FEBRUARY 2008 ISSUE 5
A Hackney youth publication
Make your own news! Contrast is a FREE magazine written by and for young people in Hackney. If you’re aged 13 to 19 and you’re interested in writing, editing, design or illustration, come and join our editorial team. If you’re a young person in Hackney with something to say, we want to hear from you.
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Sky Partnership Day: Tuesday Time: 4.30pm – 6.30pm Venue: Unit 2, 222 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8AX
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Joining the Contrast team gives you the opportunity to see your name in print and get some accredited media training. We have a weekly editorial team meeting at Sky Partnership and regular workshops at other commuinty venues in Hackney.
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If you would like us to run a workshop session in your School/Youth Club/Organisation please get in touch. For more information and directions to venues call Vicky on 020 7359 2053, email contrast@socialspider.com or www.myspace.com/contrastmag
Credit where credit’s due Contrast is published by Social Spider. Social Spider is a Community Interest Company registered in England no. 4846529 The views expressed in Contrast do not necessarily reflect those of Social Spider or Hackney Council © 2007 Social Spider Community Interest Company ISSN 1754-0623 Contrast is printed on paper that comes from sustainable sources and is monitored by the Forest Stewardship Council, an international organisation that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forest Advertising: If your organisation is interested in advertising in Contrast, call Stephen on 020 7354 9129 or email: stephen@socialspider.com Download our media pack from www.socialspider.com/contrastmediapack for information on rates and specifications. Printing managed by: Ten Alps Publishing, 9 Savoy Street, London WC2E 7HR Tel: 020 7878 2300. Contrast Editorial team: Selin Kavlak, Bana Mhaldien, Cheryl O’Garro, Rosheena Harding, Steve Liburd, Karess Laidley, Merve Yilmaz, Lara Akinnawo, Bisi Fashesin, Zaneta Denny, Jasmine O’Garro, Jamie O’Garro, Rico Montaque, Fatima Ahmed, Elizabeth Lamb & Rhassan Brummer. Contrast Staff team: Aysha Tegally, David Floyd, Jo Worsley, Mark Brown, Mustafa Kurtuldu, Stephen Gardiner & Vicky Hughes. The Contrast team would like to thank: Sky Partnership, Hackney Libraries, HCVS, CityZEN, Courttia Newland, Linda Salmon, Niki D.
Contrast is funded by the Hackney Youth Opportunity Fund, which is managed by young people in Hackney Youth Service.
Contrast is supported by: Sky Partnership, Hackney Libraries, Hackney Youth Parliament and Exposure Organisation Limited.
SocialSpider
Issue Five - Editorial Happy New Year! 2008 is here and we’ve got a bumper edition of Contrast for you, and boy did we have fun doing it! Reporters have been sent to meet top international and Hollywood stars, we’ve been given writing tips from a renowned London author, as well as the opportunity to see film previews and to reviews new CDs . In issue 5 the agony aunts are back with three problems to solve, we have
interviews with actors, directors , grime artists and more, we’ve got tips on how to beat bullying, a look at the changes that are happening in a local youth club and a perpective on the postcode wars. Sound good? Wanna be a reporter too? Then come along to our Tuesday sessions or enail: vicky@socialspider.com. Enjoy! Contrast editorial team
Move on up with Elevate Get a Duke of Edinburgh Award Do you want to learn new skills, help the community and go camping in the countryside as well as getting a prestigious award? If so, then doing a bronze Duke of Edinburgh award is the experience for you! For details on how to join contact Angela Wilson on 020 8820 7091.
Do your thing at Hoxton Hall... Many creative arts activities including drama, music, poetry and T-shirt design are taking place at Hoxton Hall in Shoreditch. For more info call 020 7684 0060, email info@hoxtonhall.co.uk or visit www.hoxtonhall.co.uk
Elevate has two new youth workers looking for young people who are interested in exploring their lives and the world around them in a creative and dynamic way. At the moment there are running: drama workshops, a homework club and an estate multi-media project. If you are interested in getting involved or if you have any ideas about projects you would like to see happen in your area please contact Alice on 07872 675570, alice@elevateuk.org or Tania on 07872 675569 tania@elevateuk.org .
