The Hype Issue 7

THE HYPE Changing the face of rap music

Modern day witchcraft

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1917 Review

Wanderlust: Transylvania

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The Oscars

Best equipment for Vlogging

What’s on this week

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LinkedIn Profile Training Feb 6th

Mi Soc and Enactus are teaming up to bring in top experts from LinkedIn to help YOU set up your best profile. We’ll be taking professional headshots along with giving personalized advise on who to connect with based on your DCU course and guide you through every step of setting up your profile correctly. Taking place in the Solas Room

Find your “Chosen One” Feb 12th

Valentines event - The Harry Potter Society will be playing a bunch of small games to let members get to know each other a little better, including speed friending and match making.

Event will take place in GLA.XG01 contact DCU Harry Potter Soc for more details

Confidence and Public Speaking Workshop Dec 12th Hosted by the Neurodivergent and SpeakEasy Societies in GLA.X101 from 6pm - 8pm

CREDITS

Editor-In-Chief Brendan Fernando Kelly Palenque Deputy Editor-In-Chief & Arts Editor Áine O’Boyle Deputy Arts Editor Aoibhín Meghen Deputy Arts Editor Peter O’Neill Lifestyle Editor Róisín Maguire Deputy Lifestyle Editor Niamh Quinlan Deputy Lifestyle Editor Kevin O’Meara Images Editor Sonja Tutty Deputy Images Editor Joy Nwagiriga Hype Production Editor Jonathon Lynam CV Production Editor Sally Dobie Pg 5 Áine O’Boyle Pg 7 Brendan Fernando Kelly Palenque Pg 8 Róisín Phelan Pg 9 & 11 Roisin Maguire Pg 12 Rachel Power Pg 13 Beibhinn Thorsch Pg 15 Sally Dobie Exposure Sonja Tutty

Music

Circles offers Mac Miller fans chance for final goodbye

Jennifer Keegan explores Mac Miller’s posthumous album, Circles

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hen Mac Miller passed away in late 2018, many of his fans thought that this was the end and there would be no more to hear from the 26-year-old.

Over a year later however, on January 8th, Mac Miller’s family announced that they would be releasing a posthumous album entitled “Circles”.

They said that at the time of Miller’s death, this album was nearly finished and was to accompany his previous album, “Swimming”.

Miller died on September 7th, 2018 from an accidental overdose.

In a post on Instagram, his family said that releasing a posthumous album “is a complicated process that has no right answer”.

The first single from the album “Good News” was released a few days after the announcement.

The song instantly earned millions of views on YouTube and now stands at 48 million streams on Spotify.

The song discusses the negative feelings in Miller’s life which he feels the need to suppress saying that all people really want to hear is how well he is doing, even if it isn’t so. However, he acknowledges that he is getting better at managing the pressure.

The song, like many of the others on the album carries a lo-fi and mellow melody and tempo, which many of Miller’s previous work attracted fans in huge numbers.

Despite Mac Miller’s music falling into the Rap category, he is far from your typical rapper. His

quietly spoken, almost mumbling lyrics are poetic and manage to paint a clear picture of how he sees the world.

Listening to some of the lyrics on this new album, many fans expressed online that the lyrics post Miller’s death took on new meanings and sentiment that they wouldn’t have normally. Examples of this include the line “there’s a whole lot more for me waiting on the other side,” and the opening line of the album “This is what it looks like, right before you fall,” among others.

The opening song, which is also called “Circles” mentions Miller’s fear that he is directionless and is constantly in a cycle that he can’t break out of. This is almost a direct continuation of “So It Goes” on his previous album which carries a similar theme.

Much of his album is in line with “Swimming” and is a clear next step in his musical progression.

His family stated that the two album concept was based on the idea of “Swimming in Circles”.

They said that both albums were to complement each other using different styles, thus completing a circle. Producer Jon Brion, had been working with Miller in the months before his death and has since dedicated his life to finishing the album from conversations he had had with the rapper.

His songs incorporate themes of regret, loss, pressure, overcoming mental illness and what the future may hold for him. Every song, though extremely well put together, is tinged with a sadness that his death cannot erase.

Some songs could be argued refer to his very famous two year relationship with successful pop

singer, Ariana Grande, which ended only a few months prior to his death. In one song, “Hand Me Downs” Miller refers to wanting, at some point in the future, to have children and make his jeans into hand me downs.

Posthumous albums are not a new phenomenon.

The first posthumous album was John Lennon’s 1984 album “Milk and Honey” which was released four years after his death and included songs that he had made with Yoko Ono. Leonard Cohen, though he passed only weeks after the release of the “You Want It Darker” album, another album “Thank you for the Dance” was released nearly a year later and is viewed as a continuation of the previous one.

Another rapper who, like Miller, died of an accidental overdose, was Lil Peep who released two albums since his death which was full of unreleased music as well as tracks that had been pulled from previous albums. Other artists that released work such as this include Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin.

Though posthumous albums are often welcomed by fans of the deceased artist, some argue that it is exploitation of the artist, who won’t even get to see its success or reap the rewards. Mac Miller’s album however has received little to no negative feedback.

Circles debuted at number three on the Billboard Top 200.

For many fans, Circles is the finale that they’ve yearned for since Millers passing and is a fitting goodbye from someone who had so much potential taken far too soon. the college view The Hype |3

Music

Eminem finds room in 2020 rap culture

Peter O’Neill looks at Eminem’s new album and how it fits into today’s musical landscape

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t’s not quite “Music to be Murdered By”, but Eminem makes a decent stab at it.

Music fans checking their phones last Friday were bombarded by the news of Eminem’s second “surprise” album in two years. Following on from 2018’s Kamikaze, Eminem goes for a much broader scale this time.

The songs on Music to be Murdered By are interlaced with samples from Alfred Hitchcock’s compilation of the same name, giving the album a grandiose feel compared to the comedic Paul or Ken Kaniff skits from his previous work.

However, Marshall Mathers isn’t averse to horror themes by any means. A large part of his work is creating images of violence and bloodshed under the guise of his alter ego, Slim Shady.

Of course, like any other art form, this draws controversy. Look at the public reaction to Quentin Tarantino’s movies or the Grand Theft Auto game series and you see many offended groups.

Then again, the contradiction of Eminem rapping

about supporting ostracised communities and loving his daughter whilst also frequently making domestic violence a punchline, makes him seem even more out of place in 2020.

One of the most successful artists of the 21st Century and still commercially viable at the age of 47, Eminen is not going to change or suddenly ‘mature’ his style at this stage in his career.

Luckily, the shock jock antics are supported by amazing performances. While his songs don’t quite carry the same juvenile quick wit that “My Name Is” or the “Real Slim Shady” did, the serious moments of the album land heavily.

The song “Darkness” is easily his strongest political song and the greatest by any artist in the Trump era. Like a lot of great political songs, “Darkness” evokes, not by saying a name or an idea explicitly but by showcasing the reality of what life is like and why it’s reprehensible.

By having the twist of the song be that it’s from the mind of the 2017 Las Vegas shooter, he

highlights the mental health dynamics of mass shootings and how mental torment left untreated can have drastic effects.

At a time when access to healthcare is a huge political issue in America as well as gun ownership, it feels all the more poignant.

Fans of backpack rap will also be happy to hear collaborations with Royce da 5”9’ and other members of Slaughterhouse. This will appease the fans of his that care more for his older material, although the Ed Sheehan cameo on this album barely gets a pass.

Overall though, it’s heartening to see Eminem still release good music after the debacle that was “Revival”. Even though that album wasn’t as bad as its reputation suggests, it did feel like an artist on his way out of relevancy.

By releasing songs such as “Darkness”, “Godzilla” and “Lock it Up”, Eminem has shown that not only can he say words fast but he can use his words to produce quality songs too.

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At a time when access to healthcare is a huge political issue in America as well as gun ownership, it feels all the more poignant

Changing the face of rap music

Áine O’Boyle takes a look at the women pioneering the rap music scene

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ithin the male-dominated world of rap music, a number of female rappers have risen to the forefront of popular culture, subverting industry norms and challenging our perception of the genre within modern society.

