowadays – of a strict curfew, no boys allowed, and everyone who lives there will inevitably become a nun (due to its proximity to the nunnery). I can confirm these are all untrue, but the rumours stem from the long history of the halls.

Cardiff was the first place outside of London to admit women.

Two women were enrolled into the Cardiff Medical School in the late 1890s and, in 1904, Millicent Mackenzie was appointed, becoming the first female professor in the UK. Now there is a reason to be proud of our university. Granted, it was not built until much later than the big English and Scottish institutes. But within 21 years, it had achieved much more, marking itself as a home of innovation from the word go.

There was a surge of female university applications in the 60s and 70s, inspired by the prioritisation of education by the Second Wave Feminist movement. This then led to a rise in the number of female applicants, and the gendered balance of students across UK universities became a lot more equal.

So have we reached total equality today? On the whole, yes. In fact, in 2017, The Guardian reported that 30,000 more women than men had been accepted to universities. The Independent also reported that, in 2018, 100,000 more women were applying. Why is this?

Perhaps it is to do with the introduction of new femaledominated degrees, such as nursing and teaching. It could be that females tend to achieve better A level results. A part of it could be the under-achievement of white, working-class boys, and their tendency to go for apprenticeships instead. However,

Sop hia

issue 174

Cardiff was the first place outside of London to admit women.

Two women were enrolled into the Cardiff Medical School in the late 1890s and in 1904, Millicent Mackenzie was appointed, becoming the first female professor in the UK the biggest factor is the pay gap between non-degree and degree holding women. While this is the best time ever in history to be a working woman, the gap is still an important conversation. It is much easier for men to enter an industry with no qualifications.

Women are not trusted until society feels that they have been adequately taught – often by men.

As well as this, why are the STEM subjects still male-dominated, while women dominate medicine, education and humanities? Are men and women still pushed down particular, narrow avenues?

Should this still be a battle of the sexes or is it time to admit that students simply study what they wish? Maybe it is time to just leave them to it rather than over-analysing the statistics.

-Blake Jex

There are still gender equality issues at play on campuses nationwide. The recent Warwick Whatsapp case, in which a group of boys were caught messaging vile rape jokes to each other, proves this. ‘Lad culture’ is still very much present – who can sleep with the most girls? Who can degrade them to their friends the most?

Fortunately this seems to be in the minority.

However, it is important to celebrate the success of the long struggle of women’s rights for education. Thanks to the early pioneers, women are more confident than ever in academic abilities, and achieving things which the early women in education could only envision. I like to think that if they had a looking glass into the future, they would be proud of female university attendees today.

We work hard, not to keep up with the boys, but for our own success.

words by: REBECCA ASTILL design by: LUISA DE LA CONCHA MONTES

FEATURES - 11

12 - FEATURES issue 174

The Picture That Changed the World (Again)

“People have become numbers, they’ve become statistics. People talk about immigrants in the absence of their humanity” Fernando Garcia, director of the Border Network for Human Rights

On June 24th of this very year, a twenty-five-year-old man and his two-year-old daughter died. Their names were Valeria and Oscar Alberto Martinez Ramirez.

They were asylum seekers, and their story deserves to be heard.

It may seem obvious to begin by recognising that requesting asylum is a complex and difficult process, often only accurately understood by those who have experienced it. It is harder still to understand the position of a man who was prepared to sacrifice everything to give his daughter and family a better life. Close family accounts describe how Oscar came to the fatal decision of boycotting the ‘frustrating’ asylum process in April, choosing instead to begin the journey from El Salvador to the US without permission from the authorities, and swim the final stretch across the Rio Grande river.

When their bodies were discovered, they were barely one kilometre away from an international bridge. In many ways, the death of Valeria and Oscar is a painfully ordinary story, one which most of us have heard before. We are no longer strangers to tragic tales of migrants trying to cross borders that are not meant to be crossed in such life-threatening ways. Last year, Metro reported there were 283 deaths along the 2000-mile US-Mexico border. Closer to home, SolidariTee reported that in 2016, 600 children died trying to cross the Mediterranean.

There is, however, a fundamental difference between Valeria and Oscar and the thousands of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers that share their heart-breaking end.

A simple photograph.

The image itself is uncomfortable to look at, but I encourage you to look anyway.

Two faceless corpses entwined in muddy water; one tiny lifeless body tucked away in the T-shirt of another. A tiny hand and a pair of tiny feet. Oscar began his journey to the US doing all he could to provide a better life for his daughter. He died doing exactly the same thing.

A similar image sprung to mind for many: the 2015 picture of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, dead, on a beach in Turkey. As news of his untimely death spread across the world, a place which is commonly understood by most Brits and Americans as a tourist spot for holidays and relaxation suddenly became a rather grotesque ode to the pampered life of the West. It seemed barbaric that such different lives could live and die so close to one another.

issue 174

FEATURES - 13

When Alan Kurdi was discovered, photographer Nilüfer Demir made a simple decision. She did the only thing she could at that time, humbly picked up her camera and took the shot.

The photo of Alan is clearly rushed. It is out of focus, too far away, and his lifeless body is facing the opposite direction from the camera. But in that moment, Nilüfer Demir achieved something that most photographers fail to do in their lifetime: tell the story of someone who is not able to do so, and change the course of history. In doing so, she shifted the narrative for many children at the receiving end of refugee politics. “There was nothing to do except take his photograph … and that is exactly what I did. This is the only way I can express the scream of his silent body”.

Overnight, the death of Alan Kurdi triggered a global outpour, prompting a response even from the Pope. A human face had been placed at the centre of the refugee crisis. A tiny, innocent face, one which we could all recognise in our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters. Alan Kurdi featured across all major news channels, including the Independent, the Daily Mail, the Times, the Sun and the Guardian, who all chose to publish the image on their front page the next day.

Another major point in history in which photography affected collective conscience in such a way is Vietnam. Not only did the war photographers during the 1960s help record accurate images of the events taking place, they also helped to fuel a civil rights movement. Together, they changed the course of history for one small and defenceless country. I am reminded of war photographer James Nachtwey’s 2007 TED talk, ‘Let my Photographs bear Witness’: “Their pictures became part of our collective consciousness and, as consciousness evolved into a shared sense of conscience, change became not only possible, but inevitable”.

When Oscar and Valeria were discovered, the same conversations began happening all over again. Only this time, not the right ones. Only one newspaper, the Guardian, chose to publish the picture of Oscar and Valeria on their front page. Instead of the mutual outpour of shock, grief and disgust following the death of Alan Kurdi, we have responded to the death of Valeria and Oscar with something much worse. A deathly silence. One that is becoming all the more deafening as these images continue to emerge. Children being ripped from their parents and kept in cages.

Children washed up on the shoreline of European beaches. Children who do not have a choice but to die.

The image of Oscar and Valeria is one I will never forget, but this is besides the point. They will forevermore rest as unsuspecting martyrs for a cause they never wanted to be a part of in the first place. The refugee crisis is a war just like Vietnam. It is up to us now to take the image of a father and his daughter, and change the world with it all over again.

words by: RHIANNA HURREN-MYERS design by: URSZULA RODAKOWSKA

14 - FEATURES issue 174

Nature is Reclaiming our Indoors!

All Things Houseplants words by: ELLY SAVA COYLE design by: KAMIL KOWALSKI Although the streets of Cathays have plenty to offer for students in terms of food, shops and booze, nature and greenery are slightly harder to come by. Unless you venture a little further into Roath or Bute Park, the average student day probably doesn’t involve much interaction with nature. Student lifestyles are also quite chaotic – as many of us lack a regular routine and are constantly weighed down by the pressures of university, work, and maintaining a social life.

I have found that a helpful antidote to this combination of neverending turmoil, perpetual hangovers and looming deadlines can be found in the magic of looking after houseplants. Amongst the complexities of student life, plants serve as a reminder of the necessities of taking care of yourself and others. We need light, water, and a little bit of love just like plants do.

Houseplants have been enjoying a huge growth spurt in their popularity, just check out the tag #plantsofinstagram to see some of the frenzy played out on social media. The ‘plant lady’ is now replacing the ‘cat lady’ phenomenon. As vegan diets are making us eat our vegetables, and avoiding plastic pollution is making us brush our teeth with bamboo, our awareness of the climate crisis has steered our lifestyles back towards connecting with plants.

Aside from ecological considerations, the trend for health and wellness is also playing a part in boosting plant sales. Studies show that houseplants make us happier and healthier, as spending time near them aids concentration, reduces mental fatigue and lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. They also purify our air, NASA has highlighted the talent of peace lilies and snake plants in reducing air toxins within just 24 hours.

It’s easy to get creative and brighten up your student room with plants. It really encourages you to make use of space, explore what your tastes are and improve your environment. It’s also super cheap, so it is an accessible hobby for people on all budgets, you can often pick up things for a pound or two – keep an eye on the reduced sections to adopt some neglected plant-babies!

As pottery for your plants can be on the pricier side of things, charity shops are a great place to pick up some bargains. Or you can get creative and use bowls, mugs, plates, or even just paint and decorate the original pot to jazz up its aesthetic charm.

TOP TIPS: • • •

•

Plants prefer water that isn’t straight from the tap – let it sit in the air for 24 hours first.

Before watering, check if the soil is ready. If the first layer of soil still feels damp, it doesn’t need watering yet. If it’s dry, water away.

An easy way to make sure a plant gets the right amount of water is by watering it from the bottom. Fill a bowl or tray with water and then pop the plant pot in, leaving it for around an hour to soak up the amount it needs. If it has soaked up all the water straight away, repeat the process again until there is water left at the bottom of the bowl – this shows that its had enough (just make sure to get rid of any excess water at the end).

Most pests can be easily treated with a combination of fairy liquid and warm water! Just mix a pint of water to a teaspoon of washing up liquid and use a spray bottle to target the bugs.

HOUSEPLANT GUIDE: RANK – EASY Snake Plant A great plant for beginners, as it is super low-maintenance yet still impresses you with its sturdy, architectural leaves. It will tolerate even the most neglectful owner.

Sun: This plant is happy in most light conditions.

Water: Snake plants only need watering every couple of weeks, and they cope well with neglect so will survive with even less.

Devil’s Ivy This plant doesn’t get its name for nothing, you could leave it in the dark for months without water and it just wouldn’t die.

Despite this, it’s a really lovely plant to brighten up student rooms. As it grows you can pin it to trail around and create your own personal jungle.

Sun: Devil’s Ivy also isn’t too fussy about light or shade.

Water: They prefer to be watered weekly, although they dislike being over-watered, so just keep an eye on the soil.

If you want to read more about houseplants scan the QR code:

issue 174 Children’s author, poet, screenwriter, fighter pilot, spy, inventor – the list goes on. Roald Dahl was the mastermind behind Matilda, The BFG, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, and many, many more well-known and loved stories. If you haven’t read any of his books you might be familiar with the movie adaptations (and you may have been terrified by The Witches, too).

What some people don’t know is that 103 years ago, Roald Dahl was born in Wales. He was born to Norwegian parents, Harald Dahl and Sofie Magdalene Dahl, who had emigrated some years before his birth. Dahl lived in Wales until the late 1920s. Although he only spent his childhood in Wales, his influence and legacy remain evident. Although he passed away in 1990, he remains a prominent name in Cardiff, and in the literary world as a whole. If you grew up in Wales, it is likely that Roald Dahl was part of the curriculum in school – Danny the Champion of the World, The Twits, Fantastic Mr Fox, The Magic Finger – he continues to be remembered in classrooms all over the country. In 2016, Cardiff hosted an event called City of the Unexpected, which celebrated Dahl’s life and many works. More than 35,000 people visited Cardiff for the event.

He is far from being forgotten.

There are several places in Cardiff that you can visit in order to walk in his footsteps, and see how he helped allow Cardiff to continue to thrive as a creative city.

The Norwegian Church and Roald Dahl Plass Situated in Cardiff Bay, The Norwegian Church is the oldest surviving church in Britain founded by the Norwegian Seamen’s Mission. It is also the church where Roald Dahl and his siblings were christened. Without Dahl, it is possible the church may have continued to fall into disrepair and it may not have ever existed today, as he campaigned in the 1970s for it to be saved. He was also the Norwegian Church Preservation Trust’s first appointed president. It is definitely a reflection of Dahl’s importance to Cardiff. The church is now an arts centre and an ideal place to sit down with a cup of tea and a ‘scrumdiddlyumptious’ piece of cake.

You can also visit Roald Dahl Plass, formerly known as the Oval Basin plaza, with ‘plass’ meaning place in Norwegian, a reference to his roots. A major part of Cardiff Bay, situated outside of the Millennium Centre and near the Senedd, it hosts a range of great food and music events each year and is a clear indicator of the impact Dahl had on Cardiff. It is definitely worth visiting it, and it’s the perfect opportunity for a day trip to Cardiff Bay! Dahl’s impact on Cardiff is undeniable – as a celebrated children’s writer, his Welsh background is so important and continues to show that no matter where you are from, you can make a difference through making good use of your creativity!

Radyr and Cumberland Lodge Roald Dahl and his family lived in a house called Tŷ Mynydd in Radyr in the 1920s. Before it was demolished in the late 1960s, it was a large country house surrounded by farms and woodland. Although it is not possible to visit Tŷ Mynydd, at St. John Baptist Churchyard the grave for his father Harald, and sister Astri, still stands. After their deaths, the Dahls moved to Cumberland Lodge in Llandaff, which is now part of Howells’ School.

Llandaff Cathedral School When he was seven years old, Roald started at Llandaff Cathedral School which at the time was situated at a place now known as The Cathedral Green. In his autobiography, Boy, Roald Dahl fondly reflects on his time at the school, sharing anecdotes about bicycles and the local sweetshop. Mrs Pratchett’s Sweetshop (now, The Great Wall of China takeaway) Roald Dahl passed this sweetshop every day before and after school, staring at the wonders of sweet treats inside, and it was likely the inspiration for his 1964 novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It is also where he and his friends devised The Great Mouse Plot. If you have read Boy then it is likely you’ll remember this infamous trick. In short, Dahl and his friends managed to put a mouse in a jar of gobstoppers in order to scare the ‘mean’ Mrs Pratchett who owned the sweetshop. It can’t be denied, although his description of the woman is quite disgusting – ‘her hands, […] were black with dirt and grime.

They looked as though they had been putting lumps of coal on the fire all day long. And do not forget please that it was these very hands and fingers that she plunged into the sweet-jars…’

– you’ve got to admit, the prank was pretty wild for a bunch of 7-year-olds. You can visit this iconic place and its blue plaque dedicated to Dahl, and grab some treats whilst you’re at it!

CULTURE - 15

words by: KAITIE WAITS design by: ORLAGH TURNER

W H O W A S R O A L D D A H L ?

16 - CULTURE issue 174

The Hidden Culture of Cardiff A guide to some of the best off-the-beaten-path places in Cardiff words by: ANDREA GAINI design by: ALESSIO PHILIP GRAIN

I take the beginning of the semester as a kind of New Year’s Resolution, when I come back to Cardiff with lots of promises to make a better life and go out exploring the world a bit more. So, this year I thought I’d make a use of this “exploring plan”; here’s a little guide to some of the less common places to visit in Cardiff. Whether this is your first time coming to Wales and you just want to have a break from all the Cardiff curricular visits, or a returning term-time Cardiffian, I hope you’ll join me in this quest for some new, quirky and fun activities in the ‘Diff! Enjoy!

Yr Hen Lyfrgell (The Old Library)

The Secrets of Bute Park

photo by Alessio Philip Grain

Spiller Records

Let’s start off with a little detour to one of the most visited places in Cardiff; Bute Park. It’s an unmissable spot when in the city, and while walking around the park I suggest that you keep an eye out for some hidden gems. For example, Bute Park is home to a sculpture trail: a series of meaningful wooden sculptures dotted around the park.

You can also see an Arboretum and the Blackfriars Friary, two established historical monuments that have remained there over the years. The Animal Walls is another interesting feature to take a look at while walking out of the park and snap a few pictures with your favourite creature. While exploring, you can also read on the Bute Park Website some history and fun stories about these little gems.

If you are taking your parents out for lunch in one of the famous arcades, you should definitely check out this place. Known as the oldest music record store in the whole world, Spiller Records has been an institution for the music culture in Wales since 1894.

Over the years they have faced several challenges, but the city and the people of Cardiff have fought hard to keep this place alive. When you walk in it feels like travelling back in time and it’s a very interesting to have a browse of the new releases, flicking through CDs and vinyls like in the ‘old’ days.

If you are moving to Cardiff, or have already been living here, you cannot miss out on the opportunity to explore the Welsh language and its beautiful ancestry. Yr Hen Lyfrgell, also known as the Old Library, is a newly refurbished and redesigned language centre where visitors can immerse themselves in language courses as well as music and comedy gigs both in English and Welsh. You can also shop for books, homeward, cards and cute Welsh gifts. The library is also home to a Milk & Sugar which serves lovely brunch and lunch! Its location is one more reason to visit as it’s situated right in the middle of the city centre, in front of Cardiff Central Market and close by to every major attraction. Definitely a place to stop by to have some food or a browse while wandering around town.

Roath Park

Cardiff is a very rainy city, like most cities in the U.K., however, you do get the occasional sunny days and you should make the most of them!

Roath Park is one of those places that, as a student living in Cathays or around the university, might not always be the closest place, but is definitely worth the visit. The park is divided into three main sections with different characteristics and things to do. My favourite parts are the Botanic Garden, where you can take a little tour around thousands of beautiful plants and flowers, and the boat rides where you can hire a boat with your friends before taking a stroll around the lake.

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The Other Room Theatre This is one of the leading Circus companies in the U.K. and it was founded in 1986, right here, in Cardiff! The company now tours around the U.K. and Europe a lot, but they never forget their roots and often either start a tour or come back to Cardiff for a few weeks of shows. Last year the show Lexicon directed by Firenza Guidi was in Cardiff for 2 weeks in June. NoFit State Circus also does incredible classes for all disciplines and levels at their school just off Newport Road.

It’s a great way to mix art and creativity with fitness and working out.

Cardifferent Historic Pub Tour

You can’t really say you’ve lived in a city until you’ve tried the historical pubs, so here’s a great way to learn more about the city and also drink a few pints on the way! This historic pub tour takes visitors on a walking tour across the city centre of Cardiff guided by professional actors who tell stories about the pubs and city’s development over the years.

Cardiff has an incredibly vibrant and diverse theatrical culture which spans from classic Shakespearean theatre to modern musical theatre and alternative arts. The Other Room is a pub theatre rooted in the Welsh culture, that prides itself of supporting the Welsh drama community and local artists. Many of the shows that they put on are also produced by themselves and often vary from new experimental productions to modern plays from 1950s onwards. The 45-seat theatre creates an intimate and intense atmosphere making every theatrical experience unforgettable. The theatre is located inside the bar Porter’s in the city centre which also has great nights of karaoke, open mic and cabaret!

The Vaults

Built in 1926, this place started off as a bank vault in Cardiff Bay, which has now been transformed into one of the best underground venues in the UK. The Vaults is a Cardiff underground club that hosts monthly nights with House, Techno & Drum n bass artists coming from all over Europe to play. Out of all the great nights-out you will experience while in University, I think this is definitely one to try if you are into that kind of music, or simply if you want to visit a bank vault with some music on the side...

Techniquest

A day out in the bay will definitely be on your to-do list when you arrive in Cardiff, so why not take some time to learn something about science? Techniquest is a scientific exhibition open to all ages with interactive engagements go learn about science while doing. Their exhibitions change every so often and often refer to relevant events happening in the world of science. Currently, Techniquest are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with two exhibitions dedicated to the landing and its history, as well as the mysteries and myths of the moon. photo by Neven Krcmarek on Unsplash

NoFit State Circus

Ghost Tour in the Cardiff Castle

photo by Alessio Philip Grain

Ever wondered what mysteries and scary stories are buried in the Cardiff Castle? This tour takes you through the castle with some specific stops where the guides tell true stories of ghostly phenomena that have taken place in the castle. The tour takes place in the dark of the castle with an intriguing and slightly scary atmosphere. This is a very interesting alternative way to visit the castle especially with the company of some good friends. The tour can be booked only through the Cardiff History and Hauntings website.