Join the orchestra at CYM Xtra! This new project gives young instrumentalists the chance to create music together and to work alongside professional artists. If you play an instrument, are Grade 4 or above, and want to join the orchestra, choir or ensemble groups call: 020 8820 7410 or visit www.hmdt.org.uk
Discover Young Hackney is Back! Play some footie in the evening Sky Partnership are running a night league five-a-side football tournament for male and female teams (at a date and time to be confirmed) for people over the age of 15.
New year Resolutions
For more information or to confirm your place call Marlon or Steve on 020 7729 6970 or 07956 223441
Following on from last year’s success there are loads more events happening all around Hackney in 2008, designed to give young people a chance to get involved in arts and cultural activities and to discover pathways into training and careers in the arts. There will be new opportunities in fashion, photography, film and dance, live performance art, performance and project management. For more information visit www.hackney.gov.uk/discoveryounghackney or pick up a leaflet from the town hall.
Fatima “Not to take things for granted” Contrast 03
Club together Karess and Bana went down to Holly Street youth club to quiz new Partnership Development Manager Nickie Wilson on the changes that are taking place there.
Bana (left) and Karess (second left) at Holly Street
Contrast: What changes are you planning to make to the centre? In partnership with other agencies, and the young people we aim to improve the area by increasing opportunities such as activities, education and training which will hopefully reduce the crime rate. We want people of different ages and backgrounds to work together and use the facilities.
New year Resolutions
Contrast: What activities are going to be on offer? There will be: music, dance, drama, beauty, sports, media, I.T, training workshops and a magazine project with accreditation and certificates available. We hope that young people will use the skills they have gained here to get jobs or go on to college. We want to help young people to achieve, feel safe, and have somewhere to go, something to do, fulfil their dreams and be happy.
nothing to do with the youth centre directly but our actions helped to improve the situation. There was a disagreement between some young men at the centre which ended up with a young man being threatened with a knife. The staff at Holly Street intervened and calmed the situation down with follow-up support from the local police. The young people involved in the fight were immediately banned from all activity centres (for everyone’s health and safety) until they had resolved their differences peacefully. Soon afterwards the young men came to the centre and took part in a mediation meeting with myself and Rising Tide staff, to inform us that that they had resolved their differences peacefully as they wanted to be allowed back into the youth centres
Contrast: What motivated you to make these changes? I came here because I wanted a new challenge and there was already a lot of good work done before I came here. A lot of the things are happening because young people have asked for it as they were not happy; the partnership organisations listened and started to make the changes.
to take part in their favourite activities. This has led to older gang members asking to take part in the future community events and changes that are happening in the area, which is very positive.
Contrast: How do you deal with antisocial behaviour? There was an incident recently that had
Contrast: What do you hope Holly Street will be like in the future? We want the centre to be really successful
so instead of Holly St being labelled as a bad area it is shown to be a good safe place to go. We then asked some Holly Street members what they thought of the centre. “We like to do music and stuff on the internet, work on our CVs and get good food! But there needs to be more activities” “It’s given me something to do and it’s a good thing to have in the area – but we would like more trips and we need more computers” The Holly Street Partnership’s Centre for Young People at 29 Forest Road run activities throughout the week from Monday to Friday, for more information contact Nickie Wilson (Circle 33) on 020 7249 1611 or Peter Drummond (Youth Services) on 020 7275 2900.
“We want the centre to be really successful so instead of Holly St being labelled as a bad area” The Partnership is lead by Circle 33 Housing Trust on behalf of Kush Housing Association, CityZEN, Hackney Regeneration and Youth Service Teams. Current delivery partners include Youth Services, Hackney Play Association and Rising Tide, along with supporting agencies.
Rico “To get into uni and start my poetry book” Contrast 05
Hackney Children and Young People’s Services
The best start in life for every young person
Connexions Access Shop 27b Dalston Lane Hackney E8 3DF Tel: 020 7275 0346 Fax: 020 7254 8602
New Connexions One Stop Shop Shoreditch Library 80 Hoxton Street Hackney N1 6CP Tel: 020 8356 3371
Are you 13 - 19 (up to 25 if you have special educational needs)? Get information, advice and support on subjects below and more:
DO YOU NEED HELP OR SUPPORT WITH ANY OF THESE ISSUES? • School Exclusions, Bullying or Peer Pressure • Education Training and Employment • Job Clubs and help writing CVs • Homelessness and Benefits • Personal Development Opportunities and Volunteering • Pregnancy, Parenting and how to access Care To Learn • Support around Sexuality and Relationships • Domestic Violence or Family Breakdowns • Accessing free Condoms and Sexual Health Advice • Counselling Services, also accessing skilled Drug and Alcohol workers. • Offending Behaviour or you feel at Risk of becoming involved in Gang Culture
Come into our Centres and speak to a Connexions Personal Adviser Late night opening at Dalston Lane Shop till 7pm on Mondays & Wednesdays.