Fans of rap and hip-hop are well accustomed to listening to lyrics about sex, violence, money and b*tches. The genre itself thrives off the objectification of women for the purpose of garnering clout among fellow rappers and peers.

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The idea of women in rap is not a new phenomenon, with artists such as Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliot laying the foundations for today’s female rappers to thrive in.

Artists such as Missy Elliot were game-changers for the industry, shying away from the new commercial female rappers of the time of whom were hypersexualised to appeal to the tastes of young men.

Instead, Elliot established a unique self-brand, focusing on her talents as a rapper, leading her to create “Get Ur Freak On”, one of the most widely recognised songs of the last two decades.

Over the past year, a recognisable surge of female talent in the music industry has become obvious. For some time the only two female rappers most people would recognise were Nicki Minaj or Cardi B, but now female representation within the industry has improved tenfold, increasing the gender balance within this typically male-dominated industry.

On 2019’s Year-End Hot 100 chart Lizzo was the frontrunner for the ladies coming in at number 13 with “Truth Hurts.” Megan Thee Stallion appeared twice with “Cash Sh*t” and her meme inducing hit, “Hot Girl Summer”.

Megan Thee Stallion told Billboard: “Us women have always been talented. But it was a thing where there could only be one woman [rapper] at a time.”

Core to the success of women within the industry is individuality, whether it be through their music or their personalities.

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Core to the success of women within the industry is individuality, whether it be through their music or their personalities

For Megan Thee Stallion, she was able to garner a following by creating what can only be considered a movement with “Hot Girl Summer”.

Hot girl summer was not exclusive to “hot girls”, it was a simple message for living your best life and engaging in practices of self-love. Prioritising yourself and your own wellbeing was the best way to have a hot girl summer.

The rise of a new generation of female rappers has been met with some objections, most namely from their male counterparts, highlighting the internalised misogyny within the genre.

Rapper Jermaine Dupri said in a PEOPLE interview last July: “I feel they’re all rapping about the same thing,” “I don’t think they’re showing us who’s the best rapper. For me, it’s like strippers rapping and as far as rap goes I’m not getting who’s the best rapper.”

His comments were met with major backlash from artists such as Cardi B and Doja Cat, defending the position of female rappers.

The representation of women within the music industry, particularly within rap, is only increasing and it is promising to watch so many talented female artists rise to prominence and destabilise the notion that rap is a boy’s club only.

Film & TV

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Áine O’Boyle talks us through this year’s Oscar nominations

very January, film lovers across the world wait in eager anticipation for the release of the Academy Awards nomination lists. This year the lists were released on Monday, January 13th, leaving millions across the world eager to watch the red carpet get rolled out for the prestigious awards ceremony which will take place on Sunday, February 9th.

The glitz and glamour of the ceremony serves to increase tension as we eagerly wait to see if our favourite actors, directors and films win awards in the various categories.

The College View has taken the liberty of outlining some of the most highly anticipated categories within the awards, looking at the various nominees hoping to bag a golden accolade for the mantel piece.

For the highly contested category of actor in a leading role, the nominations are as follows: Antonio Banderas for his performance in “Pain and Glory” Banderas plays the protagonist in the Spanish film, outlining the decline of his career as a film director and involuntarily revisiting aspects of his life; from his childhood with his mother, his first adult love and breakup, to his early discovery of cinema.

Leonardo Di Caprio as Rick Dalton in “Once upon a Time… in Hollywood” Di Caprio’s portrayal of ageing actor Rick Dalton shows a man struggling to navigate his way around the changing television industry in 1960’s Hollywood alongside his longtime stunt double, Cliff Booth.

Adam Driver as the male lead in “Marriage Story” Driver is one half of a young married couple, in a film which explores the idea of marriage breakdown as the couple and their son attempt to navigate the tricky situation of bi-coastal separation and impending divorce.

Joaquin Phoenix as the infamous “Joker” Phoenix takes on the character of Joker in the broken society of Gotham. A failed career as a stand-up comedian and a traumatising past combine to incite the beginnings of the beloved villain, with fatal consequences.

Jonathon Pryce in “The Two Popes” Pryce plays the character of Pope Benedict as he engages in thoughtful reflection on the state of the Catholic church in 2012 alongside his sharpest critic, Cardinal Bergoglio.

Predicted Winner- Joaquin Phoenix

An equally highly contested category is that of actress in a leading role with nominations including: Cynthia Erivo in “Harriet” Harriet documents the tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from a Maryland plantation and her transformation into one of America’s most wellknown freedom fighters with her courage freeing hundreds of slaves and changing history.

Scarlett Johansson as the female lead in “Marriage Story” Alongside Adam Driver, Johansson plays one half of a young couple struggling to navigate the tricky waters of relationship breakdown, made even more difficult by their responsibilities as parents.

Saoirse Ronan as Jo March in “Little Women” Ronan plays the spirited Jo in the screenplay adaption of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, detailing her life alongside her sisters as well as the relationships and events that helped shape them as young women.

Charlize Theron as the lead in “Bombshell” Theron plays the lead in a group of women that take on the head of Fox News, Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere at play within the network.

Renée Zellweger in the biopic “Judy” Zellweger plays Judy Garland in a biopic of her life, detailing her five-week run of sold out shows in London, along with fights with management, friendships and nostalgia for the past.

Predicted winner - Renée Zellweger

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Once you overcome the oneinch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films

an alternative ending to the Manson murders and following an industry that is hardly recognisable anymore.

Bong Joon Ho for “Parasite” The unemployed Ki-taek and his family take an interest in the lives of the wealthy and glamorous Park family, soon their lives get entangled and get involved in a very unexpected incident. JoonHo makes a case for the use of subtitles in films by saying “once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films”.

Predicted winner - Sam Mendes for “1917”

The category of best director features some tough competition, with the nominations including: Martin Scorcese for “The Irishman” From “Taxi Driver” and “Goodfellas” onto “The Irishman”, Scorcese has an aquired taste for all things mob-related. The Irishman follows the career of Frank ‘The Irishman’ Sheeran in his later life as he reflects upon his mob career and his close, personal ties to the Buffalino family.

Todd Philips for “Joker” Having previously descended into fame with movies such as “The Hangover”, Philips tried his hand at tackling the complex character of the joker in the tumultuous world of Gotham City.

Sam Mendes for “1917” Using the continuous one-shot method, Mendes draws the audience into the World War I, following two soldiers as they are sent to deliver an urgent message to an isolated regiment in a dangerous front across enemy territory.

Quentin Tarantino for “Once Upon a Time….in Hollywood” Tarantino offers a view of a Hollywood that is in the midst of radical change, giving the audience the college view The Hype |5

Film & TV

1917 takes the cinematic portrayal of war to new heights Éamon Goonan looks at how 1917 differs within the saturated genre of war films

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espite the popular aphorism that war never changes, cinematic portrayals of war vary greatly in consistency.

Sam Mendes’s “1917”, however, succeeds in delivering an unflinching portrait of World War I. In an evocation of Spielberg’s “Saving Private Ryan”, the premise involves young soldiers being sent on a perilous Homeric odyssey. George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, who slot perfectly into the boots of lance corporals Schofield and Blake, are tasked with a seemingly insurmountable mission, one in which they must race against time.

Our two protagonists must encroach behind enemy lines before dawn to hand-deliver a message

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periodically confronted with the expedient human cost of war.

On occasion, the two young soldiers allow themselves an intermission from the gravity of their mission, exchanging boisterous stories and slightly juvenile humour. At times like these, it doesn’t require much imagination to liken the soldiers to two schoolboys, sent on an errand by a secondary school teacher to deliver a message.

The youthful appearance and demeanour of the army men might be highlighted to Irish viewers who recognise Chris Walley, one half of “The Young Offenders”, as one of the soldiers encountered on the expedition.