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The Ultimate Fresher’s

design by: YEON SU CHO

Bigchangesinlifearestressfulforeveryone,andsometimesbookscanbealifelineintimesofdifficulty.

Here are four titles that might be just what you need.

Places I Stopped on the Way Home by Meg Fee

By Molly Govus I’m so grateful that life somehow made me stumble across this book. This piece of creative nonfiction describes the author’s journey through college and early adult life. Each chapter is named after a place that was significant to her own journey, which creates a beautifully unique structure. Meg Fee writes as though you’re her best friend - you get to read her deepest secrets and darkest fears. Your heart aches when hers does, you laugh when she laughs. The book makes you reflect on your own life because the content is relatable to the experiences of any young adult just trying to find their own way.

I found that reading the book was an inspirational experience; it is the kind of book where you need to re-read a line just one more time because it is so beautifully written. It is packed with intricate details and descriptions, yet it is one of the easiest books I have ever read. I think what makes it so appealing is that it is based on her own experiences. Author and reader, somehow, wonderfully, share this sense of empathy and alliance. It is absolutely worth every penny because the lessons you learn from it will last a lifetime.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

By Neus Forner Navarro I first read this book when I was 13. I read it again right before moving away to college, and it was still relevant. This book follows a young girl named Liesel in Nazi Germany.

She is sent to a foster family for protection because of her Jewish background. During her time there, she faces the horrors of the Nazi Regime whilst being an innocent kid. We walk hand in hand with her while she grows from a little girl into a young woman, and experiences the hardship of moving away from home and being alone for the first time.

Not only did this book prepare me to become independent, but it also taught me that it is okay to feel alone sometimes. Those feelings will make you connect with your true self as well as force you to go outside and try new things. We also see Liesel having to attend a new school and make new friends. At first, it may seem like the end of the world, but slowly you realize that change brings positive adjustments to your life. A helpful emotional support, it is beautifully written and it will take you on a moving journey that will make you cry and laugh. This book showed up at the perfect time, to hug me tight and boost my confidence, and I hope it will do the same to everyone that reads it. Give it a shot; it might just change your life.

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Reading List The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

By Ioan Lee I found myself relating to this novel more and more as I became independent.

The maturity of self-identity that we all feel the need to display as we grow up is presented in this novel as an aspect of life that can be evident one moment, and gone the next. As I had never lived on my own before university, the alienation that the protagonist describes became more apparent when I moved away from home, and began to see the difficulties of becoming who I wanted to be. This novel reminded me that I could truly be who I wanted to, and craft my own identity based on how I wanted to be viewed by others.

This coming-of-age story may help you worry less about the sense of belonging that many people who move away from home for the first time long for. After reading The Catcher in The Rye you may realise that you are not alone. This book made me feel better about moving away because it reassured me that all young adults face a time in which they are uncertain about independence, and that this uncertainty is just a part of life that everyone will find their own way through.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

By Megan Evans A novel that really helped with my transition from being a naĂŻve 18-year-old living at home with my parents to the mature student living away from home at university was Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I discovered it several years ago, and the reason why I loved it so much was because of the twin dynamic which I can relate to immensely, being a twin myself. The story is about two identical twin sisters starting university with different personalities and coping mechanisms. Wren is outgoing and sociable whilst Cath enjoys her own company and writing fan-fiction, as she suffers with social anxiety. I had always struggled to formulate my own identity amongst friends and family, particularly through all the changes associated with growing up, so what I enjoyed the most about the novel was seeing the two fascinating characters of Cath and Wren blossom through these big changes. Their opposing and extravagant personalities are beautifully crafted, and readers empathise with both of them. I especially liked the interwoven elements of mental health within the setting of university and first love.

Even though it is a work of fiction, it really helped me to envision myself in the future as to what my relationship could be like with my sister. I feel like books always teach you great things about yourself, and with me it was not to be afraid of standing out or being like everyone else, as I fluctuate between the two -trying to fit and rebelling. This made me feel prepared to be pushed out of my comfort zone in university; and it inspired my passion for writing as well as to pursue my ambitions in my student life.

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LUXURY IS CULTURE A

OR A NECESSITY?

For those of us living in a capital city such as Cardiff, nothing is easier than getting addicted to culture of any kind. From stopping to watch a street performer in town, to seeing your favourite opera at the Millennium Centre, the opportunities are endless. But if you’re a student, they are often far from affordable. And I’m not just talking about the so-called ‘high culture’ (i.e. opera, ballet, theatre, art museums), but also popular culture. When you’re surviving on baked beans on toast, saving fifty quid to see your favourite rock band just isn’t an option. But why is culture so expensive? Is this fair, or is our capitalist society making culture less accessible even when it could be?

during the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, in the financial year 20122013, the Arts Council reduced its funding of theatres, galleries and other cultural organisations by a staggering £40 million, and prospects seem to keep getting bleaker. It’s a vicious cycle where if the government doesn’t fund the arts, consumers end up having to make up for it by paying high prices, which are the reason why cultural activities are becoming less and less accessible.

We need to understand that the cultural industries are not only one of the main sources of revenue for cities like Cardiff which survive on tourism, but also that being able to access culture is a fundamental component of a society’s wellbeing. With about 13% of the global population suffering Something to consider is that culture is produced by artists who need from some kind of mental illness, various studies have demonstrated to pay their bills like everyone else. And, most importantly, the creation how cultural activities can be therapeutic and the perfect antidote to of a cultural product is always a collective effort. The loneliness. Arts and Minds is a leading mental health cost of that thirty-pound ticket that you paid for a and arts charity focusing on ‘arts on prescription’, night at the theatre will most likely be split between which aims to encourage people to enjoy cultural the cast, the crew, the venue hire, all the marketing ‘...being able to access activities and create their own artistic products, campaigns and whatnot. Suddenly the price doesn’t such as sculptures and paintings. Operating mainly sound so unreasonable if we think about what it culture is a fundamental across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, both in really covers. My point is, creating cultural products component of a society’s schools and community spaces, the charity found takes time, sweat and sometimes even blood. Despite that around 76% of participants experienced an what the internet and modern technology might lead wellbeing’ increased sense of general wellbeing along with us to think, if you want your favourite author to keep decreased depression and anxiety. writing, and your favourite singer to keep making music, you’ll need to keep paying for their work.

Cultural activities are therefore a necessity, and should be treated as such.

Luckily, Wales is starting to move in this direction, with the Arts Council Nonetheless, it is undeniable that some of the prices for cultural events recently implementing the Experiencing the Arts Fund to encourage and activities are, more often than not, too expensive for those who don’t “creative learning through the Arts”. The initiative provides funding have money to spare. Access to culture is at risk of becoming a matter for schools and organisations to spend on innovative and risk-taking of financial possibilities and background, and it shouldn’t be about creative projects, with the belief that “people who are arts enthusiasts that. Culture is synonymous with knowledge, freedom of expression, in later life will often point to a specific event during their school years and even social change, which is why it should be a fundamental part that got them excited about the arts”. While it might be more difficult of everyone’s learning experience, especially for young people. And for university students, I find that there are great ways to contribute yet, cultural activities are still perceived as something of an accessory, and make the most of cultural spaces in Cardiff without spending too a luxury exclusively linked to leisure time. But I could tell you about much: you can donate to the Library or the Museum, because even just countless times a book, a play or a concert helped me through my £1 can make a difference; or you can support emerging artists who often darkest times and contributed to my personal growth. organise events which you can attend for free or by only paying a small fee. Because, at the end of the day, culture is a lens through which we This is why, with the arts and humanities programmes constantly at risk define ourselves and our perspective on life and, as such, it should be for lack of funding, I believe that we need to think about culture in a for everyone. different way. At the moment, the cultural and creative industries are words by: SOFIA BRIZIO the least publicly funded in the UK. After the breath-taking showcase design by: NATASCHA NG

Y

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SUT I BEIDIO COLLI EICH CYMRAEG YM MHRIFYSGOL words by: LOWRI PITCHER design by: NATASCHA NG

r ôl blynyddoedd maith o fynychu ysgol cyfrwng Cymraeg, dysgu Cymraeg neu ddefnyddio’r Gymraeg gyda theulu a ffrindiau, mae’n bosib taw dod i’r brifysgol yw’r tro cyntaf i chi fynd am gyfnodau estynedig heb ddefnyddio’r iaith. Serch hynny, nid yw newid amgylchedd yn golygu bod rhaid i chi stopio defnyddio’r Gymraeg. Dyma amryw o syniadau ynglŷn â sut i sicrhau nad yw’ch safon ieithyddol yn dirywio, ac yn bosib iawn, gallai’r syniadau yma wella cyfoethogi’ch safon ieithyddol ac eich profiad yn y brifysgol:

Ymunâ’r GymGym

Os hoffech chi ddefnyddio’r iaith mewn amgylchedd anffurfiol i gymdeithasu a chreu ffrindiau newydd, gallech chi ymuno â chymdeithas y Gymraeg yma ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd, y GymGym. Mae’r gymdeithas yn cynnig amrywiaeth o brofiadau gwahanol sy’n apelio at bob math o berson, mae rhai o weithgareddau’r GymGym yn cynnwys: • Trefnu crôls tafarndai • Mynychu gemau rygbi • Trefnu teithiau i lefydd fel Caeredin a Pharis • Cymryd rhan mewn Eisteddfodau • Cynnal sober-socials • Hysbysebu cyfleoedd gwaith ble gellir siarad Cymraeg Mae ymuno â’r gymdeithas yn hawdd; ymaelodwch drwy brynu aelodaeth ar wefan Undeb Myfyrwyr Caerdydd, ymunwch â grŵp y GymGym ar wefannau cymdeithasol ac ewch i’r digwyddiad nesaf maent yn cynnal!

Modiwlau Cymraeg

Mae nifer o brifysgolion ledled Cymru yn cynnig modiwlau cyfrwng y Gymraeg. Mae’r Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol yn cydweithio gyda Phrifysgol Caerdydd ac erbyn hyn mae 39 cwrs yma yng Nghaerdydd sy’n cynnig rhwng 33% a 100% o fodiwlau trwy’r Gymraeg. Mae’r ystod o gyrsiau sy’n cynnig modiwlau trwy’r Gymraeg yn eang iawn; o’r Gyfraith i Fathemateg i Athroniaeth.

Yn well fyth, mae’r Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol yn cynnig ysgoloriaethau rhwng £1,500 - £3,000 dros gyfnod eich gradd os ydych yn penderfynu astudio mwy na thraean o’ch gradd trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Cymraeg i Bawb

Os hoffech chi barhau i wella’ch sgiliau, meistroli’r iaith, neu fagu mwy o hyder yn defnyddio’r Gymraeg, pam na elwa o wersi rhad ac am ddim Cymraeg i Bawb? Mae Ysgol y Gymraeg yn cynnig cyrsiau wythnosol yn addas i fyfyrwyr lefelau dechreuwyr, sylfaen, canolradd ac uwch i unrhyw fyfyrwyr y brifysgol y hoffai ymuno.

Mae’r cyrsiau yn ystyried bod gennych waith prifysgol i’w gyflawni,

felly cynhelir y gwersi yn ystod y prynhawn hwyr/ nosweithiau ac nid oes gormod o waith cartref! Dyma gyfle gwych i fagu hyder, ymarfer eich sgiliau llafar a meistroli gramadeg, dim ots beth ydy’ch lefel ieithyddol.

Er mwyn ymuno, cysylltwch gydag Ysgol y Gymraeg neu mewn gofnodwch ar SIMS a dilynwch y cyfarwyddiadau.

Gair Rhydd a Quench

Hoffech chi ymarfer eich iaith mewn amgylchedd gymdeithasol wrth dderbyn profiad gwaith gwerthfawr gellir nodi ar eich CV yn y dyfodol? Ymunwch â Chyfryngau Myfyrwyr Cymraeg Caerdydd!

Mae Gair Rhydd, papur newydd y brifysgol a sefydlwyd yn y 70au wastad yn chwilio am fyfyrwyr brwdfrydig i gyfrannu i’r adran Gymraeg, Taf-od. Pob wythnos mae rhestr o bynciau amrywiol, o wleidyddiaeth i bynciau mynegi barn, i ddewis ohonynt a gallech ysgrifennu erthyglau ar sail y pynciau yma.

Yn debyg, mae cylchgrawn misol y brifysgol, Quench, yn croesawiu cyfranwyr i’w Adran Gymraeg, Clebar, sy’n trafod pob math o bynciau cysylltiedig i Gymru a’r Gymraeg.

Nid oes angen astudio gradd newyddiaduraeth er mwyn cyfrannu, mae’r papur yn croesawu cyfranwyr o bob disgyblaeth, yr unig beth sydd angen ydy brwdfrydedd i ysgrifennu erthyglau o ansawdd da!

Ymunwch â’r grŵp cyfranwyr CMCC ar Facebook neu cysylltwch gyda Gair Rhydd neu Quench er mwyn darganfod mwy!

Xpress Radio

Yn ogystal â phapur newydd a chylchgrawn Prifysgol Caerdydd, mae gan y brifysgol orsaf radio, Xpress. Pob wythnos mae rhaglenni yn cael eu darlledu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg yn trafod pynciau amrywiol sy’n estyn o drafod newyddion y dydd, cynnal sgyrsiau llawen llawn hiwmor i drafod manylion Brexit a digwyddiadau diweddaraf byd gwleidyddiaeth.

Er mwyn cadw safon eich Cymraeg, ceisiwch wrando ar rai o’r sioeau Cymraeg. Roedd sioeau Cymraeg llynedd yn cynnwys: Gwyneb Radio, Crac y Wawr, Gwylio Gwleidyddiaeth, Y Tri Gŵr Ffôl, Malu ar yr Awyr, a, Lawr yn y Ddinas. Os ydych yn ymddiddori yn y sioeau, beth am ystyried cysylltu gyda’r cyflwynwyr? Efallai bydd cyfle i chi ymuno â nhw ar yr awyr!

Felly, er bod dod i’r brifysgol yn golygu efallai nad ydych chi’n cael defnyddio’r Gymraeg yn yr un ffordd ag yn ystod bywyd ysgol a chartref, nid yw’n golygu bod rhaid ffarwelio â’r iaith yn gyfan gwbl. Mae ystod eang o weithgareddau ar gael i ddiddanu unrhyw un; o crôls gwisg ffansi gyda’r GymGym i fynychu gwersi Cymraeg neu ysgrifennu erthyglau papur newydd proffesiynol i Gair Rhydd a Quench.

Rhaid cofio bod y gallu i siarad Cymraeg yn sgil gwerthfawr iawn a gallai fod o fydd i chi yn y dyfodol agos!

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Ni’n lwcus bois! Ni’n byw mewn uffern o ddinas sydd a hen ddigon i’w wneud. Anodd iawn yw diflasu a’r brifddinas arbennig yma. Er dyw hynny ddim yn golygu bod rhaid inni aros ’ma 24/7. Os oes lot i wneud yng nghanol y ddinas, mae ’na hyd yn oed mwy i’w wneud tu hwnt i’r ffiniau hynny. Dewch i fi gael rhannu rhai syniadau gyda chi am bethau i wneud ar eich penwythnosau rhydd.

Nawr peidiwch â phoeni, dyw cael car ddim yn angenrheidiol i fynd i ymweld â’r llefydd yma. Mae trafnidiaeth gyhoeddus eithaf da i gael, er bod ganddo weithiau enw gwael ganddo. Dyw prysiau tocynnau ddim yn ffôl chwaith.

HOLLYWOOD DE CYMRY? - YNYS Y BARRI

Oh, what´s occuring! Mecca fans un o gomedïau mwyaf llwyddiannus Prydain erioed, Gavin and Stacey. Dyma le cafwyd llawer helaeth o’r golygfeydd eiconig eu ffilmio gyda’r Ynys (sydd actually ddim yn ‘ynys’ o gwbl) wedi datblygu i fod yn un o’r lleoliadau mwyaf enwog ym Mhrydain erbyn hyn. Yn aml, mae bws “Dave’s Coaches” wedi ei barcio ar lan y môr i’r dilynwyr teilwng cael mynnu selfie o’i flaen. Gallwch hefyd wario’ch benthyciad myfyriwr ar y slots yn yr union arcêd yr oedd yr anfarwol Nessa Shannessa Jenkins yn gweithio. Rhyw hanner awr o’r ynys i mewn i dref Y Barri ei hun, gallwch fentro lan un o strydoedd mwyaf serth Cymru (heb ei brofi’n wyddonol) sef Trinity Street. Yn rhif 47 cafodd yr omelettes amhrisiadwy eu coginio yn nhŷ neb llai na Stacey a Gwen eu hun.

Ar y ffordd nôl ar y trên, er mwyn gwneud y diwrnod o “Gavin and Stacey Sightseeing” yn iawn, gallwch alw heibio yn Ninas Powys sydd ar lwybr y trên er mwyn ymweld â thŷ Pam a Mick.

I’r lleiafrif bach bach ohonoch chi sydd yn casáu’r rhaglen, neu hyd yn oed yn waeth, heb weld y rhaglen, mae yna ffair i gael yno i’ch diddanu. Mae ‘na Wetherspoons yno hefyd. Pawb yn hapus.

BAE LLAWN CHWARAEON

I’r rhai sydd heb wastraffu eu bywyd prin o flaen y teledu, mae ‘na ddigon o gyfleodd chwaraeon ar gael. Ym Mae Caerdydd (sydd ddim cweit yng nghanol Caerdydd felly ma’ fe’n gal bod yn y rhestr), mae yna lu o weithgareddau gan gynnwys y Ganolfan Dŵr Gwyn. Mae Dŵr Gwyn Rhyngwladol Cymru yn lle allwch feithrin eich sgiliau canŵ ar y dŵr cythrybled. Gallwch hefyd ddysgu sut mae syrffio a hefyd “hot-doggio”,(fi ddim cweit yn siŵr beth ma hwnna’n meddwl chwaith a fi ofn ‘Googleo’ fe!). Drws nesaf i’r ganolfan yma mae ‘na chanolfan arall sef “Canolfan Ia Cymru.” Darganfyddwch y Torvill and Dean sydd y tu fewn i chi a rhowch gynnig ar sglefrio ia mewn arena sy’n gartref i “Red Devils”.

TRAETHAU’R GWŶR

Anghofies i sôn wrth drafod y Barri am y traeth hollol syfrdanol sydd ganddynt yno. Mae De Cymru yn gartref i niferoedd o draethau deniadol.

Cymrwch hyn wrtha i, ddim byd gwell i ladd “hangover” na phrynhawn braf yn gorwedd ar y traeth yn clywed y tonnau’n torri a’r haul yn tywynnu.

Mae 3 o’r rhai gorau yng Nghymru dafliad carreg o Gaerdydd ar arfordir y Gwŷr.

ROYAL MINT EXPERIENCE BAE RHOSILI

PORTH EINION

BAE LANGLAND

words by: RHODRI DAVIES design by: LUISA DE LA CONCHA MONTES

issue 174 ▶▶ Bae Rhosili: Tywod melyn man sydd yma. Yn ôl sawl sefydliad, dyma draeth gorau Prydain ▶▶ Porth Einion: Hawlia’r traeth yma’r casgliad mwyaf o siopau gan gynnwys siopau gwisgoedd syrffio. ▶▶ Bae Langland: Gallwch gerdded dros y clogwyni o’r traeth yma i ymweld â Bae Caswell.