How to deal with bullying Rhassan Brummer has ten top tips. By the age of thirteen most of my friends and I had experienced bullying of some sort. We have found that these actions can help make it more bearable. 1. Tell your teachers and parents - they can usually help and often stop the problem. 2. Doing activities such as joining writing and art clubs. They can inspire you and
and gives the bullies’ taunts less impact. 7. Going shopping with your brothers or sisters can be fun – retail therapy can be really useful when you are upset! 8. Sometimes it works to ask a bully upfront why they are bullying you. I once asked a bully why he was bullying me: we started talking and later became friends.
9. Challenge yourself to try new things, for example exploring places to see in London, it builds your character and makes you psychologically stronger. 10. Write down how you are feeling, this helps you put things into perspective and can calm you down if you feel overwhelmed. These things can help bullying disappear or at least make it more bearable.
“Hanging out with your friends will cheer you up – going to youth clubs or the cinema, this balances out your life more.” help you to do things in the future and keep you out of the way of the bullies. 3. Hanging out with your friends will cheer you up – going to youth clubs or the cinema, this balances out your life more. 4. Watching uplifting films or reading books will make you feel a lot better. 5. Self-defence classes help you to be confident when you’re confronted by a bully but only use self-defence if you really have to. Don’t try to fight a bully.
New year Resolutions
6. Try to be nice to yourself, this teaches you a valuable lesson that you are worth a lot Bana “To keep up to date with all my work” Contrast 07
P.S I’m over here Lara Akinnawo makes herself heard at the press conference for a top new romcom I was invited along to the press conference for the romantic comedy P.S I Love You in early December. I sat alongside journalists from top publications such as Time Out and The Times and ended up sitting face to face with the film’s star, Hilary Swank, and the film’s director, Richard LaGravenese. Being only the second press conference I had ever attended, I was extremely excited (I was about to meet double-Oscar award winning actress) and also a little nervous (I needed to fulfil my goal of asking at least one question). The movie is a love story with a bittersweet twist. Holly (Hilary Swank) meets the love of her life, Gerry (Gerard Butler). Gerry tragically dies early on in the film but leaves Holly uplifting letters to be read after his death, all concluding with the same phrase:‘P.S I Love You.’ The story serves as a strong reminder of “what’s important in life”as Hilary put it. She added that it: “reminds us to hold the ones we love close and never to take them for granted”. I found that, despite being an extremely
Hilary Swank with Lara
talented and beautiful star, Hilary was unexpectedly down to earth in person: giggling with the director as they told us about the embarrassing accident on set
“despite being an extremely talented and beautiful star, Hillary was unexpectedly down to earth in person” and the hilarious moments in the movie. “The challenge was to find the humour in that grief” said Hilary “finding the balance”, and she did find it. Although I was just a novice at this whole press conference thing, I didn’t need to have a PhD in journalism to realise the ‘naffness’ of some of questions the journalists around me were asking, such as: ‘Who was the biggest prankster on set?’; ‘What really happened in the on set accident Hilary was involved in?’ and ‘Do you send and receive love letters? It was at this point I built up the courage to ask one of the only questions relating to the actual film ‘What was your favourite scene of the movie Hilary?’ “The first scene” she answered, “playing with Gerry, it was so much fun, there was a lot of laughter on set”.
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Giving myself a mental pat on the back, I sat back nodding at her and writing her answer in my notebook. At the end of the conference, I built up a
little more courage and rushed to Hilary’s side, asking her if we could take her picture and despite the annoyance of her publicist she let me. From this experience I learnt that journalists are not there to be nice, they are there to get a story (some of them drew all the attention to themselves so that they could ask all their questions). I realised that I had to go for it, making sure I was seen and heard so that I could ask my question. I left there feeling very proud of myself, because I was up to par with all the other journalists, and only 17. I would recommend you to see the film if you love romantic comedies but are sick of seeing the same old storylines. This film offers a refreshing look of life, death, and love.