Young male viewers will likely exit the cinema with an unfolding sense of relief, grateful for not having come of age in a conscripting country during wartime.

Some authoritarian military figures in this movie possess a certain ignorance which harks back to the renowned poem, “Dulce et Decorum Est” by Wilfred Owen.

“Hope is a dangerous thing,” utters Benedict Cumberbatch’s Colonel MacKenzie, as he itches to send the next wave of troops into the industrial meat grinder of no man’s land.

The overarching visual motif of the cherry blossom is very fitting in this movie, as it represents the fragility and beauty of life. The petals, which fall from the tree shortly after blossoming, reflect the short-lived but meaningful lives of the fallen soldiers.

The buddha supposedly came to enlightenment while sitting under a tree; perhaps it is appropriate that a key closing scene involves a protagonist sitting solemnly under a tree.

Like the buddha, the soldier finds himself without possessions, realising that the true worthwhileness of life stems from the intangible relationships we craft between ourselves.

The breathtakingly fluid cinematography of Roger Deakins glides effortlessly around the protagonists; making the viewer feel as though they are an accompanying soldier

which will prevent a potentially catastrophic assault on the German trenches.

Mendes employs a “one-shot” format for the entire duration of the movie, giving the impression of a movie which has ostensibly been shot in a seamless single take, albeit with infrequent ellipses.

The result of this audacious cinematic technique is uncompromising, breathless, encompassing immersion.

The breathtakingly fluid cinematography of Roger Deakins glides effortlessly around the protagonists; making the viewer feel as though they are an accompanying soldier.

The epic scale of the battlefield is manifested as the action traverses various hellscapes, effectively capturing our heroes’ anxious reluctance to progress to the next uncharted territory.

The movie is interspersed with nail-biting, edgeof-your-seat moments, amplified in shock-value by the film’s “point of view” format; a booby-trapped bunker, an ostensibly innocuous dogfight, a gunshot slicing through silence.

While these visceral, shocking scenes evoke a significant emotional response, it is in fact the more restrained scenes that pull on the heart strings.

“1917” oscillates between the inglorious, fatalistic face of war and the innocent, hopeful face of MacKay. As a result of this juxtaposition, we are

Little Women brings a classic tale to a modern audience

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Beth Molloy reviews the timeless tale of Little Women

ouisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” is one of the few novels written by a female author, featuring female protagonists that has stood the test of time.

Off the top of one’s head, similar novels such as Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” and L.M Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables” spring to mind, and while all three of these books have been reworked for both stage and screen in many different ways, Alcott’s “Little Women” is perhaps the story that is most loved and remembered for its on screen adaptations.

Published in the 1860’s against the background of civil war and the abolition of slavery, it’s a time when women are told to marry well and obey their husbands. Despite this Alcott presents us with a novel that works hard to deliver a truth about women, that they too, like men, can hope and dream and feel and know their own minds. This is perhaps why many directors have tried to capture this ageless tale. Greta Gerwig is the latest to try her hand.

Gerwig’s adaptation has been incredibly well received. The movie, released in December 2019, has received a plethora of award nominations.

Most notably, Saoirse Ronan is nominated for her fourth Oscar for her performance as Jo March and Florence Pugh is also nominated for her portrayal of Amy March. Arguably the film should have been nominated for more, the opinion of many is that Gerwig was unfairly snubbed for best director.

Ronan delivers a strong performance as Jo March. She is fiercely independent and Ronan

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delivers an inspired performance. She works hard to ensure that Jo is a well rounded character and doesn’t shy away from scenes that might show Jo to be in a less favourable light.

The best part about this whole film however is Florence Pugh’s performance as the youngest March sister, Amy. Pugh delivers a much more likeable character than the 1994 adaptation and it was clear that Gerwig had worked hard to ensure that Amy didn’t appear as the spoilt younger sister.

Pugh lands an emotional delivery and made us question pre-existing opinions that we might have of Amy March.

Timotheé Chalamet makes a good Laurie.

When he is on screen alongside Ronan and Pugh he allows their character’s to breathe. He brings out both the best and worst parts of them and he should be commended for this. This is after all a story about little women, not a man trying to find his place. Chalamet is aware of this and he gives an educated performance.

What Gerwig did best however was showing that women can be whatever they like once they are happy. She did this well by highlighting the fact that despite Meg, played by Emma Watson, having a love for acting, she also would love to be a mother and it was okay for her to choose this. Marriage is not conceding to the societal norms that “Little Women” challenges, but instead shows that women making their own decisions is empowering.

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Published in the 1860’s against the background of civil war and the abolition of slavery, it’s a time when women are told to marry well and obey their husbands.

Film & TV

Sex Education empowers and informs with season two

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Aoife McMahon looks at season two of Netflix’s Sex Education

tis, Maeve, Eric and all our beloved characters from Netflix’s hit show “Sex Education” returned to our screens on January 17th. After the colossal success of the first season, the second season was much anticipated by the fans of what has been suggested to be Netflix’s best original show.

As you might remember, the last season ends with late bloomer Otis, played by Asa Butterfield, finally being able to masturbate, so naturally this one starts with him becoming obsessed with it. The first few minutes of the show make for uncomfortable watching as Otis deals with his newfound sexual urges.

This echoes the start of the previous season, as that too opened with an intensely sexual scene.

These scenes reminded the viewers that a show called “Sex Education” isn’t going to be for the faint hearted and you should think twice about watching it with your parents.

The character development in this season is to be applauded. Nearly every character matures as their storylines progress. This is not limited to the main cast but also the secondary characters. This is true for Lily, the somewhat nerdy band girl, who in the first season was obsessed with having sex, grows to accept herself and her virginity. Similarly, Jackson realises there is more to life than swimming and that sometimes you have to stand up to your parents.

This season also sheds more light on the LGBTQ+ community as we are introduced to Florence, who opens up to Jean, Otis’s sex therapist mother played by the wonderful Gillian Anderson,

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The show gets to the heart of sexual taboos and identity struggles, it will have you laughing one second and crying your eyes out the next

about how she doesn’t feel normal because she has no sexual desires.

In the truly touching scene, Jean informs her that she is normal and tells her about what it means to be asexual. Ola, who starts the season as Otis’ girlfriend discovers she is pansexual and Adam, after years of bullying Eric for being gay, finally admits to being bisexual.

Eric Effiong played by Ncuti Gatwa, a fan favourite, undergoes a huge growth this season as he experiences what it’s like to be in an openly gay relationship with Rahim and is forced to make the decision between being with him or being in a more hidden relationship with Adam.

This season’s empowering “It’s my vagina” moment comes in the form of the female characters putting aside their differences to help Amy overcome difficulties after she is sexually assaulted

You comes down with vertigo

Brendan Fernando Kelly Palenque reviews the second season of Netflix’s You

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ast year, “You” created a social media storm. This was thanks in part to the handsome lead Joe Goldberg, played

by Penn Badgley.

The number of people thirsting over a murderer made Badgley uncomfortable, and he made several tweets discouraging people from lusting after a literal killer.

With the release of its second season, the conversation re-emerged. Particularly after a Vogue interview in which Badgley said that “You” is about “how far... we [are] willing to go to forgive an evil white man”. This analysis was mainly met with great applause, and understandably so.

If someone did not know about the show, that

could make it sound like a deep dive into the more pernicious aspects of our society, how we forgive abusers and how privilege plays a part in who we forgive. “You” does absolutely none of those things.

Badgley’s description of the show is utterly bizarre. “You” is a cheesy thriller with much more in common with “Riverdale” than “The Sopranos.”

The plot is a bit nonsensical; Joe avoids capture far more times than should be possible. Season two is even less grounded in reality than the first.

And that’s fine. “You” is an easy watch with an intriguing plot if you suspend your disbelief a little bit. It’s definitely not high-brow, despite what Badgley might say. It’s engaging, ridiculous and

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The show isn’t predictable, but that’s mainly because it’s not logical

in the third episode. This is just one example of the scenes that will make you tear up as beneath all the sex and humour in this show there are genuine emotional stories.