HEN DAI HYNAFOL

Mae yna ddigon o ddewis i’r haneswyr yn ein plith. Yn amlwg, mae gan Gymru nifer helaeth o gestyll ac abatai. Ychydig i’r gogledd o Gaerdydd yn Nhongwynlais, mae Castell Coch sy’n gastell a gafodd ei godi yn 19eg ganrif. Castell eithaf modern i gymharu â llawer ohonyn nhw. Mae’r bensaernïaeth werth ei weld. Hefyd, rhyw 20 milltir lawr y ffordd fe welwn ni Abaty Tyndyrn sef un o›r golygfeydd gorau yng Nghymru pan oleuir hi fyny.

Os nad ydych chi am deithio yn bell rhwng pob adeilad hanesyddol, ewch am dro i Amgueddfa Hanes Cenedlaethol Sain Ffagan. Hefyd symydon nhw nifer o hen adeiladau arwyddocaol yng Nghymru i un man sydd ar gyrion Caerdydd. Yn ogystal â hyn mae ‹na stryd wedi ei ail-greu i edrych fel un o ddechrau’r ganrif ddiwethaf ac yn goron ar y cyfan, mae’r amgueddfa am ddim i bawb.

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I’R PANT A RHED Y DŴR - NETWORK RIDER

Yn amlwg, gallwn ni ddim mynd yn bell iawn heb arian. Er bod nifer helaeth ohonom bellach yn gaethweision i ffurf talu ddigyswllt, rydym yn dal i ddefnyddio arian parod weithiau. Yn y Royal Mint Experience yn Llantrisant, gallwch ymweld ar fannau lle’r cynllunnir a lle gwneir arian parod. Mae modd yno hefyd i wasgu ceiniog eich hunan. Am gyffrous.

Gallwch hefyd ddysgu am hanes arian a hefyd gweld y casgliad o geiniogau arbennig oherwydd byddwch yn onest, ni gyd wedi trio dal gafael ar geiniogau’r Gemau Olympaidd. Diddorol iawn. Ceir gostyngiad i fyfyrwyr hefyd sy’n fendith felly £11.50 yw pris mynediad.

Wel, gobeithio bod gennych well syniad o bethau i wneud o amgylch Caerdydd ar fro yn y dyfodol. Cofiwch; does dim angen gwario er mwyn joio.

ABATY TYNDYRN

CASTELL COCH

SAIN FFAGAN

YNYS Y BARRY

BAE CAERDYDD

24 - CLEBAR issue 174

Ydych chi’n barod am noson allan yng Nghaerdydd? Cymryd ein prawf ni i ddarganfod y lle orau i chi ddawnsio tan ddiwedd y nôs.

1.YDYCH CHI’N MYND ‘OUT’ NEU ‘OUT OUT’?

2. BETH YW EICH HOFF FATH O GERDDORIAETH?

a) ‘Out’

a)Roc

b) ‘Out Out’

b) Pop c) Charts a R n B d) Arall

3. BETH FYDDECH YN YFED AR EICH NOSON ALLAN? a) Dark Fruits b) VKs

4. PA FATH O GIMMICKS YDYCH CHI’N HOFFI GWELD AR NOSON ALLAN? a) Cerddoriaeth fyw

c) Vodka Cranberry

b) Selebs D List fel rhywun o Love Island

d) Arall

c) Pobl mewn gwisg ffansi d) Arall

5. BLE FYDDECH CHI’N MYND AM FWYD AM 3 O GLOCH Y BORE? a) Mc Donald’s b) Fattoush c) Family Fish d) Arall

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CLEBAR - 25

geiriau gan: INDIGO JONES llun gan: ASHLEY BOYLE

MWYAFRIF A NEU D Efallai oedd e’n last minute night out neu benblwydd eich ffrind, mae Live Lounge yn addas i bob oedran ac yn agor pob dydd yr wythnos. Y lle gorau yng Nghaerdydd i glywed cerddoriaeth byw a gorffen eich noson yn Mc Donald’s. Y peth gorau am Live Lounge yw’r diodydd cheap, cofiwch fynychu Power Hour i brynu diodydd am £1.

MWYAFRIF A NEU D Clwb Ifor Bach neu “Welsh Club” fel y Saeson yn eu galw fo, yn lle bril i wylio amrywiaeth o bands a cherddoriaeth Cymraeg. Nad yn unig hwnna ond hefyd rydyn yn cynnal noson Propaganda a Dirty Pop, perffaith i bobl gyda diddordeb mewn cerddoriaeth wahanol yn lle charts.

MWYAFRIF B NEU C

Cartref i Yolo a Juice, mae’r SU yn weld y fwyaf o fyfyrwyr Prifysgol Caerdydd pob wythnos. Mae Yolo yn weld cymdeithasau yn gwisgo lan a gwneud gwahanol initiations. Juice ar y llaw arall yn cynnig Juice a vodka am £3, efallai mai’r ddel hyn yn esbonio pam mae rhai myfyrwyr yn cael tattoos o’r logo’r noson!

MWYAFRIF B NEU C Ahhh Pryzm y lle gorau i weld D-List selebs fel Dani Harmer (Tracy Beaker), pobl o Love Island a hefyd Basshunter. Ble arall gallwch chi gael y legendary ‘Quids in’? Vks am £1 a’r Grease medley yn chwarae, ni allwch chi fynd o’i le. A gyda thair ystafell yn chwarae amrywiaeth o gerddoriaeth, mae Pryzm yn denu Freshers a myfyrwyr yn eu hail a trydedd flwyddyn.

26 - FOOD & DRINK issue 174

Cooking Made Easy:

A Simple Guide To Start Cooking For Yourself At Uni Moving to university means a lot of fun and exciting things are to come, but also that there will be some stress getting used to a completely different lifestyle to what you’ve known your whole life until now.

Learning to cook for yourself can be one of those stressful things, but it is something we can all manage it with a little practice. Here’s a few tips and guides on things that have been useful for me when I started university three years ago (God, I’m old!)

Kitchen Essentials: Condiments and food to keep in the cupboard/fridge at all times: Olive oil Butter Salt & pepper Onions and garlic Some spices to your taste Nuts and almonds (healthy and nice to snack on) Peanut butter (for a yummy smoothie) Bagels (in case you run out of your favourite cereal for breakfast or fancy a midnight snack) Frozen peas (read further to find out how to make an

excellent side with them) Utensils: Frying pan Wooden spoons Chopping board A good pair of scissors A decent set of knives it might seem a bit of waste of money, but you can find really cheap AND good knives, and trust me they’ll save you a couple of finger cuts.

Medium sized pot Bowl Potato peeler Whisk (however, never try to make vegan meringue with it if you still want both arms attached to your body by the end of uni… you need an electric whisk for that, definitely!)

Quick, easy & healthy meal preps: BREAKFAST: Nom-nom bagel

1 2 3

Tips to start you off safely, smoothly and tastily: Wash your hands, rinse your food and eat clean It may sound a bit silly, but washing things is essential if you want to be safe in the kitchen, especially your hands! So rinse out everything before you start cooking or eating!

A sharp knife is a safe knife, so sharpen your knives with the back of a plate!

Yes, it’s true. A sharp knife will slice through food easily and that means you will have to apply less pressure to cut and will be less likely to slip and cut your fingers off. Most of us students don’t own a knife sharpener, however, you can use the back of a plate to sharpen them! Slice the knife sideways against the borders on which the plate would normally stand and in a few seconds your knife will be sharper than ever!

Put salt in the water!

If you're boiling food, either pasta or vegetables or even meat, always put some salt in the water when it starts to boil before immersing the food.

The salt will melt in the water and season your boiled food evenly, making everything tastier!

LUNCH or DINNER: Pasta alla Norma

EASY AND TASTY SIDE: Peas and garlic

DISCLAIMER: For any Italians out there, this recipe has been revisited to make it easier, vegan and healthier, don’t hate me!

If you're struggling to find something to accompany your meal, here’s a quick and easy way to make peas very tasty!

Frozen peas 2 cloves of garlic Olive oil Salt and pepper

ingredients A sliced bagel Olive oil Salt Tomatoes Lettuce A few drops of balsamic vinegar Ham (or a fried egg for a vegetarian version) 1 Toast the bagel and slice the tomatoes in half.

2 Rub the sliced tomatoes on the bagel so that the bread absorbs the juice, then chop the tomatoes up and place them on top.

3 Place the lettuce on the bagel with a few drops of balsamic vinegar, some salt and some olive oil.

4 Place the ham or the fried egg on top and enjoy!

100g of rigatoni (or another type of short pasta) 1 Aubergine 2 cloves of garlic Tomato passata Basil Olive oil Salt and pepper

1 Fry the the diced garlic cloves with some olive oil in a pan and allow to cook until the garlic is a golden colour.

2 Dice the aubergines and place them in the pan with the garlic, leaving them cook until golden.

3 Add the tomato passata, basil, salt, pepper and a pinch of sugar to counterbalance the bitterness of the tomato. Allow to cook for a few minutes until the tomato sauce starts to lightly boil.

4 Boil some water in a pot, add the salt and cook the pasta.

5 Add the pasta to the sauce and stir it in for a few seconds.

Plate it up and enjoy!

1 Fry the the garlic with some olive oil in a pan and allow to cook for a few seconds.

2 Add the peas.

3 Allow to cook until soft. If they start to burn at all, add a little water.

4 Add salt and pepper to taste and your side is ready! words by: ANDREA GAINI design by: DOMINIKA MATUSIAK

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The Food of my People

Welsh Cakes

If there was ever a definite “you don’t know how good something is until it’s gone” moment, then it's when you suddenly realise that the food your hometown has named as its local delicacy means a lot more to you than you first thought. What are some of our contributors missing from back home?

Being a Welsh patriot, I couldn’t let our famed food not feature in this article. We have a very small but cosy place in the world of culinary delights, with cawl, bara brith and Welsh rarebit all coming to mind when considering some of the best of Wales’ exports. However, there is one item that rules amongst these: The Welsh Cake.

Welsh cakes are a form of enigma to anyone not from Wales, as I recently discovered when strolling through Cardiff Market with some fellow freshers. When asked to describe the phenomenon, I drew a blank, how do you begin to describe a Welsh cake? And what makes them so good?

To me, Welsh cakes are a versatile option when looking for a perfect cup of tea accompaniment. They’re more filling than chocolate and similar items of confectionery, but also lighter than your traditional slice of cake due to their size. This also means they’re perfect as a winter snack or as a treat alongside a summer picnic.

To all freshers new to Wales: Try a Welsh cake ASAP! I truly believe it’s one of the bucket list items for any Cardiff newbie who wants to acquaint themselves with a bit of Welsh culture! words by: JOSH ALLEN

Conwy Mussels

Bedfordshire Clanger

Devon Cream Tea

# Conwy is not only a historic walled town with a 13th century castle, it is also home to a plethora of gastronomic delights, ranging from a Catalonian patisserie to an awardwinning butcher. However, it is Conwy’s legendary seafood which stands out, specifically, Conwy Mussels.With distinctive rich-tasting, succulent meat, wild Conwy Mussels are the most flavoursome in the UK, so much so, that they have their own Protected Designation of Origin. Large, with colourful oval shells and a point at one end, the mussels are sustainably hand-raked from the seabed in the Conwy Estuary where they naturally form and feed on microscopic plankton. Using this traditional Welsh method, they are harvested in the designated area during the mussel fishing season, between 1st September until 30th April. One of the reasons these mussels are bigger is due to an agreement with the Conwy Mussel Development Group where all mussels can only be harvested at a minimum of 4.5cm long.Their fame has reached the BBC’s Countryfile, with Matt Baker visiting Conwy at the start of the fishing season. It's no surprise that Conwy Mussels are used by many top chefs, both locally and further afield. Why not give them a try? words by: ANGHARAD MAY

The humble Bedfordshire clanger. Sound familiar? Probably not. But appearances on The Great British Bake Off, and Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast have put it on the map. The clanger is a complete meal in one suet pastry encasing a savoury filling at one end (such as gammon, onion, and potato), and something sweet (like stewed apple) at the other, with a pastry ‘dam’ to keep them separate.

Traditionally, the farmers’ wives would send their husbands off with a clanger in the morning and they would warm it up in a pile of dung at midday. Luckily, warming them up in dung is now a thing of the past! After the clanger was featured on Jamie and Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast, a local bakery added modern fillings such as Bombay vegetable curry and mango - a tasty, hearty lunch when you’re on the go.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a Cardiff version, so these will have to stay as a Bedfordshire treat for now. There is, however, a popular Welsh pasty filled with Welsh lamb, leeks, redcurrant jelly, and currants, but the variety of fillings available and the handy sweet/savoury divider in a Bedfordshire clanger makes it unbeatable in my eyes. words by: HANNAH PENWRIGHT

Summer in Devon can only be defined by one thing, and that is the Devon Cream Tea. Usually for two, we pair the classic British cup of tea with a scone that’s smothered in jam and cream. Now I completely understand that the humble scone doesn’t look too appetising on its own, it’s a bit like a thicker version of the Welsh cake and can come with or without sultanas. But it really is the perfect vessel for locally-made strawberry jam and thick clotted cream, and is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whenever you're in Devon, you don’t have to travel far before you see a chalkboard advertising our local delicacy, so yes, I suppose you could say that I took this for granted.

Luckily, it's much loved by the rest of the country and is also a supermarket regular so I don’t have to wait until I go home for my cream tea fix. Oh, and by the way, it’s the cream first, then the jam. I wouldn’t trust anyone who says otherwise!

words by: EMILY STANTON design by: DOMINIKA MATUSIAK

RE 28 - FOOD AND DRINK issue 174

THINK ING FAST Lauren Stenning interviewed Lizzi Jordan about her miraculous story of recovery and how it has led her to seriously rethink food on the go.

FOOD HYGEINE

In September 2017, 19-year-old Lizzi Jordan ate at a fast food restaurant, something that she, along with the rest of the nation, frequently did. A few days later she was in a coma, having suffered catastrophic organ failure, with her friends and family preparing to say their goodbyes.

Against all odds, and with the help of a ‘wonder drug’, she awoke from the coma, but with damage that no one could have predicted – she’d lost her functional vision. The cause of this life-changing event?

E-coli.

issue 174

E-coli is a bacterial infection which usually presents itself as an upset stomach, something you wouldn’t think twice about. Caught from contaminated environments, including food, it is only particularly rare strains that will cause significant bodily damage, but is the food industry taking enough preventative measures to lower the risk of E-coli contamination?

I spoke to Lizzi about this issue, as well as how the experience has changed her life. Having been a second-year psychology student at Royal Holloway at the time she contracted the infection, in her words, she was “just a normal girl really!”. She told me that her diet was never “particularly healthy” and that she “loved fast food” as it was convenient to pick up on the go - a benefit many people enjoy from fast food. She confessed she ate this type of food “maybe once a week” but stressed she was never overweight, jokingly boasting about her slim figure.

On 16th September 2017, Lizzi made a trip to the doctor with an upset stomach which they wrote off as “several insignificant things”, sending her away with the likes of Imodium. When I asked her if she’d consumed any fast food prior to presenting these symptoms, she replied, “yes, I had eaten fast food with my sister a few days before, which would have been the perfect incubation period for E-coli”. She did, however, emphasise that this has never been proven to be the definitive cause of the infection.

With her symptoms not only persisting but seeming to get worse, she paid a visit to A&E, where it came to light that she had E-coli 055, only ever seen once before in this country in 2014. Lizzi added, “my sister had been experiencing similar symptoms to me, so they also tested her and found she had the same strain”.

Luckily, her sister’s body had managed to pass the infection, not having the severe reaction that Lizzi was experiencing. This shows that you never know how your body is going to react to various contamination.

“We retraced our steps and the only time we both could have contracted it was when we ate the exact same food from a fast food establishment”, Lizzi explained. Although other environmental factors can’t be excluded, this was the only common denominator from that day and the timing fits perfectly with the E-coli incubation period of 3-4 days.

Lizzi was then transferred from one hospital to another as E-coli triggered HUS (haemolyticuremic syndrome), meaning her kidneys failed and she fell into a coma. “My heart then failed so I was put on an ECMO machine which acts as an artificial heart and lungs”, she said, before explaining that her heart then made a “miraculous, spontaneous recovery”. As a result, she was given four shots of a “wonder drug”, which was approximately £100,000 per shot, in order to treat the HUS. “The HUS is what caused the blood clots behind my eye, meaning that when I woke up, I couldn’t see”, Lizzi told me, “I was mouthing that I couldn’t see because I had a tracheotomy tube down my throat”.

An unbelievably frightening experience for Lizzi and an utter shock to not only her friends and family, but also to medical professionals. Since this moment, Lizzi says her life has “drastically”

FOOD AND DRINK - 29

changed. Although everyday tasks are now a lot more challenging, and in some cases, such as driving, completely impossible, Lizzi has adopted a positive mindset, “I feel as if it’s really driven me to achieve more than I ever thought possible – I’ve run the London Marathon this year! I never would have considered doing that when I had my sight”. She adds that the support from her friends and family has really helped and she’s learned to appreciate what she’s got.

Now Lizzi confesses that the experience has made her wary of what she’s eating, even though she wasn’t to blame for catching the infection. Despite the initial weariness, she admits, “I tend to stop worrying once I’m enjoying the food!”. She’s understandably become quite obsessive over washing her hands, although as she puts it, “the cause wasn’t down to my poor hygiene, but more likely a secondary effect of someone else’s poor hygiene”.

Despite how close to death Lizzi came as a result of contracting E-coli, she still eats fast food, stating, “in my opinion, millions of fast food is sold daily, so I was particularly unlucky”. She doesn’t want to live her life in fear and sacrifice eating the food that she loves so much.

I felt that Lizzi was the perfect person to ask about what food establishments can do to lower the risk of E-coli, her response being that obvious anti-bacterial stations should be introduced at restaurant entrances seeing as they encourage you to eat with your hands; as well as gloves being worn by staff at all times, even when handling money. She doesn’t think this is currently the case, “I’m not aware of any encouragement to wash your hands, or any hand sanitiser available upon entering and exiting the restaurant. And it’s not just the customers but the staff as well. Any staff handling cash in a food establishment should be wearing gloves which they dispose of before handling food”. She adds that kitchen clothes should be washed at the establishment and staff should change when they leave and arrive for work each day to avoid the spread of bacteria.

In terms of personal hygiene, Lizzi advised that we should all be washing our hands on a regular basis as we tend to “get a bit lapse with this”. “Just because your hands aren’t physically dirty, doesn’t mean they aren’t carrying bacteria”, she explains. However, she doesn’t want us all to become germaphobes, for instance as we were having this conversation, we were eating crisps, having previously touched the dog who had been in the garden. “Where do you draw the line?” Lizzi asks. She thinks it’s a good idea to carry anti-bacterial gel with you and be vigilant as to how your food is being prepared.

What happened to Lizzi could have easily happened to any of us students, being avid fast food consumers. If you work or know anyone that works in a fast food restaurant, check out the hygiene procedures and try to implement the necessary but simple changes that Lizzi has stressed.

If you’d like to know more about Lizzi’s story, her progress and what she’s achieved during her recovery, follow A Sparkle of Hope on Facebook.

words by: LAUREN STENNING design by: NATASCHA NG

30 - FOOD & DRINK issue 174

words by: LOTTIE ENNIS design by: KATIE MAY HUXTABLE

WHICH SUPERMARKET SHOULD YOU SHOP AT?

ARE YOU RESTRICTED

BY A BUDGET? yes

no

DO YOU BUY A LOT OF FROZEN FOOD?

yes

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BUYING FAIR-TRADE AND LOCAL PRODUCTS?

no yes

DO YOU MIND QUEUEING?

ICELAND can’t stand it

no

CO-OP ARE YOU PREPARED TO PAY EXTRA FOR LONGER LASTING FRUIT & VEG?

I don’t mind queueing for a bargain yes

BIG TESCO LIDL

I don’t mind I just want something to eat

BIG SAINSBURY’S CO-OP

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RESULTS...

ICELAND We all know Mums go to Iceland, but should students go too?

Perhaps not.