Life stories
Bana (left) with Nadine Labaki
Bana Mhaldien meets film director Nadine Labaki It all started off with Contrast telling me about a new Lebanese film called “Caramel” being shown at the London Film Festival. I was sent to a screening in Leicester Square, where top international journalists were also watching the film. The film is set in Beirut, where five women meet regularly in a beauty salon, to talk and confide in each other. The film provides a fly-on-the-wall view of their lives and loves.
New year Resolutions
My reaction after seeing the film was fascination with the lifestyle of the characters in this very different culture, I had lots of questions to ask the protagonist/director/scriptwriter, Nadine Labaki, who (luckily) I was due to interview later that afternoon.
people look at them and how people judge them, they are scared of life. At the same time they are exposed to this image of the Western woman, doing whatever she wants and they want to imitate her and be like her, and at the same time they have the old ways of education and religion so in the end Lebanese women don’t know who they are. How much are the characters and situations based on real life? They are all real stories; things I’ve heard and the experience of people I know.
Why did you set the film in Beirut? Because I live there and I love it and I wanted to talk about my country. What’s the message of the film? There’s no message. People can interpret the film the way they want it. I don’t say that this is right or wrong. What advice would you give to young girls that would like to follow in your footsteps? Don’t be afraid to dream, dreaming can come true and dreams will come true. If
“I chose to do a film because I like to tell stories: it’s my way of dealing with reality in the way it is. ”
I met Nadine in a swanky hotel in central London. Nadine is only in her early 30s and was wearing a feminine purple dress. She approached me with a sweet smile and was very happy to answer any questions I asked.
Why did you go for this type of film and not a documentary, for example? I chose to do a film because I like to tell stories: it’s my way of dealing with reality in the way it is. To make it as real as possible, I work with non-actors who are very close in their life to their characters.
What inspired you to write this film? It came from a lot of questions I was asking myself about (Lebanese) women, their situation right now, what they go through to live normally and what they want in their lives; they are scared of how
Who is it aimed at? Everyone, and especially sensitive people, everybody who tries to make the best of their life: it might remind them of their lives, or remind them of the situation they are in.
you hang on to your dreams they will happen. Meeting Nadine was a great experience. I thought I would be really nervous but in fact I was really calm and confident and so it showed me that I can be confident and professional in what I do. If there is one thing I learned from her by interviewing her, it is never be afraid to express who you are, otherwise you’re living a lie. Caramel is released nationwide in March
Selin “To focus on my GCSE’s more.” Contrast 09
Neighbourhood watch Zaneta Denny gives us her perspective on the postcode wars
Do you dare to step foot in another area by yourself? Nowadays, it seems like moving from one area to another has become a dangerous sport. So-called ‘postcode wars’ or ‘slipping’ have emerged as a specific trend with people ‘repping your endz’ (meaning attacking anyone who dares to cross the line into your area). There are many examples of young people who have been assaulted as they have ventured into another area. For example, an 18 year old boy was attacked by a gang of youths who he had never met, in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham despite the fact he was a native of… guess what…Hammersmith! He was warned never to pass that way again. The problem is widespread with cases nationwide. Last year there were murders in other big cities such as Liverpool and Manchester, as well as London. Hip-hop culture and the media are often blamed for glamourising gangster violence that stokes this violent trend but there has to be more, can it be as simple as this? The victim of the attack in Hammersmith, Lemuel Moore, 18 thinks the problem lies with young people’s mentality: “People my age don’t know what is right or wrong any more. I really wasn’t surprised I was beaten up; I don’t really have a high expectation of other teens.” One explanation for the ‘postcode wars’ is that they are caused by the problems of ‘ghettoisation’ in other words, too many people living too close together where the potential for community conflict is higher. However I believe that the problem of postcode wars needs to be put into a wider context of the position of young people in British society. This year Unicef, the children’s organisation of the United Nations, ranked the UK as the worst place to be a child out of the 21 most industrialised countries. The report highlighted high levels of inequality in British society. It seems that young people are not valued enough in Britain. Fortunately, organisations like ‘From Boyhood to Manhood Foundation’ based in Peckham are trying to reverse this trend. They run education and self-development programs, focussing on empowering young people to ‘change their negative behaviour from within’ according to the director, Uanu Seshmi.