We also get to understand more of the characters’ relationships with their parents. In this season, we see Otis’ emotionally stunted dad, Eric’s supportive family and Maeve’s narcotics addicted mother who Maeve fears becoming like, encouraging her to go back to school and getting rid of her iconic pink hair.

The show gets to the heart of sexual taboos and identity struggles, it will have you laughing one second and crying your eyes out the next. It will reassure you that any unusual sexual thoughts or insecurities are perfectly normal. The second season of “Sex Education” is funny, educational and a must watch. honestly a bit lazy.

The latest season is largely the same as the first.

Just replace any New York clichés with those of Los Angeles. Joe finds himself taking on a new identity in LA and violently obsessing over another woman.

Joe’s new lover, Love (Victoria Pedretti), is just as obnoxious as her name would suggest. And that goes double for her brother Forty (James Scully).

However, Forty slowly does become bearable as the season progresses.

Granted, that’s if you even make it further than the first few episodes. You’s second season is the first with a fresh coat of paint. Despite this, there’s very little continuity with the events of season one.

And again, if “You” is taken to be some cheap fun, that’s fine. But it’s most certainly disappointing for something that’s being presented as thoroughly thought-provoking. The show isn’t predictable, but that’s mainly because it’s not logical.

That said, the suspense of the show was ruined with the announcement of a third season not too long after the newest season’s debut. Any viewer who had yet to binge the latest ten episodes was robbed of the idea of Joe facing any karma for his evil. Knowing that Joe’s never really in any danger really lowers the stake of what should be an incredibly high-stakes show.

The two stand-outs of this most recent season have to be sisters Delilah (Carmela Zumbado) and Ellie (Jenna Ortega). Delilah is a Ronan Farrow type journalist who reports on predators by night and looks after her cinephile sister by day.

Those who weren’t blown away by season one should skip this latest instalment though. It has little to offer beyond a mildly interesting Weinsteinesque plotline.

the college view The Hype |7

Film & TV

Spinning Out highlights the people behind the skates

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Aoife O’Brien analyses Netflix’s Spinning Out

n the world of figure skating, perfection is everything. It means measured movements and elegant execution.

It means never straying from your routine and never revealing your personality.

You are the demure, poised character of your routine both on the ice and off. No more. No less.

This is a struggle faced by every character in Netflix’s new original series “Spinning Out”, which follows the lives of four-figure skaters all dreaming of the Olympics.

But the most compelling parts of this series are the quieter struggles that the characters face even as they deal with the pressure of athletic careers.

Kat Baker, played by Kaya Scodelario plays a young figure skater who has become traumatised after sustaining a gruesome skull injury on the ice.

However, her problems don’t end there. Suffering from generational poverty, having an abusive single mother suffering with bipolar disorder, a history of self-harm and her personal bipolar diagnosis mean she doesn’t fit the usual stereotype of the rich ice princess from Sun Valley.

Despite this Kat is never just depicted as only a bipolar woman. She has her desires and ambitions that are completely separate from her disorder.

“Spinning Out” does a great job of separating the disorder from the person. It portrays the alarming effects of the illness without condemning the person suffering and explains but never excuses the abusive behaviour.

It also highlights the stigmas surrounding mental illness and showcases how some of those stigmas are evolving.

After Kat suffers an episode, her mother, Carol, tries to protect her by telling everyone that she had pneumonia. However, while the figure skating world may not be ready to accept her bipolar, Kat believes that the people who are important to her will.

“Spinning Out” also tackles more than just mental health issues, sending a clear message about racial discrimination.

The series takes special care to contrast the experiences of a black man, Marcus, to that of Kat, Serena, and Justin, all of whom are white.

When Marcus and Justin get into trouble with the law, Marcus is treated differently than Justin and recalls his parents’ experiences with racist police officers.

He receives much of the same unequal treatment as the only black person on Sun Valley’s preOlympic ski team. Marcus is afraid to tell his coach the reason that he ended up in prison because he was afraid of being judged because of his race.

As one of the only black people in a predominately white environment, even his dating life comes under question.

Similarly to Kat, he is not defined by his struggles. His storyline and goals are complex not because he is a person of colour but because he is a multifaceted human.

The race, sexuality and socioeconomic status of the characters in the series are not focused on as their only overwhelming quality or merely included as a token. They are refreshingly treated as an integral part of human life.

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Spinning Out does a great job of separating the disease from the person

Gang teen angst takes a darker turn in On My Block season two Róisín Phelan looks at the gang life portrayed in teen

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fter a long wait, season three of “On My Block” will finally hit screens in March 2020 and if you aren’t already caught up on the antics of Freeridge, this is your one-month warning to do so.

“On My Block” first appeared on Netflix in March 2018 and over the space of two seasons, viewers have fallen in love with the characters and their story. It quickly became Netflix’s most “bingewatched” original show of 2018.

The show follows the coming of age story of friends Monse, Ruby, Jamal and Cesar as they fearfully start high school, have their first crushes and deal with pressures from their families.

A typical teen storyline, aside from the fact that this group of fifteen-year-olds live in Freeridge, a gang run neighbourhood based in Los Angeles. The ruling gang, The Santos, controls the neighbourhood and entrench it in violence and crime.

Although our foursome tries their best to avoid any trouble they are pulled into the world of The Santos when Cesar reaches 15 and is forced to join the gang.

The overlap between gang activities and everyday teen life is an eye-opening concept that has sparked much thought and conversation among viewers.

We watch as this group of friends learn the hard way that staying alive in Freeridge should never be taken for granted. While watching their friends get shot, threatened and killed they go to their first dances, they fight with their parents and they find 8| the college view The Hype

drama On My Block

their first loves.

Although each character takes a turn to be the protagonist, much of the story follows the trials of Cesar’s new gang life when he is expected to step up and carry out violent tasks, some of which backfire and put targets on his friends.

The ending of season one displays this fact and if you have not watched it yet, you should skip the next two paragraphs.

At the end of season one, we watched helplessly as Ruby and Olivia were shot at Olivia’s birthday party. The bullets were in fact meant for Cesar,

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but not unusually his friends end up caught in the crossfire.

The closing scene showed lovers Olivia and Ruby bleeding out and reaching for one another surrounded by their stunned and powerless friends and family. This scene perfectly represented the narrative of the show. That no matter how hard the crew tries, violence always seems to get in the way of their happiness.

Jason Genao’s performance is particularly outstanding in the second season as he portrays Ruby’s struggle through grief and tragedy as he tries to understand the meaning of his life and his friend’s death.

On My Block excellently balances the lighthearted, comedic and genuine friendships between young teens while also shining a stark light on the dangerous world that they and so many others across the United States and the world.

The show has been praised for its representation and inclusivity with all of the characters being of non-white ethnicity. The Latina, African-American, and Mexican characters are portrayed honestly and authentically making scenes richer.

The overlap between gang activities and everyday teen life is an eye-opening concept

Lifestyle

Wicca: Modern day witchcraft, religion or hobby?

Róisín Maguire investigates the world of modern-day witchcraft

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ccording to Wicca Living, Wicca is “a modern, Earth-centered religion with roots in the ancient practices of our shamanic ancestors”. Wiccan’s (the people who practice Wicca) honour the powers of nature through rituals and although Wicca is also classified as a Pagan religion, not all Wiccans identify as Pagans and vice versa.

Wicca is very different from other religions as there is no one being or Gods to worship and no holy book unlike the Bible and the Qu’ran. This website also states that “some Wiccans have a pantheistic view of the world, meaning they believe that the same divine source is present in all of nature, while others are more polytheistic, incorporating one or more additional deities from ancient religions into their practice along with the Goddess and God.” Wicca is associated with magic as some people use it to shape their own lives and they use tools such as crystals, candles, herbs and chants.

However, there is one main rule of Wicca, which is to harm no one therefore this magic is only to be used for personal benefit and not to be used against anyone else.