Pros: The frozen food was in abundance and was good for the price. The store does offer fresh food but at a higher price point than the other stores mentioned in this article.

Cons: When I visited, it was a crowded experience and I could not find everything I was looking for. I don’t tend to buy a lot of frozen food due to the lack of freezer space – a common issue for students, and Iceland markets itself as one of the best stores in the frozen food market. So, it’s not great if you’re not looking specifically for frozen food to stock your freezer.

Conclusion: I would recommend this store for those who don’t have the time to cook and prefer to stock their freezer with some quick tasty meals.

TESCO Although I am sure many of those who have lived in Cathays will be familiar with the one on Salisbury Road, I will focus on the ‘big Tesco’ or Tesco Extra, as it is officially known.

Pros: Big Tesco has everything; from a range of vegan gluten free options, and more. Plus, the prices are pretty reasonable too; having done several weekly shops at Tesco, I find it quite common that at least some items and brands in my shop are on offer or have a 2 for 1 deal. Tesco’s own brand is actually pretty good too, as I have found things like vegetables last quite a while. They also usually provide a well varied frozen section which is a godsend for a cash-strapped student who wants their food to last as long as possible, while eating healthily.

Cons: Although this might be the ideal place to do your weekly shop, it is perhaps slightly unfeasible if you do not have a car or a kind flatmate who does. However, since it’s easily accessible from some of the Taly accommodation, a slightly lighter weekly shop could be possible.

Conclusion: The Big Tesco is a bit pricier, but it is your ideal option if you live in the Taly accommodation, and the Tesco on Salisbury Road is always a safe bet if you need to buy something last minute.

LIDL Ah Lidl, the subject of many a Cardiff Confessions posts.

Pros: Its location makes Lidl the perfect place for those going from Cathays to lectures, or back to Taly. Lidl is also home to the infamous bakery, where many cheap goodies are available to fulfil a post-lecture craving. I would recommend Lidl as the place to stock up on things like canned goods, pasta and mixers as you won’t find them any cheaper elsewhere.

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Cons: Some of the less attractive features include long queues and limited stock. However, an internal source has told us that they have quadrupled the number of self-service tills during the summer, so the queues might be better now! Nevertheless, I would suggest getting to Lidl early in the morning - it opens at 8AM on Monday to Saturday. I would also recommend buying fresh fruit and vegetables when you need them as they only really last 1-2 days in my experience.

Conclusion: Lidl is the cheapest place to do a weekly shop as it provides practically all of the basics for a better price than Tesco.

CO-OP Conveniently located in Cardiff University Students’ Union, it is the perfect pit stop after a lecture or study session.

Pros: The Co-op is the best option for the ethical driven shopper; they pay the farmers and workers who provide their stock a fairer wage than some of their competitors, alongside giving back to the local community.

Cons: Although it provides some pretty fantastic own brand products, such as their pizzas and ready-made meals, Co-op remains pricier than Tesco or Lidl. However, the store offers some good deals and it is always worth checking during early evenings to see if there are any reductions. During term-time, the shop in the SU does tend to run out on some products, so if you are in desperate need of something, another shop might be more worth your while.

Conclusion: I would suggest Co-op’s use as a convenience store to pick up any essentials or a quick dinner. Whilst it does offer 10% student discount to those with a TOTUM NUS card, as well as a membership scheme where shoppers can accumulate money to spend in store using a Co-op card, it would perhaps be out of the student budget to do a weekly shop there.

SAINSBURY’S This one is a bit out of the way for most students, but it might be worth paying a visit.

Pros: Sainsbury’s offers a pleasant shopper experience. I did not have to queue when I visited the one in Queen Street nor the one on Colchester Avenue. They were both well stocked and I did appreciate there were a number of special deals. I would say that Sainsbury’s has the edge for fresh fruit, although a bit pricier than Lidl, Sainsbury’s fruit stays fresher for longer.

Cons: Both stores stuck me as considerably more expensive than some of its competitors.

Conclusion: As both of the Sainsbury’s mentioned here are a bit out of the way for most students, and their prices are higher, this shop is ideal for buying specific products, as their own brand of condiments and sauces are really good.

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words by: LUISA DE LA CONCHA MONTES

Previously located at the Brewery Quarter, this amazing Cardiff bar has relocated to the heart of Roath, just a few steps away from Cathays.

Inside you will find five different stalls; from kebabs to Mexican tacos, you’ll surely find something that will satisfy your tastebuds.

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FOOD PHOTOSHOOT Location: 199-201 Richmond Road, Roath Opening Hours: For drinks, seven days a week from 11am to 12am For food, Thursday to Sunday from 12am to 10pm Instagram: @stickyfingerscardiff

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CWTCHITAS

Fancy some Mexican street food?

For only ÂŁ6 you can get a delicious trio of pork pibil tacos made with corn tortillas, just how they should be! Or, if you prefer the vegetarian option, you can also get their tasty corn on the cob.

Instagram: @cwtchitas

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FOOD & DRINK - 35

hoof This one is for the meat lovers, from juicy massive burgers, to crispy dirty fries, Hoof will definitely satisfy your greasiest cravings.

Featured in this picture is their appropiately named Almighty Hoof, which is made with a Welsh and Longhorn beef blend, bacon and loads of cheese.

Instagram: @hoofcdf

photography and design by: LUISA DE LA CONCHA MONTES

TWO ANCHORS

Seafood but with a twist. It doesn’t matter what you’re feeling, at Two Anchors they have it all. From shrimp to crayfish, their variety of options and the quality of their preparations will delight you.

The delicious lobster mac and cheese featured in the picture is served with crayfish, Welsh cheddar and parmesan breadcrumbs.

Instagram: @thetwoanchors

36 - TRAVEL issue 174

Ever wanted to get out of the Cathays bubble? Here are five wonderful places to get to within one hour from Cardiff.

By Eve Lewis There are lots of hidden gems throughout Wales, and the quiet pools that can be found along the River Taff are no exception. Secluded, but near enough to the Taff Trail that you won’t get lost, the waterfalls and pools at Pontsarn are easy to get to and perfect for a dip.

To get to them, take the X4 from the side of Cardiff Castle to Merthyr.

A day rider will cost you just £8.30. From there, get the bus towards Trefechan. It will go through a housing estate and this is where you should get off and use a map (best on your phone) to walk towards the River Taff and join the trail. When you get to the Taff Trail, follow it north and take a moment to enjoy the beautiful scenery around you.

Eventually, you’ll start seeing little spots deep enough for swimming in, but if you keep walking until you reach a bridge near Pontsarn, you will be greeted by a small waterfall and a pool underneath. There are two ways to enter the pool. You can either swim upriver and pull yourself up into the pool, or you can climb around some rocks and reach a ledge where you can put your backpack before getting in. The water is cold, but a nice flask of soup on the ledge after is the perfect way to warm up after your swim!

Disclaimer: These pools can be very cold and there is a current running in the Taff. Never swim if you feel uncomfortable with the speed of the water, and always go with a partner.

By Ellie Hutchings Spanning 520 square miles and boasting some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery, the Brecon Beacons National Park makes an ideal getaway for people from all walks of life. Situated approximately 40-minutes away by car from Cardiff, the Park can also be reached via train routes to either Merthyr Tydfil or Abergavenny.

Given its accessible location, the Brecon Beacons are an excellent place to head for a day trip – whether it be a spontaneous outing when the weather takes a turn for the better, or a long-awaited excursion. There’s an abundance of activities to keep everyone entertained, including abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, stargazing and, of course, a number of scenic walks.

For those looking to escape the city for a little longer, the Brecon Beacons are equally an ideal location for a mini break. With its tranquil lakes, quaint villages and impressive caves, there’s more than enough to keep curious visitors occupied. Between self-catering cottages, hostels, campsites and glampsites, there’s sure to be a room that fits the bill.

design by: LUISA DE LA CONCHA MONTES

Whether it’s an adventure you’re looking for or a slow-paced getaway, the Brecon Beacons has you covered – and I simply can’t think of a more beautiful place for it.

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TRAVEL - 37

By Katie Waits Just outside Brecon Beacons National Park sits the historic market town of Abergavenny. With plenty of coffee shops, independent businesses, and pubs, it is the perfect place to escape the hectic city atmosphere for a few hours. To get there, you just need to take a train from Cardiff Central and you’ll arrive in roughly 40 minutes!

Being a lively town, Abergavenny is known for hosting an annual weekend long food festival. It generally takes place around September.

If you’re a fan of trying new food and want to support local businesses, then it is definitely worth paying a visit.

On the other 363 days of the year, Abergavenny continues to have lots on offer. For those who like history, Abergavenny Museum is the place to go, situated amongst the remains of a Norman castle. The castle grounds, along with Bailey Park on the other side of town, are great spots for a picnic. If the weather isn’t on your side, there are many different cafés and shops to look around instead, including Abergavenny Indoor Market.

Having been to Abergavenny many times myself, I can assure you that you will not run out of things to do and see – it is a lovely day out, whether you go with friends or family!

By Angharad May Just a stone’s throw from Cardiff, Castell Coch (Red Castle) is an absolute must-visit during your time at University.

The first time I visited, I took the bus, which is simple and convenient by catching either the 132 (Cardiff-Maerdy) or 26 (Cardiff-Blackwood) Stagecoach bus from Cardiff and getting off at Tongwynlais. The driver was helpful by letting me know when to get off and even pointed me in the right direction to reach the castle. It was spring-time and the walk up to the castle was peppered with stunning yellow and purple crocus. Be aware that there is a short but rather steep hill up to the castle, however, it is worth the effort!

You will never stumble across a truer fairy-tale castle in Wales, with its salient conical roofs beetling through the trees. Entry costs £7.30 for an adult or £4.40 with your NUS card. Being a small castle, to make the most of your time there, I recommend the audio-guide which you can listen to as you explore. With it, you will learn about Castell Coch’s connections with Cardiff Castle; and how parts of it were designed by architect William Burges for the 3rd Marquess of Bute, who used Castell Coch as his country residence.

There is also a delightful little tea-room inside the castle, and surrounding Castell Coch is Fforest Fawr, a wood with some enchanting walks. All-in-all, an enthralling day out!

By Sarah Belger Only an 18-minute train journey from Cardiff Central, Garth Hill is an easy escape from the Cathays student bubble; simply get off at the Taff ’s Well station and begin the walk through the village and into the Coed y Bedw nature reserve. You’ll experience river crossings, quiet country roads and dense forest, all just 20 minutes away from home. Maps and instructions can be found online on the “Cardiff Ramblers” website, making the walk as easy as possible.

It is, however, roughly 5 miles long, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time!

This is the perfect student day out as the only thing you need to pay for is your train ticket - unless you choose to stop for a break at one of the pubs you’ll pass on your way. On a clear day, once you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be able to see Cardiff, and even Somerset and Devon. You might even be able to make out the summit of Peny-Fan, making that last push of the walk feel like it was worth it!

The only thing you should be wary about is that afterwards, you’ll be calling yourself an ‘experienced mountaineer’ and start planning your next hike to Brecon Beacons.

42 - TRAVEL 38 MUSIC issue issue174 174 Paint the Town –

words by: MARCUS YEATMAN-CROUCH design by: ELAINE TANG

Street Art Tours A look at three alternative tours, taking you through hip European neighbourhoods to a barrio once infamous for its drug gangs.

The modern metropoles of the world each hold their own unique charms, tourist traps, and historical landmarks. London is visited by around 30 million people each year, and hosts a plethora of attractions to suit everyone. The same is true for every city well travelled or not. While this is perfect for anyone looking for the classic tourist experience, there is always more to see. When walking around these cities, much of its real culture is stencilled on every corner.

Street art and graffiti are everywhere and have become incredibly popular in recent years. More buildings are losing works of vandalism and instead are becoming covered in intricate, expressive works of art. With so much street art populating the biggest cities in the world, London is just the start. This article features three different cities, each with their own street art and graffiti tours that take you through places loaded with culture, history, and even one of the most dangerous districts starting with Colombia.

Starting closest to home, the Shoreditch Street Art Tour gets you acquainted with the works of some of the most notable English street artists including Eine, D*Face and yes, Banksy. Not only are the walls of Shoreditch painted by locals, they are also home to the works of many internationally recognised street artists. The tours, which have been led by a passionate and experienced street photographer since 2008, are never the same. With new street art springing up all the time, this tour warrants repeated visits to see the latest and most lauded pieces that have found their way onto the walls here. Morning and afternoon tours last around four hours each with the cost set at £15 for adults and £10 for under 18’s. They are also ideal for rainy days as they take place regardless of the weather. It is even recommended to come on wet days as this provides better picture opportunities. Not only is the Shoreditch Street Art Tour an excellent option for your next trip into London, but it is also the gateway to more tours and experiences in other cities across the globe.

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Venturing further into Europe, our next tour can be found in Berlin. Many will already know about the German capital’s rich artistic history, especially in regards to street art, with the Berlin Wall serving as the canvas for expressionistic artists from across the globe. But the Original Berlin Alternative Tour skirts away from this giant landmark of street art. Instead, sticking to the roads less travelled, they aim to showcase some of the city’s best street art in three of its cultural districts: Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, and Neukölln. Just like Shoreditch, the local guides’ routes will vary, exposing you to new places and art each time. The Berlin tour expands on Shoreditch’s focus on street art and instead broadly looks into the city’s ‘alternative’ culture. This means that not only will you be admiring the many murals and pieces in the districts, but you will also be shown local food spots, festival locations, and community projects. All of these are featured throughout the threehour tour which prioritises a social environment where you don’t just see these landmarks, but are able to interact with the culture of the districts and their people. The best part is that the tour is completely free! By operating on a tips-based service, those interested can simply arrive at the start and pay what they want at its end. What better way to get stuck into the artistic culture of Berlin.

Moving across the Atlantic, the final tour takes place in Medellin, Colombia. For a city known best for its infamous drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, it is easy to assume the worst when one of the highest rated tours leads straight through Comuna 13; once known for being a hub of drug, guerrilla, and gang activity, and its astronomical murder rates. In recent years, however, the district and Medellin itself has undergone dramatic changes for the better. Now, the Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour will take you through an illustrated story of Medellin’s troubled history and how, through the development of escalators and the city- wide Metrocable, the district has evolved to become an important landmark of social and cultural change. The tour itself leads you through the district, showing off the impressive and striking street art. Much of it expresses views of peace and solidarity in a barrio where hip hop music has also become a strong communicator of peace. The guides of the Graffiti Tour are Comuna 13 locals who recount the history of the area in English. Much of the street art was created after the bloody Operation Orión, where the military sought to depose the rebel groups in Comuna 13 but also ended up killing civilians. Street art cropped up on the walls of the first, expressing anger at the slaughter, but it soon becomes optimistic, bright and colourful, as if reflects the changing attitude of the city and Comuna 13 in particular.

As the guides and many visitors will tell you, the district is now perfectly safe. For 70,000 pesos (around £18), you too can walk through what is both a historical area and a symbol of positive change.

Street art tours are one of the best ways to experience the true culture and life of a city for a low price, whilst also allowing you to see new things every time. Street art is forever evolving so tours will always be different. It has already been shown that you can find street art tours wherever you go which are guaranteed to vary dramatically thanks to the sheer uniqueness of the various cities. Not only through street art tours can you admire a modern, yet often misunderstood form of art, but they are also highly educational and help to uncover pieces of a city’s history that are less talked about.

Each of the above tours have websites where you can find out more about what you may need and how to get to their start locations. From the Berlin tour website, you can access other street art excursions across the rest of Europe, including in Budapest, Prague, and Amsterdam.

40 - TRAVEL issue 174 Pompeii Chernobyl

By Lewis Empson

By Rhian Lock

The appeal of “Dark Tourism” has spiked with more modern examples of tragic events creating intriguing places to visit and explore. For example, locations such as Auschwitz or Chernobyl are tied to tragic events occurring in the 20th Century. Pompeii, on the other hand, is entrenched in history, as the ancient city was entombed in ash in 79 AD after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.

Chernobyl, the site of the 1986 Ukrainian power plant disaster, has been a dark tourism hotspot since it began allowing members of the public to visit in 2002. The disaster - estimated to have led to the direct deaths of 54 people and the premature deaths of up to 200,000 - was the recent focus of HBO’s 2019 miniseries Chernobyl, telling the grisly tale of the nights leading up to the explosion and the post-fallout investigation. Within a week, the show had rocketed to the top of the critic website, ‘Rotten Tomatoes’, top ten list, and as a result, Chernobyl tourism agencies have reported up to a 40% surge in bookings.

Those interested in venturing into the radioactive Exclusion Zone can only enter under the careful supervision of licensed tour operators. A typical day trip involves visiting the ghosttowns Pripyat and Zalissya, or the abandoned town of Kopachi which houses an untouched kindergarten, a desolated amusement park, as well as the hospital and fire station where first responders gave their lives to protect the citizens. At the end of the trip, visitors can enjoy a meal at the canteen where the Exclusion Zone workers dine. A trip to Chernobyl is sure to be both an emotional and informative experience.

Visitors can expect to witness stunning ancient architecture, rich heritage and culture and, of course, the perfectly preserved remains of the citizens from the once thriving city. Seeing the inhabitants of Pompeii encased in ash, still conserved and frozen to this day, tantalises the morbid curiosity on which “Dark Tourism” is based. Tourists can get a taste of how a long lost civilisation lived by touring through the abandoned city, made hauntingly uncanny due to the statuesque victims still being present at the site of the tragedy.

The contrast between the picturesque vistas and the inanimate statues of people caught in their final moments creates a haunting and sombre atmosphere. Guided tours can help tourists to get a more informed understanding of the natural tragedy that took place over 1900 years ago.

Kigali Genocide Memorial

Auschwitz

By Charlotte King

By Sam Tilley

The Kigali Genocide Memorial commemorates the victims of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide and places great emphasis upon the identities and experiences of those who died, bringing the reality of the tragedy to light.

Of all the horrors inflicted upon Europe over the course of the twentieth century, there was perhaps none greater than that of the Holocaust. Thus, it stands to ground that one of the most sobering experiences one can undergo is that of the most infamous concentration camp of all, Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Walking through the Memorial, one finds rooms dedicated to remembering the Tutsi and the children who were murdered.

Family members who have lost loved ones hang up photographs of the deceased and display the clothes that they wore on their final day; visitors also learn how old they were, what their favourite drink was and tragically, how they were killed.

The Memorial also houses the remains of the dead, many of whom are still being recovered today around Rwanda. Rows upon rows of skulls, cracked by bullets to the head, and piles of bones are encased alongside the murder weapons which ended these lives, confronting visitors with the horror of the Genocide. Moreover, the Memorial’s Burial Ground is an area filled with unmarked graves for the unnamed victims of the Genocide. Currently, there are over 250,000 graves.

Finally, one reaches the Gardens of Reflection, a space to process and reflect upon the exhibition. Not only is this a thought-provoking area, but seeing the dead, their faces, the weapons which killed them and learning how they died makes this an extremely emotional and harrowing experience - but one which increases one’s appreciation of the tormented history of Rwanda and the huge strides Rwandan people have made in the short space of time since the Genocide.

Situated just inside the Polish border, the remnants of the camp have nowadays been preserved as both a museum and a memorial to the six million Jews that died as a result of the ‘Final Solution’. Entrance is free to any tourist who wishes to contemplate the levels of cruelty and depravity that took place within the camp; the bulk of which remains standing.

The site itself is protected by several strict protection laws; further enshrining the status of the museum as a place of education, but also as a memorial to the thousands of people who died within its walls. A visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau is utterly without comparison and will weigh upon any dark tourist’s conscience. The significance of the now-museum can perhaps never be understated, especially given the reemergence of the spectre of anti-Antisemitism in today’s society.

design by: ELAINE TANG

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words by: JAMES MCCLEMENTS design by: KATIE MAY HUXTABLE

South Wales is in the midst of a long-overdue musical revolution, and a wind of change is blowing over the culture of our fine Cardiff.

