Author: Contributing Writer

Album Reviews, Arts Reviews, Music

Album Review: Ten Stories High by The Bouncing Souls

Like many bands, The Bouncing Souls found themselves at a bit of a loose end at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stuck at home and unable to continue touring, they turned to online fan-communities, and began to work on new material in an exciting new way: connecting with fans via Zoom, hearing their stories, and drawing on these in their song-writing process. The result … Continue reading Album Review: Ten Stories High by The Bouncing Souls

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Food

A Dive Into the History of Coffee Shops

words by Eva Castanedo Artisan coffee shops are all the rage at the moment, popping up everywhere to cater for catch ups with friends over delicious brunch and study days fuelled by coffee. But how and when did they become so popular? Venice served as the entry point for coffee when the drink first came to Europe in the early 16th century. The Venetian merchants were the … Continue reading A Dive Into the History of Coffee Shops

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Features

Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 4

Words by Genevieve Gunn IÔÇÖve known that I was gay ever since I understood what the word ÔÇÿgayÔÇÖ meant. I must have been, what ÔÇô about 13? Or maybe 14? Realising that I liked girls was the easy part. Realising that I didnÔÇÖt like men, however, was so much harder to accept. Following this, I spent many a night mourning the life I had envisioned … Continue reading Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 4

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Features

Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 3

Words by Briana Ciobanu Before coming out I spent two good years thinking about whether I should do it or not. Mostly because I was in constant debate with myself as IÔÇÖd been raised as an orthodox Christian, in a country where anything that had to do with the LGBTQ+ community was taboo. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to have a supportive family although there … Continue reading Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 3

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Literature

Momentous or Mockery? Spare – Review

By Jasmine Jones The anticipated new memoir from Prince Harry, is a complicated and explosive book. It paints a sad and unbelievably raw account of the experience of growing up inside one of the most famous families, and has broken all records upon release becoming the UKÔÇÖs best-selling memoir ever in just the first week of sales. From the impact of his motherÔÇÖs death, to … Continue reading Momentous or Mockery? Spare – Review

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Features

The Rise of the Deinfluencer

Words by Alice Moore Picture this: itÔÇÖs 2016, and youÔÇÖre watching your favorite YouTuberÔÇÖs two-part makeup collection tour. TheyÔÇÖve got the newest Urban Decay palettes, the cult fave Nars Sheer Glow foundation in 10 different shades, and a whole drawer dedicated to lip liners. YouÔÇÖre astonished. YouÔÇÖre mesmerised. And most importantly, you need every single thing. This was the birth of the influencer. Slim, tanned … Continue reading The Rise of the Deinfluencer

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Travel

The Power Of Travel: Transforming Your Comfort Zone

words by Megha Roy Traveling to new and unfamiliar destinations can be a daunting prospect for many people, but the rewards of venturing beyond what feels comfortable are immense. From personal growth to self-discovery, the benefits of challenging yourself through travel are numerous. Here we’ll explore the opportunities that come with pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and why everyone should consider doing it … Continue reading The Power Of Travel: Transforming Your Comfort Zone

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Arts Reviews, Features, Live Reviews

Review: Welsh National Opera’s Blaze of Glory! at Wales Millenium Center

Words by Briana Ciobanu Blaze of Glory! is a beautiful presentation of the people of South Wales put into song by the castand crew of this magnificent piece of art. The opening night at first seemed to have a high rate of success, with a full theatre the atmosphere of the audience was transmitting only good energy and excitement for the opera. A wonderful opening … Continue reading Review: Welsh National Opera’s Blaze of Glory! at Wales Millenium Center

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Film & TV

Review: White Lotus Season 2

Words by Eva Castenedo Unquestionably, The White Lotus Season 2 was one of the most talked-about TV shows of 2022, and for many, it was a total success that outperformed its previous season. Most likely, you are familiar with the show, as everyone is talking about it on social media ÔÇô but in case you haven’t, here is a quick recap: The White Lotus is … Continue reading Review: White Lotus Season 2

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Features

Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 2

Words by Alice Lumley  I came out as non-binary at the end of my first semester at University. I was sat at my friendÔÇÖs kitchen table, at some ridiculous hour surrounded by my favourite people – possibly the best environment to come out in. It was still terrifying. The looks on all my friends’ faces of love, confusion, shock and also acceptance are ones I … Continue reading Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 2