It seems like Wicca could be similar to Buddhism as the rules of Buddhism is to harm no one and to live well with nature and the planet you have been given. With Buddhism yoga and meditation could be the equivalent to the magic used in Wicca.

Common types of magic used would be to attract things that people want in their lives such as a new job, for money to come into their lives, for good health, healing and fertility and to simply get rid of bad energy in their life. This type of magic could be referred to as “white magic” as it is positive and used for good whereas “black magic” would be the opposite.

A YouTube video called “How to be a Modern Day Witch” made by OZY, features a woman who said she got into practising wicca as a way of feeling like she has power. “For me as a black woman to say I have power and I can use that power to affect change in the world is intrinsically a political statement.” She said that her first form experiment with wicca was investing in tarot cards.

However, not all people are of the opinion that witchcraft can be used for good as people are still being persecuted and killed if they are suspected

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It seems like Wicca could be similar to Buddhism as the rules of Buddhism is to harm no one and to live well with nature

of using magic. This is especially common in parts of Africa where people accuse their own children of being witches which results in them being abandoned or killed in public.

Children accused of witchcraft may be subjected to violent exorcism rituals by African PentecostalCharismatic pastors who mix Christianity with African witchcraft beliefs. Such exorcism may include incarceration, starvation, being made to drink hazardous substances or even being set on fire with gasoline according to the BBC. Albino and disabled children from the age of eight to 14 are most at risk of being accused.

This problem is being addressed however it is still happening, especially since the pastors can make around $250 for each procedure. People in most first world countries however do not need to worry about persecution unless magic is being used to extort people for money. If you think there might be a witch or wiccan in you, then start with simple healing spells and you can then progress to money incantations and tarot card reading.

The prevalence of racism in television dating shows

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Aoife O’Brien highlights how prevalent racism is in some popular dating shows

t’s no secret that black women have historically been under represented on screen and their characters have generally lacked the depth and complexity that reflects their real world experiences.

Whle television has often been heralded for offering a more diverse portrayal of minority groups than film it has still struggled with a tendency to reinforce stereotypes.

Many believed that the explosion of reality TV, with its portrayal of real people in a natural environment would finally break the glass ceiling of these rigid typecasts.

However, as more and more reality dating shows burst on the scene it turns out that reality isn’t any prettier.

In shows such as Married at First Sight, The Bachelor or Love Island where contestants compete for romantic relationships, black women regularly contend with numerous ugly realities.

Historically many of these shows excluded black women to the extent that Love Island failed to feature a dark-skinned black woman until their fourth season and a class-action racial discrimination lawsuit was taken against ABC’s The Bachelor in 2012 for “the deliberate exclusion

of people of colour from the roles of The Bachelor and the Bachelorette.

As a result, their presence can often be treated as a “token” rather than as a real contender in the show.

In the first ‘coupling’ ceremony in every season of Love Island over the past five years a coloured contestant has been the last to be selected. In series two it was Malin, in series three it was Marcel, Samira and Yewande both met the same faith in series four and five. So it unfortunately wasn’t a huge shock when Leanne was also picked last this season.

The dismissal of Leanne not only by the male contestants but also by her female co-stars continued right through the first week of the show and piqued the question; ‘is it because of her race?’

When Mike told fellow islander Jess Gale that he liked Leanne more than her she said that she was “shocked at this strong preference.”

While the comment itself does not outwardly appear racist many viewers felt there was underlying racism.

One Twitter user wrote, “I honestly believe that Jess was shocked that Leanne was picked over her

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Historically many of these shows excluded black women to the extent that Love Island failed to feature a dark-skinned black woman until their fourth season

because she’s black and thinks she’s superior to her and more beautiful, because she’s white...I can’t see any other explanation.”

Of course, it is possible that there was nothing racist about the comment and Gale merely felt that she had a strong connection with Mike and was shocked that he didn’t feel the same.

Perhaps people were immediately defensive because we were conditioned to be racist for so long as a society and now in an effort to escape our past we convince ourselves that racism exists even where it doesn’t because if we can see it in others then surely it doesn’t exist in ourselves.

If this is the case, then society could be responsible for inflaming a racist environment in situations where it is not already present.

As a result, it might be time for producers on these programmes to start asking themselves if they are doing more harm than good by allowing every subtle suggestion of racism to make it through the editing process.

While people should be held accountable for their words and their actions and the public should not be left oblivious to blatant discrimination of reality stars while filming, editing footage in such a way that we rarely hear a full conversation could mean that instead of raising awareness of racial issues they are merely spreading a more toxic environment than what already exists. the college view The Hype |9

Travel WanderLust

Transylvania at Halloween Kirsty Dowdall documents her time in Transylvania, Romania during Halloween

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veryone’s heard of New York City at Christmas, cruises in the summertime.

But Halloween holidays are somewhat unheard of amidst conversations about travelling. It’s not really a commonality, or at least I haven’t heard about it before.

So when my mother said she wanted to book a trip to Transylvania in Romania for the Halloween break last Autumn I was intrigued to say the least.

On some level I knew Transylvania was a real place but it’s not something I’d ever really thought much into. My knowledge of the place was synonymous with Transylvania stereotypes – spooky castles, graveyards, vampires and bats flying around, you know the ones.

But Transylvania is a real place, and not at all what you would think it is. A region in central Romania, it’s scattered with medieval villages, surrounded by the picturesque Carpathian Mountains and absolutely saturated in history.

We arrived in Bucharest a couple of days before Halloween last October after enduring the most torturous, claustrophobic – but thankfully, short, flight I’ve ever been on. On the coach ride out of the city we drove past tiny run-down homes, massive unfinished mansions, typical industrialised areas and oil plants which did not smell like anything you want to smell on your holiday.

We stayed in a hotel directly in the centre of a little mountain town called Sinaia. During winter it operates as a ski resort and attracts a lot of tourists for that reason, but in late October the town was

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A region in central Romania, it’s scattered with medieval villages, surrounded by the picturesque Carpathian Mountains and absolutely saturated in history

peaceful and extremely quiet.

Upon our arrival at the village it was pitch dark outside and my first impression of it was that it was beautiful, but not anything particularly special. I admired all the Addams family reminiscent houses we passed on the way in, the architecture was stunning but it didn’t really live up to what I’d seen on the internet.

Then I woke up the next morning. In the bright of day we discovered we were surrounded by vast miles of mountains covered in trees. The little village seemed ridiculously tiny nestled in between all the nature that surrounded it.

Our first day we visited Castelul Peles, the former summer home of the Romanian royal family. The castle – which was more of a palace was only a short bus ride away from where we were staying. We had a tour guide on our trip who explained the palace’s history to us as well as giving us recommendations about where to go and what to look at.

This trip was a particular favourite on the trip because of the sheer intricacy of the architecture and artwork. The palace is huge and is covered in frescoes, surrounded by beautiful sculptures, landscaping and of course the gorgeous mountain view.

The standout excursion of our trip however, was Bran Castle on Halloween. This castle is known as Dracula’s Castle by tourists and is located in the town of Bran which is just south of the medieval city of Brașov.

You can take a guided tour around the castle which rises tall on a 760m peak or you can explore the castle alone.

The rooms in the Castle are decorated with furniture collected by Queen Marie of Romania and the history of the castle is displayed in various mediums as you wander through the halls. The castle’s relation to Vlad the Impaler – the ruler who inspired the character of Dracula is complicated but also very interesting.

Visiting Dracula’s apparent tomb was also something to remember. I say apparent because archaeologists and historians are still unsure as to whether Vlad the Impaler was actually buried there.

It’s located at the remote Snagov Monastery on an island in the middle of a lake and definitely worth a visit regardless of the mystery surrounding it.

The island can be reached by a little footbridge and on your trip across the water to the monastery you can see the mansions of some of the richest people in Romania which surround it.

Overall, a trip to Transylvania is definitely worth consideration if you’re someone who loves exploring countries with beautiful scenery, architecture and rich history. Food and drink was also incredibly affordable even in the more tourist populated areas and if you decide to try one of the cakes you’re in for a surprise.