Gone are the mines, dockyards, vintage pubs and iconic music venues, and up are the luxury flats, coffee shops, and countless, towering halls of residences. But there is hope. Our lads on the ground helping to fight back at gentrification, commercialisation and destruction of identity are the countless new acts springing onto the local music scene. In this new regular feature, we seek to highlight the best and most compelling local artists around.

Cardiff ’s own gaudy and glittery four-piece Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard are today’s subjects.

Fronted by unassuming libertine Tom Rees, and joined by his brother and bassist Ed, guitarist Zac and drummer Ethan, they surely are the next success story to grace this fair concrete jungle.

The uncompromisingly vintage rockers from the valleys are more seventies than noughties, yet share their indie demeanour with rising contemporaries Boy Azooga, who like them are signed to well-established indie labels, and are ready to rejuvenate the music scene in Wales and beyond.

Buzzard only have a meagre 3 released singles, and yet have an already large but rapidly growing following of loyal fans. Part of their success should be credited to the group’s famously raucous and explosive sets. Frontman Tom shamelessly borrows his glitz and demeanour from glam-rock, mindlessly strutting around on stage like an Iggy Pop or Jagger-esque figure, but the group are fairly forthcoming about their influences. An unreleased number, John Lennon

is my Jesus Christ is an ode to the band’s seventies icons, with Marc Bolan, David Bowie and Bill Fay all receiving a deity-like status in the song’s lyrics. Musically, the band are a blend of T-Rex, the Kinks and Barrett-era Pink Floyd, with the faintest hint of noughties indie and their ‘Double Denim’ vibes.

Buzzard staying true to their roots, the track is a truly Welsh bop commencing with a holy proclamation from Rees: “Wyt ti eisiau rociau heddiw?” / (Do you want to rock today?)

Their latest track, Love Forever is again quintessentially seventies. Not just musically, but with its ethos as a peace-pushing, Cold War bashing period piece. It really does seem like a true retro-pop hit you could be hearing out of a pirate radio station in 1974; especially when the band chants about making love to “the communists” and other crass chatter of avoiding nuclear annihilation.

There’s already no doubt of the group’s relevance in the local music scene. Running events like May’s Late Night City Sermon at Clwb Ifor Bach.

Half-gig, half-dystopian televangelist broadcast; a theatrical affair with the band in full sacrosanct attire, praising the 70s rock-gods, singing gospel with other local talent like Dave Newington from Boy Azooga, and even featuring a small boxing fight. They are long establishing themselves as confident performers and powerful musicians.

Even having the poise to be local style icons, embracing an almost ironic and androgynous look regularly at their gigs. With a typical favourite of frontman Tom being his baby blue backless jumpsuit.

The group were even recently asked by Michael Sheen to create the official song for this year’s Homeless World Cup in Bute Park. A truly anthemic Daffodil Hill was the answer. With

It seems the next challenge for the lads is to get out of Wales and hit the ground running with tours. Having recently sold out Pop Brixton in London, and with dates set for Scotland and Bristol, it is looking up for Buzzard. Freshly signed to Austin Texas-based Big Indie Records, we can definitely expect an album coming soon from these vintage gents.

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words by: KATE WALDOCK design by: KATIE MAY HUXTABLE

Festivals are the biggest music trend right now. As it becomes the best way for artists to make money, festivals have attracted the greatest musicians, and their avid fans have followed suit. In the current economic climate, people are going for experience over material, and a music festival is the ultimate experience.

There are thousands of festivals dedicated to music in the UK alone. With the growth of streaming services, and new genres from a plethora of people from different backgrounds popping up all the time, there is no shortage of artists either. So why is it so difficult for these festival line-ups to include female headliners?

It isn’t just headliners, either. The Guardian did a survey of 12 different festivals in 2015, and discovered that “86% of advertised performers are men.” This survey should have been a wake-up call for many festivals, but in 2019 it seems to be a prevalent issue. There is now a keychange initiative, backed by the PRS foundation, to close the gender gap in line-ups to 50/50 by 2022. So far, only hundreds out of the thousands of festivals across the world have signed up to this initiative, Cardiff ’s very own Sŵn being one of the few that did actually sign up. The fact that the initiative even needs to exist is enough of a travesty; it took a major UK music charity to promote change within the festival industry for festivals to look up from their misogynistic line-ups and accept that there is a problem.

The classic response to this is that there aren’t enough female headliners that are suitable for each festival. If it’s rap focused, there aren’t any good female rappers. If it’s pop, where are the good female pop acts? If it is indie, there are no female fronted indie bands that are good enough, and so on. This isn’t an acceptable response on two counts: firstly, the smaller amount of good female artists that we actually hear about is due to systemic oppression. Secondly, it simply isn’t true.

There are female artists in the hundreds, that, if they were given a moment of one big festival, radio, or magazine’s time, would blow many of the male artists out of the water. These female

artists encapsulate their respective genres perfectly, and perhaps even more so than their male counterparts. There is a long-hold belief that women can’t rap, a belief that is slowly being taken apart by rappers like Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. Statistically speaking, in 2019, the charts have been mainly dominated by women, as Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, and Lady Gaga (to name a few) have consistently been taking top spots on the charts. Take Lizzo, the singer/rapper who is making new waves in the charts. I am sure that I am just one among millions who would love to hear Lizzo sing Truth Hurts live in front of a huge crowd of glittered-up festival goers. These successful women in pop are just one example of many that are just as good, if not better than the men who take up too much space on the festival line-ups. Secondly, the idea that there just aren’t enough ‘headline’ female acts is ridiculous. Solange, Cardi B, Florence and the Machine and Patti Smith, for example, are huge, current, artists that sell out on tours around the world.

However, this year has been the best for bridging the gap between genders across festivals, and there does seem to be a distinct growth of female acts in comparison to 2018. Just a glimpse at the difference in Wireless 2018 and 2019 shows the change. In 2018, despite being in the charts more than Stormzy and J Cole in that year, Cardi B still missed out on a headline slot at Wireless, but in 2019 that was rectified, and this example reflects the changes across the board in the festival industry.

Hopefully that is indicative of what’s to come in the future.

With that being said, one of the biggest festivals still needs to catch up. A major culprit of a male heavy line-up is Reading & Leeds Festival. It is as if they put a couple of artists into a hat on the condition that they are white and male, and whoever is picked that year are the new headliners. Fall Out Boy are a historically fantastic band but, realistically, their most recent album Mania was not deserving of the headline slot in 2018.

Post Malone’s set was ground-breaking in 2018, as the UK got to hear his talented voice in broad daylight, but did we really need a rehash of his 2018 set again in 2019, considering he hasn’t

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released an album since the last set? The 1975 are so much less of a headline band than Wolf Alice. Wolf Alice are a British band who have been working their way up the festival slots, garnering serious media attention and a Mercury Prize along the way. Yet an American band whose albums continuously follow a formula throughout every single album they release are able to take the headline slot.

So, whilst there has been a significant change in the split of male/female artists on the bill of festivals, there is still a long way to go. Primavera Sound, a festival in Barcelona, achieved this 50/50 split in 2019, proving how easy it is to a c h i e v e for a huge festival. It seems that women are much more likely to be cast aside in favour of all-male bands, and the world has been given too many boy bands that nobody asked for.

In a world where BeyoncÊ could simply lift her head and become trending on Google, and artists like Ariana Grande can take over the front pages of magazines and newspapers every day for months, it is amazing to think that female artists don’t even seem to have a look in when it comes to festivals. Across every genre of music there is a more successful male artist who is much worse than his female counterpart, and yet in the battle

between these two artists it seems as though the men have been winning. The festival industry still reflects an age-old idea that only men can be the best musicians. The idea belongs in the late 80s, along with Axl Rose and Morrissey.

But until that point, we have to keep writing articles and making noise until they hear us and fix the bill.

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Protest Music words by: ANASTASIA KROPOTINA design by: YEON SU CHO

In November of 2015, a video of a man playing a piano outside Bataclan Theatre was posted on YouTube. The performance honouring the victims of a shooting just a day prior was meant to be a demonstration against violence.

Surrounded by photographers, German pianist David Martello, played a song instantly recognisable to millions of people over the world as a peace hymn. Described by Katy Waldman as “gentle as a rocking chair”, John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ was written as a response to the gruesome Vietnam conflicts of the 1970s. It quickly became one of the most prolific pieces of protest music at the time and still remains a politically charged song today.

The notion of political music is by no means new. Like any other form of art, music is a mode of expression used to describe musician’s interactions and, by extension, discontent with the world. Criticism of social norms, political regimes and figures often become motives for songs, which inevitably makes music a means of political communication and protest. Arguably, music can achieve what regular demonstrations hardly ever do - it touches people on a more intimate level. Instead of trying to simply get attention, music gets the audience to feel and visualise; it reduces the emotional distance between people at home and those at the epicentre of the events.

There is a definitive line, however, between a protest piece and a political endorsement. An act of protest is a call to action and above all, a way to hold those in power accountable. Now, in the age of viral videos and social media, music can reach more people faster than ever. This unprecedented amount of influence can put pressure on many performers to be more politically conscious. The 2016 US election prompted a massive response from the public, and resulted in a fair share of political activism among celebrities; some of the messages genuinely inspiring, others were very ill-informed. Yet none can compare to being quite as cringe-worthy as the November 2016 release by (and I say this with a heavy heart) one of my old favourites, Le Tigre. The American band emerged after a nine-year hiatus with a cheesy song called ‘I’m With Her’. Featuring lyrics like “We want HRC” and “Pantsuit-wearing herstorical first-timer”, it directly endorsed Hillary Clinton in the upcoming election. Le Tigre sung praises to the candidate, whose reputation, though not as poor as that of her opposition, was still very much in the grey-zone.

This effectively tipped the song into the category of campaign hymns, which many fans were rightfully disappointed about. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a campaign hymn if it is done right, but packaging it in a shiny foil of dance punk, a genre with a notorious anti-establishment stance, is certainly not the way to do it. As was aptly noted in the Slate article on the subject: “punk... is most comfortably punk when it’s heavy on the nays, sparing with the yays.”

More recently, Childish Gambino came out with a music video that put him in the foreground of both hip-hop music and political activism. ‘This is America’, described by Pitchfork as a representation of the “tightrope of being black”, is a chilling satirical portrayal of institutionalised racism in the United States. Getting more than 10 million views on the first day after its release, and passing the mark of half a billion views this July, the music video was universally appraised by the critics and public alike. Swinging between simple rap verses and church choir, the song goes from upbeat to dark in an instant.

The complete chaos and scenes of police brutality unfold in the background, while backup dancers continue with their performance as if completely unaware of the violence. Glover’s choreography is interrupted by grimaces and spasms meant to replicate those of Jim Crow caricatures.

The song was intended to portray the dark underbelly of America, yet it reflects the state of a modern society in general: too self-involved and indifferent to notice the suffering of the people around us, and oblivious to racial inequality still ingrained into the fabric of many western countries. ‘This is America’ does not bash politicians or single anyone out, but offers a look at something many people are sheltered from simply by virtue of their skin colour, confirming that this is in fact, a reality for many and not something you occasionally see on TV. The response the song has gotten and the immense amount of exposure it gave to the Black Lives Matter movement serves to highlight that music as a form of protest is still absolutely necessary in helping hold people to account today, but, perhaps this time we are called to hold ourselves accountable as well.

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EDITOR’S PICKS design by: ELAINE TANG

James’ Picks Josh’s Picks Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves Musgraves has always succeeded in crafting fascinating, yet relatable narratives interwoven throughout her discography; Golden Hour is no exception.

Whilst its country predecessors are notable for their ingenious and quirky lyricism, this album takes an inward step in swapping observationalism for introspection. The resulting product, in conjunction with a key sonic departure from the genre’s pedigree instrumentalism, is one which naturally emanates an alluring elegance that lands blissfully on the ears. The ethereal sound and raw, soul-wrenching emotionality of this album ensures its place as a timeless classic that will always maintain a place close to my heart.

Red - Taylor Swift Swift’s evolution from childhood country star through to Queen of Pop has been far from effortless. Achievements across her first three albums amalgamated themselves in the form of RED, her most confused and ultimately vulnerable album. Much of the sheer beauty of this album can be found through its openness, specifically, in the artistry of Swift’s song writing.

From the deepest cuts apparent in All Too Well, to the addictively positive auras of 22 and Holy Ground, this sonically mismatched band of songs remains one of the best portrayals of delicate composition amidst a charting album you can find in modern music.

Continuum - John Mayer For some mysterious reason, John Mayer remains mostly unknown to the majority of the U.K, despite his household name status in the USA. This is a travesty, mostly because it means an entire country is sitting on one of the greatest albums to have ever been created - Continuum. This album is a clear demonstration of Mayer’s blues heritage, and belief in the craft of song writing, a particular rarity nowadays. Toying back and forth between loving exuberance and acknowledgment of powerless failing relationships, the album sources its distinction from a myriad of perfectly aligned elements working in complete harmony.

Kate’s Picks

Power, Corruption and Lies - New Order First, I think it’s worth acknowledging how temporary and malleable music tastes are. When asked to come up with three of my favourite albums, I realised it wouldn’t be easy, as I can’t even remember what I listened to yesterday. I used to be very guitar-centric and boringly indie, but it was this band that got me into appreciating electronic music more. Admittedly, it’s not the best album by New Order, but there’s something about the perfect marriage between post punk and synthpop that happens in this album. It’s not too scene-y or dated, and it sounds almost timeless.

Songs for our Mothers - Fat White Family I hated this album at first. I bought it on CD for my car during Sixth Form and wanted my money back (it wasn’t the best sound for a morning commute with mates). It wasn’t until the fifth listen when it clicked for me and I fell in love with it. This album is the product of shameless crack addicts, and is effectively a Nazi concept album - but I do sort of think it’s a masterpiece. Kraut-rocky, with haunting synths, and very vintage sounding. The band aren’t taken very seriously and are a self-destructive bunch, but I think this album deserves some credit.

Addendum - John Maus There’s something sonically exciting about this album. Maus is an experimental pop artist and is influenced by old medieval songs that he repurposes on selfbuilt synthesisers. He’s a mad scientist, like a depressed and less cool aphex twin. Couple this with his brutally honest and sometimes surreal lyrics - it bangs. He’s a social commentary champion and an enchanting producer. Now this is the point when I realise my selections have been the least diverse, same-y, white male-centric picks I could have made. But these albums have each helped me get out of that void and enjoy other genres.

Blush - Wolf Alice Wolf Alice have been the very best since their beginning. Their debut EP, Blush, is on my list because, despite the fact that it does not technically hold the title of “album”, it represents the launch of a career that has given the world the most iconic tracks.

Blush, the title track, is a shiver inducing ballad that could warm even the coldest heart. 90 Mile Beach, She, and Nosedive are still among the best indie/ alternative tracks out there. Even the album cover is designed to induce a “blush”. This EP is art in its purest form.

Light Me Up - The Pretty Reckless This 2010 album came out around the same time as everyone got to know the lead singer - Taylor Momsen from Gossip Girl.

The album is a far cry from her debut song Where are you Christmas?, featured in the Grinch. Momsen mixes fast-paced rock, in songs like Make Me Wanna Die, with acoustic tear-jerkers such as You. The band takes influence from the grunge band Soundgarden, mixing quick riffs with sad lyrics. This album led the way for later releases such as Going To Hell, and solidified them as a seriously good band.

In Between Dreams - Jack Johnson Jack Johnson’s beach vibes are well-known around the world in this 2005 album, with tunes like Better Together, and Good People. The slowed down and stripped back music is so mellow; a refreshing break from any bad noise in your life. The lyrics may be simple, but there is something so lovely about listening to the easy tales of Johnson’s love in Do You Remember.

Unfortunately, I can’t go on forever about all my favourite albums, but other honourable mentions include Misty Miller’s The Whole Family Is Worried, Catfish and the Bottlemen’s The Balcony, as well as The Cure’s albums, and Soccer Mommy’s Clean.

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Why Stan Culture is the Most Irritating (and dangerous) Byproduct of Twitter words by: JOSHUA ONG design by: ELAINE TANG

In the modern technological age of instant gratification and immediate payoffs, this statement has most prominently manifested itself into one of the most despicable aspects of the internet: Stan Culture.

I try to hate as few things as possible in this world, but some things are truly unavoidable in the magnitude of their stupidity.

Furthermore, it seems rather counter-intuitive to despise a concept based on the premise of a shared love for something or someone.

However, since the birth of Twitter in 2006, the various fandoms of the world have found a common battleground upon which they can enact fan-created PR campaigns in an attempt to prove why their chosen prophet remains an unwavering example of total excellency.

There has been, and always will be, extreme wings of any fanbase.

You don’t have to look any further than the word’s etymology to understand it’s an evolved shortened version of the less friendly, fanatic. However, despite their guaranteed existence, Stan Culture (appropriately named after Eminem’s hit from 2000), in its modern, most dangerous form, never truly came to fruition until Twitter was invented. Where extremist wings would often find likeminded individuals to formulate smaller splinter groups, Twitter has effectively acted as a glorified, always on megaphone through which these groups can spurt their extremist and irritating bile for the entire world to see.

But that’s not that bad is it? How extreme can these opinions really be? In most cases, the belligerency of fans, some of whom devote a cultist level of time to pure adoration, is what creates the most amount of danger. Specifically, within pop, both Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber stans, known as Arianators and Beliebers respectively, have been well documented in their militancy of desire for new content. Whilst the appetite for new content isn’t dangerous, pressuring artists into creating it in spite of well documented mental health issues is quite troublesome.

From a more academic perspective, the danger of mostly unmoderated, yet easily accessible speech, comes into its own on Twitter. As the website allows its user to create as many profiles as they want under just as many different aliases, it creates a space in which tyranny of the minority becomes a goal which is not only desired, but easily obtainable. Behind the de- individualised generic,

and ultimately meaningless account names, comes a serious lack of accountability.

Furthermore, the issues become more prevalent upon further investigation. Should an extremist “Stan” be addressed by the revered artist, they encounter a twofold problem. Firstly, it’s difficult to just remove or ban them as the artist has no moderation over their fans, especially on Twitter; there’s zero preventative measures in ensuring they simply don’t immediately recreate a new account after being blocked or otherwise. Simultaneously, by blocking them, the artists are effectively weaponising their own fans against them, a particularly precarious move in an age where everything is one click away from being news.

Whilst Western culture has helped to cultivate these seemingly normal proceedings, it would be quite the oversight if KPOP didn’t get a mention. Perhaps the most prominent of all the legions of the genre would be the aptly named “Army” of BTS followers, most of whom would unwaveringly follow each other into warfare, if their beloved Jungkook was in danger. If you’ve ever spent any time on Twitter and looked at any random hashtag, you’re bound to have encountered some generic tweet about said hashtag sporting a seemingly irrelevant zoomed in video of a KPOP star dancing around somewhere.

Granted, this article has read rather negative; I haven’t tried to hide my disdain for the concept at all (see title). However, whilst I have no time for Stan Culture, I completely understand the undoubted benefits that increasingly connected fanbases bring. From personal experience, I can attest to the joys of sharing something you love with one another; two of my closest friends and I bonded over our common appreciation of Taylor Swift whilst going to see her at Wembley Stadium last year. However, I was not compelled to immediately log on afterward to devote my life to her.

To conclude, there are a few things that are certain in life; death, taxes, and Stan accounts devoted to celebrities’ obscurely named pets. There’s nothing wrong with loving something and pursuing common interests with like-minded people. I’m not trying to be the fun police. However, I do think there’s a time and place for showing one’s admiration. Sadly, Twitter, perhaps accidentally, has created a leviathan through which this is possible twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

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We now live in a world where we know that one size does not fit all, where individuality is celebrated and where, no matter our shape, size or colour, there is somebody in the public eye who we can relate to. While the beauty industry should absolutely be a place where all differences must be catered for, there is an increasing number of brands being exposed for their discrimination and lack of accessibility towards people of colour, men in the industry and people within the transgender community.