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So far, since 1996 they have helped over 11,000 young people return to school or college, steering them away from the streets. Joanne Binns winner of the Respect Award and the Woman of Achievement award is another good example of people making positive changes. She took a stand against the youths who were terrorising her and her family on their estate in Leeds. She testified against the young troublemakers in court (something that many victims find impossible to do due to fear and intimidation). She then set up a youth drama group in her community as well as the charity the Forgotten Children’s Foundation, to help children who are victims of anti-social behaviour. Joanne believes that: “Young people can’t continue to fight their neighbours forever” and I agree.
Telling tales Lara Akinnawo and the Contrast team meet an author and do some writing
Writer Courttia Newland (second from left) with Contrast editorial team, Lara, Bana, Karess and Rico
Contrast organised a talk with Courttia Newland, novelist, playwright and screenwriter. He was one of the first urban writers to pioneer stories about London’s streets (also termed ‘road’ culture). His books such as The Scholar and Society Within were part of the inspiration for the creation of such films as Bullet Boy and Kidulthoood. The session began with Courttia reading some passages from his book Society Within, a collection of stories following the lives of black teenage Londoners on the ‘Greenside’ estate, as they go through things like dealing with secrets, looking for girlfriends, avoiding trouble and pirate radio. Courttia then moved from reading about the rough and gritty reality in London to reading a more stylistic and abstract passage from his book of short stories Music for the Off Key where a character in one story makes mannequins for a living and then falls in love with one of them.
New year Resolutions
It is this kind of diversity that Courttia stressed is important when following a
career as a writer. He said “It’s okay to write about what you know, about street life but you have to let them know that you can switch it up as well and write in that really literary kind of way.” After the reading it was the Contrast crew’s turn to do the hard work. We were set the task of writing short stories or microfiction, not more than 100 words based on a picture Courttia provided as a stimulus, a task we all sank our teeth into, and got our creative juices flowing. It was hard to start but once we were able to get going the results were different, creative and (in some cases) funny! Near the end of the session Courttia said: “A lot of people think that being a writer is really boring but it’s not. I do my own thing, follow my own schedule and after the hard work is done, there can be a lot of travelling (all expenses paid!). I go around the world and get invited to a load of events and parties.” I learnt from this session that there are great careers to be had in creative industries like writing, if you have new,
fresh ideas and are ready for the hard work that it takes. When Courttia first started writing, he didn’t have a degree in creative writing or English literature but he had an idea in his mind to write a novel that consisted of characters he had never seen reflected in novels before. Whether you want to be a successful novelist or just write for fun, Courttia would encourage you have a go and see what happens - it could be easier than you think! Microfiction by Lara Akinnawo Little Boy sat with his back against the wooden wall, gazing out of the window. Others might have seen the weather and thought that it was raining, but Little Boy knew that the sky was crying, for mama and papa. Old Man came and sat next to Little Boy to comfort him, and to wipe the tears from the sky off Little Boy’s head, and the tears from his eyes of Little Boy’s cheeks. And they both closed their eyes and tried to forget, the tsunami that took mama and papa far away.
Karess “To get fit, go to the gym and not each chocolate” Contrast 11
Contrast talks to Hackney’s up-and-coming musicians and fashion designers.
Interviewed by Karess Laidley Contrast: What was the course about? It was an opportunity for young people in Hackney schools to get involved in the fashion industry, make their own garment and model it. Contrast: How did you get involved in it? I’m an art student and my art teacher chose me and two other students to go on the course and get experience of life in the fashion world. Contrast: What did you learn from this experience? Lots about fashion and mostly about the industrial stuff like how garments are made. A friend of mine and a member of the Contrast editorial team had the great opportunity of being trained by the London College of Fashion in professional fashion design and garment-making techniques as well as taking part in a fashion show and shoot. In this interview she tell us about the highs and lows of the course:
Contrast: What skills did you need? Confidence, creativity and good artistic and social skills. Contrast: What was the highlight of the course? Definitely the fashion show because everyone was so excited at the opportunity
to do some modelling and be interviewed by journalists. It was so unreal, like a dream! Contrast: What was the worst part? The industrial machines! I couldn’t get the garments right so I had to start over again a lot. A technician showed me how to use the machine. I had to practise but I eventually got the hang of it. Contrast: Would you do it again? Definitely! I learnt lots about the fashion industry, fashion styles, make up and industrial machines. Contrast: Would you think about this as a long term career? Maybe but I have another career in mind as well. From the experience that Bana had it is clear to see that she has enjoyed the course and would recommend it to any upand-coming fashion designers.