It’s not a trip you have to take at Halloween time but I feel October was the perfect time to go there and enjoy the spooky-themed activities.

Lifestyle

Finding a style that suits you and where to shop Finding a style that suits you can be difficult. Here are Isabella Finn’s top tips on finding clothing that suits your personality

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our clothing can say a lot about you, and your choice of clothing can speak volumes. Beyond style, it has the potential to tell the world about you and who you are. How you present yourself can make or break a first impression. But why do clothes hold so much societal weight?

Because, apparently this is Madonna’s material world and we’re all just living in it.

How do I distinguish my sense of personal style?

You have a few options for this, start by breaking down your lifestyle and interests and see how they influence your taste. You might be influenced by what your favourite colour is or the music you

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If you’re still struggling to channel what you’re influenced by, as a last resort, take a BuzzFeed quiz like the rest of us

listen to, or maybe even the style of the artist. And if you’re passionate enough about politics to wear them then by all means get creative but inoffensive.

If you’re still struggling to channel what you’re influenced by, as a last resort, take a BuzzFeed quiz like the rest of us.

So as not to disappoint yourself midway through your ‘style journey’, be wary and conclude if you are financially stable to keep up with your chosen clothing style, some are more expensive than others. To kick things off, different parts of Dublin cater to different styles, and I have split up four distinct ‘districts’ for you.

First up is Henry Highstreet, Henry Street if

Top tips for travelling solo Joy Nwagiriga shares some helpful tips for staying safe while travelling alone

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olo Travelling can be the most fulfilling way to explore life. Some people find the idea of being in a foreign country by yourself daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Exploring the world friendless might just be the best thing you’ll ever do!

The first thing to think about when planning your first solo adventure is location. Pick somewhere you’ve always wanted to go that isn’t in the middle of nowhere.

The most important part of companionless travel is planning. Make a document with the address of your accommodation and local police station, activities you’ll be doing and surrounding cities you plan on visiting. Share this with someone you trust and check in with them regularly.

Most unaccompanied tourists chose to stay in hotels or Airbnb’s because they are safer. The concierge at hotels can be godsends when it comes to local information. You can find out the best restaurants, bars and tourist attractions in the city.

No matter the kind of accommodation you choose, be sure to read the reviews. Also do some

research on the shady parts of town and avoid them like the plague!

Google is your best friend. A simple google search will show you the most popular things the city has to offer, and Google maps will show you the way there.

Stop a local and ask for help. They’ll tell you about the hidden gems in the area and the cheapest place to get a good coffee. Don’t be afraid to spark a conversation with someone at the bar, you never know… they might be your soulmate.

Meetup and Eventbrite are also great ways to find local events and activities. You get to meet people with similar interests while doing something you enjoy. If you still feel lonely, book a tour. Instant friendships guaranteed!

Use the opportunity to do something you wouldn’t normally do with friends and cross a couple things off your bucket list. Whether its bungee jumping off a bridge or spending the afternoon in a museum.

Travel during the day when possible. More incidents happen at night, so it’s better to do longer journeys when the sun’s out. Book trusted

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Google is your best friend. A simple google search will show you the most popular things the city has to offer, and Google maps will show you the way there

you didn’t catch that, home to staple highstreet clothing retailers such as New Look, River Island, Topshop and Penneys (technically Mary’s Street).

Henry Highstreet caters to those who want to stay on trend with sometimes fad fashion. These shops are attractive because they can be reasonably priced and often mimic the styles of what we see on television. We’re comfortable with these shops and their clothes because they are familiar. Whether you want a softer or edgier approach to your personal style through a series of hair ties or hoop earrings; Henry Highstreet has you covered.

Next up is Typically Alternative Temple Bar, for the festival kids. Temple Bar is one of Dublin City Centre’s most popular tourist spots, it has a host of pubs, bars, eateries, galleries and whacky clothes shops. Some of these boutiques are vintage or repurposed retailers and the articles of clothing they sell are often loud. If you’re a festival kid conscious of your carbon footprint caused by mass production clothing then you might find your style here.

Glam Grafton Street is for those who can afford it. Yes it has some of the same shops as our Highstreet friend but the rest of the designer clothing retailers who live here carry bigger price tags. Grafton Street is perfect if you want to update your wardrobe with a luxury quality item that looks expensive, because chances are it is expensive.

Designer trends can have a longer shelf life as they influence the highstreet remakes. This is more suited to a person who is smart with saving their money and what they buy for their wardrobe, a good quality item requires good quality care.

Georges Street Grunge is not as similar to Temple Bar style as you think it is, sometimes it’s not even that grungy. Georges Street Arcade starts with Nirvana band t-shirts and ends with retro 1950’s dresses and underskirts. From heavy metal to do-wop swing and everything in between, the Arcade is for music lovers of a different time. Now that you have your aesthetic put together and know the geography of where to find it go get to work, or don’t, at the end of the day it’s just clothes.

transportation and private cabins/ seating, if you can afford it.

Alcohol can be a good and bad thing for a solo traveller. Sharing a few drinks with someone you’ve met on your travels can be fun, but it can also make you vulnerable quite quickly. Don’t get too drunk and always drink in moderation.

Take your time to explore the local culture and cuisine. Don’t order your usual chicken nuggets, surprise your taste buds and try something “exotic”.

Learning a few words of the local language can go a long way; for directions, basic needs and asking for help. Taking time to pick up the native dialect, shows respect for your destination’s culture.

Solo travelling doesn’t have to be boring or scary. The world is your oyster so make the most of it today and allow yourself to experience it!

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Lifestyle

Green smoothie recipes for boosting the immune system Katie Lowry shows us the easiest ways to make green smoothies to help us during this flu season

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he battle through winter is almost behind us, be it from coughs, colds or sore throats but as the seasons begin to change once more, we must continue to boost our immune systems and I may have the correct answer to help fight off what’s ahead- a classic green smoothie!

Rich with Vitamin C, E, fibre and antioxidants to name a few, a green smoothie will leave you feeling energised, full of the most important nutrients to strengthen your immune system as well as giving your skin a clearer complexion.

Over the years, scientists have proved certain foods are filled with antioxidants and vitamins, therefore eating the correct foods will evidently strengthen your immune system. Why not throw these foods into a blender and bask in the delight of having a stronger immune system in one simple drink?

Foodiecrush.com presents us with not only a delicious and wholesome green smoothie but a complete “immune booster,” jam-packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants to ward off any approaching infections.

The ingredients area as follows- 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach and kale, 1 and a 1/2 cups of Almond Breeze unsweetened almond milk, 1 and a 1/2 cups of a frozen mix of mango, pineapple, and kiwi chunks, 1/2 a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and 1/2 a juiced lemon.

First add the spinach, kale and almond milk then blitz, followed by the frozen fruit, lemon and ginger and blend until smooth.

A plethora of health benefits awaits you after the consumption of this smoothie including 55 per cent of your daily Vitamin A recommendation, 78 per cent of your Vitamin C, 26 per cent of your calcium and 6 per cent of your iron daily values as well as totalling at 112 calories for this fulfilling green

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Over the years, scientists have proved that certain foods are filled with antioxidants and vitamins, therefore eating the correct foods will evidently strengthen your immune system

Vitamin supplements: A worthwhile spend or can a healthy diet suffice?

Rachel Power takes us through important vitamins our bodies need that Irish people could be lacking

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s the January blues hit and the stress of college life begin to increases for us all, it’s important to understand what we need in order to keep our bodies in check. Vitamins are essential to maintaining a healthy body, but some are more important to prioritise than others.

In Ireland, it’s a well-known fact that sunshine isn’t exactly our best friend. Vitamin D is absorbed into our systems from sunlight, so with our usual lack of sunshine throughout the year, naturally a lot of us are lacking in this vitamin.