It was the launch of Rihanna’s all-inclusive makeup line, Fenty Beauty, that created a whirlwind of individuality and awareness.

The brand originally launched their foundation with a whopping 40 shades that covered almost all complexions. Despite this, they still saw room for improvement and have since created an extra 10 shades of their foundation. Launching a beauty brand with such a wide shade range has caused customers to consider how inclusive their favourite brands really are…need we mention Tarte’s abominable range of shades for their highly sought-after Shape Tape foundation?

The uproar of this disaster has led to the brand attempting to learn from their mistakes. They launched their Face Tape foundation with 50 new shades. However, their original Shape Tapes still sits with only 23 shades available.

Since Fenty Beauty’s launch, other beauty brands have had to step up to the line of equality or be left behind. Brands, such as Tarte, quickly faced backlash for releasing non-inclusive products and marketing campaigns. Beauty influencer, Jackie Aina, is an advocate for inclusivity and often speaks candidly about racial issues in the beauty community on her YouTube channel. Not only does she discuss these issues, but she has also worked with Too Faced to improve and extend the shade range of their Born This Way foundation; it is these influencers who we should be listening to and learning from. High-end beauty brands should be expected to create products that accommodate customers of all complexions, and Too Faced should definitely be applauded for their efforts to improve this common issue.

Some may argue that there is an apparent grey area when it comes to drugstore brands, who are sometimes overlooked for their lack of inclusivity unlike their high-end counterparts. Influencers, and customers alike, often defend the lack of shade ranges displayed in drugstore products, blaming their low budgets and lack of access to ingredients and pigments. However, if Revolution Beauty, one of the cheapest brands in the UK, can offer a foundation with 50 shades, then why can’t every other beauty brand, drugstore or not? A brand that has been boycotted by many (including the editors of this section) is Huda Beauty; the influencer-turned-businesswoman’s Instagram supposedly shares the best makeup looks on the internet, however these looks are mainly executed by white women. As a racial minority herself, Huda’s lack of inclusivity is often questioned by members of the beauty community. While people of colour need to be represented in the industry, so do men and people of the transgender

community. Huda Beauty, and many other brands in the industry, seem to ignore trans people and men in beauty, aiming to remain streamlined to outdated and traditional beauty norms despite the industry no longer having a conventional function.

There are an increasing number of male and transgender influencers in the beauty community; James Charles has taken the world by storm and icons, such as Gigi Gorgeous, wave the flag for the transgender community. It is about time brands decided to get on board with the rise of minorities who act as role models for young creatives, personal opinions aside. We are in the 21st Century, differences should be celebrated and makeup is certainly a great place to start; most can agree that makeup is an art form and a hobby that should be unique to the individual. However, this can prove difficult for some; if brands are excluding certain people who consumers can relate to, then some consumers won’t be able to find their inspiration and place in the community. This obviously has a negative impact on the non-inclusive brands themselves, as they are missing out on a huge area of customers, and therefore profit, simply because of their own morals and personal views.

So, how can we, as customers, work to improve diversity in the beauty industry? First, support brands with great morals, such as Revolution Beauty and Anastasia Beverly Hills (who has just released its collaboration with drag queen, Alyssa Edwards, and is the god tier of beauty brands, in my opinion), so that those who are putting in the work are reaping the rewards. Next: boycott, boycott, boycott. No matter how good a brand’s formula may be, no product is worth supporting discrimination and exclusion. The more we boycott, the more brands will learn that what they’re doing is wrong and will hopefully develop from it.

The most important thing we can do, though, is educate ourselves and each other. The more we know about inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry, whether that be products, marketing campaigns or brands’ stances, the more we can form our own opinions and decide who we want to support.

Diver sity in the Beauty Industry

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Tattoos, Body Art and Female Domination The definition of the phrase ‘body art’ is one of a unique nature – ‘an artistic genre… in which the actual body of the artist or model is integral to the work’. Well, this is what the dictionary defines it as anyway. As a reader, you could also recite this definition as artwork that has in fact been embedded into the skin of a person wishing to decorate their body.

This can also be known, in much simpler terms, as tattoos and piercings – a subject that is embedded with controversy and dividing opinions from all different types of people.

As for me? Well, I am all for it. Despite the negative opinions that people,(especially those of the older generations) tend to hold over the damaging image that body art can display, tattoos and piercings can actually be quite a beautiful representation of meaning. By choosing the right artist, a desired style and, most importantly, a clean studio, your tattoo wants and desires can go from a dream to a reality.

This was the case for me, anyway. After deciding to get my first tattoo just after my 18th birthday in March of 2018 – a small script piece dedicated to my favourite female singer, Lana Del Rey – I chose to get my second piece, one which would resemble my close relationship with my mum.

Yes, tattoos are with you for life and are big decisions, but they can also be symbols of memories and people. You might regret them in the future, but in one moment of time they meant something to you, and that’s something you can’t regret. For me, my tattoos are a collection of importance. They remind me of the significant women in my life; the people who inspired me and made me - a symbol of liberation that links back to the female gender. Due to this reason, I chose the tattoo artist and fashion designer Emily Malice, for my second ribcage tattoo. She is an icon of this specific artistic industry, and somebody that owns what it means to be a woman.

For this short series about women in the tattoo industry, I was fortunate enough to interview Emily about her experience as a female tattoo artist.

Until recently, tattooing was seen as a male-dominated industry, and the art form was used to create an aggressive image that was stereotypical of masculine characteristics. Nowadays, female artists, like Emily, dominate the industry and use tattooing to create pieces of similar meaning to mine.

Whether this is for women, or men, her work is of creative expression.

Her tattoos have allowed people to feel connected to their appearance on a closer, and increasingly loving perspective.

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As seen in the images via the QR code below, Emily created a small, dainty tattoo for me, one of which resembled years of affection in connection to my close family relationship – a bee and two lavender flowers, pictures that represent two of my mother’s favourite things. Whilst interviewing Emily, we discussed what it felt like and meant to her, as an artist, to tattoo such symbolic pieces on her clients. She stated, “It is something I don’t ever feel any less than mind blowing. I am so grateful to everyone who takes the time to come and get tattooed by me and wear my art on them for the rest of their lives. It is the most precious gallery in the whole world!”

And, she is right, tattoos can be symbols of dedication, little pieces of art that can represent the respect held for an artist, and the meaning created behind their work.

Emily is an admirable inspiration for both women and aspiring artists across the globe, creating pieces for, as quoted in her interview with Disorder Magazine, “the old and young, rich and poor, and the straight and rebellious of all types people.” For her, her art holds no boundaries that can discriminate. Currently, Emily tattoos and designs at Grace Neutral’s East London studio, Femme Fatale, with a love of botany and pop art, an aspect of her career that we discussed throughout our interview.

QUENCH FASHION: When and how did you get into the industry of tattooing? Why did you become interested in it?

EMILY: I started tattooing six years ago, in Nottingham. It wasn’t easy finding somewhere. No shops were really interested in me or my art but I persevered. I saved up all my money and moved to London as soon as possible. I felt I really learned to tattoo at ‘Into You Tattoo’ with my tattoo dad, Alex Binnie.

Q.F: What does tattooing mean to you? Is it an art form or a form of expression for you?

EMILY: Tattooing to me exists as both of these – I answer questions I have, and visualise emotions I may be going through within my art. I have always enjoyed speaking through imagery and creating my own visual language.

Q.F: What is it actually like to be a tattoo artist? Can it be challenging or restrictive?

EMILY: I guess I can only answer this in my perspective – I find it completely liberating and challenging, which I love. The way I work is a little different to conventional artists – I like to sit with my customer and draw on the spot. I find it a much more personal and enjoyable experience for us both to get to know each other and create something beautiful together.

It wasn’t only her art and desired aesthetic that we discussed in relation to the tattoo industry, ...

To c onti nue read ing, scan

the QR

code

words by: EMILY JADE RICALTON design by: URSZULA RODAKOWSKA

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words by: SOPHIE COOMBES design by: ORLAGH TURNER For some, fashion symbolises a bastion of creativity and freedom, yet, for years the industry has been accused of perpetuating a lack of cultural diversity and inclusion. Recently, Kim Kardashian faced mass backlash and was accused of cultural appropriation following the release of her shape-wear line Kimono. This is only one example among a myriad of other instances where the fashion industry has caused racial and cultural controversy across the globe. What are some of the instances where brands have been ignorant to the social and cultural impact of their products, and what happened when they tried to launch them?

KIM KARDASHIAN On 25th June, reality TV star and businesswoman Kim Kardashian launched a new product line of shape-wear branded Kimono. The launch was instantly met with a flurry of media backlash and many claims of cultural appropriation appeared, pointing out that Kardashian’s brand was disassociating the word ‘kimono’ from its cultural and historical significance.

A Change.org petition for Kardashian to drop the name has reached over 137,000 signatures, and the mayor of Kyoto, Japan, wrote an open letter asking the businesswoman to “consider [her] decision of using the name Kimono in [her] trademark.” The mayor stated that Japan is attempting to make ‘Kimono culture’ a registered entity under UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. He believes that ‘kimono’ is an asset which should be shared by everybody and should not be monopolised. Despite Kardashian not yet owning the trademark for ‘kimono’, as the application is still pending with the US Patent and Trademark Office, Japan has also announced that it will send patent officials to the US to further investigate the trademarking issue.

Kardashian responded by stating that the use of the term was “a nod to the beauty and detail that goes into a garment.” Since the controversy, she has released a statement on her Instagram page declaring that she will be launching her Solutionwear line under a new name in the future.

GUCCI As part of its autumn/winter 2018 collection, designer-label Gucci released a ‘balaclava’ black polo neck jumper which covers the bottom half of the face and has a cutout of bright red lips. The product was said to be depicting blackface, a practice which dates approximately two centuries back, where people, typically of white skin, would paint their skin to resemble a black person. The practice has perpetuated offensive and racist stereotypes of African Americans.

Gucci’s creative director, Alessandro Michele, said that the design was inspired by the late Leigh Bowery, a fashion designer who would frequently use vibrant make up and costumes.

After the controversy came to light, the brand removed the ‘balaclava knit’ from their website and stores. In addition, Gucci CEO, Marco Bizzarri, announced that the company would be providing scholarship programs and internal training to improve diversity and cultural awareness.

KATY PERRY In the wake of the Gucci scandal, earlier this year, singer Katy Perry removed a line of footwear from her brand, Katy Perry Collections, having also been accused of using blackface.

Perry’s collection, in partnership with Global Brand Group, featured loafers designed a face with bright blue eyes, triangle noses and prominent red lips on black leather. Other colours in the range included blue, gold, graphite, lead, nude, pink, red and silver.

The singer claimed that the line was a “nod to modern art and surrealism” and that they had been removed immediately once she’d heard about the controversy.

DOLCE & GABBANA In late 2018, Italian fashion brand Dolce & Gabbana published a video on Weibo, a Chinese social media site, of a Chinese lady eating a pizza, spaghetti and cannoli with chopsticks. The video was accused of belittling Chinese culture and showing Chinese women in a racist way.

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words by: SOPHIE COOMBES design by: ORLAGH TURNER Following this, Diet Prada, an Instagram account which often criticises the fashion industry, uploaded an image which appears to show a screenshot of messages sent by Stefano Gabbana. The messages appear to show that Gabbana disagrees with the video being taken offline and it shows him being highly critical and derogatory towards China.

Dolce & Gabbana responded by claiming that the Instagram account had been hacked and took down the original video within 24 hours of its release. In light of the offence caused, the company decided to postpone a planned fashion show in Shanghai and apologised unreservedly for any offence caused by the debacle.

This is not the only culturally insensitive controversy Dolce & Gabbana has been involved in. As part of their spring 2016 collection, the brand launched “slave sandals with pompoms,” which was accused of glorifying slavery and being extremely inappropriate for footwear that cost more than $2,000. The shoes were quickly re-branded as “decorative flat sandals.”

BURBERRY In February 2019, during London Fashion Week, luxury brand Burberry launched a hoodie with strings tied in the shape of a noose as part of its autumn/winter 2019 collection.

On social media, many users quickly pointed out how the product evoked images of lynching and suicide. Burberry’s creative director, Riccardo Tisci said that “the design was inspired by a nautical theme.” He apologised for this decision and Burberry announced that they would remove the piece from their collection.

In response to the backlash, the company announced that they will launch new initiatives to avoid a similar situation. These include: 1. Educating and training employees on diversity and inclusion 2. Diversifying talent through scholarships and Burberry’s inhouse arts and culture program 3. Supporting external organisations which promote diversity, inclusion and aid to people in need.

H&M It isn’t only the high-end designers who have come under criticism for marketing and producing products which have caused offence among the community. High-street brand H&M came under heavy scrutiny in January 2018 after it modelled a young, black, male model in a hoodie with “coolest monkey in the jungle” splayed across the chest.

Members of the public pointed out that other hoodies in the range with messages such as “Official survival expert” on the front were modelled by white children. Artist Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, declared that he would cut all ties with the company, having previously collaborated with H&M on two occasions in the past. Additionally, many H&M stores in South Africa were boycotted and vandalised with protestors claiming that the company is “facing consequences for its racism.” H&M responded by apologising, stating that the “incident is accidental in nature,” and removed the image from their website.

Almost a year after the controversy, H&M sent representatives to a conference organised by Anti-Racism Network South Africa in Johannesburg, where they hoped to “share insights about the interventions that they have employed,” since the incident.

As can be seen in all the examples above, the fashion industry is far from being completely considerate of the impact their products may have among their audiences. Many claim that the intrinsic lack of diversity and equality within the industry is to blame, others are simply dumbfounded that multinational corporations can be so ignorant of the cultural impact their products may cause amongst their audiences. However, one thing is certain, in such a multicultural world where controversies carry consequences, fashion brands should ensure that they do not commit errors with such historical and culturally offensive connotations.

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bright colours

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photography by: LUISA DE LA CONCHA MONTES design by: KATIE MAY HUXTABLE

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Models:

Andrea Drobna Amelia Stokes Janaki Selvaratnam

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Joaquin Phoenix's hotly anticipated rendition of DC's the Joker will be unveiled in October. Here are our takes on why previous approaches to the infamous character worked or didn't, and the legacy that Phoenix has to follow.

Sam Tilley on Heath Ledger

Wyl Jones on Jared Leto

The legacy of Heath Ledger’s Joker cannot be understated. It remains the only comic book movie performance to receive an Academy Award nomination for acting; an achievement enhanced by the fact that he was posthumously awarded the Oscar at that year’s ceremony. Yet, it is easy to forget the furore that arose from the initial casting announcement. Examples like “probably the worst casting of all time”, “it’s wrong on every level” and “Hell NOOOOOOOOO” were only some of the toxic backlash espoused by the Batman fandom at the time of his announcement; so it’s a fair question to ask just how Ledger managed to turn the very public apathy into near-universal adulation.

Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the titular character in Joker will mark the fourth live-action portrayal of the character, following Jared Leto’s in 2016’s Suicide Squad. Leto’s Joker faced huge backlash before Suicide Squad was even released, due to his drastically different, tattoo-laden image; causing many fans of previous iterations to instantly take a dislike to the casting - though Heath Ledger’s portrayal faced similar treatment prior to the release of The Dark Knight. However, following the film’s release Ledger’s portrayal became an iconic and Oscar-winning performance so history had shown that Leto could also overcome the backlash. Unfortunately, Leto’s portrayal of the Joker is remembered very differently than his predecessors; predominantly due to his minimal appearances.

Suicide Squad was the first film to feature the Joker as a peripheral character rather than the main antagonist, with Leto on-screen in the film for little over ten minutes. Previous iterations have shown the Joker to be a highly calculated individual whose planning can match that of Batman, ‘the world’s greatest detective’. Due to his lack of screen-time, the only real example of his genius is seen when he manipulates Harley Quinn into giving him a machine gun, to enable his escape from custody. This, along with the rest of his contribution to the film, feels rushed and inconsequential. Had Leto been able to appear as a main antagonist in a Batman film, his portrayal could have been excellent and shown an unexplored aspect of the character as a partner to Harley Quinn going against Batman; but we are instead left with the feeling of a missed opportunity. However, this perfectly paves the way for Joaquin Phoenix to portray the Joker in a film dedicated to exploring the character’s psyche and motives.

Whilst the Joker, now near as famous as his archenemy, has appeared in several live-action and animated products; the very essence of the character is based on fear. Where Ledger eclipses the performance of his predecessors is in the sense that the audience aren’t watching Heath Ledger play the Joker; they are watching the Joker, period. Ledger prepared for the role in isolation, so much so that he kept a ‘Joker diary’. Inside was a host of things that he thought the Joker might approve of, including sadistic real-life news stories and pictures of playing cards. More than any actor in modern times, Ledger lived in character and heavily improvised both the delivery of his lines and his now iconic makeup. The culmination of Ledger’s Joker can be best seen in one of two scenes. Enough has been written of the ‘disappearing pencil’ trick yet in this author’s eyes, the seminal Joker moment takes place within the interrogation cell. It marks the first time we truly see the Batman lash out and lose control and that all comes down to how menacing Ledger is in his most celebrated role.

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design by: JOSH ONG

Alex Daud Briggs on Mark Hamill When I tell people that Luke Skywalker plays the Joker in Batman the Animated Series and the Batman Arkham Video Games, they often look at me in disbelief. As strange as it may sound though, the legendary Jedi may be one of the most iconic voices for the clown prince of crime. The reason for this comes down to his great versatility and passion for the role.

Batman the Animated Series presented the many different sides of the Batman mythos. It ranged from several lighthearted comedic episodes to several more serious episodes that are more mature than many would give a children’s cartoon credit for. Regardless of the situation, Hamill naturally voices the character with a truly unhinged energy. He was able to play both the goofy trickster side of the character and the malicious psychopath depending on the situation.

A great example of this is the final episode of the animated series ‘Mad Love’ which deals with the relationship between the Joker and Harley Quinn.

Hamill is able to make snappy quips at Batman but also portray seething rage and cruelty in his abuse of Harley. Within seconds, the audience can see the persona change from the clown to the monster and are consequently enraptured. A lot of this was due to Hamill’s incredible expression in the role. It is normal for voice actors to just sit down in front of the microphone and read out their lines. Hamill, however, apparently needed to stand up and act out the lines he was speaking in order to get fully engrossed into the character.

The Joker, regardless of interpretation, is a grand, larger the life character who can bring both laughs and fear at the same time. Mark Hamill brought enough range and charisma to bring such a large character to life in every aspect.

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By Cynthia Vera One of the main problems within television and film is the recurring misconception that female friendships are difficult to maintain, filled with jealousy and hidden agendas to tear one another down because, you know… women are catty, bitchy and cause unwanted drama for a) cheap thrills, and b) to kill time. I guess? Most of the time, depictions of female friendship are never really about having a deep connection or developing deep emotional intimacy; women are often kept from forming real, close relationships based on honesty. And it’s so tiring to see this repetitive and careless handling of female friendship on our screens.

But, there is hope! With the modern rebirth of feminism and ideas of ‘sisterhood’, we’re starting to see a new wave of representation that highlights the power of the female bond. There’s something endearing and simply charming about watching a film or show defined by women whose lives are so intertwined that feels like we’re watching a love story unfold before our very own eyes. Not a romantic one of course, but one that captures the intricate and comforting love that exists within a platonic friendship between women. Here is a small selection of films and shows that wonderfully illustrate these ideas.

By Sarah Belger Praised as ‘the coming-of-age movie that young women deserve’, Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird highlights the realities of female friendships without claiming that their struggles are based solely around their relationships with boys. Throughout the film, it becomes clear how important it is to have a female director when deciding which moments of a young woman’s life are deemed significant enough to make the cut; making the film increasingly relatable for the demographic which it represents.