Bana Mhaldien catches up with a local grime star and dad Who are you and how old are you? Jayden (SLEAZY CEASER) Creary and I’m 21 What do you do? Make grime music. It’s my life as well as being a father to my kids and spending time with the one I love. What would you like to achieve in the next 5 years? I would like to be making music while supporting my family and being a great dad.
Who would be your top artists of the moment? Hard question. I love so many songs: Amy Winehouse - her music and voice are just great so soulful yet down to earth. Fall Out Boy - my girlfriend’s little sister loves them because they have such catchy upbeat songs. Bodyrockers- they have the dance beats that you can drive to. The Riddims- best things to write bars for
What’s the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? Nothing really I don’t have embarrassing moments. All my moments are just how I like ‘em.
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Nu Brand Felxx - new on the block they make me want to dance around the living room with my 3-year old daughter. The list could go on…
What advice would you give young people who want to follow in your footsteps? Just be yourself and don’t be stupid. If music is what you want to do then do it but don’t leave school to pursue it; get your education while you can as it helps you in the long run. For more info, check out Ceaser’s myspace: www.myspace.com/CEASERCMD
Brace yourself for Teef Contrast reporter Selin Kavlak met a Hackney rapper with a whole different style of music for a quick word about what he really does I met up with a UK artist who has an interesting approach to producing music and lyrics. Teef (aged 22) believes himself to be a ‘rapper with a difference.’ To begin with you can’t actually give him a face. He uses a cartoon gorilla image and he has an interesting philosophy about his work. I asked Teef was why he didn’t want to have any actual pictures, he gave me an interesting metaphor to explain his reasoning: “Imagine you have a beam of light that represents media attention. I like to reflect the beam onto to the cartoon character that represents me; that means that whenever you see him, that’s Teef. I want to live my life in the way I’m living it now, in terms of not needing security. I want to be able to go and have a meal by myself or with a few friends, without any trouble but when your face is broadcast around the world everyone recognises you. This was all a bit confusing so to make it clear I checked: “So you don’t want the fame thing? You want them to know your name but not your face then?”
for me, anyway. This is where it all happened for me” Finally Teef’ gave some advice to young people wanting to follow in his footsteps: “Continue doing what you’re doing, don’t stop really. You need to ask yourself: is it in your heart, if I were to cut out your heart right now
is it in there, is that really what you want? You have to feel it – don’t let the shady side of the industry be the downfall of what you are doing. You have to think for days, months and years... do you really want to be in it? Think twice before you get in it because it is a long hard stressful road, but it’s worth it in the end.” Wise words… If you would like to know more about Teef and listen to his music visit him on his myspace page at www.myspace.com/dontekz or website www.teefonline.com.
“I want them to know my music and if they want to put a face to the music then it’s the character.”
“I want them to know my music and if they want to put a face to the music then it’s the character that you see all over my website and CDs. I don’t need no people finding where I live and all that hassle. It’s as simple as that really.” I asked him what influences his music and style, and again he gave an unconventional answer… “I’m into all that animated and Japanese culture because I like looking at how they do things from a creative point of view. It actually inspired me to create my Teef character in that style.”
New year Resolutions
Another influence for Teef has been living in Hackney: “Hackney has this image of being negative but it has done a lot of positive things Lara “Dream less and do more” Contrast 13
Reviews Read: Book review
Watch: Film review
House of Ghosts - Ann Turnbull
Alvin and the Chipmunks
House of Ghosts is a story of mystery and secrets. It all begins when Grace moves into her new house and she finds a painting in her room than has been hidden since 1861. Grace can see the ghost of a dead girl and hears a man shouting “Clem” but there is no one there.
My brothers, sister and I were lucky enough to be given four tickets to the VERY FIRST screening of Alvin and the Chipmunks in Leicester Square. We were given goodie bags full of posters, badges and a USB wristband! I have always been a fan and really hoped the film lived up to the cartoons and I wasn’t disappointed! The jokes struck the right tone with adults and children with plenty of laugh out loud moments.
In this book, the reader goes on a mysterious journey with Grace to find out who the girl is and why Grace can see her. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to teens who would love a spooky mysterious read!
Elizabeth lamb
The animation was stunning, working really well with the live action. We all agreed that it was a great film!