When we lack vitamin D, our bones become more brittle and can break more easily. While it’s true that calcium is essential to having strong bones, vitamin D plays an equally important part in maintaining our strength, both in our bones and our muscles.

Calcium, which we know can be gained from dairy products like milk and cheese, builds our bone

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As we live in Ireland, it’s a wellknown fact that the sunshine isn’t exactly our best friend

delight.

“Ambitious Kitchen” provides us with the ultimate “Delicious Immune Boosting Wellness Smoothie” consisting of 1 Banana, 1 cup of frozen pineapple, 2-3 cups of organic spinach, 1 knob of fresh ginger, peeled (about 2 inches of ginger), 1 knob of turmeric root (about 2 inches’ fresh turmeric), 1/2 tablespoon of Manuka or raw honey, 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper (or a couple of grinds) and 1/2-3/4 cup of almond milk or coconut milk.

This recipe makes two smoothies, aids digestions, boosts immunity and contains as little as 130 calories. It can also be made in just five minutes, what more could you want?

The banana provides potassium and healthy carbohydrates, the black pepper has antiinflammatory benefits and other ingredients aid digestion, provide fibre, vitamins, nutrients and anti-oxidants.

This last recipe is both vegan and gluten free, again from the “Ambitious Kitchen” and is packed with over 9g of fibre per serving. You will need 1 and a 1/4 cups of unsweetened vanilla almond milk, 1 organic apple, (peeled and chopped), 1 medium frozen banana, 1 and a 1/2 cups of fresh organic spinach, 1 tablespoon of chia seeds and half a medium avocado and blitz altogether for 1-2 minutes with a strong blender.

This recipe serves two and contains 235 calories, 4.4g of protein, 32.8g of carbohydrates, 15.3g of sugar and 12g of fat.

These three quick recipes are only a tiny fraction of what is available and with a touch of a button or a google search you can be braced with an abundance of green smoothie recipes to boost your immune system, keep any infections at bay and improve your daily lifestyle! strength. But this is no good to us without a bit of vitamin D because it’s this vitamin that allows the absorption of calcium into our system.

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland provides a list of products which contain vitamin D, such as eggs, fish, and cereals.

Not only is vitamin D essential to keeping bones strong, but it plays a key role in helping our immune systems. It helps to fight off symptoms of the flu, and according to Healthline, it can even help in regulating our moods and fighting depression.

A study conducted in 2008 by the Journal of Internal Medicine found that people who suffered from depression noticed slight changes in their mood once they began to increase their vitamin D intake.

Iron is one of the most important minerals in our bodies, and without it, we develop anaemia, which is a condition where our blood lacks enough red blood cells that hold and transport oxygen through our bodies. This can cause tiredness and pale skin.

By having enough iron in our blood cells, we

allow more oxygen to travel through our bodies which helps to keep us more alert, and less tired.

This is why it’s such an important mineral to have, especially among students who need to focus more frequently and for longer periods of time.

Iron can be found in green vegetables, like spinach, as well as most red meats, grains and beans.

Vitamin C is another vital vitamin for our bodies.

Without it, we are tired and our skin becomes damaged according to Healthline. Lack of vitamin C can cause increased bruising and joint pain.

Vitamin C can be found in fruit and vegetables, such as squash, broccoli, oranges, tomatoes and peppers. It helps to reduce our blood pressure and fights against heart diseases, which is why it’s so important.

Most vitamins and minerals can be found in food that we eat every day, but if some are unique to foods that aren’t exactly on your taste palette, then various health shops like Holland and Barrett sell vitamin supplements that work just as well.

Lifestyle

Achieving a minimalist lifestyle Róisín Cullen explores how minimalists live in a world of materialism

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ints with friends. Pints with family. Pints for the sake of pints. The overindulgence of the festive period is remedied by a call for a dry January and a healthier lifestyle.

Tins of biscuits, selection boxes and three course meals in December are met with diet plans and gym memberships in January.

Christmas is a period of overindulgence. Santa delivers the entire Smyth’s catalogue to certain households as the adults purchase hover boards, the latest phone that makes your old one seem obsolete and the other gimmicks that you need to buy a significant other to fill the void you both feel in your everyday lives. We lament our bank balances, the household waste and the fact that most of these Christmas 2019 “must-haves” will never see the light of day again. Yet, queues

Taking care of your hair’s curls and waves

Béibhinn Thorsch shares how to create and manage curly and wavy hair, and tips for maintaining good hair health

upon queues of consumers flock to high street stores at ungodly hours to browse the sales.

We are often so blinded by the power of advertising and the promise of what was once the American dream that we fail to realise that the desire to always have more and to gather “stuff” can become an addiction.

Advertisers constantly tell us that we are not good enough, and when you hear something often enough you soon start to believe it. Our insecurities are used against us.

In the nineties products became cheaper leading to an unprecedented binge that has never truly ended despite economic turmoil. One good coat winter coat from Arnott’s has become ten bargain buys from fast fashion websites because we simply can’t be seen in the same outfit twice. Well-built dolls houses passed through generations of children have

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been replaced by cheap TV show figurines that are rendered useless if you fail to collect them all.

As human beings we often associate possessions to important people in our lives and accidentally start to love these material objects in the way we would love the person that gifted them to us. The hunt for food and for shelter during caveman times is now a never-ending hunt for a perfect life that does not actually exist, a need that cannot be fulfilled.

Minimalism can easily be labelled as Instagram’s latest phase, the newest, most innovative way for celebrities to boast their wealth. We see stars promote expensive shoes that are designed to look cheap. We laugh at Robert Pattinson and his attempt to look like an old Irish tenant farmer. It is of course far easier to be “minimalist”, when it is by choice and not by default.

There is a massive difference

here are always people who straighten their hair versus people who curl their hair. If you have naturally straight hair, you may bring a curling tong to it every now and then. If you have curly hair, you may spend the majority of your life straightening it into submission.

The reality is there is also an in-between (the wavy-haired people), and there is a spectrum of hair texture that is starting to become more and more understood.

Curl range is given with a number and a letter, starting with 1A (for absolutely straight hair) and ending in 4C which is the absolute curliest. Wavy hair is typically in the 2A to 2C range, and includes some allowance for pieces of straight hair and variety of texture throughout the hair.

It can be difficult to find your hair type, as incorrect care can lead to damage of your curl pattern and an increase in frizz. However, if you take care of your hair it may turn into the kind of which you never thought possible!

The Curly Girl method has a cult-following of wavy and curly-headed people alike. Online groups and forums sing the praises of the method while suggesting new and exciting ways of incorporating it into your life. At the basis of the Curly Girl method is one key thought: no sulfates, silicones, or parabens.

Sulfates, often sodium laureth sulfate, are found in almost every shampoo as the main cleansing ingredient. The exact same sulfates are used in laundry products to remove dirt, but on hair they often serve to strip the natural oil which has been keeping the hair from drying out. This has many side effects including hair loss.

between a supposedly minimalist Californian home that costs 2.7 million and an empty room on Dorset St where the resident goes to sleep staring into the loving eyes of their washing machine that doubles as a study desk. “Decluttering” is not a luxury presented to many of us, yet we can see the appeal for former wolves of wall street and junior executives. We remember the picture of the leader of the very corporation at the epicentre of this crisis, a young and seemingly happy Steve Jobbs sits wearing a simple black polo neck in a barren room. It is hard to believe in the promise of a life with more meaning, when Apple’s ethos is and always will be that the latest model is the best model.

Netflix’sdocumentary “Minimalism” explores the lives of those who felt the need to jump off the corporate ladder in the search for a life where people and relationships

Silicone is used in your hair products as a sealant against water and even air. It gives the hair the illusion of shine, but it is not the shine we want— it is a fake shine from the plastic. While we may be lured in by the look o f t h e

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The Curly Girl method has a cult-following of wavy and curly-headed people alike

are more important than things.

They rid their lives of things that do not bring them happiness or do not serve a purpose explaining that while one car may be a necessity, a second car is the beginning of an addiction. Jimmy Carter’s stark warning during his time as president seems to ring very true in a world where we are simply living beyond our means and destroying the planet that is our home.