Christine’s (aka Lady Bird) relationship with her best friend, Julie, takes centre stage and is explored in far greater depth than their relationship with their respective boyfriends, Danny and Kyle. When Lady Bird is with Kyle, she often talks about Julie, showing how the friendship is often on her mind. Neither of Lady Bird’s failed romantic relationships have any effect on her self-worth, a message which should appear more often in pop culture, and this is helped greatly by the fact that she has a strong and constant bond with Julie – even when they don’t always see eye to eye. Rather than completing the narrative by finding closure through a male soulmate, the film demonstrates how two women can ‘complete’ each other through their friendship. While romantic relationships may naturally come and go, Greta Gerwig beautifully reflects how these strong female friendships will more often stand the test of time. The fact that she is just the fifth female director to receive an Oscar nomination only goes to show how many more ‘Lady Birds’ are needed.

design by: LUISA DE LA CONCHA MONTES

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By Nicole Rees-Williams Dead to Me is a Netflix original that aired in May of this year and stars Christina Applegate as Jen, and Linda Cardellini as Judy. The shows focuses on the friendship between these two women, which develops under extremely tough circumstances.

The whole story is kickstarted by the death of Jen’s husband, Ted, who was tragically killed in a hit and run. Although Ted is key to the development of the story, his presence is only ever experienced through the tales of other characters. We never see any flashbacks of Jen and Ted’s relationship and not even a picture of him is clearly shown throughout the show, the focus is purely on how this tragedy formed a heart-warming friendship between two women.

Watching Jen and Judy’s friendship is never short of entertaining, mostly because the pair are complete opposites. Jen is tough, abrasive and quick to result to anger, whereas Judy is sweet, a little kooky and free spirited. Judy is key to helping Jen through her grief and both actresses were extremely successful in creating an on-screen chemistry. Applegate and Cardellini create a bond that you can’t get enough of, even despite some complicated situations.

In a time where heteronormative, romantic relationships are the overwhelming focus of our entertainment, it is refreshing to see a rise of film and TV focusing on the complexities and beauty of female friendships. With a second series already confirmed, be sure to stream Dead to Me on Netflix.

By Rhian Lock American romantic comedy Someone Great was released this year on Netflix. Directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robertson, it’s a celebration of diverse female friendships, and a road-trip of emotional turbulence and wit. The film focuses on the lives of three women, Jenny (Gina Rodriguez), Erin (DeWanda Wise), and Blair (Brittany Snow), and follows the build-up to one night of drunken escapades after careerfocused Jenny tries to adjust to the end of her long-term relationship.

Someone Great is a prime example of real-life female friendships in the modern world. The three women have come of age and are just stepping into their womanhood. Ask most women, and they will tell you that during a breakup, their friends are what helped to pull them out of that dark space. Girlhood is riddled with heartbreak and crises, but it can also be a bonding experience between the broken hearted and their closest friends.

Jenny’s broken heart may be the pivotal plot point and a relatable agony, but Erin and Blair are not implemented within the film as just sidekicks. Each one of them have their own developed backstories and struggles, such as Erin’s inability to commit to a relationship, and Blair’s struggle with balancing her identity as both a career-girl and a party-girl. Unlike typical rom-coms, the women have friendships that are founded in true unconditional love, and are not bound or weakened by romantic relationships. Their friendship is real, raw, and messy – but ultimately unbreakable, even in the face of breakups, loss, and distance.

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design by: YEON SU CHO

Coby Barker on Call Me By Your Name

Ella Clucas on Eat, Pray, Love

Set in Northern Italy, summer of 1983, this flick focuses on the relationship between grad student Oliver and 17-year-old Elio in the picturesque town of Crema.

Director Luca Guadagnino’s artistic choice to open with the title ‘Somewhere in Northern Italy’ shows that location is significant from the get go. The ambiguity of ‘somewhere’ opens us up to pay attention to the scenery which would otherwise be seen as secondary to a central storyline - the shots of classic architecture; stunning countryside in rural areas such as the movies main location of remote Crema; Italy’s highest waterfall Cascate del Serio in Bergamo and the town square of Pandino are all key in building the movie’s distinctive atmosphere. These don’t exude a stereotypical portrayal of Italy, but instead provide an honest look at Italy’s hidden serene beauty whilst still maintaining its image as a ‘country of passion’.

In the midst of stress and uncertainty, many of us long to put our current lives in a box and step away into something entirely different.

But how do we approach such a journey, and where could it take us?

Another substantial aspect is the intoxicating use of sound, even in key character moments, one cannot help but to appreciate the sounds of birds and the flow of rivers, elevated by the light breezy soundtrack with Sufjan Stevens and pianists such as John Adams or Ryuichi Sakamoto complimenting the landscape, all giving the audience a sense of being alongside the characters. This all makes me very eager for the sequel that has been announced. I say bring on the inevitable nights spent contemplating booking a one-way flight to Italy!

Megan Evans on Monte Carlo At the age of thirteen, I watched a film called Monte Carlo, an adventure/ romantic comedy that depicts three girls, two of whom quit their summer jobs to backpack around Europe, only for one of the girls to be mistaken for a British socialite. They spend a week enjoying luxuries in this beautiful location. Monte Carlo is located in Monaco in France, somewhere that I had never visited before.

The setting of the film is absolutely stunning, as it is at the heart of the French Riviera and a large proportion of the movie is shot in a lavish hotel suite, which overlooks the city. Some of the shots in the movie include breath-taking views of the Port Hercule harbour and the cityscapes of Monte Carlo and one of the largest yachts in the world - the Atlantis II, was supposedly nearby to where a scene involving a date on a yacht was shot. Visually, the movie is so aesthetically pleasing, hence why I loved the idea of visiting in the future because I have a real interest in French culture. The Hotel de Paris’ interior featuring marble pillars and crystal chandeliers made me feel like if I were to ever visit, it would feel so luxurious and enticing. The architecture looks fascinating and anybody would feel like royalty if you had the chance of staying here, hence it being a perfect location for the movie!

Eat, Pray, Love is a film that explores countries, cultures and possibilities. Based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s 2006 autobiographical memoir, the 2010 Columbia Pictures film sees Gilbert’s character (played by the always delightful Julia Roberts) place her life on hold to delve into a journey of spirituality and long awaited self-discovery.

Over the course of a year Gilbert spends time between Italy, India and Indonesia, nourishing her body, mind and soul to realise her true desires. As the title of the film suggests, she eats mountains of pizza, learns what it is to pray in the temples of a Guru, and falls in love on the beaches of Bali. But, most importantly, Gilbert transforms her attitude to life. As a film that shows us what it is to lose everything in order to learn what we truly need, Eat, Pray, Love proves it’s never too late to start over and search for your true happiness, whether that be near or far.

Sai on Doctor Who To me, it was Doctor Who that made me want to travel most.

Obviously, the Tardis would allow you to go anywhere in the universe any place or time. But during the series the Doctor also travels to very real and accessible places. Living in Cardiff is a big advantage already, with a lot of the show being filmed here, and London is also quite easy to get to and rather exciting. But whether it’s a beach in Norway, where goodbyes hurt, Celtic burial sites in Scotland, where the crows memorialise a warrior, or the Punjab area of India, where demons pay their respect, this show has made me curious. Curious of how all these places really are, what magic they hold on all their own. The main message in Doctor Who to me was, that the world is beautiful, and enticing on its own. That every place has its own way of being special, that people everywhere are tremendously fantastical and that you will find something worth while everywhere if you look close enough. The thought of experiencing these wonders is why Doctor Who made me want to travel.

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words by: LAURA DAZON design by: YEON SU CHO This year’s Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival was awarded to a Korean movie for the first time: Parasite, directed by Bong Joon Ho. Here is why this award is important, and an attempt at explaining why Parasite deserves it.

Shortly after its release during the festival, the film was available everywhere in France, and I had the chance to watch it. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Thanks to the trailer and the name I understood that I was in for a few good laughs, here and there, maybe a critique of societal norms but I was definitely not prepared for what was coming. The first thing I noticed - which made me very happy - was the surprising amount of people present in the audience. Usually, not many people visit the independent cinemas in my city, but that’s the thing with the Palme d’Or: it has a phenomenal impact.

Quiet. The room goes dark, and we are immediately introduced to the Ki-Taek family. They live in a rathole in a poor neighbourhood of South Korea, all of them are unemployed, but overall very warm and bubbly. With key bits of information, each character is described precisely and you soon start to relate to them. You understand very quickly that they are ready to do anything to make ends meet. Anything. It is only normal then, that when the son gets an opportunity to be a tutor for the daughter of a rich family, he will try to introduce his father, mother, and sister to work with him. This is when the comedy kicks in. As the current staff are progressively fired, the Ki-Taeks begin to recommend each other to the Park family: “Oh, you’re looking for a private driver, I know a man…”, “a private art teacher for your son, call this girl”, or “a governess, this lady will be perfect.” They are parasites, colonising an entity and feeding on it.

Central to the plot of Parasite is the opposition of two families: the Ki-Taeks and the Parks. The poor and the rich. But don’t be too quick to judge, it’s not as Manichean as it initially seems; you need to view the film’s title whilst keeping in mind that one of Bong Joon-Ho’s favourite themes is class warfare. The pejorative meaning of a parasite is “a person who is lazy and lives by other people working,”: this movie is subtly but surely representing the gap between social classes, whilst also criticising it. The title “Parasite” is almost ironic, knowing too well what it implies, and wanting to prove the contrary at the same time.

Progressively, tension builds and as it does the movie reveals its true intentions. And that’s when those who sat in the cinema because they thought Parasite was a lighthearted comedy about scamming a rich family had to shift their expectations to “I hope it won’t get as bloody as it looks like it’s going to be.”

The final act of the movie presents a bit of a “well, that escalated quickly” moment.

And it took a while for me to be able to reflect on the movie, to understand all of its hidden meanings. Parasite could be light entertainment if you decided to watch it that way, but if you pay closer attention, you will be able to grasp all of its depth.

Parasite asks us to decide who the true fools are. The poor people striving for more in a system that cheats them, or the rich people being exploited by the poor? I loved that Parasite was full of symbols representing the different social classes, and how they act towards each other. I would say that the end, though, was a bit pessimistic by arguing that everyone stays where they are in the social scale and that there is no way to avoid one’s origins.

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design by: YEON SU CHO

Who hasn’t enjoyed a good video of Steve Buscemi’s face superimposed onto Jennifer Lawrence during a press conference? Or Nicolas Cage in very un-Nicolas Cage places? Maybe you found some solace in the obviously fake footage of Kit Harrington apologising for that final season (just me?). If you have, welcome to the realm of deep fakes. We’re hearing of them more and more, and with good reason. But what exactly are they, and how are they made, you ask? It’s relatively uncomplicated, and startlingly accessible.

It starts with two algorithms working together in a generative adversarial network (GAN). The first algorithm is what is known as the discriminator, the second is the generator. A good example to begin to understand how a GAN works is a spam email creator. The discriminator in this scenario mimics the actual spam email detector algorithm utilised by most email providers. It compiles a large amount of already detected spam emails, and picks up on common phrases and terms. These emails become its training set. The discriminator gets better as it shuffles through the emails, noticing that pleas for money from an Ethiopian prince, or exciting claims of compensation entitlement, don’t usually make it to the inbox. The generator then takes the data compiled by the discriminator and uses it to build new emails that avoid the usual buzzwords. The two create a self-reinforcing cycle, and are always in competition. Deepfake videos are created in pretty much the same way. A GAN, loaded with videos from innumerable sources, begins to pick up on the little nuances of human speech and expression, using them to compile new content.

That isn’t to say that the newly generated clips are by any means seamless. Many of the videos suffer from what is commonly known as ‘uncanny valley’ - a phrase used to describe the funny feeling you get when watching something vaguely human, but not quite (think Alita: Battle Angel).

However, Matt Turek, a member of the Pentagon’s deepfake program, confirms that it is becoming simpler to create a deepfake than to detect one. AI are quickly developing the ability to detect deepfakes, but this just continues to feed the GAN into making higher quality, undetectable content based on what has been caught out in the past. Visual and auditory inconsistencies in the mannerisms of the subjects being recreated are often noticeable to the human eye, but that might not be the case much longer. The next solution is “hashing,” which creates a series of numbers for the video that are lost if it is tampered with. Finally, and most controversially, is a system of ‘authenticated alibis.’ This suggests that public figures constantly record themselves, so that in the case of a deepfake appearing, they can show what they were really doing at the time.

You may be thinking: okay, cool. Two funky algorithms can make politicians say something wildly controversial or celebrities show boobies on PornHub. But it doesn’t affect you, right? Right? To that, I say, on the bright side, at least it sort-of delegitimises anything damning you’ve ever done on video. With the increasing popularity of facial recognition as a form of cyber security (not to mention the probably innumerable amount of pictures and videos available of you on the web), the threat to the average citizen is growing. “All of those images that you put of yourself online have exposed you,” says Hany Farid, a UC Berkley professor, whose research in media forensics has been funded by Darpa.

“You gave it up freely. Nobody forced you to do it, it wasn’t even stolen from you – you gave it up.” Farid is concerned about the seeming indifference towards deepfakes from social media platforms. Following the upload of several deepfakes focusing on Facebook, Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, finally came around, stating at the Aspen Ideas Festival that FB might be considering a policy change. In order to make a convincing deepfake mask of the average social media user, there would need to be a few hundred unobstructed facial shots to play around with. This initially may sound like a lot to compile, there might not even be that many pictures of you floating around the web, but consider that the iPhone shoots at least 30 frames per second.

The victims of face swapping deepfakes are usually women. Extremely graphic, detailed and difficult to detect, pornographic deepfakes are uploaded frequently to the internet. The legality of them is another largely untested issue in the courts of law. Google has recently added “involuntary synthetic pornographic imagery” to its ban list which allows anyone to request the removal of such material. This however, doesn’t promise the end of their creation and advancement. Discussion boards about deepfakes are cropping up across the web, and it’s even possible to request videos of people you know. It isn’t even expensive– about £16 a pop. A more recent case of an average woman’s face being placed atop a porn actor’s body only required roughly 500 photos of her face, lifted exclusively from her social media accounts. This raises another frightening point – a quick reverse image search would bring you back to where the photos were originally shared.

Now, this isn’t an article intended to push the dangers of posting that gorgeous golden-hour selfie. Rather, a little bit of a crash course into deepfakes, and the current climate and rhetoric surrounding them. As they develop, it’s important to keep a level head and always be ready to scrutinise a little bit more.

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The fighting game where you don’t hit your opponent Lethal League Blaze is a 2D fighting game that isn’t about hitting each other. Instead, combatants face off in a rectangular arena where the objective is to smash a ball into each other as it ricochets off the walls at terminal velocity. Its gameplay is the offspring of a manic romp between Rocket League and Smash Bros, and if you’re not already sold, this bottled lightning is luminous with the cel-shaded rebel sheen of Jet Set Radio. To define Lethal League by its DNA, however, would be to rob this game of its indelible accomplishments. This title is a masterclass in fighting game design and the closest game to perfection since Valve’s Portal.

One goal that fighting games have striven for in recent years is accessibility, but most attempts to cultivate it prove either shallow or harmful for the game’s longevity. Arc System’s Dragon Ball FighterZ tried automatic combos and a universal combo system. On one hand, players could perform absurd combos by mashing a single button. But it was streamlined to the point that combos and characters became indistinguishable from one another, leading to a bland and waning competitive scene. Capcom’s Street Fighter V featured a controversially lenient input buffer to simplify difficult manoeuvres. Whilst it’s easier to get into, it trivialised otherwise astonishing moments and upsets because the execution barrier was too forgiving to afford any gravitas to the events. Seeing a pattern here? Fighters derive their meaning from the journey of growth, of amassing knowledge and building technical skill. This journey is impossible without depth, and depth, it seems, is diametric to accessibility.

In all my years of playing fighting games, I’ve yet to see a game strike this paradoxical balance quite like Lethal League – so how are the multibillion-dollar inventors of the genre stumped where an indie studio from the Netherlands has struck gold?

Part of the puzzle is that Lethal League is not a conventional fighting game and eschews the overall complexity of one. This isn’t a game about frame data and movesets, so a 1:1 comparison that concludes ‘Lethal League Blaze does it better than Street Fighter’ and shuts the book would be deeply unfair. It does, however, get to the fun instantly without compromising its depth. See, Street Fighter and Dragon Ball FighterZ are investments. It’s momentary fun when you put your shrapnel in the arcade and flail in mutual bemusement. But for players at home, a foray into these games can be a frustrating and disappointing experience. In marketing material and in videos online, we see Ken parry every single one of Chun-Li’s kicks and riposte with a flashy super combo. But it’s a tease; the technical skill of landing a parry and converting it into anything useful at all takes hours upon hours of practice for newcomers, and the anticipation required to do so in a match demands far more investment than most gamers are willing to commit. Booting up Street Fighter as an absolute beginner, where both players are awkwardly jumping and kicking and punching with little intention, eventually becomes stagnant and aimless. Getting bodied by superior players is exhausting and off-putting, and the realisation that competency requires discipline either inspires – or in most cases, demolishes – a player’s journey.

To continue reading, scan the QR code:

words by: MIKE O’BRIEN design by: URSZULA RODAKOWSKA

64- DOWNLOAD issue 174 Picture a world-class gamer in your head. I doubt it’s a flattering image, but who can blame you? Between cringy antics in eSports, and the conservative insistence that video games cause everything from social anxiety to mass shootings, public perception of competitive gaming isn’t exactly at an alltime high. To hear the other side of the story, I spoke with George ‘isdsar’ Diamanto, a second-year Computer Science student at Cardiff University.

He also happens to be the best Smash Bros Melee player in Greece and one of the best Captain Falcon players on the continent. What ensued was an enlightening talk about George’s growth, both as a player and a person, and what Melee had to do with it.

When you play Melee now, is it more productive or recreational for you?

It’s always both. If I didn’t get through the deep learning process of this game, I would have more trouble with other aspects of life. Once you reach a certain level at something, you become more confident in other areas. It’s not only about confidence, but learning and the way you learn. [Melee has even] helped me out with cooking. It’s about being disciplined, fast, precise, and patient. These are all traits you learn just from playing it enough. You’re constantly judging yourself, and the more objective you are about your play, the better you are. You have to see things from a fair perspective, and Melee teaches you that.

An intervie competitive George Diamantos

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I’ve heard that you’re a big cook these days.

I’m alright. I’m a home cook, obviously. Because I’m in the UK, I have to cook to eat good food.

Surely you don’t mean to suggest that British cuisine lacks nuance, George?

It sucks man, it really does.

What is it about cooking that keeps you interested?

It’s very creative [...] the way I view a recipe is the same way you view a combo flowchart in Melee. The game taught me how to make really good flowcharts, so in that sense, following a recipe always yields satisfactory results.

How is your lifestyle and your success within Melee perceived outside of the community?

The more it goes on, the more [my parents] understand it and why I do it, but they don’t approve that I play 5-6 hours a day. I know for a fact that they won’t appreciate it and want me to spend that time on something else. But they can see the results spilling over into other areas of my life and they’re fine about it. My friends back in Athens think it’s sick.

What is an average day for you like?

I make sure everything is running fine, that there’s nothing wrong with the house, nothing wrong with uni, nothing is wrong with the bills. When that part of the day is done, it’s either gaming with friends or going out with friends.

Let’s talk about the climb. You can play games for years, but it doesn’t mean you’ll be any good. How do you get results?

It’s been a lot of sacrifice in terms of time, people, going out. When I first started, I was so into it that my school friends would ask me to hang out on a Friday night, and I’d say ‘no, I’m meeting up with my Melee friends tonight’. We’d play ten hours straight, four days a week. That’s one part of the sacrifice. The other part is the time I spent by myself. […]

It takes a chunk of your free time away. Whether it’s a good day or a bad day, you have to practice. That approach worked best for me. A consistent schedule of everyday practice. To others who want to get better as well - if you have two hours a day to spare, go for it.

Do you regret declining social opportunities to pursue Melee?