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Features

Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 1

Words by Tegan Davies My ÔÇÿcoming outÔÇÖ was a little bit sporadic ÔÇô it was always thrown into random conversation when I saw fit and felt safe enough. Becoming comfortable with my sexuality was something that took a lot of time ÔÇô I knew I liked girls from a very young age, always having school-girl crushes on my female peers in the same way I … Continue reading Coming Out and Coming Together: Part 1

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Love

Cupid’s Corner: Sharing Cardiff Students’ Love Notes

An Ode to friendship in women. There is a special type of magic laced in the love between friends, my heart five pounds heavier in the company of my own. Only one ring away from all the right people at all the right times. Silent pacts sealed in shared bathroom stalls and the warmth of living room lights. The simple intimacy of knowing and being … Continue reading Cupid’s Corner: Sharing Cardiff Students’ Love Notes

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Features

Trans Rights Are Human Rights: The Journey of Scotland’s Gender Bill

Words by Genevieve Gunn ScotlandÔÇÖs Gender Recognition Reform Bill was proposed with one goal in mind. Improve the lives of transgender people; by making the Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC), more accessible. HolyroodÔÇÖs aims were simple, they first wanted to lower the age at which one could apply for the certificate from 18 to 16, allowing young trans individuals the right to have their gender legally … Continue reading Trans Rights Are Human Rights: The Journey of Scotland’s Gender Bill

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Film & TV

The Netflix Original Phenomenon: Why Are They Mostly Bad?

Words by Charlotte Moore The majority of people will be familiar with the ever-growing streaming platform that is Netflix. Whether itÔÇÖs a Netflix n chill moment or youÔÇÖre in your bed and fancy watching somethingÔǪ Netflix is the thing most people turn to. Founded in 1997, Netflix (then known as Kibble) now has nearly 231 million subscribers. It all started with a man named Reed … Continue reading The Netflix Original Phenomenon: Why Are They Mostly Bad?

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Arts Reviews, Live Reviews

Review: Healthcare Drama Society’s ‘Met By Moonlight’

Words by Francesca Ionescu Met By Moonlight is the Healthcare Drama SocietyÔÇÖs first production of the 2022/23 season. As I walk into The Gate theatre, the pamphlet sets out the story as a ÔÇÿQueer, musical retelling of ShakespeareÔÇÖs ÔÇÿA Midnight NightÔÇÖs DreamÔÇÖ. As the room starts to fill, I take in the set, the orchestra at the back setting up instruments, lights flickering on and … Continue reading Review: Healthcare Drama Society’s ‘Met By Moonlight’

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Love, Relationships

Valentines vs Galentines: Commercialising Relationships?

We asked our contributors if they were team Valentine’s, Galentine’s or against the holiday altogether: Personally, I love both Valentine’s and Galentine’s! Any opportunity to spread love and positivity to those close to me is always a winner. For many however, Valentine’s can be a lonely and stressful time for those not in relationships and this is not helped by the commercialisation of Valentine’s. The … Continue reading Valentines vs Galentines: Commercialising Relationships?

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Literature, uncategorized

Library Lovers’ Day

Far from being just a day to celebrate St Valentine, the 14th of February is also Library LoversÔÇÖ  Day – the perfect time to reflect on books about love! Our contributors have discussed their favourite books about love and romance, and why they hold a special place in their hearts.  Milk Fed- Melissa Broder  by Laura Mae Possible trigger warning: Disordered eating. One of my … Continue reading Library Lovers’ Day

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Features

1071 Bad Apples: Misogyny and the Metropolitan Police

Words by Jasmine Jones The Metropolitan Police and other forces across the UK have been branded asÔÇ£institutionally sexistÔÇØ as decades of misogyny among officers comes to light. David Carrick, a serving Metropolitan Police officer since 2001, admitted to committing 49offences against 12 different women during his time in the force, including 24 counts ofrape. The abuse of power is shocking, warning his victims that he … Continue reading 1071 Bad Apples: Misogyny and the Metropolitan Police

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Food

Valentine’s and Food: Do We Love or Hate Dinner Dates?

Step aside restaurant dinner dates, make way for coffee shops, picnics, and activities. This Valentine’s Day our contributors have shared their opinions on dates over dinner, and it seems that, generally, the good old-fashioned rendezvous is falling in popularity. That said, Wiktoria offers the traditional dinner date all the hope it needs. words by Wiktoria Jazwinska: What has happened to the good old-fashioned dinner date? … Continue reading Valentine’s and Food: Do We Love or Hate Dinner Dates?

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