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns.”

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In the nineties products became cheaper leading to an unprecedented binge that has never truly ended despite economic turmoil

shine, we must remember our hair is covered in this product and can be damaged from the unnatural ingredients.

Parabens are chemical preservatives, but there has been huge speculation of them being harmful despite little to no concrete evidence. Many believe parabens cause cancer, as they have been found in breast cancer tissue.

Even if you use products which are free of these chemicals, the curly girl method calls for hair to be washed no more than once a week. Over time, hair learns to produce less oil and so it isn’t until just before you take your shower that your hair may seem greasy.

Wash day is a huge part of the method.

You have your shampoo and conditioner with the correct ingredients, but there is much more. Do you have a conditioning mask? A curl cream for post-shower?

A heat protector if you plan on using a diffuser to dry your hair?

The Curly Girl Method endorses mainly only washing the scalp, where the oil and residue buildup is most likely to be. While truly curly-haired people may not wish to shampoo too often (sometimes called a “lowpoo” where the cleansing ingredient in the shampoo is at an absolute minimum), most others will need to do so.

Many who follow the Curly Girl Method have created YouTube channels featuring their haircare and showing exactly how to use all these products for the best outcome.

People often find that using the tips from the Curly Girl Method have led to their curls reaching new heights they never saw them at before. If you’re curious about the Curly Girl Method, there is no harm in giving it a go.

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the college view The Hype |13

Lifestyle

Best equipment to invest in for vlogging Ryan Carrick shares the most effective and popular equipment in the vlogging world

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logging provides people with the ability to share our thoughts, beliefs and lives with others while some even make a successful career out of it.

If you are new to the vlogging game, a simple smartphone would suffice for the more basic elements of vlogging. But if you are planning on taking things a little more serious, without the proper gear, it is difficult to provide the quality of video that people have come to expect from serious vlogging.

Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III

Canon’s G7 range has long been popular amongst the vlogging community. The Mark III, however, includes a number of new additional features. The new implementation is equipped with uncropped 4K video recording while retaining the impressive 20.1 megapixel one-inch sensor. An addition that had been requested by users of the range is that of a microphone socket, allowing vloggers to venture past the limits of the internal microphones, if required.

Furthermore, one can now live stream to YouTube using the G7 X Mark III meaning there is no need to downgrade to using a smartphone when vlogging your surroundings live. The body of the camera sits comfortably in the hand, with plenty of rubber for comfort and security. It finds a nice balance between portability and usability.

The Mark III has a strong focus on amateur videographers and vloggers and this is seen in the improvements made specific to video recording.

It is certainly an improvement on its predecessor, the already impressive Mark II, with its enhanced video specs. Prices range from €600 to €800.

GoPro Hero 8

After avoiding near-bankruptcy due to the success of the Hero 7 model, GoPro released the Hero 8, a worthy successor. It is the most compact GoPro to date. For the more outdoorsy vlogger, this will stand up against extreme conditions. Typical of other GoPro models, the Hero 8 is waterproof and can be submerged 10m underwater without a case.

In terms of recording video, the footage and image quality is excellent partly due to the 4K60 footage you can get from the Hero 8 and also due

to the HyperSmooth image stabilisation. According to the Irish Times, “this is GoPro at its best.” The Hero 8 would set you back between €300 and €400.

Joby Gorillapod

The tripod that remains head and shoulders above its competition is the ‘original flexible tripod’, the Joby Gorillapod. This flexible tripod has legs that are designed to bend and warp. This allows one to set up on surfaces that would be impossible for a traditional tripod. There have been many attempts at imitations of the original Gorillapod and although the aesthetic may be easy to replicate, the durability, strength and functionality of the Joby Gorillapod is much more difficult to achieve.

There are models designed to carry smartphones and action cameras up to heavy-weight mirrorless cameras. They are extremely lightweight and portable, making it possible to carry it in a small camera bag and lug it around the harshest terrain.

Depending on the size of the model, prices range from €20 to over €100.

Rode Videomic Pro

The importance of a good microphone cannot be overstated. While it is possible to fix or at least improve bad image quality, it is almost impossible to fix bad audio. The best microphone for vloggers seeking a shotgun-style mic is the Rode Videomic Pro. For travel-vloggers, unwanted noise from the surrounding people and environment can be minimised with the ‘Rycote Lyre’ shockmount on the Videomic Pro. The Videomic Pro delivers broadcast-quality sound and is compatible with camcorders, DSLRs and other compatible portable video cameras. It costs around €169.

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A region in central Romania, it’s scattered with medieval villages, surrounded by the picturesque Carpathian Mountains and absolutely saturated in history

Powerful Irish women in the film industry

Shauna Power talks about the rise of some of Ireland’s most powerful women in the film industry, both on screen and off

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he Irish Film Industry has always been overwhelmingly male-dominated with actors such as Cillian Murphy, Colin Farrell and Liam Neeson making a stance on the international stage.

Historically Irish film has lacked strong female voices and vision. However, Irish women still fight to make their mark in the Irish and international film industry.

Arguably Ireland’s most successful acting star, dominating the Hollywood scene, is 25 year-old Saoirse Ronan. She’s the second-youngest fourtime Oscar nominee ever and her recent role in Greta Gerwig’s Little Women will undoubtedly cement her name as one of the greats.

The Carlow native is used to rubbing elbows with some of Hollywoods’ most acclaimed, from Mark Wahlberg and Peter Jackson who she worked with on ‘The Lovely Bones’ to James McAvoy and Keira knightley.

Not only is Ronan a powerful on-screen force, she also does her fair share of charity work. She is an ambassador for the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children along with supporting Home Sweet Home, an organisation that works with

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Not only is Ronan a powerful on-screen force, she also does her fair share of charity work

the homeless making efforts to increase housing opportunities.

Another inspiring Irish actress is Evanna Lynch.

She shot to fame as Luna Lovegood in the Harry Potter series, a role Saoirse Ronan was also considered for. She ended up being one of the most popular characters in the series thanks to her charming and magical portrayal of the beloved character.

Having suffered from anorexia nervosa in the past, Lynch spends a lot of time promoting healthy self esteem and body-image in young girls, through her instagram feed. In early 2011, she wrote an essay ‘Why the Body Find is My Nightmare’ describing her emotional struggles with her appearance and how she overcame it. She has also carried out fundraising work for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland.

2019 was a great year for Irish female filmmaking talent. Louise Bagnalls’ short film ‘Late Afternoon’ received an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Short gaining her worldwide recognition.

She is a member of Irish Animation Studio Cartoon Saloon, which is a four Time Academy Award, Golden Globe, BAFTA and Emmy nominated

animation studio based in Kilkenny.

Cartoon Saloon was established by Nora Twomey, Paul Young and Tomm Moore in 1999 with Twomey leading the way. Twomey co-directed Tomm Moore’s Academy award nominated The Secret of Kells, having first directed short films Darkness and Cúilín Dualach. She has also won several international awards including the Audience and Jury Awards at Annecy, according to Cartoon Saloons’ website.

In an interview with RTÉ last year Twomey spoke about how the previous mis representation of women in the film industry should ‘‘strike us as really strange’’. She said,‘‘change is necessary and overdue’’.

However she believes The Film Industry is in a good place when it comes to its’ growing and influential female presence. ‘‘Seeing the amount of young women coming up through the colleges and into roles in the animation industry means they are going to have a long-term positive effect on the stories we watch on our screens’’.

the college view The Hype |15 Across: 2. Gogarty 5. Adams 7. Fitzgerald 10. De Valera 11. Browne 12. Robinson 14. Haughey 16. Walsh, Down: 1. Cosgrave 3. McGuinness 4. Varadkar 6. Childers 8. Healy-Rae 9. Noone 13. O’Duffy 15. Hogan

EXPOSURE WATER

Joy Nwagiriga

Rachel Power

Shauna Power

Ruairi Carberry

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