Sacrifices are always something to regret. You’re always thinking, ‘what if I just went there tonight?’ I don’t regret [pursuing Melee]. But I do regret the fact that I didn’t get to have those nights.

What do you think you missed out on?

My biggest regret... Not enough girls. I think that should be any man’s biggest regret. Nah, I’m just joking. It is definitely one, though.

You joke about it, but are romantic pursuits important to you?

I think it should be in every person’s interest, at some point. At some points it might not be, but I think it should be there. Melee took away a small part of it. I don’t think I’d get many more girls [if I didn’t play]. Just a couple chances that you always regret. Chances to go to that special place with your friends that I passed up to play Melee. […] I still got some girls, god bless. And I still went out with friends. I just did it a little bit less.

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Do you see much of a divide between eSports and physical sports? Is playing Melee for six hours a day any different to playing football for six hours a day?

It’s identical to physical sports in that you must focus, sacrifice, read your opponent, and interact with them. It’s a human opponent, you have to fight their brain, which is the same concept as playing a sport. You’re trying to mess with your opponent’s mind and figure out how it works. But to pursue a physical sport, you need to make bigger sacrifices. I’ve done both. I’ve played tennis since I was five. It takes a lot more physical action to improve. You need to have a better diet, you need to pay a lot more money. It’s more intimidating as well. A guy playing video games next to you is gonna be chill, he’s not gonna be screaming his lungs out pushing both his mind and his body to 120%. Melee is just a mind thing. It’s not the same; but each has its benefits.

I do Melee much more than sports right now because it’s way easier. All I have to do is sit in front of my screen. That might be depressing to others who might prefer to go out in a field and play with twenty other people. I like it here more.

I find it magical that I can just sit in my house and improve for something that I can go to a major tournament for and compete for a win. All this, just from my couch chilling.

Would you say Melee has fundamentally changed you?

I think the main difference now is that I have a purpose. Not in the sense that a purpose has been assigned to me, but a purpose of my own. And that applies to life in general. It’s been such a huge experience, these last five years, all these hours, growing up together... I don’t know how much I would attribute to Melee, but I feel like I have finally found a way to live.

Melee helped a lot. Getting to stay inside and think about things, and then going to a tournament and meeting hundreds of people... It’s going from one end to the other. Melee takes people out of the basement and into a thousand-man tournament. Being around so many people in a competitive environment was something I’d never experienced before. [Beforehand,] I couldn’t figure out what I wanted to do, couldn’t figure out an answer […] until I went to my first major tournament and saw three hundred people pushing themselves on this game, and I realised that’s what I wanted to do.

I no longer felt the need to question myself about everything I did. Melee solved it.

What does Melee mean to you, in a nutshell?

It’s a lifestyle. I have a lot of friends and relationships attached. I spend a lot of time every day on it. It’s part of my life. [Ultimately], you can always get better. That’s what Melee means to me. It doesn’t matter how hard something might seem at the beginning, if you spend enough time on it, it’ll happen. It’s so nice to see improvement. Seeing yourself develop through the years gives you more meaning than just playing a game. I’m proud of how I play, and [the beauty of Melee] is that you can express that through your playstyle. That’s why it’s so much fun. It’s interesting and challenging to climb this mountain. It’s literally a mountain, and I’m about a quarter of the way there.

What’s at the top of the mountain?

Winning a major. But it’s gonna be a long way.

Do you think you could be the best in the world?

I think even you could become the best in the world. It’s not as impossible as you might think. It’s one of those games that rewards true skill.

Melee is the American dream.

Literally, yes. Maybe that’s why [it has such a presence in the US]. Anyone can become the best. It doesn’t matter who you are. It just matters what you do with the game. That’s all.

words by: MIKE O’BRIEN design by: LOTTIE ENNIS

If the untrained eye waded through the labyrinth of smoke, consoles, and wires in George’s flat, it might see a bunch of guys goofing around on a game. But that would be a primitive conclusion to draw from what is clearly a valuable subculture for many. Wales’ ensemble of Melee players seemed more to me like a passionate group of artists and scientists. They aren’t just playing a game – they’re creating and experimenting on the canvas of Melee. Instead of rendering them socially inept, it’s bringing them together, forging new relationships, and fostering genuine personal growth. George especially lacks the stereotypical caveats of a professional gamer. He was confident, precise, passionate, someone with a clear affinity for life, and after speaking with him, it’s not difficult to see how competitive gaming has enriched him, despite the regrets and the ‘what-ifs’ that all of us bear.

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DIgITaL WELLBEING: HOW YOUR PHONE ISN’T THE PROBLEM I’m a huge fan of Black Mirror, but it’s dripping with cynical dread about how unequipped we are to evolve at technology’s pace. Worse yet are the smug blogs that insist on chucking your phone in the bin, because friendship, mindfulness, parents in the landed gentry, and a two-year island sabbatical are the only basics you need in life. To that, we at Download say no thanks. Whilst it’s true that predatory anti-consumer practices are woven into social media’s DNA – flip over to our Tinder article for more – the digital landscape can work wonders for your mental health with the right tools and the right philosophy.

HEADSPACE

by Lottie Evans Headspace is an app which provides different meditation and sleep guides.

It offers both free meditation and a paid section which allows the user to access more meditation experiences. From the personal use of this app, I have increased my focus and concentration, plus it’s been a helpful tool for improving sleep. Some of the free experiences allow different lengths of daily meditation with a minimum of three minutes. I found that even three minutes of meditation left me feeling calmer and ready to take on the day. The good thing about a free app is that you can invest time in your personal development and mental health without paying a penny. If you do want to upgrade though, the paid version allows different options for sleep meditation which instantly became part of my night-time routine at uni. I would recommend Headspace to everyone as it offers a wide range of different meditations which can be very useful to those feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

CBT APP

by Lottie Evans The CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) app was recommended to me by the Wellbeing and Counselling service at Cardiff University. CBT might be familiar to anyone who studied Psychology at A-level. It’s a way to challenge your own behaviours in order to live a happier, more balanced life. The CBT app allows you to note patterns or changes in your thoughts and feelings through different coloured faces. These faces can be assigned to any type of feeling, and when you note down a face, you can match them to a time, place or activity which may have caused the feeling. This is particularly useful to those of us who feel like we end up in cycles of low or anxious moods as we can see for ourselves what may have caused a particular mood change and how we can cope differently in the future. Once you start working on your mental health and see improvements, you can look back to see how far you’ve come; it’s easy to forget where you started!

FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUPS

By Emma Murphy Social media has been a great source of comfort for my family. Initially, when my father was diagnosed with brain and lung cancer, it was an enemy of sorts, only confirming that the worst was yet to come. But social media enabled a sense of community as we realized we were not the only family fighting.

When he had his left lung removed in 2015, we stumbled across the ‘Living with One Lung’ forum. At a time when it seemed unfathomable that anybody could live a life of any quality with halved lung capacity, there they were, living, breathing (ha-ha) examples. The support these communities offered was priceless, and when my dad succumbed in 2018, they grieved alongside us.

My younger brother lives with Crohn’s disease. It’s a delicate subject for any kid (now teen) to discuss with school peers, girlfriends, teachers, and so on.

He actually prefers to act like nothing is wrong at all. Thankfully, when his symptoms are extra worrying, or his treatment plan changes, there’s another lovely online community of people who get it. Sometimes, they’re more helpful than his doctors. It’s been a huge light in what can be a murky environment. I am forever grateful for the comfort that these beautiful pockets of the web afforded my family.

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MICROSOFT SURFACE

By Mike O’Brien I won’t even attempt to disguise my feelings for the Microsoft Surface as platonic. This device has become symbiotic, it is my significant other on a spiritual level. In case you don’t know what it is, the Microsoft Surface is a twoin-one device with the form factor of an iPad and the utility of a laptop. You may be thinking; what does this have to do with mental wellbeing? Well, my friend, let me tell you: it makes my bipolar workable. Thanks to its touchscreen, kickstand, and god tier build quality, this thing can be used anywhere - and I mean anywhere. Sitting in an office chair at an office computer for longer than two seconds for me is a forlorn war.

Having a versatile device that enables me regardless of whatever bizarre acrobatics I happen to be performing at the time has quintupled my productivity, and I bet it does for you too.

Besides that, it comes loaded with a tonne of productivity apps which sync to your phone, a huge aid for general living. Some favourites of mine include Microsoft ToDo, which is exactly what you think it is: a checklist app. You add a task, add an optional due date or extra steps, and tick it off when it’s done. Add tasks from your Surface and suddenly they’re on your phone now as well (it even works with iPhones!). There’s also OneNote, which is sort of like a digital notebook. It’s a bit more flexible than Word and allows you to organise notes a bit more efficiently than a bunch of jumbled files in a folder.

And, again, these notes sync over to your other devices. This little family of apps and devices has kept my life in check in ways that I, someone vilely useless with paper, could never.

you look like a smug, bastardy, discount Steve Jobs using it? Maybe in the right turtleneck, sure. But I love this thing shamelessly and so should you. Buy it - even if you’re just going to twirl it condescendingly in conversations with others. You could buy it to take handwritten notes with excellent precision, do little doodles or grand designs, or as a more relaxing and precise way to use the Surface’s touchscreen in tablet mode. It may be a nifty device for unconventional and visual learners. But I say it’s worth it for the twirling. Let’s face it: the worst thing about using a computer over a notepad is that you can’t twirl a pen whilst you procrastinate. To naysayers: take your technically more practical mouse and piss off.

Last, and least, is the Microsoft Surface Pen. Alright, yeah, it’s a gimmick. Do

NINTENDO SWITCHw

By Mike O’Brien My doctor told me something once that changed my perspective on mental health forever. If you’re a sufferer, you’re not normal. You’re not a weirdo – well, you might be – but not by default. It does mean, though, that you should stop banging your head against a wall when you can’t do things like ‘a normal person’. If you’re not up to a task, sometimes it’s best to walk away. A walk is good – but if you’d rather stay put and need something a little more mentally stimulating to concentrate that energy (or lack thereof), I say put the work aside and pull out a Nintendo Switch for a little while. When I get anxious or frustrated, sometimes I just want to keep leaving until I’m outside and there’s nowhere left to leave. My Switch is a little portal to another dimension of interactive bliss, whether it’s toying around on Super Mario, or soon, tending to my Animal Crossing village. Having Mario Kart, Jackbox Party Pack, and Smash Bros on the go can be great icebreakers for the socially anxious, too.

Photo by Aleks Dorohovich on Unsplash

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It’s a Catch:

time someone swipes left it goes down. It also takes into account the score of the person swiping on you, so the higher their score, the more points you gain or lose from their decision. Tinder then presents profiles with similar ELO scores to each other, in the hopes that these were people you would be interested in and they would also be interested in you. In theory this should lead to the most successful matches, but in reality, it just kept users in a feedback loop unable to see anyone outside words by: POLLY DENNY their designated tier. design by: ELAINE TANG Tinder has been sparking matches since 2012, and while many of us log In March this year however, Tinder released a statement that ELO scores into the app almost daily as a part of our social media round up, how and desirability rankings are “old news” and that its new algorithm uses “cutting edge technology” to “adjust your potential matches you see each many of us really know how it works? and every time your profile is Liked or Noped”. While they still won’t The past decade has seen a complete turnaround in attitudes towards release exactly what system they are using, it sounds a lot like the Galeonline dating. Before, the sorts of eHarmony and OKCupid might have Shapley algorithm. This was created by two economists in 1962 who been seen as something of a last resort, but with the number of 18 to wanted to prove that any random group of people could be sorted into 24-year olds signed up tripling since 2013, the majority of young people couples that would all have stable marriages. Tinder uses it to identify now think online dating is a good way to meet people. This opens the patterns in your user history and compares this to other people. If I have door to a whole new demographic and consequently, it has led to a whole a similar history to another woman, swiping right on a large proportion new breed of dating apps. Gone are the days of lengthy profiles and long of the same profiles, then I will be shown the profiles of people that she conversations, replaced by the incredibly visual and convenient ‘Hot or has liked, and I haven’t seen yet in the hopes that I might also like it.

Tinder’s predatory algorithms and the lonely hearts caught in the crossfire

Not’ format. But how much of this never-ending carousel of potential is innocent, harmless fun, and how much are the people we see, match Tinder updates your new potential matches every 24 hours which theoretically means that if you log into your Tinder every day, you should with, and date already decided for us? be presented with a stack of new profiles, with the first being the most When it comes to the apps I use and interact with, I am guilty of not compatible and each one getting slightly less so with every swipe. While thinking too much about what’s going on in the background, but when this is an improvement on ELO, as a fairer, more human way of making it comes to something as important as the people we are dating, maybe connections, unfortunately any good this might have brought has been we should. This boils down to the algorithm our dating apps are using to thwarted by the introduction of in-app purchases like Boost and Tinder pick who we see, and who we don’t. Tinder has always been incredibly Gold. The integration of microtransactions being built into the app has tight lipped around the design of its algorithm, but we know it must be changed the motives behind the algorithm altogether. Both Boost and fairly simplistic given how little information we as users provide to the Gold are essentially ways to override it, by pushing your profile to the app. However, if a stranger set me up on a blind date with someone, top of everyone else’s deck. Tinder has incentive to make these extras knowing nothing about me except my gender preference and an age range as effective as possible to keep people buying them, however, since their I deem appropriate, then I’m not sure I would even go, let alone expect release, Tinder have been accused of sabotaging the free version of the it to be a good match. So, what else is Tinder doing to filter through app by holding back compatible matches until you pay for them. the estimated 50 million users? How would you feel if you were being assigned a ‘desirability score’? It sounds a little like we’re Nosediving into a dystopian nightmare (see Bryce Dallas Howards’ Black Mirror descent into dating hell), but it’s exactly how Tinder used to work. It’s known as the ELO Rating System and it was originally designed to rank the skill level of chess players online, only now it’s being used to rank people by how attractive they are. The basics of how it works is that every time someone swipes right on your profile, your ELO score goes up, and every

As Tinder refuses to comment on their monetisation scheme or their match-making methods, there is no way we can confirm it, but if it is true then this will raise very serious ethical questions surrounding Duty of Care, and what effect Tinder is having on young people. By creating a false climate of restricted choice and even more limited connection, Tinder would be exploiting loneliness, frustration and low self-esteem all to turn a profit.

issue 174

ISSUE PLAYLIST - 69

words by: KATIE MAY HUXTABLE & JOSH ONG design by: ORLAGH TURNER Look out for all of these artists gigging in Cardiff soon.

70 - DEAR ELLA... issue 174

New Term, New Me? words by: ELLA WOODCOCK design by: LUISA DE LA CONCHA MONTES to become a better version of ourselves without forcing change. Of course, we all have different areas to work on; some may recognise a need for social sacrifice in order to do a bit more work, others may be the complete opposite and may neeed to put themselves out there a bit more. This reiterates the idea that goals must be self-motivated in order to be suitable and thus, I cannot give suggestions on types of goals you could use approaching the new term.

There is something about the start of a new term that always seems to ooze possibility. We tell ourselves that the blank slate means the start of us turning our life around. I use a mantra during the holidays to excuse my behaviour (lying in bed all day with snacks and a series) and that is: “It will be easier when I am back in a routine”. Of course, by this I am referring to going back to university, where I do indeed have a more regimented routine of hangovers, afternoon naps and overpriced brunch trips that I can not afford.

The ‘resolutions’ I set for myself as I approach a new term are often unrealistic and unachievable. For example, “I am going to go to the gym five days a week” (when I probably went to the gym a total of five times last year) or “I am not going to miss any university” (sorry lecturers if you’re reading!) Inevitably, every term I fail to live up to these ridiculous expectation I set myself and I’m left with that guilty “I’m not good enough feeling”, that sends me burrowing back into my bed. The key I have learnt is to set yourself goals that you can realistically obtain. Goal setting is a delicate psychology – too ambitious and we will not feel motivated to achieve them, too small and the sense of pride and gratification is reduced, leaving us less likely to set goals in the future. If you’re that way inclined there are many articles online about how this actually works but in short, be sensible when setting goals in order to give yourself the best chance of achieving them.

It is sometimes difficult to vocalise a desire to want to better ourselves through goal setting. Our close friends and family offer their support, telling us that we do not need to change or commit to these targets we set ourselves. As much as this is correct, and we should never feel pressured into changing aspects of ourselves just because we may have an insecurity, there is nothing wrong with wanting to grow as a person. The way to avoid crossing the line over to self-depreciation via goal setting is all down to the way you word and approach your ambitions. For example, goals that might encourage us to change who we are would be “lose weight” or “dress cooler”. Neither of these are healthy nor necessary goals. Alternatively, we could aim to “get more fit” or “take more care of my mental health”. In these, we are aiming

If you do find that you’re struggling to feel good within yourself, find motivation, or worry that you’re setting yourself detrimental targets, then contact the university wellbeing services at: Email: wellbeingandcounselling@cardiff.ac.uk Phone: +44 (0)29 2087 4844 There are also mobile help lines, such as the 24 hour Samaritans line that is free to call on 116 123.

We shouldn’t feel discouraged from using the start of a new term as an opportunity for a clean slate, however the way to approach this slate is vital for the continuation of a healthy and happy mindset for the rest of the academic year. Goals should be made for you, to grow yourself in the areas you believe you can improve. Most importantly, they should not be goals that could be harmful to your health or happiness.

issue 174

DEAR ELLA... - 71

Dear Ella, All my friends from home seem to be loving university and so far, I haven’t felt like I am having a good time, or at least as good as a time as them. What do I do?

Firstly, comparing yourself and the time you are having to that of your friends is never a healthy choice. Everyone’s university experience is different. Some people take longer to find friends, others find them straight away, and some change will eventually change their group. of friends Neither one of these is the correct or incorrect way and just because other people are in a different position to you it doesn’t mean that it is better. In addition, it is important to remember that not everything you see online is real.

What your friends are posting may make it seem like they are having the most amazing time. When in reality they are not. There is no shame in speaking to them about how they really feel or expressing how you feel. Help is always at hand, whether this be family or friends. In terms of things you can do at university, joining societies or sports clubs is a good way to meet new people with shared interests. The Student Union website has a list of all societies and their contacts if you missed them on the Freshers Fair. Things do take time and what is important is that you go at your own pace, find things you like to do, and eventually, things will start falling into place.

I am worried that as I make friends at university, my friends from home and I will drift, how can I stop this without isolating myself at uni?

This is a totally normal and valid fear. Many of us have amazing friends at home and although this is really beneficial, it can sometimes force us to be reluctant to make close friends at university. Luckily, we have rooms in our hearts for multiple friends and there is no limit to it. Making more friends does not mean you are going to become any less close to your existing ones. In terms of staying in contact with old friends, social media is your best bet. As much as it is a doublebladed knife, we are lucky to live in a time where people are easily contacted. Facetime, phone calls and messages can help us to stay connected even when we are far. Having said this, it is important to remember that even though we technically are able to reach one another in seconds, it is not always healthy to be on your phone all the time. Give yourself some time to put it away and connect with those around you; you must find a balance between making time for those far and those close to you. Sitting on your phone while you should be socialising is a very toxic behaviour, especially when you are trying to meet new people.

I am having so much fun at university but recently I have been struggling with homesickness. I don’t want to miss out by going home all the time, but I am worried that if I don’t I will stop enjoying myself.

Everyone experiences homesickness at some point or another, so going home when you feel down is not shameful. FOMO is not a good enough reason to neglect your mental health and the beauty of university is that there are always things going on. Missing a couple nights out or a dinner here and there is not going to make a difference to how people view you, and the experiences you can create at home are equally as important. It is worth staying at university some weekends as they are valuable social time, but if you set yourself the target of staying every other weekend, then you will always have a finite amount of time before you can go home. Do not let yourself believe that if you go home you aren’t having a good time, this is just not true. Getting used to living away from home can take time and you may find after a few months you can stay longer, however if the way you manage your new life is by systematically going home then that is okay too.

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