Cheryl O’garro
Listen: Music reviews Yesking
Viva London -Renaissance
Rock This World
Steve Lawler
If you’re looking for a mixture of hip/hop, rap, reggae dancehall and even disco then this album is definitely the one to buy. It’s full of soul with just the right amount of rhythm to get anyone into the groove: especially tracks 2 (Style come different) & 15 (Style come different remix) – Wow, these tracks are so energetic! This album has its own unique blend in which every song is different.
Viva London, more like viva la boring. Personally I thought these two CDs were a complete sleep fest. Nothing really jumped out at me and made me want to listen to more.
I would recommend this album to anyone. The artists on this album are not well known but they are ones you should definitely look out for in the future.
The CDs consisted only of beats, nothing else, no lyrics, nada. For those of you who do prefer beats to lyrics, this cd might be more of your cup of tea, as the beats are not half bad, for the first minute or so but after that minute has gone by you’ll get a little bored of the same tune recurring. Fatima Ahmed
Rosheena Harding
14 Contrast
What’s your problem? Contrast's team of agony aunts: Fatima and Selin and qualified psychotherapist and counsellor Niki D give us advice from their different perspectives on two of our readers' problems. My boyfriend is a woman-beater, but he promised never to put his hands on me. I don't really believe him but I love him, what should I do? Anon, 17, Hackney Don't take that chance. You have to think of yourself and what emotional effects it may have on you if, (for whatever reason) he does hit you. I'm all for giving people a second chance but I don't think I could take the risk of being physically or mentally abused by someone who is supposed to love and care for me. Fatima
Selin and Fatima are very clear with their wise words of caution to you being with a boyfriend who has hit women. I echo their words. I have worked for years with girls and women in violent relationships and with males and females who were violent themselves. I have found that unless a guy is willing to take responsibility for his abusive behaviour, work on himself through counselling and group work, and make real changes to his attitudes to women, then there will usually be another victim of his aggression in the future. Please don't let this be you. Niki D
Funny how you can love somebody who you know might hurt you. Him promising that he will never put his hands on you doesn't necessarily mean he won't. He has probably said the same thing to other girls he's been with before. Don't be one of them and fall for his lies. Before you get too intimate with him, slow down, see if you can trust him and see if he loves you enough to not touch you. Selin
The Violence Initiative Tel: 0208 365 8220, www.tviccv.org – free counselling for violent people. I am 16, and I really want a baby. I've cried over the fact that I haven't got a child. I've considered my financial situation and emotional state, and I feel that I am ready. I feel like going into the street and having sex with any random guy just to get pregnant. What should I do? Confused 16, Hackney Firstly having unprotected sex with a stranger is not a good idea, you will run the risk of catching an STI which wouldn't be good for your health or the baby's. It seems like your main aim is to have a baby with or without a man. I don't mean to sound patronising but I don't believe you fully understand the responsibility and hard work that comes with having a child, not to mention the amount of things you would have to sacrifice because you would have the baby's best interest at heart. Personally, at the age of 16, I don't think that you should have to sacrifice anything. Enjoy your life, have fun and make the most of your adolescent years. There's no going back once the child is born, so think about it beforehand. Fatima
Your strong desire for a baby makes me wonder what you believe having a child will offer you. Is it just a baby you want? What about when he/she is a toddler, young child, teenager and young adult? Does this appeal to you as much? Why the desperate rush to have a baby anyway? Give yourself time to think through your 'need' for a baby, with family and friends, a youth counsellor or an advisor from Brooks Advisory Service. There is also the potential baby to consider. Would having a baby right now be the best thing for the child too? Niki D
Forget having sex with any random man, after you're pregnant there's a 90% chance that he will disappear and won't want to have anything to do with the baby. It's best to find that right guy that you trust and love and know he will take care of you and your child by any means. On the other hand deciding to have a child is a decision that will affect you forever. 16 isn't a good age to get pregnant. You will have to take a break in your education and how exactly are you going to support it financially? It's hard to find a job, let alone work and look after a child. I suggest you really think more than twice before making such a serious decision – you can always get pregnant later on in life. Make sure this is 100% what you want. Selin
New year Resolutions
Brooks Advisory Service Tel: 0800 018 5023, www.brook.org.uk - Sexual Health Service. Islington Brooks Tel: 0207 527 1300 If you have a problem you would like the Agony Aunts to tackle please email it to advice@socialspider.com Bisi “Try and be a bit quieter” Contrast 15